EDIFICE trio united: EF-545D joins the team

[Ralphee]

The latest addition to a growing analog Casio collection just arrived: EF-545D (right). Time for a comparison with her sisters EF-546D and EF-539D:



Although all three watches sport essentially similar specs (1/20sec stopwatch, 12hrs chronograph), they are quite different in appearance:

The EF-546D is the "classic watch" of the trio. Some see similarities to a TAG Heuer Carrera, but I'd say, both watches are as similar as a Camaro to a Mustang. Both fit in the same category, but in detail, there are evident differences. Viewed from a distance, the EF-546D looks very classy, though. I like the size and weight, and being the smallest watch of the trio, it can easily be worn casual, or with a suit.






Judged by the data alone, the white EF-539D ain't the biggest watch of the trio, but it certainly feels like. It sports the thickest bracelet, and the case feels heavy on the wrist. I like the ion-plated bezel, which changes color in different light sources: one second it looks grey-ish, the next second deeply black. Perhaps the EF-539D is the most "fashion watch" of the three.






The biggest watch of the trio, EF-545D, hugs the wrist well and actually feels pretty slim. In addition, this watch sports an alarm, triggered pretty precisely by an analog pointer.

The EF-545D needs to be seen in real, as the product shots on Casio's website greatly exaggerate the texture and the asymmetry of the dial. In reality, this watch is well detailed, with extremely sharp print and subtle textures and colors. Of all three watches, I consider the EF-545D the most refined. Mind you, that this is a comparison on a high level, as all three watches look and feel remarkably precise for their price range.





Which one to choose, then? That's difficult to say. If you aim for a sporty look, the EF-545D might be your choice. It's definitely big, but has a good wrist-presence, and it is the most detailed and refined watch. If you are in the game for a large, shiny "fashion watch", then the EF-539D suits you well. It sports a very substantial, three-dimensional bracelet, and is by the looks the biggest watch of the trio.

The EF-546D is perhaps the most versatile of the three, because it fits equally well in casual or formal situations. And the rather stereotype classic looks probably keep it from aging too fast. And in the fast-changing Casio-world, that alone already makes a winner...

[Maine]

What a useful thread! Thank you for that. I have that 546 version and agree that it works as a very versatile design.

I've never heard an Edifice alarm. What sort of noise does it make? Any chance of recording it?

[flori78]

Nice review. I liked EF-546D model a lot. The only reason that stopped me from buying it was the fixed bracelet and that I couldn't replace it with a leather one. It looks a little bit like a Omega Speedmaster as well. :)

[tact]

Awesome close-up shots and review!!!!!!!

[Maine]

The 546 bracelet is perfectly good enough. Not as good as a real Omega, but there's nothing wrong with it. It doesn't annoy, rattle, or pull hairs. It just works.

If you want a Speedy alternative, have a look at the 503D. Various dial colours are available - here's mine:

[tribe125]

Beautifully crisp photos, Ralphee. You could inspire a few purchases with pictures like that...

[Beau8]

Inspired buying~Thanks, cheers!

[Ralphee]

I've never heard an Edifice alarm. What sort of noise does it make? Any chance of recording it?

Unlike Casio's usual 2-"beep" pattern, it's an electronic 4-"beep" sequence every second. The "beep" sounds like any G-Shock in both intensity and tonality.

I was surprised by the accuracy of setting the alarm with the analog pointer: set at 07:00h like in the pictures, it began alarming me at 07:02h. If you don't switch the alarm off, it will fall into snooze mode, and restart every three minutes. Plenty of "beep" to wake you up...

.

[kiwidj]

Nice addition to a great collection.

[JKang]

They all look top quality. Now that's a dilemma on a daily basis, which to pick. Thanks for the very detailed review. I have 3 Edifice models myself and they are great.