Discover the $56 Casio WS-B1000: A Retro Step Tracking Dream

When I was in high school, the Baby-G Casio watch was the ultimate accessory. It came in vibrant colors and was a must-have among the cool kids. After convincing my mom to get me one, I cherished it until its battery finally gave out. Fast forward over 20 years, and with Y2K fashion making a comeback on TikTok, I find myself reminiscing about simpler times when watches were just stylish timepieces. However, my journey into smarter watches began with a need for step tracking.

Introducing the Casio WS-B1000

Enter the Casio WS-B1000, priced at just $55.95. This watch syncs with your phone for accurate timekeeping and tracks your steps. It’s a modern twist on the classic Casio design, offering just enough functionality to qualify as a fitness tracker.

Simple Yet Functional

The WS-B1000 keeps things straightforward. It lacks an optical heart rate monitor, OLED display, advanced health sensors, contactless payments, and LTE connectivity. Instead, it features Bluetooth connectivity, an accelerometer for step tracking, classic stopwatch and timer functions, alarms, move reminders, and an LCD screen with a backlight button. It’s perfect for those who appreciate simplicity.

A Perfect Fit for My Fitness Journey

A few years ago, this feature set might not have appealed to me. But now, as I recover from mental and physical burnout due to overtraining, I value devices that prioritize rest and simplicity. Many smartwatches bombard you with active minutes, standing goals, and calorie burn targets, which can be overwhelming. The WS-B1000’s ability to only track steps or function as a stopwatch is a refreshing change.

Delightful Testing Experience

During the three weeks I tested the WS-B1000, I enjoyed setting simple step goals and striving to meet them. The watch’s accuracy was generally within 500–1,000 steps of my Apple Watch Ultra, which is acceptable given they were worn on different wrists. The goal is to move more, and this watch serves that purpose well.

Lightweight and Convenient

The WS-B1000 is remarkably light, weighing only 36 grams. It doesn’t feel like a bulky hockey puck on your wrist. Plus, it runs on a CR2016 coin cell battery that lasts approximately two years, eliminating the need for frequent charging.

Easy Time Syncing

The Casio app automatically syncs the time, so you don’t have to fiddle with buttons to reset it or set alarms. This convenience is a significant advantage for those who struggle with older watches.

Conclusion

The Casio WS-B1000 is not for those seeking the most advanced smartwatch features. However, if you want a break from the fitness tech grind or prefer a low-tech fitness approach, this watch is an excellent choice. And at just $56, it’s a steal. Most basic trackers in this price range are fitness bands, but this retro-chic Casio watch stands out.

As a wearables reviewer, I have to rotate out the Casio for the next smartwatch in my testing queue. But I have a feeling that between products, this is the watch I’ll be reaching for.