Founded in 1946 in Tokyo, Casio is a global electronics brand known for durable watches, calculators, keyboards and reliable business devices. This guide covers history, innovations, buying advice, support and more.
Read History Buying Guides Manuals & Downloads
Quick Facts
- Founded: April 1946 (Kashio Seisakujo → Casio Computer Co., Ltd.)
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Key Products: Watches, Calculators, Electronic Musical Instruments, Business Electronics
- Notable: Inventors of the compact electric calculator & G-SHOCK
History & Timeline
- 1946: Kashio Seisakujo founded in Tokyo by Tadao Kashio and brothers.
- 1957: Released the first compact all-electric calculator (Model 14-A).
- 1974: Casiotron — Casio’s first digital wristwatch with automatic calendar.
- 1983: Launch of G-SHOCK — engineered for extreme shock resistance by Kikuo Ibe.
- 1990s–2000s: Expansion into musical instruments, cameras, and business products.
- 2020s: Continued product modernization, integrated reporting and sustainability commitments.
Product Ecosystem
Casio’s range spans consumer watches to professional instruments and business electronics. Below are the major categories and what each is known for.
Watches
Includes G-SHOCK (rugged), Baby-G (compact), Edifice (chronograph), Oceanus (premium) and ProTrek (outdoor sensors).Watch hub →
Calculators
Scientific, graphing and financial calculators designed for students, professionals and exam requirements.Calculator hub →
Musical Instruments
Privia and Celviano digital pianos, portable keyboards for beginners and performance-friendly instruments.Instruments hub →
Business & Industrial
Label printers, data collection devices, projectors and select medical instruments for B2B markets.Business hub →
Comparison: Popular Casio Watches
Quick comparison to help choose the right watch family and model type.
| Model / Line | Key Features | Best For | Typical Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| G-SHOCK (Classic) DW-5600 / DW-6900 | Shock resistant, basic digital functions, 200m water resistance | Everyday durability, outdoor and work | $50–$150 |
| G-SHOCK (Solar / Atomic) GW-M5610, GW-9400 | Solar charging, MultiBand/atomic time sync, sensors (some models) | Adventurers who want automatic time accuracy | $150–$600 |
| Edifice | Analog chronographs, metal cases, smart features on some models | Office / semi-formal wear with sporty chronograph needs | $100–$500 |
| Oceanus | Premium finishes, solar + radio time sync, sapphire crystal | Luxury daily wear with high accuracy | $500–$2,000+ |
| ProTrek | Altimeter, barometer, compass, durable & sensor-driven | Hikers, climbers and outdoor sports | $150–$800 |
Comparison: Common Casio Calculators
Which calculator suits your needs — basic, scientific, or graphing?
| Model | Type | Key Functions | Exam-Friendly | Typical Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casio FX-991EX | Scientific (non-programmable) | Natural textbook display, matrix/complex calc, solar-plus-battery | Allowed on many exams (check rules) | $15–$35 |
| Casio FX-9750GII | Graphing | Graphing, regression, basic CAS in some models | Exam accepted in many regions | $50–$90 |
| Casio FX-CG50 | Color graphing | Color display, advanced graphing, USB connectivity | Often allowed; check specific exam regulations | $120–$150 |
Innovation & Research
Casio’s innovations include the early compact calculator, Casiotron watches with automatic calendars, the shock-proof G-SHOCK floating-module design, and early adoption of LCD displays in consumer cameras and musical instruments. Continued R&D focuses on sensor integration, solar charging, and product longevity.
Corporate Structure & Financial Snapshot
Casio Computer Co., Ltd. is publicly listed and reports annually via its Integrated Report. For exact revenue, operating income and segment performance please refer to the Integrated Report or the investor relations page.
- Ticker / Listing: (Add your regional ticker)
- Latest Integrated Report: Download Integrated Report 2024
- Key segments: Consumer (watches, calculators, instruments) and Business (label printers, projectors, data systems)
Sustainability & CSR
Casio’s sustainability efforts focus on energy-efficient production, recycling programs and designing products for longevity. The company publishes specific ESG efforts in its integrated reports and corporate responsibility pages.
Support, Warranty & Service
Casio provides manufacturer warranties (terms vary by product and country) and a global network of authorized service centers. Manuals, firmware downloads and part information is available via the official support portal.
Collector Culture & Collaborations
G-SHOCK’s durable design and frequent limited editions have led to vibrant collector communities and high-profile fashion collaborations. Collectors prize early models (like DW-5000 series) and limited collabs for rarity and style.
Buying & Ownership Guides
Watches — Quick Picks by Budget
- Under $100: Basic digital G-SHOCK (DW/F series), durable and value-driven.
- $100–$300: Solar/atomic G-SHOCK and Edifice chronographs.
- $300+: Oceanus and MR-G premium lines.
Calculators
Match your calculator to your exam or use case. Check exam rules for allowed models before purchase.
Buying Used
- Check module number and serial if visible.
- Inspect battery, seals and water resistance status.
- Ask for recent service records for premium watches.
Troubleshooting & How-To Guides
How to Reset a Casio Watch
Steps vary by model. Common pattern: hold MODE + ADJUST to reset to factory settings — check the model manual for exact button combos.
Battery Replacement
Small lithium cells are common. For water-resistant watches, always have replacement performed by an authorized service center to maintain seals.
Updating Calculator Firmware
Graphing calculators with USB support (e.g., FX-CG50) can be updated via official software. Always back up important files before updating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Casio a Japanese company?
Yes — founded in Tokyo in 1946 and headquartered in Japan.
Who developed G-SHOCK?
Engineer Kikuo Ibe led the team that designed G-SHOCK in 1983, focused on shock protection with the “floating module” concept.
Where can I find manuals?
Official manuals and downloads are available on Casio’s support portal.
