vrijdag 3 oktober 2025

Review: Skmei 1647 – A Casio A168 Clomage

TLDR

The Skmei 1647 is a cheap homage to the Casio A168 with a zinc alloy case, real glass, a strong EL backlight, and solid accuracy. The stock strap is poor and the watchface collects fingerprints, but with a strap swap it becomes a surprisingly nice daily watch. Great value at €8–9, and a total steal at the €2.95 I paid.

Review: Skmei 1647 – A Casio A168 Clomage

I have owned a Casio A168 in Gold since 2018. It has seen plenty of wrist time (with some breaks), and while it is still going strong, it has naturally picked up some wear over the years. Back then, I paid around €40, a price that has since increased.

Skmei 1647 and Casio A168

Now enter the Skmei 1647. How Skmei manages it is a mystery: instead of the A168’s plastic case and resin glass, the 1647 uses a zinc alloy case and real glass, yet it retails for under €10. I actually picked mine up for only €2.95, which was an absolute steal.

First Impressions and Strap

I bought the silver version, which only comes with a negative display. If you dislike negative displays, look at the Skmei 1123 instead. The included stainless steel strap is, frankly, poor quality, the same strap Skmei ships with the 1123. My advice is to replace it immediately with a Milanese strap, which instantly makes the watch feel more premium.

Dimensions and Comparison

Case width: 35 mm
Case height: 38 mm
Case thickness: 11 mm
Band width: 15 mm
Watch length: 230 mm

For reference, the Casio A168 measures 38.6 × 36.3 × 9.6 mm. This makes the Skmei 1647 slightly shorter, a bit wider, and a little thicker.

Main mode

The Skmei also has a slightly bigger screen with larger digits, which helps readability.

Display and Backlight

Both the Skmei 1647 and Casio A168 use Electroluminescent backlighting, but Skmei’s is noticeably stronger.

Backlight of the Skmei 1647

Even though the negative screen has its usual downsides in low-light conditions, the excellent backlight compensates nicely. Compared to the Skmei 1628 I reviewed recently, the 1647’s negative screen is better and more readable.

Features

Like the Casio A168, this is not a feature-packed watch. You get:

Main time display
Alarm
Stopwatch (which I often use for cooking)

That is all, and that is fine. Think of it as a “fancy F91W” rather than a multifunction powerhouse.

Accuracy

Surprisingly, the 1647 has been very accurate. I synced it on September 29, and by October 3 it had only gained one second. For a sub-€10 watch, that is impressive.

The Good

Negative screen is sharper than the Skmei 1628’s
Excellent EL backlight
Solid build quality and finishing, the zinc alloy case feels more premium than Casio’s plastic
Impressive accuracy

The Bad

Stock stainless steel strap is very poor, should be replaced
Watchface is a fingerprint magnet, often looking hazy

Final Verdict

The Skmei 1647 is a fascinating budget homage to the Casio A168. For a watch that costs less than a fast-food meal, you get surprisingly good build quality, a stronger backlight, and better readability than many other Skmei models. Yes, the strap is poor and the watchface collects fingerprints, but with a quick strap swap it transforms into a highly wearable, stylish, and practical daily watch.

At its regular AliExpress price of €8–9 it is already great value, but at €2.95 it was an absolute no-brainer. It may not replace my Casio A168, but it definitely earns a place in my rotation as a fun, reliable, and well-built “fancy F91W.”

maandag 15 september 2025

Skmei 2255 Calculator Watch Review: A Nostalgic Casio Clomage

If you grew up in the 90s, chances are you remember when calculator watches were the ultimate tech accessory. I was born in 1988 and still recall the early gadgets from that time. I even had a watch with a built-in remote control, which felt futuristic back then. That sense of nostalgia is exactly what drew me into clomage watches today.

Skmei 2255 Calculator Watch

Recently, I picked up the Skmei 2255, a watch that is essentially a clone of the legendary Casio DBC-32-1A. AliExpress is filled with cheap calculator watches. Some cost as little as €3.31, basically just a calculator that shows the time. But the Skmei 2255 stands out because it is almost a one-to-one replica of Casio’s classic. In fact, it came without a manual, and I had no problem using Casio’s manual instead. Every feature is here.

But how well does it hold up in 2025? Let’s take a closer look.

Features

The highlight is, of course, the calculator. By holding the bottom-right button, it even switches to an exchange calculator, which works well once you have set the rate.

Calculator mode

Other functions include:

Phonebook (store up to 25 numbers)
5 alarms
Stopwatch (up to 23:59:59.99)
Dual time
Autolight (activated by holding the light button)
DST setting
Mute option

Except when using the phonebook, the watch always shows the current time, which is surprisingly convenient.

Dimensions

Case width: 37.8 mm
Case thickness: 13 mm
Case height: 50 mm
Band width: 19 mm
Total length with strap: 250 mm

Price

I paid €6.31 using coins (down from a €15.39 listing). Usually, you will find it for around €12. Some sellers even offer unbranded versions for €10, but I cannot confirm if those are the same.

The Good

Multilanguage support – I was able to set mine to Dutch, so the days of the week display in my own language.
Time in all modes – No need to exit to check the time, except in the phonebook.
Auto-light – A nice touch, even if it drains the battery faster.
Accuracy – Extremely precise, with no noticeable drift.

The Bad

Calculator buttons – Too small, requiring fingernails to press properly.
Learning curve – Some functions are not intuitive. For example, mute can only be enabled in calculator mode, and the phonebook took me a while to figure out.
Readability – Poor viewing angles. Even a slight tilt makes the display difficult to read. This makes it less practical compared to modern digital displays.
Gimmick factor – The calculator and phonebook are cool, but in 2025 they are more novelty than necessity. I would not wear this one to work.

Final Verdict

The Skmei 2255 is more than just a watch. It mirrors the Casio DBC-32-1A almost perfectly, with its calculator, alarms, stopwatch, and quirky phonebook straight out of the 90s. For around €10–12, it delivers retro charm at a budget price.

Skmei 2255: worn on my wrist

However, it is not without flaws. The calculator buttons are fiddly, the display is hard to read at angles, and most features are more novelty than necessity in 2025. Still, for collectors and retro-watch lovers, it is a fun piece that will put a smile on your face.

Verdict: A fun, affordable clomage piece that nails the nostalgia, but poor readability and dated features keep it from being more than a collector’s toy. Score: 6.5/10

TL;DR

Cheap Casio DBC-32-1A clone with calculator, phonebook, alarms, and great accuracy. Fun for nostalgia, but poor readability, fiddly buttons, and gimmicky features make it more of a collector’s watch than a daily wearer. 6.5/10

zondag 14 september 2025

Skmei 2307 Review: Casio WS-1600H Clomage Packed with Features on a Budget

Review: Skmei 2307 Digital Watch

This was one of my cheapest Skmei scores: only €2,11 after stacking coins and coupons, and adding a nylon strap to hit the €10 free-shipping threshold. Ironically, the strap turned out to be uncomfortable, so I had it refunded (€2,32) thanks to AliExpress’ "good customer reputation" policy. In the end, I went back to the original TPU strap, and to my surprise, it’s actually pretty decent.

Skmei 2307

For the price point, the Skmei 2307 is one of the best Skmei models I have tried. It is packed with useful features, some of which I rarely see in other budget watches.

Design & Casio Clomage Factor

The Skmei 2307 is clearly a Clomage of the Casio WS-1600H, a watch designed with football referees in mind. Unfortunately, Skmei only copied the looks and not the functionality. The bars and circle on the top half of the display are purely decorative. On the Casio, they serve as part of the stopwatch (1/20s, 10s, and 1min visual indicators). Here, they are just gimmicks and probably drain the battery unnecessarily.

Countdown timer

It is also worth noting that this Skmei lacks World Time and DST adjustment, so if you are looking for a sports-oriented or referee-style watch, this is not the one.

Features

Despite the missing “referee mode,” the Skmei 2307 offers more modes than many of its budget siblings, for example the Skmei 1123 has only three. You get five modes in total:

Main mode: time & date
Alarm
Stopwatch
Dual Time
Countdown Timer

The inclusion of both Dual Time and a Countdown Timer is a big plus. Dual Time is handy if you have family abroad, in my case in Hong Kong.

Dualtime

The timer is perfect for cooking or workouts, especially if your phone is not available.

Dimensions

Case width: 42.9 mm
Case thickness: 13.3 mm
Case height: 45 mm
Band width: 24.5 mm
Watch length: 220 mm / 265 mm

On the wrist, it is a medium-sized watch with a surprisingly comfortable TPU strap.

Price

Standard version (TPU strap): €7,49
Steel bracelet versions: €12,29 (silver), €13,49 (gold/black)
Army green version also available

Keep in mind that regardless of strap, the case is ABS plastic, not metal. If you do not like the cheap stock steel bracelets, it is better to go for the TPU version and swap in your own strap. An 18mm NATO or Milanese works well.

With AliExpress coins and coupons, you can often get it even cheaper.

The Good

Viewing angles (front): Excellent for a Skmei, almost Casio-level.
Backlight: Uses EL luminous technology, bright and evenly lit.
Dual Time & Timer: Practical and genuinely useful.
Strap comfort: TPU strap is softer and more wearable than expected.
Accuracy: Loses only about 1 to 1.5 seconds per day, which is acceptable for a budget digital.

The Bad

Resin glass: Scratch-prone and less premium than mineral glass.
Display gimmick: The top bars and circle serve no real function.
Side viewing angles: Poor compared to other Skmei or Synoke watches.

Final Verdict

The Skmei 2307 is not a referee’s tool or a true Casio WS-1600H alternative. It is a budget clomage that sacrifices some functionality. Judged on its own merits, it is one of the better Skmei models I have tried.

For under €8, or less with discounts, you get a digital watch with five modes, solid accuracy, a bright backlight, and a surprisingly comfortable strap. The viewing angles are not perfect, and the decorative top display is a wasted opportunity, but these flaws do not outweigh the value.

👉 If you want a cheap everyday digital with both Dual Time and a Countdown Timer, this watch is an excellent pick. If you are expecting sports functionality like the Casio WS-1600H, look elsewhere.

donderdag 11 september 2025

First Impressions of the Longlux 8020LP “Omega De Ville Prestige Clomage”

When people think of automatic watches, they usually picture Swiss craftsmanship with equally Swiss price tags. But the world of affordable Chinese homages has been growing rapidly, offering surprising value for those willing to explore outside of Switzerland.

Recently I picked up the Longlux 8020LP, a watch styled after the Omega De Ville Prestige. At just over twelve euros, it immediately caught my attention as one of the most budget-friendly mechanical watches I have ever owned. This is actually my second Longlux automatic, and I wanted to share some first impressions.

Lessons from My Previous Longlux

My earlier Longlux was a homage to the Patek Philippe Nautilus Tiffany Dial. While it had an attractive design, the stainless steel bracelet left me disappointed. It felt cheap, and replacement options were practically nonexistent since Longlux only sells new straps with a new watch.

That experience taught me a clear lesson: in this price range, stainless steel bracelets are best avoided unless they can be swapped out cheaply and easily. A leather or fabric strap is a safer choice, and in some cases, even an aftermarket Milanese strap can elevate a budget watch.

Wearing and Winding

Like any automatic, the 8020LP requires regular wear to keep ticking. Taking it off for a shower is no problem, but if you leave it off overnight it will stop. That means winding and resetting both the time and date before wearing it again.

Personally, this is not an issue for me since I wear it daily at work. In fact, that is where this watch really shines.

Style on the Wrist

I wear a black long sleeve shirt at work, and the 8020LP complements it perfectly. To my surprise, I have already received compliments on it, and nobody believes the price tag was only €12.23.

Longlux 8020LP while wearing my work shirt

This is where Chinese homage brands stand out. For the fraction of the cost of a Swiss model, you can get a stylish automatic watch that looks much more expensive than it really is. When brands like Longlux, San Martin and Pagani Design can deliver this kind of value, it raises questions about how long traditional Swiss makers can justify their high markups. Prestige and branding are powerful, but in terms of sheer value, China has a strong case.

Comfort and Strap Quality

Longlux is an entry-level brand, and expectations should be set accordingly. That said, the included leather strap is more comfortable than I expected. I do not feel the need to replace it, although it is always an option for those who like to personalize their watches.

Accuracy and Performance

Accuracy is often the weakest point for affordable automatics, but so far the 8020LP has not performed badly. Even if it drifts by a few minutes each week, that is still acceptable for a mechanical watch at this price. A quick adjustment now and then is hardly a deal breaker when you consider the overall package.

Final Verdict

For just over twelve euros, the Longlux 8020LP “Omega De Ville Prestige Clomage” delivers remarkable value. It looks sharp, feels comfortable, and brings the joy of mechanical watch ownership without the financial burden.

If you are looking for a fun, stylish entry into the world of automatic watches, this Longlux proves that you do not need to spend a fortune to enjoy the experience.

woensdag 3 september 2025

Skmei 1123 Review: A Casio Clomage Done Right

⭐ Quick Verdict: Skmei 1123

Pros ✅

Classic Casio-inspired design
Sturdy zinc alloy case
Excellent backlight (better than Casio’s F91W)
Good accuracy (+1.5s per day)
Great value for money

Cons ❌

Bracelet catches hairs and feels uncomfortable
Watchface is a fingerprint magnet
Weak viewing angles compared to Casio

Final Score: 7.5/10
👉 A budget-friendly clomage that looks good, feels solid, and outshines knockoffs. With a strap upgrade, it could rival Casio’s budget classics at half the price.

I’ve owned several cheap generic F91W knockoff watches over the years. I know they’re lapsap, but nevertheless functional. Recently, the Skmei 1123 entered the game, and while it’s no secret that it’s a Casio-inspired piece, it’s an interesting watch in its own right.

Technically, it’s more of a clomage or homage, because it doesn’t copy the Casio brand directly. Instead, it puts the Skmei name on the dial. Still, the resemblance is obvious, and that makes it fascinating.

Skmei 1123 main mode

Where the Skmei says “30M,” the Casio says “WR,” and of course the branding is different. But in spirit, the Skmei 1123 is very much in the F91W family tree.

For comparison, I also ordered a generic F91W knockoff. That one was such poor quality that a sharp edge was sticking out from the bracelet. I filed a dispute and got refunded instantly.

Dimensions

Dial diameter: 33 mm (1.30 in), rectangular dial
Case thickness: 9 mm (0.35 in)
Band width: 24 mm (0.94 in)
Strap length: 230 mm (9.06 in)
Weight: 150 g (5.29 oz / 0.33 lb)

Price

The watch sells on AliExpress for about €9 in gold (the version I picked). Silver is a bit cheaper at around €8. By stacking coins and sale coupons, I managed to grab it for just €2,56.

That puts it in the same price class as the cheapest F91W knockoffs, which usually sell for around €2,50. And often those are refunded anyway if you dispute them, since quality can be very hit or miss.

Skmei 1123 vs F91W Knockoff

In terms of quality, the Skmei is the clear winner. With generic F91W knockoffs, the quality varies from “acceptable” to “really not acceptable.” One of mine even died while swimming in Bulgaria. That one felt a bit sturdier, but I quickly learned it wasn’t actually water resistant.

Skmei 1123 and knockoff F91w

Looking at the LCDs, Skmei again comes out on top. The F91W knockoff is functional and readable straight on, but it’s dimmer and has worse viewing angles. The Skmei isn’t much better angle-wise though. Compared to my Casio A168, which stays readable when tilted, both the Skmei and the knockoff fade out quickly.

Backlight of Skmei 1123

Where the Skmei really shines is the backlight. It’s even superior to Casio’s ElectroLuminescence, which already beats the tiny side light of the F91W. The knockoff’s backlight doesn’t even compare, as it’s dim and uneven.

As for bracelets, Casio’s A168 is still the best. The F91W knockoff bracelet is awful. The Skmei bracelet is better built, but if you wear it loose, it tends to snag wrist hairs. Not great.

The Good

Design: Casio-inspired, but done nicely. The golden watchface in particular looks sharp and matches well with the bracelet.
Watchcase: Zinc alloy instead of resin or plastic. Feels sturdier and more premium, even if it’s not stainless steel.
Build quality: One of the better Skmei watches I’ve owned. Buttons are solid, no rattling, and it feels sturdy overall.
Accuracy: About +1.5 seconds per day. Not quite A168-level, but far better than the Skmei 1328 that drifted 4+ seconds daily.
Backlight: Bright, even, and just plain better than both Casio’s F91W and A168.

The Bad

Watchface: Looks shiny and classy, but it’s a fingerprint magnet. Smudges appear quickly.
Bracelet: Better than the terrible F91W knockoff, but still not great. The gaps catch hairs, and it’s uncomfortable unless worn snug.
Viewing angles: Straight on it’s fine, but tilt it even slightly and the display fades out. Casio still does this better.

Final Verdict

The Skmei 1123 is an impressive little digital watch for what it is, a clomage to the Casio classics, with its own identity. It’s not perfect, but it delivers the essentials at a fraction of the price. The design is iconic, the zinc alloy case feels sturdy, the backlight is excellent, and accuracy is solid.

Its weak spots are mostly about comfort. The bracelet looks decent but is uncomfortable for daily use, the watchface attracts fingerprints, and the LCD viewing angles aren’t the best. These aren’t dealbreakers, especially considering the low price, but they hold it back from being truly great straight out of the box.

That said, this watch has real potential with a strap swap. I’ve ordered a golden Milanese bracelet to see if it improves the comfort and overall look. If it matches well, the 1123 could feel like a much higher-end watch.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. For the cost of a cheap knockoff, you’re getting a watch that looks better, feels sturdier, and works more reliably. If Skmei ever upgrades the bracelet, this model could easily compete with Casio’s budget watches, and at half the price, that’s hard to beat.

💡 Tip for readers: If you’re considering the Skmei 1123, get it during a sale and think about upgrading the bracelet. The watch itself is solid, and with a better strap, it could easily become your go-to budget digital watch.