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| Casio’s CRW-H001 could have a similar design to the older CRW-001 (pictured) |
If you thought the return of the digital ring watch was a one-off novelty, think again. Casio appears to be quietly working on a follow-up to its wildly nostalgic CRW-001 series, and the timing couldn’t be more intriguing. Fresh evidence from a Chinese regulatory database suggests a new model – the Casio Ring Watch CRW-H001 – is now in development.
For anyone who missed the original wave: Casio released the CRW-001-1 (silver) and CRW-001G-9 (gold) ring watches globally in 2024 and 2025 respectively. They were miniature LCD timepieces you wore on your finger, complete with dual time zones, a 1/100th second stopwatch, and a tiny LED backlight. They sold out fast, became collector items, and proved that wearable nostalgia still has serious pull.
Now, just when you thought the hype had settled, a new listing has appeared.
What We Know About the Casio CRW-H001
The device, carrying model number CRW-H001, was recently spotted in the database of the China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (CMIIT) – the same registry that often leaks unannounced gadgets before official press releases. You can view the filing yourself here:
🔗 CMIIT ID: 26J99E45W025
Unfortunately, the filing doesn’t include photos, specs, or a user manual. Just the model number and a confirmation that Casio has applied for wireless certification. But that single letter – ‘H’ – has the rumor mill spinning.
Why the ‘H’ Could Mean Heart Rate Tracking
In Casio’s own product naming conventions, ‘H’ has often pointed to heart rate monitoring. Take the G-Shock G-Squad GBD-H2000 series, for example. Those rugged sports watches come with a built-in optical sensor that tracks your pulse during workouts and daily activities. So if you’re looking for a reliable fitness tracker, the GBD-H2000-1A9 (currently around $397 on Amazon) is a solid benchmark for what Casio can do with optical HR tech.
That raises an exciting question: is Casio building a smart ring before Apple or Samsung get there?
👉 Speaking of advanced wearables, you can check out the Casio GBD-H2000 on Amazon here.
If the CRW-H001 inherits even a simplified version of that heart rate sensor, it would transform the ring from a pure timepiece into a legitimate health device. Imagine a tiny LCD ring that also tracks your resting heart rate, workout zones, or even stress levels – all without a bulky smartwatch strap.
What the Original CRW-001 Already Did Well
Let’s not forget the foundation Casio is building on. The original CRW-001 series (both silver and gold) already packed surprising functionality into a ring form factor:
- Dual time zones – perfect for travelers or remote workers.
- Time flash – a neat party trick that blinks the current time using the LED.
- 1/100th second stopwatch – because why not time your coffee brew with your jewelry?
- Adjustable metal strap – fits most finger sizes without tools.
- LED backlight – actually useful in dark movie theaters or late-night walks.
The main critique? No biometrics. The CRW-H001, if the ‘H’ rumor holds, would directly address that gap.
Release Date Expectations – Late 2026 or Early 2027?
Casio hasn’t said a word about the CRW-H001 yet. No press release, no teaser, nothing. But based on the timeline of previous models (the CRW-001-1 was certified in mid-2024 and launched later that year), a similar pattern would put the new ring watch in late 2026 or early 2027.
That might feel like a long wait, but it makes sense. Casio is famously cautious with new product categories. They test, certify, and then slowly ramp up production. And given how quickly the original ring watches sold out, they’ll want to avoid under-supplying again.
Where Did This Leak Come From?
The discovery was first highlighted by Japanese G-Shock enthusiast blog Great G-Shock World, which has a solid track record of spotting Casio filings before official announcements. You can read their original post here:
🔗 CRW-H001 Discovery – Great G-Shock World
The blog notes that the ‘H’ suffix is completely new for Casio’s ring watch lineup, which previously only used numbers (CRW-001). That break in convention is exactly why speculators are leaning toward a feature upgrade rather than just a new color.
What’s Still a Mystery
Let’s be honest – we don’t know much yet. Will it be water-resistant? How long will the battery last? Will it pair with Casio’s phone app? And most importantly: will it still have that satisfying click wheel interface that made the original so tactile and fun?
Casio also hasn’t confirmed pricing. The original CRW-001 launched around ¥19,800 JPY (roughly 300 after sellouts. A heart-rate-enabled version could easily push 250 at retail.
The Bottom Line
The Casio Ring Watch CRW-H001 is not official – not yet. But the CMIIT filing is real, the model number is new, and the timing aligns with a typical 12–18 month gap between certification and launch. If you loved the quirky charm of the CRW-001 but wished it did more than just tell time, this might be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.
For now, keep an eye on Casio’s Japan and global newsrooms. And if you absolutely cannot wait for a smart ring that also tracks your pulse, the G-Shock GBD-H2000 (available at the link above) remains one of the most underrated fitness watches on the market.
Stay tuned – we’ll update this article as soon as Casio breaks its silence.
Sources: CMIIT ID database, Great G-Shock World blog (Japan), and internal Casio product naming conventions.