Casio expands its square‑face digital lineup to the UK with the W‑738H series

Casio’s latest square‑face digital watches have finally crossed the Channel. After a quiet roll‑out in Japan earlier this year, the W‑738H series is now listed on the official Casio UK online store for £45 per unit – essentially the same price point as the aging W‑735H that has been on shelves for several years.

What’s new?

The W‑738H line consists of three closely related models that share a 47 × 42.8 × 13.5 mm resin case. Two of those – the W‑738H‑1AV (black case/strap, light amber backlight) and the W‑738H‑3AV (khaki case/strap, light backlight) – are now purchasable in the UK. Both feature:

• Vibration‑only alerts for the daily alarm, countdown timer, stopwatch and hourly time signal. The strap’s tighter hole spacing means the motor’s buzz is transmitted more directly to the wrist, a subtle but useful improvement over the purely audible alerts of older models.
• 100 m water resistance, making the watches safe for swimming and shallow diving.
• Ten‑year battery estimate thanks to the low‑power 1‑digit LCD and the absence of Bluetooth or other radios.
• Amber backlight that shines through a translucent display, offering good readability in low light without the harsh blue of newer OLED‑based watches.

The third variant, W‑738H‑1BV (black case/strap, dark amber backlight), has been shown on the Japanese site but has not yet appeared on the UK storefront. Retailers in France have listed it, suggesting a staggered EU launch.

How it stacks up against the competition

Feature	Casio W‑738H‑1AV/3AV	Casio W‑735H (old)	Timex Ironman Classic 30	Garmin vívofit 4
Display	Square LCD, 1‑digit amber	Square LCD, 1‑digit amber	Rectangular LCD, 2‑digit	OLED, colour, 1‑digit
Vibration alerts	Yes (alarm, timer, hourly)	No	No	Yes (smart notifications)
Water resistance	100 m	50 m	30 m	5 atm (≈50 m)
Battery life	~10 years	~7 years	~10 years (CR2032)	1 year (rechargeable)
Price (UK)	£45	£40 (now discontinued)	£55	£70

The W‑738H’s primary advantage over the legacy W‑735H is the addition of vibration alerts, which many users find indispensable for discreet reminders in meetings or quiet environments. Compared with the Timex Ironman Classic 30, the Casio offers deeper water resistance and a slightly slimmer profile (13.5 mm vs. 15 mm), though the Ironman retains a larger display that can show two‑digit minutes. Garmin’s vívofit 4 brings colour graphics and smart‑phone integration, but it sacrifices the ten‑year battery life that makes the Casio a set‑and‑forget device.

Who should consider buying it?

• Everyday commuters who need a reliable alarm that can vibrate without disturbing others. The watch’s low‑profile design slides under a shirt cuff comfortably.
• Outdoor enthusiasts who value water resistance and a battery that won’t need replacement on a multi‑year trek.
• Budget‑conscious collectors looking for a classic digital aesthetic without the premium price tag of smart‑watch brands.
• Students who want a simple time‑keeping tool that can double as a silent reminder for class schedules.

If you prefer a darker backlight for better night‑time readability, you’ll have to wait for the W‑738H‑1BV to appear in the UK market, or source it from a French retailer.

Availability and buying details

The watches are listed on the official Casio UK store with standard delivery priced at £2.95 and an estimated arrival window of two to four working days. Stock levels appear healthy, but given the modest price point, they may sell out quickly during seasonal promotions.

For reference, the official product pages can be found here:

• Casio W‑738H‑1AV (UK)
• Casio W‑738H‑3AV (UK)

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Casio’s W‑738H series offers a straightforward digital watch experience with a few modern touches, most notably vibration alerts. It sits comfortably between legacy Casio models and the more feature‑rich smart‑watch segment, making it a sensible choice for anyone who wants a reliable, low‑maintenance wrist companion.