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| The alleged Casio F-B100W is expected to get the same step counter as the ABL-100 series watches (pictured). |
If you’ve been waiting for Casio to give its iconic plastic‑case pioneer a modern twist, the wait might almost be over. Fresh leaks from Asian regulatory filings point to a new model number – the Casio F‑B100W‑1A – and it looks like the Japanese brand is quietly preparing a smart, connected version of the very watch that paved the way for the legendary F‑91W.
For collectors and everyday wearers alike, this is big news. The original F‑100 (1978) wasn’t just another digital watch – it was Casio’s first full‑plastic case design, a radical move that made the technology lighter, more affordable, and more durable. Without the F‑100, you wouldn’t have the F‑91W, the $24 Amazon bestseller that has graced millions of wrists since 1989. And now, that heritage is getting a Bluetooth‑powered sequel.
The “B” is for Bluetooth – and a lot more
The model name F‑B100W gives away the biggest upgrade. The “B” stands for Bluetooth connectivity, meaning this retro beauty will sync with your smartphone via the Casio Watches app. That opens the door to features the original 1978 engineers never dreamed of: automatic time adjustment via internet time, phone finder, and – most notably – activity tracking.
According to the same leak (spotted by Casioblog), the F‑B100W will include a step tracker with a dedicated progress bar displayed right at the top of the LCD. It’s a similar approach to the recently released ABL‑100 series, which added smart features to a vintage metal design. But where the ABL‑100 feels like a dressy throwback, the F‑B100W keeps the raw, functional plastic vibe of the original F‑100.
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Same compact case, smarter internals
The leaked filing suggests the F‑B100W will stay true to the original’s compact, low‑profile dimensions. Expected measurements are around 41.6 mm wide, 37.9 mm tall, and just 8.2 mm thick – almost identical to the vintage F‑100. That’s thin enough to slide under a shirt cuff and light enough to forget you’re wearing it.
A single, low‑resolution leaked image (reproduced above) shows the classic four‑button layout around the case. That’s a signature element of the 1978 design, and Casio seems to be keeping it intact. The LCD display will likely be a modern derivative of the ABL‑100’s electronics, meaning better contrast and lower power draw, but still with that unmistakable retro grid pattern.
One thing that won’t change? The battery. Unlike higher‑end G‑Shock models that use Tough Solar, the F‑B100W will reportedly rely on a standard two‑year replaceable battery. That keeps the cost down and the form factor slim – and honestly, for a watch in this price range, it’s what most fans expect.
What about the classic digital features?
Don’t worry – Casio isn’t dropping the basics. The F‑B100W is expected to include:
- Stopwatch (1/100 sec resolution)
- Daily alarm
- Full auto‑calendar (until 2099, most likely)
- 12/24‑hour time format
- LED backlight (probably the familiar green electro‑luminescent glow)
The step tracker and Bluetooth sync are additions, not replacements. You’ll still be able to use the watch completely offline, just like the original. The smartphone connection is there for those who want it – but it never gets in the way.
Price and release window: what we know
Official word from Casio is still “no comment,” but the registration trail is hard to ignore. The F‑B100W‑1A has appeared in Asian certification databases, and Casioblog – which has a strong track record on Casio leaks – pins the retail price between $70 and $100.
That’s a significant jump from the $24 F‑91W, but reasonable for a Bluetooth‑enabled, step‑tracking watch with heritage looks. For comparison, the metal‑cased ABL‑100 sells for around $90–110, so the F‑B100W fits right into that smart‑retro niche.
As for when you can buy one? Leaks hint at a Summer 2026 launch window. That gives Casio enough time to fine‑tune the app integration and build up inventory. If you’re planning a summer vacation and want a watch that can track your steps without screaming “smartwatch,” this might be the one.
Why this matters (even if you already own an F‑91W)
Casio has been on a roll lately, reviving classic designs with subtle but meaningful upgrades. The ABL‑100 proved that fans want connectivity without losing the charm of LCD digits and resin cases. The F‑B100W goes one step further: it’s not a reissue of the F‑91W, but of the F‑100 – the watch that started the plastic revolution.
For purists, the lack of Tough Solar might sting a little. But a two‑year battery is still excellent, and it keeps the watch affordable. The step tracker, displayed prominently on the LCD, turns a passive timepiece into a gentle fitness motivator – without the need for a rechargeable battery or a touchscreen.
And let’s be honest: wearing an original 1978 F‑100 today is a commitment. Batteries are hard to find, bezels crumble, and water resistance is a gamble. The F‑B100W gives you the same look, the same lightweight comfort, and the same four‑button layout – but with 2026 reliability and smart features you can actually use.
Should you wait or buy the original now?
That depends on your priorities. If you want the pure, unfiltered 1980s experience – no Bluetooth, no step counter, just time, date, and a stopwatch – the F‑91W is still a masterpiece. It’s cheap, cheerful, and available right now on Amazon.
But if you’re intrigued by the idea of a retro digital watch that can also track your daily steps, sync with your phone, and still run for two years on a coin cell, the F‑B100W is shaping up to be one of the most interesting releases of 2026.
👉 In the meantime, you can grab the classic F‑91W on Amazon – it’s the same design language for a fraction of the price. See the latest deals here
Bottom line
Casio’s F‑B100W‑1A isn’t official yet, but the evidence is mounting. Bluetooth, step tracking, a 1978 heritage case, and a sub‑$100 price tag – it ticks a lot of boxes for anyone who loves retro digital watches but wants modern convenience. Keep an eye on the Summer 2026 timeframe, and watch for an official announcement from Casio in the coming months.
Source: Casioblog – Casio F‑B100W‑1A rumors
