Updated
Casio Vintage A168WA vs Stauer 1920s Retrograde
Casio's chronograph meets Stauer's dress watch
Quick Verdict
The Casio Vintage A168WA (Under $50) offers Casio Quartz (Battery) precision in the tier below the Stauer 1920s Retrograde ($100–$150). The Vintage A168WA measures 36.3mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The 1920s Retrograde counters with Stauer (USA brand, imported) craftsmanship and 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Casio Vintage A168WA | Stauer 1920s Retrograde |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Under $50 | $100–$150 |
| Case Size | 36.3mm | 43mm |
| Movement | Quartz Module 3298 | Quartz |
| Caliber Type | Casio Quartz (Battery) | Quartz |
| Power Reserve | — | Battery |
| Water Resistance | 30m (3 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer |
| Crystal | Mineral Glass | Mineral crystal |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel & Resin | Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel) |
| Origin | Made in Japan | Stauer (USA brand, imported) |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Casio's design language vs Stauer's approach
The Casio Vintage A168WA features a Stainless Steel & Resin case at 36.3mm with Mineral Glass protection. The Stauer 1920s Retrograde offers Gold-tone stainless steel (listing photo shows a gold-tone finish; Amazon spec table says stainless steel) construction at 43mm with Mineral crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Quartz Module 3298 vs Quartz
The Vintage A168WA runs the Quartz Module 3298 (Casio Quartz (Battery), standard power reserve) at standard frequency. The 1920s Retrograde uses the Quartz (Quartz, Battery reserve) at standard. Power reserves are closely matched.
Wearability & Fit
36.3mm vs 43mm — different wrist presence
At 36.3mm, the Vintage A168WA wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the 1920s Retrograde at 43mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer.
Value & Cost of Ownership
Casio sits in the lower tier
The Casio Vintage A168WA sits at Under $50 and the Stauer 1920s Retrograde at $100–$150. On the specs that outlast any price: the Vintage A168WA uses Mineral Glass with a standard reserve, against Mineral crystal and Battery on the 1920s Retrograde. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer
The Vintage A168WA is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the 1920s Retrograde handles 100m (10 ATM), as listed by Stauer. The 1920s Retrograde offers superior water resistance.
Our Verdict
Casio
Vintage A168WA
Choose the Casio Vintage A168WA if you prioritize Casio Quartz (Battery) engineering, Made in Japan craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At Under $50, it delivers Quartz Module 3298 with solid power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonStauer
1920s Retrograde
Choose the Stauer 1920s Retrograde if you value Quartz technology, Stauer (USA brand, imported) heritage, and 43mm proportions. At $100–$150, the Quartz with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Casio Vintage A168WA and Stauer 1920s Retrograde represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Casio bringing Made in Japan tradition while Stauer delivers Stauer (USA brand, imported) engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.