EDIFICE – Coming Fall 2014

Casio has been implementing the Bluetooth Smart protocol which is a subset of Bluetooth SIG specification version 4.0 in all their smartphone compatible watches: and again, now, in their newest Edifice watches: EWB-500D-1AJF and the EWB-500DC-1AJF. What’s important about this Bluetooth implementation is Casio’s complete commitment to a specific local wireless spec that mandates by definition, compatibility with iOS, Android, Blackberry and even Windows 8. To this blogger, it is welcome news that a continuing affirmation of specific direction is re-declared and that continuity in the open standard is embraced. Instead of the former tangle of issues, both hardware and software-wise, app writers simply have to write the app! For now, an app called “CASIO WATCH+ Version 2.0.1” which was just released this week (September 3, 2014) will set up your iPhone to use all the watch’s features.

F.C.Real Bristol X G-Shock 2014

Fashion house, F.C.R.B., produces a diverse line of flamboyant soccer styled sportswear and accessories that are popular world-wide. Their collaboration with G-Shock recently yielded a limited edition DW5600 wristwatch that is rather conservative and stealthy compared to their normal fare. As is always the case, the watch does not introduce any new technology; its base is the standard DW5600 with F.C.R.B.s logo in the display, their distinctive camo branding on the packaging and the dial. MSRP is $189 and the watch evidently was soon sold out after its May 24, 2014 release.

30th Anniversary Special Editions – Rising Red

All the watches in this group are a distinctive rich red (looks like blood) with gold (and black) highlights and all have engraved 30th Anniversary designation (logo design by Eric Haze) on the casebacks. jump –>