Never thought I'd say this - esp. about a Casio - but I "got the call."

Yeah over here in Digitalville there's no calls, no SMS. No wait lists. When a digital watch comes out, like anything else you buy it online and if it sells out you sign up for the notification list or frantically smash the F5 key until it's back in stock. But this time I had to rely on a local AD to snag one of these pieces that has been generating hype in Casio circles over the last few weeks.

To celebrate their 50th anniversary Casio released this modified reissue of their first Casiotron watch from 1974 with updated features like Bluetooth and atomic timekeeping. It was known for being the first watch with a perpetual calendar and put them on the map. Since digital fans have been clamoring for Casio to re-release more of their vintage models, reissuing a Casiotron was a no-brainer. They really spared no expense in its design and materials (though the glass is mineral instead of sapphire). And at $500 it's been somewhat divisive among Casio diehards for departing from the philosophy that carried the company over the last 50 years - affordability. Nonetheless at only 4000 units worldwide it was sure to sell out quickly, and it did.

Pre-orders dropped a few weeks ago in the states and I was on the fence about it, but when it sold out I figured the decision had been made for me... until midweek when I rang a local dealer who is seemingly one of the few brick & mortars left in the region that specializes in Japanese brands. She kindly got my info and said she'd call me if they got any in.

I didn't think much of it as it seemed these watches weren't destined for any actual stores after the online sale ran out so fast. But lo and behold... I got the call. So I raced my ass down to their store and despite them ordering a bunch from Casio, they were sent just a single one. They happily sold it to me and were very personable throughout. They came in clutch, and not holding out in any way or passing me up for another buyer really showed their class and dedication to the watch trade and to customer service. So I bought a 2nd watch from them before leaving and will probably go back for others.

As for the watch - while I think it's an exquisite digital that faithfully reproduces the original aesthetic, they should've had a higher run of these not just to lower the price per unit, but to make them more accessible to fans of the brand. Exclusivity and Casio should stay... mutually exclusive.