u/Siilus

This week’s mod is a subtle nod, but also one of my most unique. IYKYK, but let me elaborate . . .

Why is the Casio AE1200 often referred to as the “Casio Royale?”

According to Google,

“The Casio AE1200 is nicknamed the "Casio Royale" because it strongly resembles the Seiko G757 Sports 100 watch worn by Roger Moore as James Bond in the 1983 film Octopussy. The moniker is a playful mashup of its look and a nod to the Casino Royale Bond film.”

So then, have you heard of the Q1200 by u/pipechap?

It was to be a custom Casio AE1200 case that mirrored the aesthetic of the Seiko G757, and still utilized the AE1200 module.

Unfortunately the Kickstarter never met its goal, and this didn’t come to fruition, although I’ve seen a couple of comments that he may try again in the future.

Until then, I decided to see what I could put together that’d be a close second.

I’d seen someone else post a mod, using a faceplate from RetroChrono on Etsy.

I reached out with the idea and they immediately knew what the Q1200 was! It was fun to work back-and-forth on this custom design. Tweaking some corners and color prints. They even went as far as suggesting and printing a custom crosshair to go over the dot on the analog clock.

I tried to find the same band as was being used on the Q1200 build, tried some different Amazon options, but I actually like the lightness and how it looks and feels on the stock resin strap.

Signature warm white LED mod, a metal eBay case, and this custom faceplate completes the build.

It’s subtle, but if you’re familiar with the AE1200 and were to glance at this watch, you’d immediately recognize that there’s something special about it.

It’s not quite the full Q1200, but I think I’ll call this one the RC1200 (RetroChrono).

Casio AE1200 - Amazon - $37 at posting (I used the module from a previously purchased AE1200WHD-1A)
Stainless Steel Case - eBay - $25
Custom faceplate - Etsy - $25+ (this was a custom design, so pricing was a bit more)

This week’s mod is a subtle nod, but also one of my most unique. IYKYK, but let me elaborate . . .

Why is the Casio AE1200 often referred to as the “Casio Royale?”

According to Google,

“The Casio AE1200 is nicknamed the "Casio Royale" because it strongly resembles the Seiko G757 Sports 100 watch worn by Roger Moore as James Bond in the 1983 film Octopussy. The moniker is a playful mashup of its look and a nod to the Casino Royale Bond film.”

So then, have you heard of the Q1200 by u/pipechap?

It was to be a custom Casio AE1200 case that mirrored the aesthetic of the Seiko G757, and still utilized the AE1200 module.

Unfortunately the Kickstarter never met its goal, and this didn’t come to fruition, although I’ve seen a couple of comments that he may try again in the future.

Until then, I decided to see what I could put together that’d be a close second

I’d seen someone else post a mod, using a faceplate from RetroChrono on Etsy.

I reached out with the idea and they immediately knew what the Q1200 was! It was fun to work back-and-forth on this custom design. Tweaking some corners and color prints. They even went as far as suggesting and printing a custom crosshair to go over the dot on the analog clock.

I tried to find the same band as was being used on the Q1200 build, tried some different Amazon options, but I actually like the lightness and how it looks and feels on the stock resin strap.

Signature warm white LED mod, a metal eBay case, and this custom faceplate completes the build.

It’s subtle, but if you’re familiar with the AE1200 and were to glance at this watch, you’d immediately recognize that there’s something special about it.

It’s not quite the full Q1200, but I think I’ll call this one the RC1200 (RetroChrono).

Casio AE1200 - Amazon - $37 at posting (I used the module from a previously purchased AE1200WHD-1A)
Stainless Steel Case - eBay - $25
Custom faceplate - Etsy - $25+ (this was a custom design, so pricing was a bit more)

I’d seen people do different builds with bronze and brass cases, and although I haven’t bitten the bullet on one of these more premium upgrades (there’s even the pricier SKXMOD bronze case), I decided to get a gold case from the same buyer I’d previously purchased a silver metal case from on eBay.

That’s my starting point with this build. I had no other vision than wanting to build something with a gold case.

Looking at the watch modules available, to compliment the gold I was deciding between a AE1300WH-8AV or a WS1600H-1AV.

The AE1300-8AV has some yellow text across the center of the faceplate, where the WS1600H-1AV has orange markers for the buttons, with an orange filter behind the seconds complication.
Considering the gold is pretty yellow, I opted to go with the AE1300-8AV.

Next, I began looking up complimentary colors. The “earthy tones and deep neutral” response I found wasn’t quite what I was looking for, so I redirected my query to the idea of crowns and jewels and thought a bright emerald green wound fit the build nicely!

Quick signature LED swap, green filter and the module is done.

Now, I’ll revisit those “earthy tones” and pick up the brightest brown band Vario carries for this watch style (with the 18mm lug width, jumping to a 24mm strap width).

I wanted to round this build out, down to the smallest detail! It didn’t seem adequate to use a silver buckle with a gold case, and as much as I wanted to use a deployment clasp, I could only find them with a polished finish, which contrasted with the case more than desired. So I chose a brushed gold buckle instead. I went with this particular one as it came with both a 2mm and a 3mm tongue, so I could find the right fit for the Vario band.

Up to this point, I feel my builds had been pretty cookie cutter, pretty straight forward. A band swap here, a metal case upgrade there. But this was the first one where I feel I asked questions each step of the way, to put together a piece that was unique, but also hopefully not too far off from how Casio might sell a watch like this, if they ever opted to make a gold metal AE1300.

Stainless steel gold case - eBay - $25
Casio AE1300 - Amazon - $29.99 ($37.01 at posting)
Green filter kit - JellyLab Watches - $9 ($12 at posting)
Russet brown leather strap - Vario - $32.00
Matte gold buckle - Amazon - $9.99

I’d seen people do different builds with bronze and brass cases, and although I haven’t bitten the bullet on one of these more premium upgrades (there’s even the pricier SKXMOD bronze case), I decided to get a gold case from the same buyer I’d previously purchased a silver metal case from on eBay.

That’s my starting point with this build. I had no other vision than wanting to build something with a gold case.

Looking at the watch modules available, to compliment the gold I was deciding between a AE1300WH-8AV or a WS1600H-1AV.

The AE1300-8AV has some yellow text across the center of the faceplate, where the WS1600H-1AV has orange markers for the buttons, with an orange filter behind the seconds complication.
Considering the gold is pretty yellow, I opted to go with the AE1300-8AV.

Next, I began looking up complimentary colors. The “earthy tones and deep neutral” response I found wasn’t quite what I was looking for, so I redirected my query to the idea of crowns and jewels and thought a bright emerald green wound fit the build nicely!

Quick signature LED swap, green filter and the module is done.

Now, I’ll revisit those “earthy tones” and pick up the brightest brown band Vario carries for this watch style (with the 18mm lug width, jumping to a 24mm strap width).

I wanted to round this build out, down to the smallest detail! It didn’t seem adequate to use a silver buckle with a gold case, and as much as I wanted to use a deployment clasp, I could only find them with a polished finish, which contrasted with the case more than desired. So I chose a brushed gold buckle instead. I went with this particular one as it came with both a 2mm and a 3mm tongue, so I could find the right fit for the Vario band.

Up to this point, I feel my builds had been pretty cookie cutter, pretty straight forward. A band swap here, a metal case upgrade there. But this was the first one where I feel I asked questions each step of the way, to put together a piece that was unique, but also hopefully not too far off from how Casio might sell a watch like this, if they ever opted to make a gold metal AE1300.

Stainless steel gold case - eBay - $25
Casio AE1300 - Amazon - $29.99 ($37.01 at posting)
Green filter kit - JellyLab Watches - $9 ($12 at posting)
Russet brown leather strap - Vario - $32.00
Matte gold buckle - Amazon - $9.99

Today’s mod is a little different.

As I’ve gotten into Casio watch modding, I had a friend from work who was helping her brother move, and one of the things that was headed to the trash was this MTP-1215 that wasn’t working.
She gave it to me, in the hope that I might be able to bring some life back into it.

It uses a snap back, something I’ve only dealt with once before, a couple years back. I got as far as removing the back, replacing the battery, and could never get the back reinstalled. I thought about taking it to a jeweler, but never got around to it. So it’s sat here on a nightstand, cracked open, for the last 2-3 years.

Knowing a bit more now, I did some research on case/crystal presses, and found one that seemed to be of a sturdy build at Harbor Freight of all places.
When I went to pick it up the sales person asked me a bit about what I was doing, and shared that he’s changed many a watch batteries, and even when you do everything right, he’s broke many a watch crystals. (what am I getting myself into!?!)

I also needed a new watch band.
Originally I had searched for the same bracelet that was on it when it was given to me. When I received it it was too small for my wrist, and didn’t come with any additional links. Searching for the stock bracelet or links though, I was only really finding it with the watch for $30-$40. I wasn’t opposed to the idea, but it also kind of went against the concept of reviving this particular watch if I was going to buy another whole watch just to steal the bracelet off of it.

Instead I found a decent leather band on Amazon. I also liked how the band had white stitching around the edge, to tie it back with the white face of the watch.
The internet told me the lug width was 20mm, which I could squeeze in there, but a 19mm fit much nicer.

Now, onto the battery. Opening the watch was no problem. I watched a couple videos on YouTube on how to use a watch press. Even still, it felt like the watch kept wanting to slide as I started to apply pressure, so I went about it carefully, making sure to hold everything in place and keep it aligned as I went, and was able to get the backs installed on both the snap back watches I had open!

With the new band, battery, and everything put together, this little beauty is ready to roll again.

Watch case press - Harbor Freight - $14.99
This was on clearance, and looks like it’s no longer available.
But if I were shopping now, I’d probably try one of these 1 2, as I wonder if the slipping I dealt with had to do with the upper arm being attached to the handle press itself.

Watch band - Amazon - $13.99

I’ve shared this one before, but wanted to catalog it in my timeline of mods.

This was my first mod using colored filters. I don’t think this would have been as successful if u/JellyLabLuke didn’t have videos of himself working through so many of his builds. It was easy to follow along with some 3M tape, Rodico to snag any dust, and otherwise it’s a solid, simple build.

I think that might be why so many people start with the space mods: it has enough pieces to feel a bit complex, and yields a well put together build in the end. The sense of accomplishment is out of this world!

The custom gradient is designed to resemble the exhaust fume of a rocket, based on his SpaceX Starship Staff Watches.
The moon decal is in lieu of the Artemis II mission around the Moon.
Then, there was this cool star decal I’d seen on one of Luke’s builds, that I added to the Alarm/Mute window.

I love the colors!
As with my other builds, I swapped the LEDs to a warm white, which I feel compliment the overall aesthetic nicely. Like spotlights on the launchpad, illuminating the rocket flames at takeoff.

If only I could find a way to make the moon actually 3D, so it’d have some depth to it.

In the coming builds, I start to bring my own creativity to each project, and they just keep getting more and more exciting!

Filters - JellyLab Watches
• Exhaust fume gradient - $9 (custom order)
• Moon - $9 ($12 at posting)
• Star Decal - $9 (custom order)

I’ve shared this one before, but wanted to catalog it in my timeline of mods.

This was my first mod using colored filters. I don’t think this would have been as successful if u/JellyLabLuke didn’t have videos of himself working through so many of his builds. It was easy to follow along with some 3M tape, Rodico to snag any dust, and otherwise it’s a solid, simple build.

I think that might be why so many people start with the space mods: it has enough pieces to feel a bit complex, and yields a well put together build in the end. The sense of accomplishment is out of this world!

The custom gradient is designed to resemble the exhaust fume of a rocket, based on his SpaceX Starship Staff Watches.
The moon decal is in lieu of the Artemis II mission around the Moon.
Then, there was this cool star decal I’d seen on one of Luke’s builds, that I added to the Alarm/Mute window.

I love the colors!
As with my other builds, I swapped the LEDs to a warm white, which I feel compliment the overall aesthetic nicely. Like spotlights on the launchpad, illuminating the rocket flames at takeoff.

If only I could find a way to make the moon actually 3D, so it’d have some depth to it.

In the coming builds, I start to bring my own creativity to each project, and they just keep getting more and more exciting!

Filters - JellyLab Watches
• Exhaust fume gradient - $9 (custom order)
• Moon - $9 ($12 at posting)
• Star Decal - $9 (custom order)

After learning about the AE1200, and specifically how versatile the case can be with so many different modules that can be interchanged, I found myself picking up any version I could find on sale!

As I was learning about different mods, I found a metal case on eBay that was cheaper than all the rest that I’d seen popping up.
I liked that the case still had the “WORLD TIME” and “ILLUMINATOR” text engraved into it, so it’d still keep that stock aesthetic, and would only be something you’d know was different if you were familiar with the models.

If I was going to do a stainless steel case, I should have an appropriate band to match! So I picked up an AE1200WHD-1A with the stainless steel band, so I could keep in line with it still being as authentic of a stock Casio build as it could be, yet still showcase the subtle and unique changes being made.

I had a variety of modules that’d fit in this case design, but had other ideas in mind for other builds (who hasn’t done a NASA mod?), so what direction should I take with the stainless steel case?

One of the watches I’d picked up was a WS1600H-8AV, the one with the green seconds complication, and I felt the green would add a nice touch of sophistication to the build.

With my newly acquired LED swapping and soldering skills, I started with that, a warm white LED mod to add that little touch of retro elegance to the watch.

A module from a WS1600, with a stainless steel steel case, and the stainless steel bracelet from an AE1200WHD-1A. This is my Sunday morning f1 watch. Go Mercedes!

Stainless steel case - eBay - $25
WS1600H-8AV - Amazon - $29.30 ($33.93 at posting)
AE1200WHD-1A - Amazon - $41.49 ($43.26 at posting)

I decided pretty early on in my modding journey, that I wouldn’t be happy if I cut corners. And the first hurdle I had to overcome was my apprehension with doing an LED swap.

As I’d been perusing around on the sub, I found myself checking out custom metal cases from The Lucky Shroom, and on their website they had this animation for their FLATHEAD that shows a nice warm glow.

I decided this was the look I wanted!
A little 1970’s refrigerator light. A nice warm/white glow.

I’d never soldered before, but found this video, and following along was eventually able to get my first watch done successfully!

I definitely struggled at first, multiple times over. But with every new watch, it seems to get easier and easier, with many watches now completed on my first attempt.

Some tips that help me be successful:
• I use 0805 SMD LEDs, not the 1206 used in the above video.
- I didn’t want to impact the battery or longevity of the build, simply change the aesthetic. So the 0805 seems to be the closest to what’s already used (the stock LEDs appear even smaller, but the next size down, the 0603, are way too small).

• I couldn’t tape my PCB down to my work mat, so this was a bump in the road at first, and the arms on those little watch repair kits were also too big to hold the tiny LEDs.
- I now use Rodico to hold the LED in place until I get the solder on there.

• I picked up a flat soldering iron tip as to get both sides of the LED desoldered at once.
- I’d seen some warnings about tearing the pads off the PCB, and this gave me some peace of mind that I wasn’t putting too much stress on one side or the other when removing the LEDs.

• When soldering, it would seem the solder points you’re trying to hit are:
- The square pads on the PCB.
- The metal pads on the back of the LED (I think I’d been trying to heat the solder onto the bottom corners of the LED. Which, if you had enough, would possibly make connection with the pads on the back, but I think this is where I kept failing in the beginning).
- Someone with more knowledge/experience is welcome to provide some clarity here.
- This has been working for me though since I started pulling the solder up from the pad on the PCB, ensuring it makes a connection with the pads on the back of the LEDs.

I think that’s about all! I hope this has been helpful to someone, and I’ll be back tomorrow to share me first AE1200 build.

Soldering mat - Amazon - $26.99
Pinecil soldering iron - Amazon - $39.99
Soldering iron tips - Amazon - $35.99
Solder paste - Amazon - $10.99
Solder wick - Amazon - $6.99
Rodico - Amazon - $12.95 ($16.66 at posting)
LED variety pack - Amazon - $5.98 ($6.89 at posting)

I decided pretty early on in my modding journey, that I wouldn’t be happy if I cut corners. And the first hurdle I had to overcome was my apprehension with doing an LED swap.

As I’d been perusing around on the sub, I found myself checking out custom metal cases from The Lucky Shroom, and on their website they had this animation for their FLATHEAD that shows a nice warm glow.

I decided this was the look I wanted!
A little 1970’s refrigerator light. A nice warm/white glow.

I’d never soldered before, but found this video, and following along was eventually able to get my first watch done successfully!

I definitely struggled at first, multiple times over. But with every new watch, it seems to get easier and easier, with many watches now completed on my first attempt.

Some tips that help me be successful:
• I use 0805 SMD LEDs, not the 1206 used in the above video.
- I didn’t want to impact the battery or longevity of the build, simply change the aesthetic. So the 0805 seems to be the closest to what’s already used (the stock LEDs appear even smaller, but the next size down, the 0603, are way too small).

• I couldn’t tape my PCB down to my work mat, so this was a bump in the road at first, and the arms on those little watch repair kits were also too big to hold the tiny LEDs.
- I now use Rodico to hold the LED in place until I get the solder on there.

• I picked up a flat soldering iron tip as to get both sides of the LED desoldered at once.
- I’d seen some warnings about tearing the pads off the PCB, and this gave me some peace of mind that I wasn’t putting too much stress on one side or the other when removing the LEDs.

• When soldering, it would seem the solder points you’re trying to hit are:
- The square pads on the PCB.
- The metal pads on the back of the LED (I think I’d been trying to heat the solder onto the bottom corners of the LED. Which, if you had enough, would possibly make connection with the pads on the back, but I think this is where I kept failing in the beginning).
- Someone with more knowledge/experience is welcome to provide some clarity here.
- This has been working for me though since I started pulling the solder up from the pad on the PCB, ensuring it makes a connection with the pads on the back of the LEDs.

• I use a small round toothpick to distribute the solder paste.*
- There are a bunch of tips and nozzles that come with the paste, but I just use a toothpick to dab into the tip of the tube, and pull out what’s needed.
- I then use that toothpick to place the paste on the square pads on the PCB, ready to be hit with the soldering iron.
- Lastly, I’ll also use the toothpick to clean up any leftover paste when finished.

I think that’s about all! I hope this has been helpful to someone, and I’ll be back tomorrow to share me first AE1200 build.

Soldering mat - Amazon - $26.99
Pinecil soldering iron - Amazon - $39.99
Soldering iron tips - Amazon - $35.99
Solder paste - Amazon - $10.99
Solder wick - Amazon - $6.99
Rodico - Amazon - $12.95 ($16.66 at posting)
LED variety pack - Amazon - $5.98 ($6.89 at posting)

* Updated 07/15/2026

A follow up to my post from yesterday, “my first mod.”

Here’s the trio of band colors I bought from RetrominWatches, and the gold F-91W I installed them on.

I’ve decided to start cataloging/sharing some of my Casio watch modding journey.

Around December, I was looking for a birthday gift for a friend of mine, a “watch guy.” As I searched for something unique, I found myself looking up two words: vintage & retro.

I found this “Vintage Seiko 5 Automatic men's Watch Green Dial Japanese” on Etsy, while also stumbling across another shop, RetrominWatches, who modded these “retro” Casio watches.

They were selling a gold F-91W, modded with a nato strap with matching gold hardware.
A bit of pizzazz with the gold, and the proposition of a unique experience with the matching gold hardware, and I was sold! (also, the Seiko seemed to be from another country, where I couldn’t actually complete that purchase)

There were options to buy the modded watch itself, or you could buy the bands if you wanted to take on the endeavor of swapping it out on your own.

At the time, the F-91W was on sale on Amazon for $17.97, so I figured, why not see if I can swap the band myself? It can’t be that difficult, right?

6 Casio F-91W later, and 6 bands (because if I’m building one for one friend as a gift, I might as well make one for all my besties, and . . . maybe a couple for myself), my journey has begun! I’ve always loved creating things, and this was much more financially feasible than the mechanical keyboard hobby I was starting to get priced out of.

Before I even swapped the bands on all the F-91W, I discovered the Casio AE1200 . . .

Here we go!

Casio F-91W - Amazon - $17.97 (price at posting $27.49)
Nato watch band - Etsy - $10.00

Casio F-91W screen protectors - Amazon - $9.99
Watch link removal kit - Amazon - $11.99

I’ve decided to start cataloging/sharing some of my Casio watch modding journey.

Around December, I was looking for a birthday gift for a friend of mine, a “watch guy.” As I searched for something unique, I found myself looking up two words: vintage & retro.

I found this “Vintage Seiko 5 Automatic men's Watch Green Dial Japanese” on Etsy, while also stumbling across another shop, RetrominWatches, who modded these “retro” Casio watches.

They were selling a gold F-91W, modded with a nato strap with matching gold hardware.
A bit of pizzazz with the gold, and the proposition of a unique experience with the matching gold hardware, and I was sold! (also, the Seiko seemed to be from another country, where I couldn’t actually complete that purchase)

There were options to buy the modded watch itself, or you could buy the bands if you wanted to take on the endeavor of swapping it out on your own.

At the time, the F-91W was on sale on Amazon for $17.97, so I figured, why not see if I can swap the band myself? It can’t be that difficult, right?

6 Casio F-91W later, and 6 bands (because if I’m building one for one friend as a gift, I might as well make one for all my besties, and . . . maybe a couple for myself), my journey has begun! I’ve always loved creating things, and this was much more financially feasible than the mechanical keyboard hobby I was starting to get priced out of.

Before I even swapped the bands on all the F-91W, I discovered the Casio AE1200 . . .

Here we go!

Casio F-91W - Amazon - $17.97 (price at posting $27.49)
Nato watch band - Etsy - $10.00

Casio F-91W screen protectors - Amazon - $9.99
Watch link removal kit - Amazon - $11.99

Pretty sure I snapped the tips off my spring bar removal tool, as I just can’t seem to get these things to budge.

It’s a new watch, just got it in the mail.

Wanting to play with a module swap, but the strap actually covers the backplate.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!