By Max Lundin
EDIFICE CONNECT EQB1000
Casio ’ s Edifice line has been pushing the manufacturer ’ s credentials as a mainstay in chronograph watches , adding new partnerships with Honda and Scuderia AlphaTauri in the later parts of the 2010s . As the brand develops , it has evolved beyond putting a traditional chrono on the market , instead taking a unique route to implement a limited suite of Bluetooth features into an Edifice Connect series .
The Edifice line offers a range of chronographs ranging from less complicated dials and modest texture details to flooded dials arranged among checkered carbon fiber backdrops . I took a detailed look at a Bluetooth-enabled EQB1000D-1A .
The first thing you ’ ll notice about this watch is the slim case depth – such a concise package gives a premium , elegant feel . This unique sizing separates the new Edifice Connects from other chronographs which boast heft and dramatic design in exchange for a more refined , clean appearance . The 1A offers an additional layer of muted details by omitting a tachymeter along the vertically brushed bezel . Two screws on both the right and left sides of the bezel pay homage to the technical achievements of car racing , offering welcome but not overwhelming detail .
The right side of the case sports a branded crown and two buttons above and below in typical chronograph fashion . The stopwatch , day and date complications are balanced on the dial and the limited numbering further reinforces simplicity . I personally found this reduction of detail refreshing , as such a concise chronographic dial and bezel offer fewer distractions to the overall aesthetic of the watch face .
Excellent visual design aside , the features that stand out the most in this watch are the additional Bluetooth capabilities and Tough Solar power system . The Edifice Connect line is one of a few Casio products to offer additional capability via a mobile phone app . In the case of this line , the Edifice Connected app will primarily serve as a way to make sure that you are capturing accurate timezone and date adjustments , instantly correcting your time is a neat feature that will save you the effort of adjusting your crown to perfection . You can also import stopwatch data and utilize a phone pinging feature in case your mobile phone falls in between a couch cushion and you need to locate it . The Edifice line ’ s crown jewel , the Tough Link solar power system , allows for charging even via exposure to fluorescent light . Between an ultra-efficient battery and quick timezone updating , a high complexity style of watch has never felt so easy to use .
From a stopwatch perspective , the simple chronograph works well in this package with the help of audio feedback . The start , stop and reset tones make you feel like you are wearing a digital pace watch , waiting for your driver to come around the bend . The size-tofeature ratio of the Edifice Connected line is exceptional , providing a practical device in a refined , professional package . Price : $ 330 .
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