Casio AE1200 - Show me your mod!
40 years ago watches were the last thing that I had on my mind. Getting rich and dating hot women was, but I can't seem to remember in which order of preference these were ranked.
Anyway, I became interested in watches a few years ago and since then my interest spanned quite a wide range of genres, with a bias toward neo retro, which is how I came to own a heavily moded AE1200.
This model, which is also referred to as the Worldtimer or the Casio Royal, is quite interesting because it looks like a relic from the 80's despite being launched just around 2012 IIRC. The AE1200 just pretends to be a refugee from the Disco era, something it does remarkably well, but this is not why I bought it.
What made me curious was an article from The Time Bum which was part of a series about the AE1200 and it mentioned Kranio Design who makes metal case that are either machined, or more likely metal injection molded (MIM).
This immediately raised my interest because it was the first time that something made me consider the AE1200 as more than just a cheap disposable plastic digital watch, something which I had plenty of when I was in my 20's. Here was the potential to re-create a premium digital watch, like those that used to be offered by high tier brands when digital quartz was the bee's knees.
There was one problem however, which was availability, something that even now is about nil. Therefore I was quite happy when SKXMOD released their kit for the AE1200 and more so when I discovered that Vario launched purpose made quality leather straps for the Worldtimer. Everything came together very nicely and I ended up with the premium digital watch that I wanted in all its black and gold funky 80's glory.
It didn't cost a leg and an arm, the build quality is superior to anything that was available 40 years ago, and it does wear very nicely on my wrist - or at least this is what I believe.
But not everyone is retro inclined as myself, so how did you moded your AE1200 and are you pleased with the results?
I'm a big fan of watches that are interesting because they are either unique, have interesting features, well designed or simply offer a great value for their price.
Haven't modded it, but showing solidarity here lol
We have the same strap! I went for the bronze case and buckle though
We have the same strap! I went for the bronze case and buckle though
Great look!
Enjoyed doing these only last week. The middle one has a 1300 module and screen cover.
No mods here … yet. Just reminded me I have one though so thanks 🤣
The most I did was a hydro-mod. It made visibility a little better and improved the backlight.
Simply removed unsightly text using IPA and a cotton bud. It should have shipped like this imo.
Simply removed unsightly text using IPA and a cotton bud. It should have shipped like this imo.
I love the text because it's what makes it 80's.
The most I did was a hydro-mod. It made visibility a little better and improved the backlight.
What did you use as a fluid for the hydromod?
This is what was recommended in most of the videos I saw.
Not modded, but still cool AF. This is the 1B variant, that looks even more retro 👌
The most I did was a hydro-mod. It made visibility a little better and improved the backlight.
What is hydro-mod? Im not getting younger so anything that helps with visibity is welcome! 🤓
Are there any sellers which make casio cases in metal? i’d like one for an LF20 in gunmetal grey
Are there any sellers which make casio cases in metal? i’d like one for an LF20 in gunmetal grey
The only aftermarket cases I am aware of are from Skxmod for the Casio F105 and AE1200. Kranio Design also makes a case for the AE1200 but it is more expensive.
What is hydro-mod? Im not getting younger so anything that helps with visibity is welcome! 🤓
You fill a quartz watch with silicon oil, it makes it easier to read from most angles, but I mostly do it because it also increases water resistance.
Legibility be damned. Red Royale.
Let my 9yr old grandson loose on mine. Its goin to get an SKXMod so no big issues with how it turned out. All a learning experience for him.
#godtier
I've posted these before, just minor strap & tint mods.
& a 1200 case/bracelet with a 1300 module & face.
You fill a quartz watch with silicon oil, it makes it easier to read from most angles, but I mostly do it because it also increases water resistance.
Understood but maybe too advanced for me 😅
Just a Vario strap upgrade. Bought it mostly for its amazing value. Spending money modding it seems a bit counterintuitive to me, but I’ve done sillier things… 🧐
I have a few from SKXMOD parts and Vario and eBay straps.
I finally picked one up last week. I have a few straps still inbound. I've removed some of the case printing for a more sterile look and have thrown it on a CWC stretch NATO till the other straps arrive. Considering picking up the black pushers.
Just a Vario strap upgrade. Bought it mostly for its amazing value. Spending money modding it seems a bit counterintuitive to me, but I’ve done sillier things… 🧐
It's a matter of perspective. Spending X amount of money on a cheap watch doesn't make a lot of sense if all you wanted is a cheap watch. It does however makes a ton of sense if, like me, you want to re-create a premium digital watch from the 80's and do it without falling into the trap of a real vintage or spending a ton of money.
You fill a quartz watch with silicon oil, it makes it easier to read from most angles, but I mostly do it because it also increases water resistance.
Do you know why tutorials for that?
Do you know why tutorials for that?
I can't remember which video I used, but here's a good one from @watchchris.
https://youtu.be/DxCGpUUdHuw?si=MP60p7YscbtyZG0Q