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Hands-On The 'Gold' Casio A500WGA-9DF World Timer

The stakes for gold (tone) have never been lower – or more fun.

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In my ongoing quest to fill my plate at the buffet of gold watches, I've seen a classically-minded but fun-loving Mido and a Seiko diver that crossed a well-loved design with a shock of gold that was anything but stodgy. For my third foray into golden territory, I figured I'd opt for something decidedly more egalitarian – some "gold" for the people. I use quotes because not only does this watch not feature any actual gold, its case isn't even metal, precious or otherwise.

The Casio A500WGA-9DF is casual, fun, and weightless on wrist. 

For around the price of a decent meal or a cheap oil change, the entirely loveable Casio A500WGA-9DF is a digital watch from the brand's retro-inspired Youth line that offers a remarkably useful feature set surrounded by a gleaming layer of "gold." The official statement is that the stainless steel bracelet and plastic case are "gold tone," in that they have the basic color of gold. While "gold tone" doesn't have the luster or finish of actual gold, it's a decent approximation and, given the watch in question, you can't really demand more (it's very gold). 

This Casio goes gold really well, but only in the same sort of way as your one friend that is REALLY into Halloween and always has an awesome costume. They look great, but you know it's not their true form. For this watch, I figure the basic state is the full steel finish of the A500WA-1ACF, but if you ask me, just go gold. You'll have more fun and, like a Halloween costume, it makes your usual jeans and beat up sneakers feel like something of a reprieve. In actually wearing it, this Casio became a welcome fun break from my usual Doxa, Seiko, or Rolex. If my goal with these pieces ends up being to suggest that everyone should have some gold (I know, "gold") in their collection, then this is as good a place to start as any.

The Casio A500WGA-9DF is cheap, cheerful, and packed the usual simple feature set. 

The A500WGA-9DF's plastic case and steel bracelet are treated to a "gold tone" finish. 

The A500WGA-9DF's display is crisp and easy to read. 

With Casio listing the A500WGA-9DF in their Youth line, perhaps this watch is meant to be a "boy's size." Whether you prefer that term, or the seemingly outdated "unisex", the A500WGA-9DF is 34mm wide, 38mm lug to lug, and 9.6mm thick. It weighs in at 50 grams, which is roughly a third of the weight of a steel dive watch on a bracelet. Equipped with four buttons flanking a sharp and detailed positive LCD display, the A500WGA-9DF has a specific 80's vibe that, to my eyes, has aged well and has a sort of charm that mixes a touch of hipster appeal with the general available-at-TJ-Maxx vibe of most cheap Casios. I think it would suit just about any wrist, and charm almost any heart that has a hole which only gold can fill. 

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As I've said of most gold colored watches I've tried on, the A500WGA-9DF is really fun and, I'd argue, rather cool. The mix of a gold finish on such an accessible design has immediate high/low connotations and if you're of a certain age it feels oddly similar to the way in which Nintendo has used gold tone on its products over the past several decades. Memories of Legend of Zelda notwithstanding, the A500WGA-9DF is classic but definitely not vintage, with a retro appeal that is only amplified by its gold finish and yellow glowing backlight (that pre-Indiglo fire). 

The 34mm Casio A500WGA-9DF on my 7-inch wrist. 

Before I get to the bracelet, let's take a quick look at the features because, as someone who mostly deals in traditional mechanical watches, dipping back into daily wear of a digital watch reveals a welcome world of function. The A500WGA-9DF offers a chronograph, five alarms, a countdown timer, a perpetual calendar to the year 2099, and full world time functionality with a co-ordinated world map on the dial, and the ability to define four time zones for quick reference (home + three other zones). Casio rates this module's accuracy at +/- 30 seconds a month, the crystal is made from resin, and the A500WGA-9DF is listed as water resistant but Casio does not offer any sort of a depth rating (although some online retailers state 30 meters). My water resistance testing was limited to rinsing the Casio off after using its chronograph on a long run. 

Press the button to activate the backlight, which is much more yellow than it seems in photos. 

The bracelet is steel, a sort of flattened jubilee variety that is very comfortable and rather light on wrist due to its less expensive rolled links. While you could conceivably mount this model to a leather strap, the bracelet is a key element to the A500WGA-9DF's shining appeal. As I mentioned, it's light and comfy. It also looks great and matches nicely with the case, despite only being gold-toned on the sides of its surface that are visible while the watch is on wrist. Seriously, the underside and side profile of the bracelet does not have any application of gold coloring. 

The "gold" only goes so far, with the case back, bracelet edge and underside left in their bare steel finish. 

The clasp is that old-school style adjustable clasp that uses a sliding receiver on the under half of the bracelet. The receiver can be set almost anywhere along the length of the bracelet so getting a perfect fit could not be easier. The connector on the top half of the bracelet hooks in place and then snaps shut. Simple, effective, and entirely what you'd expect from a watch such as this. 

I have worn this watch almost constantly for the past couple of weeks and a few things stand out in addition to its flashy-on-a-dime demeanor. First, it's so easy to wear and well proportioned on wrist that I started to sleep with it on (very rare for me). Second, I found that I really loved having a backlight. The closest I commonly get to a digital watch is a 20-year-old Breitling Aerospace, and while that watch has some functions in common with the Casio, it does not have a backlight. I've loved backlights since I got my first watch and the functionality is still pretty handy when you wake up in the middle of the night and don't want to blast your retinas with a quick flash of your phone to check the time. Third is the usefulness of the the world time function, specifically the four quick time zones is a really handy feature. Whether you're traveling or just need to keep track of a few time zones to make your work day a bit easier, this module from Casio offers a very thoughtful solution for a digital GMT function and even highlights the active zone on that tiny map. 

The Casio A500WGA-9DF has a bevy of features, including a chronograph, world timer, alarm, and more. 

The Casio A500WGA-9DF comes on a matching "gold tone" bracelet. 

The Casio A500WGA-9DF with Tokyo selected as the fourth time zone (and highlighted on the map).

All things considered, almost (but not entirely) apart from the gold coloring, the A500WGA-9DF is a great watch and a screaming deal at $48. That's less than the cost of a new video game, or a decent bouquet of flowers, or even a basic pair of shoes. For $48, I love this watch and the very fake gold-ness of it all. It makes me smile and I really like the way it looks.

Checking another time zone using the Casio A500WGA-9DF's simple quick time zone check. 

Recently, Jack reviewed the awesome Casio AE1200WH-1A World Timer that cost a hair under $25 and he closed his review by suggesting that you "treat yo'self." As is often the case, Jack is right. I would offer only one small twist – don’t you think you deserve a little gold (tone)?

For more information, visit Casio online