To have a good time the fiftieth Anniversary of the CasioTron, Casio re-issued a devoted model of the unique QW02 — the Japanese firm’s first wristwatch.
Amidst the quartz disaster within the Seventies (an period when quartz grew to become wildly well-liked to the detriment of mechanical watches), Casio — which was based in 1946 and was a pioneer of digital calculators — determined to enter the timepiece enterprise.
Casio realized that by making digital watches, a sort of quartz timepiece, it may prolong the utility of the LSI (Massive-Scale Integration) expertise it had developed for calculators by incorporating it into watches. The Casiotron QW02 was Casio’s first-ever wristwatch, launched in November 1974. For reference, the Rubik’s Dice, a 3-D mixture puzzle invented by Hungarian sculptor and professor of structure Ernő Rubik, got here out the identical yr.
Along with being Casio’s first timepiece, the 1974 CasioTron Ref. QW02 was outfitted with the world’s first watch calendar that routinely adjusted for longer and shorter months (without having to reset the calendar on the primary of every month, not even throughout a intercalary year).
In 1976, Casio launched the X-1, which added stopwatch and world time capabilities to the calendar and time telling of the QW02. Quick ahead to 2024, and Casio launched the CasioTron TRN50-2A numbered restricted fiftieth Anniversary version, representing a visually devoted re-edition of the unique CasioTron QW02 from 1974 — with Casio’s newest technological enhancements.
The replica is a meticulous replica of the unique CasioTron, each in look and dimension. The exterior diameter is actually the identical, at 39.1 mm, and the profile measures 0.3 mm slimmer. You’ll discover touches of the unique all through this restricted version, echoing that first design together with the textured round machined sample on the highest case, nearly the identical metal bracelet, the darkish blue dial, the utilized metallic Casio brand, the metallic Casiotron brand, and quite a few different particulars.
The caseback options the identical image as the unique, barely up to date to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Casio watches, and for the fashionable remake, Casio put in a glass insert within the screw-in metallic housing, which is how the atomic radio antenna receives time sign updates. Every limited-edition timepiece is accompanied by an engraved serial quantity (XXXX/4000) on the caseback, which is a moderately massive quantity, however not when you think about the model has bought properly over 100 million watches.
On the wrist, the 39 mm diameter and conservative thickness of simply 12.3 mm, in addition to the diminutive 42.7 mm lug-to-lug measurement, wears considerably small however I discovered it to be simply massive sufficient to look good on my 7″ wrist. It ought to put on properly on a broad vary of wrists, not like a 36 mm watch which is extra acceptable for these with smaller wrists. Consolation-wise the 20 mm bracelet that tapers all the way down to 18 mm (and has 3 micro-adjustments on the clasp) feels nice, the whole weight of simply 111 grams feels substantial and high-quality however not heavy, and total the watch’s ergonomics are glorious.
Whereas the unique CasioTron was forward of its time with a built-in quartz perpetual calendar, the brand new CasioTron, like its predecessor is very superior for its time. Taking the already extremely correct battery-powered quartz, Casio added radio-controlled atomic time syncing to the brand new CasioTron, in addition to Bluetooth connectivity, which affords higher management of the watch and ultra-accurate automated time calibration. Bluetooth and atomic time calibration will not be uncommon inside the Casio, G-Shock, and Oceanus catalogs — however exterior of Casio (or smartwatches), few firms supply something this correct. (Accuracy: ±15 seconds monthly (with no sign calibration and cell hyperlink operate).
So far as capabilities, the CasioTron has a world time indication, a stopwatch, timer, countdown timer, alarm, hourly time sign, full auto calendar, battery show alert, 12/24-hour format, Date/month show swapping, Day show (days of the week selectable in six languages), and extra. In addition to common timekeeping: hour, minute, second, pm, month, date, day. One of many final conveniences provided inside the Casio ecosystem has been added to the CasioTron, which now has solar energy, which means gentle (synthetic or pure) enters by means of the translucent dial, and recharges the battery. CasioTron has a white LED backlight that mixed with the usual black LCD readout is sharp and simple to learn in all circumstances.
Verdict
Upon nearer inspection, at first, what may seem like a regular entry-level Casio timepiece, it turns into clear that is something however. The CasioTron fiftieth Anniversary Restricted Version (Ref. TRN50-2A) is a devoted replica of the unique, loaded with cutting-edge options and it seems and feels superb on the wrist.
In making the CasioTron into a contemporary mannequin, Casio has stored the outdated round textured (ribbed) end on the highest of the case, which isn’t precisely high-end they usually additionally opted for a mineral crystal on the dial facet as an alternative of the sapphire crystal, however they’ve nonetheless managed to ship a premium trying timepiece with a stable match and end, nice ergonomics, and the magic that so many manufacturers search for: nostalgia.
Whether or not remembering an outdated film, a particular place, your first automotive, or a watch from the Seventies — the previous is transcendent and might evoke an important feeling. When firms convey it again, the emotional enchantment could be irresistible to some.
Casio introduced again the unique and made it even higher, with Bluetooth, solar energy, atomic radio-controlled time syncing, and plenty of extra options, all inside an easy-to-use (4-button versus 1-button design) — and an aesthetic that’s arguably as good or nicer trying than the unique. So many occasions manufacturers mess up remakes, however this time Casio nailed it.
All 4,000 numbered iterations of this launch are bought out, nonetheless, should you’re dying to get one, yow will discover them on eBay — and we’ve heard there could also be one other related launch forthcoming.
It is a restricted version and the retail worth is $500.
Study extra about Casio’s fiftieth Anniversary right here.
SPECIFICATIONS:
CasioTron TRN-50-2A
Reference: TRN-50-2A
Yr: 2024
Whole Weight: 111 grams
Case Materials: stainless-steel
Case Diameter: 39.1 mm
Case Thickness: 12.3 mm
Lug-to-lug: 42.7 mm
Crown Diameter: No crown
Glass: Mineral Crystal
Motion: Japanese Quartz Module 3542
Depth Score: 50 meters
Bracelet: 20.5 mm/18 mm (3 micro changes/2 button launch)
