Casio to Release Second Set of EDIFICE Collaboration Models with Honda Racing

Tokyo, August 22, 2019 — Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the release of new additions to the EDIFICE line of high-performance metal chronographs based on the brand concept of “Speed and Intelligence.” The new EQB-1000HRS and EQB-1000HR are the second set of collaboration models with Honda Racing, and limited editions of 900 watches and 2,900 watches, respectively, will be sold worldwide.

Honda Racing refers to the motor sports activities that Honda Motor Company, Ltd. pursues around the world. The company has been in the spotlight as the supplier of power units to the Scuderia Toro Rosso Formula One team since 2018, for which Casio EDIFICE has also been a supporter. The collaboration between Honda Racing and EDIFICE, both of which have origins in Japan, was born from their common pursuit of high-tech capabilities. The first such collaboration model was the EQS-800HR in October 2018. Following its favorable reception last year, a second set of collaboration models was planned with the support of Honda Racing. The new watches were jointly created with HRD Sakura, a research center that develops technologies for Honda’s four-wheel motor sports.

For the new chronograph development, Honda provided a special alloy, titanium aluminide, which is used in its engine valves. The result is a pair of collaboration models built with a material used in Honda power units. For the EQB-1000HRS, which has a red watchband matching Honda’s brand color, the special alloy was used for the bezel. The surface of the bezel was also finished with diamond-like carbon (DLC) processing. DLC is also used inside Honda power units, to increase the surface hardness. This finish yields a bezel with outstanding scratch resistance.

Both the new EQB-1000HRS and EQB-1000HR are based on the EQB-1000, a slim-profile chronograph equipped with a Tough Solar power system and smartphone connectivity. Their dials have a graduated black-to-red motif, simulating the moment of combustion in an engine cylinder. The Honda Racing logo appears on the dial and case back of both models and on the watchband of the EQB-1000HRS. These premium models come in special packaging with a card featuring photos of Honda’s power unit and the Scuderia Toro Rosso Formula One racing car.

HRD Sakura

HRD Sakura is Honda’s research center for developing four-wheel motor sport technology. Its mission is to continuously advance Honda’s motor sport activities and provide excitement to racing enthusiasts around the world and inspire their dreams.

Valves are one of the most important parts of a racing car’s engine. While opening and closing more than 100 times a second, they must also withstand the extreme pressure of continual gas combustion. That is why they are made of titanium aluminide, a lightweight alloy material with extreme hardness as well as outstanding durability and heat resistance. It is also an excellent material for a scratch-resistant watch bezel that can withstand the tough conditions of a Formula One race.

EQB-1000HRS-1A

• The watchband is made from Kevlar^® fabric sandwiched between two layers of Cordura® fabric. This has improved not only the lightness and fit of the new chronographs, but also their durability.

EQB-1000HR-1A

Specifications

EQB-1000HR-1A / EQB-1000HRS-1A

• The Bluetooth^® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Casio Computer Co., Ltd. is under license.