Casio is a brand we all know for digital and quartz watches – from the classic G-Shock to affordable Edifice chronographs. But now, for the first time in its history, Casio has entered the world of mechanical watches with the launch of the Edifice EFK-100. This is a big move for the Japanese giant, which has been making watches since 1946.

What Makes It Special?

Until now, Casio was famous for quartz technology – accurate, low-maintenance, and packed with features. With the new Edifice EFK-100, Casio is stepping into traditional watchmaking with an automatic movement that does not need a battery. Instead, the watch winds itself as you wear it.

The EFK-100 is powered by the Seiko NH35 automatic movement, a trusted and widely used mechanism known for its reliability. It comes with around 40 hours of power reserve, hacking seconds, and can also be wound manually. You also get a transparent case back to view the movement – something watch lovers truly enjoy.

Design and Variants

Casio has launched the EFK-100 in three main styles:

• EFK-100D – Stainless steel case with electro-formed dials in colours like silver, blue, green and grey.
• EFK-100CD – Features a forged carbon dial with a sporty look.
• EFK-100XPB – A premium model with a forged carbon case, black-coated bezel and crown, and a rubber strap. Each carbon case has a unique marbled pattern, so no two watches look exactly the same.

All models come with sapphire crystal glass, 10-bar water resistance, and Casio’s solid build quality.

Price and Availability

The pricing makes it clear that Casio is targeting the affordable mechanical segment:

• EFK-100D – Around ₹25,000 (EUR 279)
• EFK-100CD – Around ₹27,000 (EUR 299)
• EFK-100XPB – Around ₹40,000 (EUR 449 / SGD 599)

The watches are already available in some markets from August 2025 and will soon reach India through online and offline channels.

Why This Launch Matters

Casio entering the mechanical watch space is big news. Brands like Seiko 5, Citizen Tsuyosa, Orient, and Timex have been ruling the affordable automatic category for years. Now Casio is ready to compete directly with them.

The Edifice EFK-100 brings together Japanese reliability, modern design, and mechanical charm at a price that is accessible to many enthusiasts. For those who always wanted a mechanical watch from Casio, the wait is finally over.

✅ In short: The Casio Edifice EFK-100 is not just another new release – it is a historic moment where Casio steps into the world of mechanical watchmaking for the first time. Stylish, durable, and reasonably priced, this one is surely going to attract a lot of attention in India and worldwide.

India has officially stepped into the world of haute horlogerie (the art of high-end watchmaking) with the launch of a very special timepiece — the Titan Nebula Jalsa. This limited-edition watch was unveiled by actress Sushmita Sen at the historic Rambagh Palace in Jaipur.

Inspired by Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal:

The Nebula Jalsa has been designed to celebrate the 225th anniversary of Jaipur’s famous Hawa Mahal. The dial is truly a piece of art — made from marble and hand-painted by Padma Shri awardee Shakir Ali. It shows a royal procession in front of the Hawa Mahal, using colours created from natural gemstone pigments.

Luxury Features:

This watch is not just about looks, it’s also a masterpiece of engineering. Some key highlights:

• Flying Tourbillon Movement: A rare and highly complex feature in luxury watches.
• 18K Rose Gold Case: The frame of the watch is made from solid rose gold.
• Red Agate Detailing: The crown has a red agate stone, and matching red agate inlays can be seen in the movement.
• Sapphire Magnifier Minute Hand: Makes the artwork on the dial even more beautiful to see as time passes.
• Hand-stitched Leather Strap and Sapphire Crystal Caseback: Adds to the luxury feel while giving a view of the watch’s inner mechanics.

Inside, the watch has 144 tiny precision parts and 14 jewels that keep it running smoothly.

A Limited Collectible:

Only 10 pieces of the Nebula Jalsa will ever be made. This makes it one of the most exclusive watches in the world. The price hasn’t been officially shared — it’s “on request” — which usually means it’s meant for a very select few.

India on the Global Stage:

With this watch, Titan is also entering the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2025, the world’s top platform for luxury watchmaking. As Sushmita Sen said during the launch, the Nebula Jalsa is not just a watch, but a showcase of India’s rich art, culture, and craftsmanship.

✨ The Titan Nebula Jalsa is a proud moment for India — blending traditional artistry with modern luxury watchmaking, and putting India’s name on the global luxury watch map.

Raksha Bandhan is about the promise to protect and be there—what better way to show it than with a gift that stays close every day? In this guide, we’ve picked the best smartwatches that combine usefulness with sentiment. Whether your sibling is into fitness, style, or staying connected, there’s a watch here that says ‘I’ve got your back’ in a modern way.

Why a Smartwatch Makes a Meaningful Rakhi Gift

A smartwatch stays on the wrist, silently helping in daily life—from tracking health, managing schedules, to letting them answer a call when they’re busy. It’s both practical and personal. This thoughtful mix of emotion and utility makes a smartwatch a top Rakhi gift choice in 2025.

How to Pick the Right Smartwatch for Your Sibling?

Before the model list, think about who your sibling is:

• The iPhone loyalist – wants seamless integration, polished apps, and smooth performance.
• The Android user – prefers flexibility, maybe Google services, or Samsung’s ecosystem.
• The fitness lover or outdoors person – values battery life, ruggedness, and accurate tracking.
• The style-conscious – wants something that looks good with traditional and modern clothes.
• The younger sibling (safety/first smartwatch) – you want connection plus a layer of protection.
• The careful spender – wants smart but affordable, without overdoing tech complexity.

Match the personality, then pick from the curated list below. Each recommendation includes why it’s special and the kind of sibling it impresses.

1. For the iPhone Sibling: Apple Watch Series 10 / Apple Watch Ultra 2

If your sibling uses an iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 10 is currently one of the best all-round smartwatches—slimmer, faster, and more refined with health tracking, sleep insights, and deeper integration into Apple’s ecosystem. Its new Vitals app, improved display, and watchOS enhancements make daily use smooth and emotionally resonant—every notification, reminder, or health alert becomes a gentle “I care” from you.

For the sibling who’s adventurous, outdoorsy, or likes something rugged yet premium, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 still stands out as the top choice for durability, bright display, and reliable performance in tough conditions. It’s built to last through hikes, workouts, and everyday hustle—perfect if you want to give a Rakhi gift that truly endures.

2. For the Android User: Google Pixel Watch 3 & Samsung Galaxy Watch 7:

If they live in the Android world, two smart picks:

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is excellent for someone who wants a mix of health insight (including sleep and AI-powered “energy scores”), good battery life (around 1.5–2 days in regular use), and smooth performance. It’s a balanced daily wear piece that tracks wellness while still looking refined for both casual and dressy Rakhi moments.
• Google Pixel Watch 3 blends Google’s software with Fitbit fitness smarts. It’s polished, gives personalized run guidance, safety features like fall detection, and feels like a thoughtful everyday companion. Its integration with Google AI and Fitbit makes it modern yet gentle—a sibling gift that nudges wellness without preaching.

3. For the Fitness/Outdoor Sibling: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar (and Garmin lineup)

For siblings who are always moving—running, trekking, training—the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is a standout from the 2025 fitness gear awards. It combines rugged build, solar-assisted battery endurance, and deep activity tracking so they can go longer without charging, and you’ll know they’re being looked after even when they’re off the grid.

If you want to keep options open, the broader Garmin range (like Forerunner or Venu series) also gives precise tracking, especially for runners and outdoorsy types, with a reputation for reliability that mirrors the traditional promise of “always being there.”

4. Stylish Yet Premium Indian Picks: boAt Ultima Regal / boAt Valour Watch 1 GPS / boAt Ultima Ember

For the sibling who values looks along with function, Indian brand boAt has curated options that feel premium without seeming over the top. The boAt Ultima Regal and Ultima Ember offer bright AMOLED displays, multiple sports modes, elegant metal housings, and features like Bluetooth calling—good for siblings who balance hustle with style. The Valour Watch 1 GPS is for the active sibling, promising resilience and real-time tracking in a design that fits both workouts and festive gatherings. These are especially relatable gifts for an Indian audience, combining modern tech with a price sensitivity that still feels special.

5. Budget & Value: Haylou Watch 4S:

If you’re looking for a thoughtful Rakhi gift that doesn’t stretch the wallet, then go with Noise smartwatch, affordable pricing with premium designs for modern Indian users. Stylish and feature-packed, perfect for fitness and everyday use. Offers heart rate monitoring, SpO2, sleep tracking, and smart notifications. Or you can go for Fire-Boltt smartwatches known for high-end features like Bluetooth calling and AMOLED displays. Offers excellent health tracking, AI voice assistants, and long battery life. Great value-for-money option in the affordable luxury smartwatch segment.

6. For the Younger Sibling: Kids / Safety Smartwatch (e.g., Sekyo Kids Smartwatch):

Raksha Bandhan is also a promise of protection. A kids/safety-focused smartwatch like those from Sekyo gives the younger one freedom with oversight—location awareness, calling to trusted contacts, and a design meant to keep them safe while growing independent. It’s a modern twist on the traditional vow to safeguard them.

Gift-Ready Presentation Tips (Traditional with a Modern Twist)

1. Tie it with Rakhi symbolism: Place the smartwatch in a box with a small rakhi thread, a handwritten note in their mother tongue or a simple “Time to stay connected—Happy Raksha Bandhan.”
2. Add a classic sweet: A few pieces of traditional mithai or dry fruits alongside the tech gift keeps the balance between old and new.
3. Wrap in a thoughtful packet: Use a cloth pouch or traditional paper wrap—make unwrapping part of the ritual.
4. Set it up first: Pre-charge and pair the watch (if it’s compatible) so they can feel the immediate benefit—shows you went the extra mile.

Quick Comparison Table (for reference):

Final Thought:

Raksha Bandhan gives us a moment to reflect on ties that endure. Pick the one that matches your sibling’s rhythm, wrap it with the warmth of tradition, and you’ll give more than a gadget. You’ll give time, attention, and a daily reminder of the bond you share.