Casio Japan has introduced an innovative sauna watch designed with a flexible band and exterior components crafted from resin, ensuring that wearers remain comfortable and free from skin burns. The use of resin not only prevents the watch from overheating but also protects the internal metal parts from excessive heat. By opting out of steel for the exterior, Casio has effectively addressed a common issue, replacing the traditional band with an elastic spring that allows for easy wear and removal without the need for a clasp.
This unique timepiece features both sauna and standard timer modes, easily toggled with a single click located on the upper left side of the watch. Recognizing the importance of visibility in low-light environments like saunas, Casio’s design team has enlarged the numbers on the dial and equipped the watch hands with luminous materials. Additionally, the watch includes a 12-minute counter, which accounts for the average sauna session duration, helping users keep track of their time spent in the heat.
While there is a small metal screw that secures the watch components, it is strategically placed to avoid contact with the wearer’s skin. The design team emphasizes that the choice of resin as the primary material not only enhances comfort but also offers moisture resistance, reducing the likelihood of fogging on the glass covering the dial. This thoughtful design ensures that the sauna watch is both functional and user-friendly.
Currently, the Casio sauna watch is exclusively available in Japan. The brand launched its crowdfunding campaign on December 2nd, 2024, through the Makuake platform, planning to run it for three months. However, the campaign was concluded within a single day after receiving support from over 2,000 enthusiastic backers.
For sauna enthusiasts eager to get their hands on the Casio watch, the brand has issued a warning: it should not be worn in environments where temperatures exceed 100 degrees Celsius. Such extreme heat poses a risk not only to the watch itself but also to the wearer’s skin. Additionally, users are advised to limit wearing the watch to no more than 15 minutes at a time to avoid potential damage and skin burns, as the accessory can heat up quickly when not in use.
The creation of the Casio watch stems from the passion of the brand’s sauna-loving employees, who recognized a gap in the market for a timepiece designed for high temperatures. Currently, the watch is available in three vibrant colors: orange, black, and Ikitai blue, but it remains a Japan-exclusive product.