Perfecting The New Casio Calculator Watch: Easy 5 Minute $20 DIY Mod
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ส.ค. 2024
- One of the most important watches Casio has ever made is undoubtedly the Databank series or more specifically, their famous “Calculator Watch.” From its iconic movie star status, horological importance, and its standing as a precursor to the smart watch, naturally I was excited when in 2020, several new versions were released.
However, it’s not a perfect watch. Despite the playful 2020 color options, they all have the same underlying problem-a barely legible negative display. In this video, I quickly and easily show you how to exchange this subpar display for a far more readable LCD. With my simple and affordable mini mod tutorial, you too can easily fix your Casio’s display issue and enjoy the fun, retro look of these latest versions.
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My grandfather has always sworn by the Casio calculator as the only watch he needs. He even keeps several spares for when one fails, so he doesn't even need to order another and wait.
Your grandfather is truly enlightened
When I see a negative display I am like: "wow this is awesome. I can't read it tho"
I bought this watch for a 'gift exchange' - The guy that got it did not seem to happy, so I traded him my gift for it. My wife (rather correctly) deduced that had been the plan all along. "What? Just because I got a cool watch, AND a gift for the exchange at the same time does not mean I planned it this way ;)"
Thanks for the lovely video.
Glad you mentioned the backlight. I really wish the vintage models being reproduced all came with upgraded backlights. The Casio A168 has really great light to model from. That sort of bright teal light is absolutely perfect.
Love the intro, Hugo is becoming a real movie star!😂
Ditto
Nostalgia overload!
Right in the veins lol
Thank you brother!
Best regards,
TGV
Totally
I watched all back to the future movies last weekend for the first time. Must say, that is one of the few movmovies I have watched that actually places some importance on a watch. Great movie and an amazing video! Keep it up TGV!
The green looks great with the black, green, red Bond NATO strap.
OMG, genius combo idea, thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
The olive green watch looks great with the black, olive green, red Bond NATO strap. Dead on good combo.
I bought myself the blue one yesterday, and I absolutely agree with you that Casio should revert to the original positive display, this negative display is very difficult to read in semi lit areas. Also yeah, why didn't they add an electro luminescence, if they had to keep the display negative?! But nevertheless, I love the watch, inspite of the minor drawbacks.. it's a full-on blast from the past!
Keep an eye on the positive display prices. I swapped my Blue negative out for a positive and it looks great. Totally worth it.
I love my DBC databank, and it really takes me back to my childhood in the UK. My sister bought me my first one when we were on holiday at the Southport promenade, and I wore it to death. I couldn’t believe Casio were still making these. Fantastic piece of futuristic design.
So true, very much an underrated masterpiece of design.
Thank you Alastair,
Best regards,
TGV
"Rolex heaven here I come!"
That got me XD
Love the vids but I'd personally have just changed the polarising filter as that's usually the thing giving a negative display, that way can save the money for more watches or goats if Hugo's popping round for tea
Could there be a difference in the negative display's clarity and readability depending on the quality of the polarized filter, or does it not matter what or where you get the filter from??🤔.
Just curious because I thought maybe Casio had used a low grade polarized filter which explains why this watch has such low visibility having a negative display.
@@electron7659 not really, tbh Casio uses parts well above what you would expect but you can vary the amount of light passing through with different grades.
However it probably wouldn't help much with a negative displays appearance, even in more expensive displays its still harder to read unless lit.
@@Segafishy Wow. Okay. Gotcha. 👍 Thanks.
Also, I have another casio watch that comes in a negative display, yet that one, is actually quite easily and legible to read. I'm not sure if Casio is using the same type of polarized filter as this calculator watch. It even has a light in the corner of the display which gives it kind of an orange/brownish glow.
To my wife: If you see this I already owned that watch, I promise!
Lol
Ahh come on. You're a guy. Watches don't weaken legs.
You just described every husband that has a watch box with a glass top
Thanks. I just ordered the older version so I can change the LCD 😉
But a backlight would be just perfect as I like the look of the negative display.
Great 80’s memories of my Casio’s back in high school.
This watch was one of the best toys I had as a kid, so fun and useful, thanks for the delightful video!
The vintage look with the vintage feel without the giant vintage price... gotta love Casio! Also.... I think we need to get Hugo some sort of T-rex leash, it might save you some trouble
Gotta love it indeed. Thank you Conner!
Best regards,
TGV
Just when I didn’t think I needed another Casio. Darn you TGV! I think this one may push me over the edge. I’ll be needing a Casio specific watch box now.
Came to see how to improve the white casio watch, stayed to see the beautiful strap swapped two-toned illuminator watch.
Great video. It just made me buy three watches. 😂
I just snagged a G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400, what a beast and totally awesome!
VERY NICE INDEED!!!
Enjoy it my friend, love the Rangeman, built for anything and such cool complications.
Best regards,
TGV
I bought mine with the first money I made 3 years ago and I havent taken it of my wrist for more then a day since. You bought a great watch!
Someone in my neighborhood has a 1982 delorean. Love seeing in motion. The doors are tricky during refueling operations
Swapped out the blue. Looks great. The black original with the new black negative looks really awesome, almost tactical, but totally illegible 😂
Just got it a few hours ago and oh my goodness this thing is so light. Comfortable beyond belief can’t wait to take this hiking 🥾. Thanks 🙏 for covering this gem.
Best intros on TH-cam hands down!
Thank you Javi :D
Best regards,
TGV
That white/tan colour looks fantastic. I'm definitely going to consider buying one now.
Hugo knows the score, far easier to try and go back in time! then try to buy a new Rolex 😂 fun opening for a fun watch 👍
LOL!!!!
Good one, thank you.
Best regards,
TGV
Great video as usual. The white one makes me think of 2001: A Space Odyssey for some reason. Too bad the negative display isn't better. I remember a classmate in high school in mid 80s having a calculator watch, felt really high tech. I actually wasn't that fond of digital watches from late 70s and forwards, always preferred the analogue display. Decades later I find myself owning an early 80s Pulsar "Running Man" with memo functions, a G-Shock and a couple more. Funny how things can change when you're getting older.
I love the look of that olive drab case and strap! Thanks for the coverage on this one. Somehow I have the feeling that Hugo is going to meet up with Dr. Evil while he's back in the '60's.
LOL!!! I can totally see that happening.
Thank you John,
Best regards,
TGV
I bought a gold plated Casio 5 years ago and its battery is still alive!! Hugo where are you? I' am jealous! 😂
You’ve inspired me to finally get one of these watches! Loving the Hugo intros as always TGV! Cheers!
Killed it once again TGV, great video and intro! Hugo at his best 🦖
I don’t have the calculator watch, but I just bought a W-217 H today! This watch has the best backlight. I’ll watch any Casio videos you put out, as they are my favorite brand.
And I thought I was the only casio calculator watch geek, 🤣🤣🤣 great intro
I have the DBC32D-1. I bought it twice in fact as the first one got pretty much obliterated in the span of 2 years.
The second one lasted only 2 months before the bracelet failed. I find it funny that the watch has a 10-year battery
but it is unlikely that its case or bracelet will last more than 3 years. I've now given both new NATO straps and given
the cases a bit of a buff, So, good as new.. Sort of. The watch movements work flawlessly by the way. It is only the case and straps that don't last.
Thanks again for the videos TGV. They're always a pleasure to watch.
Thank you for recommending the other casio! Gonna buy it right away, its so much fun the delorian watch
Noticed that the top 50 watches design museum book , mis spells Casio on the title , but it’s correct in the article.
Ooooh I remember when it hit the market.... it’s a long time ago. I had on in the 80’s
When you said perfecting i thought you were gonna add a module with backlight. Awesome sports/fun watch... during the day.
I recently picked up a G-Shock DW-5600BB-1CR as a filthy beater watch... it's been on my wrist for nearly weeks now! :-D
Hi TGV
Good tip. Yes, the white model is very cool - making the watch appear even more as a pocket calculator.
In this price range it seems okay playing a little with things, modding. I saw a modding video where the World Timer (Casio Royal) was equipped with a green display and a brown leather strap. Made it look even cooler than the original...
Keep up the good work👍
So true. Aaaaaah yes, the Casio Royal, I bought one recently so I could see if I could recommend or not.
Amazing watch. I might have to mod that too.
Thank you Kjeld, I hope you are well.
Best regards,
TGV
Love your reviews, of course especially the intros, there are no other TH-camrs that put this much time and effort into their delivery. Superb, , Best wishes from London 🙏🏻
Thank you so much Matthew, deeply appreciate.
Best regards,
TGV
I've been neglecting my Casio collection, must rectify that. I'm an absolute sucker for a Casio square and will defo be wearing my calc watch tomorrow. Iconic.
I'm obsessed with my casio collection lol.
Great Scott! Fantastic video Sir!
This looks phenomenal. I might give this a try.
I liked when they came out with the new colors, but was very disappointed to see they all have a negative display. Hadn’t thought of swapping out the guts until watch this vid, but now am seriously considering buying one of the new ones and swapping out the negative display with the regular display of my original calculator watch. Thanks for the tip!
Hello Hugo! I knew replacing the negative module with a standard one from a black CA53 was inevitable after watching the review on the recent release of them in different colors. 😀
TGV I've literally just brought the f-91w....now I need this! I'm sure my wife won't notice!
Hello TGV. You are the greatest! I really needed this. My wife and I both enjoy them tremendously. You add so much fun to our life. Thanks.
The negative display is caused by a polarizing film on the display. You could just peel off the display and clean it off with some rubbing alcohol and you just saved $20.
I just purchased a G-shock GW6900-1. Can’t wait to get it
Mmmm.....I think I had a momentary lapse of reason. And I liked it....awesome intro as well as another really enjoyable video. I love calculating Casios
In the official music video for Games People Play by the Alan Parsons Project, Lenny Zatatek is wearing a Casio calculator watch. The song came out in 1980, the same year as the watch.
I LOVE ALL YOUR VIDEOS
I owe 2 Casio data banks! You should design your own watch idk just a thought I wish light was better on the data banks
I love the way TVG is not a watch snob. He can Rock a Daytona or a Casio. Thanks for the video. Cheers
Georgeous intro! 😂 So much fun! You never can have too many Casio models. I've the older Databank in my collection (DBC-32). I have been thinking about this newer release a few times. I might as well buy this one.
I'd be so tempted to also transplant the plexiglass screen and colored keypad onto the new white housing. Assuming that is even possible with a heatgun etc.
I keep trying to focus on the more up-scale watches, but I keep coming back to the incredible world of Casio! I’ve bought three of them in the last month or so (including the DW290!), and am still dangerously viewing them on their website. I don’t think I’ve ever really grown up...
Don't grow up Ethan, life should be about having fun, well, responsibly of course.
I try to focus on what makes me happy, when watch collecting or just in general.
Thank you Ethan, I enjoy comments like this the most. George Bernard once said "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."
Stay safe and enjoy what you can my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry Thank you for your good advice! And, thank you for the quote. I’ve always preached that same basic principle about exercise. We don’t slow down because we grow old. We grow old because we slow down. (with respect to physical activation) BTW, I like your new format. We all love watches, but it’s clear that you have more to offer the world than watch knowledge and expertise. Take care!
A+ TGV
My favorite basic Casio is the F108 with a nato of course, I wanna get my hands on a W218H both have the same module but different styling.
Hugo steals the show again!!
Nit a fan of these watches, but this video calmed me down after watching all the crazy news today. Thanks TGV.
Your passion for watches and your very informative and extremely entertaining videos, (love today's intro with hugo and Marti...very entertaining and nostalgic with the movies that I grew up with and still watch and adore today), have led me to this wonderful hobby...learning so much from you and loving this hobby more and more with each passing day...
Keep up the great work TGV...regards from Llandudno UK.
That's nice, the only reason I don't like this new release is the negative display
You can also replace the polarizing filter on the LCD screen which will save you having to dismantle another watch. There are plenty of tutorials on negative displays, its a simple case of the polarizing filter orientation either creating a positive or negative to the display colour.
Hugo intro’s are the best
Also great choice with the rubber strap, I think the CA-53W strap is probably the best light rubber strap on any watch out there, and I often consider buying replacements to put on other watches.
Beautiful and nostalgic!
Casio should also bring out a watch with LCARS design, would be cool.
Casio does seem like the best choice for such a look, and as a fan of old-Trek I'd certainly buy it!
I've watched your channel for years now. I spent today looking through your videos for inspiration for a watch to add to my collection and I've gone with a Hamilton Field Khaki King. I hope I've made a good decision.
Always enjoy your vids TGV. I recently watched one of your 'war room' ones. When I saw some of your DVD's my already high regard for you sky rocketed. Dad's Army, Alan Partridge...Ahaa!, Blackadder, Great British Railway Journeys and the superlative Bottom. I still can't believe Rik Mayall has gone, so sad. Stay safe my friend. Best wishes from the U.K.
Love that opening. That's absolutely something Hugo would do
Nice mod!! Much better than original. One thing that throws my attention, at 8:14 the page on book you show misspelled the Casio, it is written as "Cassio", what a shame!
Other famous ambassadors of this classic include Rajesh Koothrappali Astrophysicist at CalTech as well as Abed Nadir from “Troy and Abed in the mooorning”.
Not only does walter white have in the first half of breaking bad but also the joker from the dark knight when he is robbing the bank at the beginning. & as extra bonus, mike from stranger things Also rocks one of these. This watch really is a star
Ah my favourite film...love it TGV thanks...
Just shared this video in a reddit thread where someone was asking the other day about if this was possible so great timing!
I love the Marty mcfly. Had it a good few month now, and as you say the only thing missing is a back light. Even if they used a similar light to the 91w, would give it that 80s feel
I like the negative. Looks much sexier
Thanks I just did this to my green one!
I bought this recently and I adore the thing. Only three complaints- the watch strap is akin to getting your wrist waxed and constantly pulls hairs, I wish it had a countdown timer, and I wish it had water resistance. Other than that it's my favorite daily wear.
I find Casio negative displays frustratingly difficult to read in all but ideal lighting. Were I to pick up one of these this is the first thing I would do before wearing.
I just bought one of these. It gets delivered tomorrow.
My favorite intro yet lol
Love this matey!! Had a blue version with the negative screen . Could not see the time!!!!!!!!;) I will have a go at this!!!!!!!!
Thank you Russ, I so nearly got the blue too, you deffo have to do this now.
Anyways, loved your last video btw, that bezel segment, CLASSIC!!!!
As always, keep up the good work. I have had an idea for a collaboration, I will email you in a few days ;-)
Best regards,
T.
@@theurbangentry yes I’ve got one lying around! Excellent! Looking forward to it !
Doc: 1.21 Gigawatts! How do I get 1.21 Gigawatts!!?
Hugo: Hold my beer darling!
Hugo the time traveler hahah love the casio calculator watch. He is so happy to be to be going 88mph😉👍
Right?! The lack of a backlight was the ONLY shortcoming of the CA-53w. It would have been *Great* to finally get one!
Great video! It'd be really cool to see more Casio modding. Cheers!
Great video Tristano! I love your intros mate! You brighten up our lockdowns!
Grazie amico
I wish they resold the upgraded versions of the watch.
I mean there is various models that existed like the ones with the remote, scientific variants or even better do something and pack all those as one with modern tech.
It's totally feasible now to have a multi function one with graphing calc...
Short and sweet review!
I still prefer the original black one looks over this new ones, but the $50 one with that black strap from the original it’s gorgeous !
MJF didnt even wear the CA-53W In BTTF. He wore it in the sequel. In the first movie he wore the CA-50.
Hugo needs a sitcom... more like I need a sitcom about Hugo ...😶😶🦖💲💲💲
I like the mod video. Its a good direction for "Gentry in a Jiffy". That's heavy, TGV. LOL
I did a review on the red one. It seems to be European market only. It has one flaw, the color tone of the case and strap does not match up. Other then that, a very fun watch.
Great video. Id really like to see you reviewing a vostok amphibia and tinkering with it.😁
Great video, I love the retro/vintage/re-issue of Casio and Gshock watches. However I recently purchased a TIMEX LCA re-issue 80s style which I'm enjoying at the moment. The liquid crystal analogue display is great to look at.
I saw the first 15 seconds of one of your videos and had an unflattering impression of you. Then I watched a couple others in their entirety and you're a great guy. Subscribed and love the channel and this video is fantastic. Funny, passionate, yet understated, civilized and very informative, and I like your style with the subdued background music. Great work! Great content!
“Chocks away!” Lol hilarious!
I just did this. I have 2 old black watches with busted bands. Cheaper to buy a whole new watch instead of a band. Hated the black screen. Swapped it over today into a white body and it looks so much better. I couldn't figure out how to pop the guts out until I watched this video. Pry slowly with a small screwdriver and it pops right out.