Model Prefixes
Casio model names often begin with one or more letter prefixes. These prefixes usually indicate the watch's series, display type, function set, or design family. While Casio has never released an official, complete decoding system, consistent patterns across decades allow these prefixes to be interpreted with reasonable accuracy.
Below is an alphabetical overview of the most commonly used Casio model prefixes.
| Prefix | Series | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A | — | Digital watch with stainless steel or metallic design. Often associated with classic, slim digital models. |
| AE | — | Digital watch, usually resin-cased, with basic functions. Common in affordable, everyday Casio lines. |
| AQ | — | Ana-digi display. Typically combines analog hands with a small digital screen. |
| AW | — | Ana-digi watch, usually with a sport-oriented or casual design. Often larger and more robust than AQ models. |
| B | — | Digital watch, often compact and minimalist. Used in several modern and retro-inspired models. |
| BA | Baby-G | Smaller G-Shock-derived watches, originally designed for women but worn by all. |
| CA | — | Calculator watch. One of Casio's most iconic categories, featuring a keypad on the case. |
| DB | Databank | Capable of storing names, phone numbers, or notes. |
| DBC | Databank Calculator | Combines databank memory with calculator functionality. |
| DQ | — | Digital clock or desk clock rather than a wristwatch. Mostly used for Casio alarm clocks. |
| DW | — | Digital Watch. Widely used across standard Casio lines and early G-Shock models. |
| E | — | Digital or ana-digi models, often region- or market-specific. Less consistently defined than other prefixes. |
| EF | Edifice | Sporty, metal-cased watches with a focus on motorsport-inspired design. |
| F | — | Digital watch with basic functionality. Among the most famous and long-running Casio lines. |
| G | G-Shock | Designed for shock resistance and extreme durability. |
| GA | G-Shock | Combines analog hands with digital displays in rugged G-Shock cases. |
| GB | G-Shock | G-Shock with Bluetooth connectivity. Allows synchronization with smartphones. |
| GD | G-Shock | Fully digital G-Shock models. |
| GF | G-Shock Frogman | Professional diving watches within the G-Shock lineup. |
| GM | G-Shock | Features metal bezels or cases with G-Shock construction. |
| GMW | G-Shock | Full metal G-Shock. Stainless steel versions of classic square G-Shock designs. |
| GST | G-Steel | Hybrid metal and resin G-Shocks with layered case construction. |
| GX | G-Shock | Extra-large G-Shock models. Designed for maximum size and impact resistance. |
| H | — | Digital watch, often with health- or activity-related features. Used less frequently. |
| L | — | Ladies digital watch. Smaller case sizes and lighter designs. |
| LF | — | Digital watch with simplified functions or special display layouts. Used in limited or experimental models. |
| LW | — | Lightweight digital watch, often aimed at smaller wrists. Frequently associated with compact designs. |
| M | — | Analog or ana-digi watch, sometimes used for marine-oriented models. Meaning varies by era. |
| MD | Marine Digital | Typically includes tide graphs, moon phase, or marine features. |
| MR | MR-G | High-end G-Shock line. Premium materials, advanced finishing, and Made in Japan production. |
| MTG | MT-G | Combines resin cores with metal exteriors for strength and refinement. |
| OC | Oceanus | Premium analog watches featuring solar power and radio/Bluetooth time sync. |
| P | — | Digital watch, often compact or entry-level. Used inconsistently across markets. |
| PRG | Pro Trek | Outdoor watches with sensors such as compass, barometer, and altimeter. |
| Q | — | Vintage digital watches from early Casio production. Mostly discontinued and collectible. |
| R | — | Retro or reissue-inspired models. Used selectively in modern recreations. |
| S | — | Slim or compact digital models. Sometimes used for sport-focused designs. |
| SGW | Sport Gear | Digital watches designed for outdoor and sport use. |
| ST | — | Stopwatch-oriented digital models. Focused on timing functionality. |
| T | — | Touch-oriented or experimental digital models. Rare and not widely standardized. |
| TR | — | Training or sport-related digital watches. Limited usage. |
| V | — | Value-oriented digital watches. Often budget-friendly with essential features. |
| W | — | Water-resistant digital watch. Common across many classic Casio lines. |
| WS | — | World Sports or World Time Sport models. Digital watches with multiple timing functions. |
| WV | Wave Ceptor | Radio-controlled watches that automatically synchronize time signals. |
| X | — | Experimental or special-edition models. Often limited or market-specific. |
| Z | — | Rarely used prefix, typically for regional or limited releases. |