Look ma, no plastic!
To be honest, there is absolutely no twist of logic that can excuse taking a 25US$ watch and turning it into a 200US$ wrist accessory.
That being said, I still did it because this is what I wanted to do. This is one of the benefits of living in a world where you can still have what you want instead of being limited to what you only need.
Lets' start with the strap from Vario. It's the oiled leather merlot red and it's one click away from placing you on the dangerous slopes of the road to insanity because it already cost more than the AE-1200 did.
But the fitting to the lugs of the Casio is superb and the comfort is leagues above the original plastic strap, or even the SKXMOD bracelet (YMMV of course).
I also happen to think that it looks better and that it adds a lot of class to the black and gold. The official photos on the web page makes it look more dark brown than red, which is a bit misleading.
Then there is the case which is part of the SKXMOD mod kit for the AE-1200. I decided to go for the full funky 80's black and gold experience, which is arguably a bit of a stretch since the AE-1200 was launched in 2012 IIRC.
SKXMOD did a good job. The gold pushers are easier to use (IMO), the fit of the gold bezel to the case and the optional gold lettering are all well done and they match the gold and black of the faceplate. Considering that the SKXMOD case also got rid of the mold line that ran across the periphery of the original plastic case, which resulted in cleaner lines, this does feel like a serious upgrade.
All of this is topped by a sapphire crystal and I think, that this case variant also has the anti scratch coating, which would be nice.
Obviously there are some cons. The weight of the moded watch on the Vario strap is now 84gr, which is more than double of it's original weight. It's still not very heavy by any metrics, but gone is the feeling of the feather light original.
Taking clear photos of a digital display covered by a highly reflective sapphire is also a bit of a challenge because there is only so much that AR coating and using a polarizing filter can do.
And then there is the whole concept of throwing money at a disposable plastic watch. Was it worth it? Well here I am looking at my wrist and I think that it does. For me.
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.
$200 wow!
$200 wow!
Well, you do have to buy the watch, the strap, the mod kit, pay for international shipping, taxes and VAT... and I already explained that there is nothing logical here.
Great look! I'm still trying to decide what color case to get, but the Vario strap is indeed a great start!
I guess I understand what you’re saying, but I don’t personally think it’s a crazy idea. At least with the case mods, you’re just making the watch what Casio should have offered already. Putting it on leather is a matter of taste, but I’m all for the metal/sapphire mod.
I guess I understand what you’re saying, but I don’t personally think it’s a crazy idea. At least with the case mods, you’re just making the watch what Casio should have offered already. Putting it on leather is a matter of taste, but I’m all for the metal/sapphire mod.
Illogical doesn't makes it crazy. Spending 200US$ on a watch that you want is a perfectly rational decision, the only difference between what I did with the AE-1200 and other purchases is by staggering the expense and spanning it over several separate orders.
The only question left is whether a 200$ all metal digital true GMT worldtimer watch on a quality leather strap is worth it and in my case it is.
Illogical doesn't makes it crazy. Spending 200US$ on a watch that you want is a perfectly rational decision, the only difference between what I did with the AE-1200 and other purchases is by staggering the expense and spanning it over several separate orders.
The only question left is whether a 200$ all metal digital true GMT worldtimer watch on a quality leather strap is worth it and in my case it is.
Couldn’t agree more, I think that’s good value.
The process was meditative I am certain
I love to see SKXMODS get some love, their cases are fantastic, and Vario makes amazing straps! Honestly, I've done this mod twice, and I'm looking to do it again. The end product just feels so much better, and knowing I did a bit of work on it makes the watch more important to me. In fact, I think I'll pick up WS1600H-2AV right now, to get started on my next one!
Great look! I'm still trying to decide what color case to get, but the Vario strap is indeed a great start!
I'm doing the opposite!
I decided on a full bronze case first, then sought out the world timer with the green hue to the dial and green world map (love how green and bronze look). The final piece of the puzzle will be a Vario strap once the Patina has formed.
I'm doing the opposite!
I decided on a full bronze case first, then sought out the world timer with the green hue to the dial and green world map (love how green and bronze look). The final piece of the puzzle will be a Vario strap once the Patina has formed.
In your opinion, which strap will be the best fit to this bronze case?
In your opinion, which strap will be the best fit to this bronze case?
I’m thinking the darker brown. Especially as I already have the black rubber strap that came with the case.
I think the green strap is too green.
I am looking for replacing the standard acrylic glass with a sapphire one. Are these sold independent of the watch case.
I am looking for replacing the standard acrylic glass with a sapphire one. Are these sold independent of the watch case.
I don't think so, and it would be a difficult replacement as the original is bonded to the plastic case. You can ask the guys at SKXMOD if they have any idea if it's possible.