Upgrading the greatest watch of all time - Ultimate Casio Royale Mod

[@MikeSmith-er1qs]

You’re looking at this wrong Dave. You’re not putting $180 on a $20 watch…. You’re building a legit $200 watch with a $20 module. Simple and worth every penny.

[@zigmanzapolovich9048]

Exactly! Just think of all those 'great' proposition value quartz watches often overhyped. They all use $20 (or even less) movements and dress up the rest of the watch and many get way more than $200...here you get to take to mix, match and batch to come up with your own style...great observation Mike.

[@gomerasub]

It's not just quartz watches. The Sieko automatics movements are $50. You're paying $300-$400, or more, for a watch with a $50 movement. If you like the Casio Royale, these kits are great.

[@herrmoreira]

word

[@satyamsingh4653]

Don’t know about worth part though

[@treelineresearch3387]

@@gomerasub $50 is starting to get into the fancier cutout SII/TMI automatic movements at that, I've gotten NH36es for $35.

[@dmac1259]

So many people misunderstand. This isn't a poverty watch video. This is a video about making a nice custom $200-ish watch with a $20 Casio module inside which is a much nicer module than you would find in many more expensive Factory digital watches.

[@LymanPhillips]

Agreed. There are more expensive watches out there already that use cheap or cheaper modules. This allows you to use a really nice module and build your own watch from it. I'm not a bronze guy usually, but that bronze with the leather would be amazing.

[@corychecketts]

That bronze case is amazing. I started with Casios and Seikos, went to Tudors and Omegas, sold them and now I'm back into Casios and Seikos. Affordable watches really are the jam.

[@lilmoris1]

Indeed. I like luxury watches but there is nothing as boring as a PP, VC or AP

[@julienfroidevaux1143]

​@@lilmoris1Truth little fun to be had in most high end watch's

[@kabysummit5801]

I just got into the Casio and Citizen watches. Truth be told, we wear the watch for ourselves, to make us happy. I don't feel happier wearing a $5K watch vs a $50 watch. I do know though in the last month that I've had the Casio Royale in Black and Gold (just like the bronze color in the video), I feel smarter :)

[@g000se99]

Just picked one of these up, sits in the same case as my posh watches

[@rctaz990]

I'm a royale daily wearer. I would love these mods. Cool

[@jcm9698]

I bought this watch and the mod kit just for this reason. The original felt very cheap, but now it is one of my favorite watches to wear. I erased some of the text to give it a cleaner look, placed a yellow filter over the face, added a Vario band and it looks and wears great now.

[@BulldogBadger]

The fact people are willing to spend to spend upto 10 times more to modify these awesome watches should show Casio that they could make and sell “special editions” very easily and be profitable.. until then we can all be pretty unique and be safe in the knowledge that the chance of someone we meet wearing a modded watch exactly the same will be very slim

[@purplelord8531]

however, the fact that they don't makes me love the company all the more. yes the poor quality 'metal' variants are kinda skeezy (until you account for the price, that is) but otherwise casio has no delusions about what they are. mass manufactured, understated, reliable, consistently cheap. it's really funny because it's the opposite of what you'd think - they put labels and logos everywhere. but that's my take

[@mlhbrx96]

The bronze with the leather strap would have been an even better steampunk vibe!

[@Frank-qs3pe]

I own this watch as my daily beater for work and love it. Mine is olive green and black with black nylon strap. Dave your channel is great thank you for making us feel apart of the watch community. 👍

[@NikkiMcMistie]

This is the first watch I ever bought myself. It's so cool. Never dreamt it would have a dedicated modding community to it

[@xgford94]

6:59 yep that’s how mine is set up, polished SSteel on a Vario leather strap it’s so impressive and the ultimate travel watch

[@steven3379]

These are great and are absolutely worth it! I spent 180.00 on a (Kraniodesign) Sterile Bronze case & Sapphire version with no strap, I'm definitely going to get one of these! Thanks for sharing!

[@boxwoodgreen]

I bought three leather straps from Vario for my Royale's last year.They are beautifully made. And, with awesome customer service from Vario. I'm going to take a close look at the bronze case kit.

[@crBudgetWatches]

Those Vario straps for the Royale are amazing I don't care they cost as much as the watch they improve the look a lot.

[@davemerchant8788]

The bronze rides the mahogany Vario crazy horse bund beautifully 😁👍

[@boxwoodgreen]

@@davemerchant8788 My favourite of my three is Moss Green. Subtle, it doesn't come out and scream green.

[@IansModRite]

When I first started seeing these kits, I didn’t get it. Then I bought a World Time just because I saw one at Walmart and after spending some time with it, I understand and have been contemplating this mod ever sense. The 1200 is a super cool little watch and with the current prices of the kits, I’m not sure if you could get a much cooler digital for the combined price of watch and kit.

[@k.laszlo1304]

i own a TAG Heuer Formula1 and an IWC, but this one is my favourite of all. i really like your modifications, thanks for the video

[@vladpiranha]

The all steel Royale reminds me of the early 1980s when technology was the new luxury and James Bond wore a Seiko.

[@bensieber6960]

Wow - I finished this video and instantly ordered everything to build a bronze Royale, including a Vario strap!

[@mchandsome1]

Mine arrived today! Can't wait to get home, set it up and try it on

[@Sov92]

I've had a Stirling Silver case custom made for a royal. It's going to be a cracking watch when I'm done with it.

[@SamuelTyree1]

How did it go?

[@Sov92]

@@SamuelTyree1 it came out nicely. Got some nice tarnish on if

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

I'm used to swapping bezels etc but being able to swap the amount of parts like the case is amazing

[@dunderhay9169]

Mods that cost 5 times the original watch make no sense, but who cares, that bronze one looks fantastic 👍

[@Strideo1]

It just shows there's a strong fan following for these watches and market demand for a higher quality version. Casio is missing out by not offering metal versions of some of their classic digital watches.

[@dunderhay9169]

@@Strideo1 I agree, I've just bought the new gm2100c , because I liked the Casioak but wanted a positive display, metal case and nylon strap, they finally came up with my perfect G Shock 😁

[@dmac1259]

It makes perfect sense if you're doing it because you like the watch instead of just being cheap.

[@dmac1259]

​@@Strideo1 they do have metal versions of their clasic watches and some metal g shocks.

[@bryanbeckett869]

I like to think about it like it’s a watch you can keep forever, and if the insides die you can just replace them for £30.

[@jtmoore662]

I have two of these watches and kept telling myself they are awesome watches, if only you could get it in stainless. I also wanted a green band for it and found everything at the mod parts website. Dude thank you so much. Not only do I have my high end swiss watches, I really like wearing my Casio when I am out and about, especially when I am working out.

[@davemerchant8788]

I went with the sterile bronze case and put it on a mahogany Vario Crazy Horse bund strap. Awesome, right up there in the top 5 of a 30 + watch collection - love it 😁👍

[@Andrew-zr1jt]

Hello there , I'm thinking on getting the bronze edition ,how is standing time? Im afraid material is going to decay and getting much darker ,thanks.

[@davemerchant8788]

Hi. It is the nature of bronze that it will patina. It will be unique. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and i believe it is becoming more beautiful with time. I've since swapped the module for an ae1300, negative polarised and hydromodded. It only gets better. 😁👍

[@davemerchant8788]

...but in response to your original query. It isn't patina'ing particularly quickly. You can always polish it if that's your thing...

[@Andrew-zr1jt]

@@davemerchant8788 OK, I get it, thanks!!

[@chingpikot06]

This is so good!! I love the bronze because of that rugged look. Seriously considering doing this. Thank you for the video.

[@shatterstone3045]

Hi Dave, Something you can do for the full stainless steel version (the one that is authentic to the original) is you can get the part of the clasp that has the casio logo on it from the original clasp (it just uses spring bars) and put it on the new bracelet. That way you're getting the casio logo on the clasp if you want it.

[@JusttheWatch]

Good idea!

[@stephenhuber1079]

Dave, I like the design of the royale on your shirt, that would be a really cool mod. Using those colors and a FKM strap that has The Royale embossed on it. Great episode man, I love the mod episodes you do. Great work, and thank you. God bless.

[@JusttheWatch]

That wold be cool! Or like a black NATO with Orange letters!

[@mistadopeman]

I upgraded mine to black with gold. It’s pretty amazing now.

[@nickylancaster9746]

I love mine. I appreciate the fact the case and crystal are scratch proof.

[@seanlowkey9388]

Just did this mod today. All in i spent 123 including the oem (got it from Walmart.) this watch does feel like it’s worth $100 now. I purchased the bronze case as well. 160 is steep, but a titanium case would be cool.

[@calebnewton_]

Wow, I like the bronze version more than I thought I would!

[@kabysummit5801]

I just bought the Casio Royale recently. Love it. It's on my wrist all the time. I got the Black and Gold version, it looks a lot like the bronze mod you have. Not as nice, but still darn great.

[@daleycatch]

The white strap with white faceplate is so clean 💯

[@trulsdirio]

I just paid 113€ for the steel case with fkm strap and paid about 30€ for the Casio a few months back. So it will come out as a 145€ watch, with stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, fkm rubber strap, decent water resistance, all the complications you could need, a great look and a recognisable name on the dial. This is kind of a steal looking at it like this!

[@Goandomar]

It won't affect the water resistant or

[@yogiesupernova]

Those steam punk look make me wanna buy this casio.

[@doomsc-roller]

White strap + white dial looks sick!

[@AdAce21]

the bronze looks awesome. Love bronze watches. The first one (brushed stainless with the stock faceplate) looks great as well! But... either way I'd stick with the straps; digital watches on a metal bracelet always looks weird to me

[@nicosnose]

The intro music to this channels videos absolutely makes my day

[@marcgoulding5230]

Jays and Kays make very good adapters for the 18mm lugs, so that you can put any standard 20mm strap on it. I got just the head case from SKX - love it.

[@mohammedosman88]

Love my SKXMOD Casio Royale, amazing upgrade worth every penny - I have also added a vario strap.

[@ge48421]

I got the bronze case without engraving, it's completely sterile. I wanted a bronze watch to find out whether I like the material, and this is a relatively inexpensive way to experience bronze compared to buying, say, an Oris bronze watch. I like it so far. The FKM rubber straps are kind of long, if you have a 6.5 inch wrist a Vario leather strap may work better for you.

[@Andrew-zr1jt]

Hello there , thinking on getting the bronze edition ,how is standing time? Im afraid material is going to decay and getting much darker ,thanks.

[@ge48421]

@@Andrew-zr1jt It definitely got that darker old bronze look. I live in a very dry climate, the patina formed slowly. If you live on the coast things may turn out differently. I believe you can remove the patina quite easily (google it) and start again. The look is OK, but I don't think I would spend money on a luxury watch with a bronze case.

[@RS-pz2yb]

The 2nd last one on the leather is fire, need to get myself one of these

[@wallytuber]

I like that casio watches offer excellent value for money. I don't feel guilty spending under $50 for these watches. I'll keep mine original.

[@gyrfalcon7332]

If you jays and kays adapters for the ae1200…you can wear whatever straps you want. Same adapters also fit ae1300.

[@7775Kevin]

Thanks for this. I had no idea how these mod kits worked. This is the first video I’ve found that shows it being done. I appreciate your work. Subscribed.

[@treelineresearch3387]

These SKX Casio mod kits cost more than most of my automatic watch builds have but it's such a fun idea and these are such solid utility watches I might spring for one.

[@FerdinandZebua]

I wish this intensity of enthusiasm for the Casio Royale, and for creating mods for the platform, could also be translated to other ultra-affordable Casio lines. Such as to the MRW-100 series (the analog-face plastic beater watch), and to the Casio Databank/calculator watch series.

[@robstammers7149]

Just bought my Casio Royale digital classic. And I can't wait to fully mod the case and possibly the strap, yeh I know the cost is high, but this classic will last longer. Regards Rob.

[@GabrielA-je2fl]

It's worth it, you are adding more value to your watch ❤

[@rhenmerchant5715]

I just purchased the SKX mod for the bronze, with black strap and bronze buckle and "gold" case back. Total was about $250 not including the watch from Amazon at about $35..

[@LymanPhillips]

That tracking shot into the bronze version was the bees knees. I'm gonna start calling you Kubrick!

[@JusttheWatch]

Ha ha. I just bought a motorized slider... This was the first video I used it in!

[@robertask9027]

The best watch channel ever!

[@anilmuktavar8424]

Thanks DAVE. Your very idea to upgrade a Casio Royale is fascinating and applaudable. Very interesting and appreciable.

[@derbagger22]

I have that red Vario leather strap on my gold AE-1200. It's a really elegant nerdy look, lol...

[@arkaitzplaza1540]

The comment about Casio straps is so true, both my DW 6900 and the Casio Duro kept working fine but after a few years the resin bands became brittle and eventually they snapped

[@Oldbmwr100rs]

The replacement Casio bands are almost the cost of a new watch! It's kind of annoying because I have a couple $20 casio analog watches i've used for work so I don't ruin one of my good ones, and i really prefer the cheap watches, but the bands start to crack!

[@primerak]

the bronze with the vario leather would look awesome

[@timetowatch_francois]

I was pleasantly surprised to like the leather strap version you created. Nice combo! Thanks for sharing!

[@holloway_btw]

Damn that steel and leather look is on FIRE! Very nice

[@addy405]

A watch without solar can never be the bnest digital watch

[@kabysummit5801]

solar and quartz are made for each other! 10 year battery though is the next best thing.

[@princedasilvasantana6888]

I had an all-metal Royale and I sold it, I regret it bitterly, I need to bring it back to my collection urgently, this watch is beautiful!

[@Silentjackll]

I started out in love with mechanical watches. I find myself now owning more quartz watches then anything else, by a large margin. I find them far more comfortable and just more convenient. I'm starting to look at these digital the same way. As far as find good bracelets for casio. You ain't kidding when you said its hard to find them. But when you do find them. They are like the final puzzle piece for a lot of casios. Lately I've been finding end links that fit all my dress casio watches. Would you be surprised to find out that a rolex submariner oyster bracelet fits one of my favorite low cost casio, the Edifice EFV-100D? I was shocked and overjoyed at the same time. It completely changed the look of the watch. I believe you reviewed this watch awhile back.

[@WatchesChecked]

Quite costly, but the outcome!! Amazing showcase as always, Dave!

[@marcuslieberman3577]

Great Video Dave! I want to do this mod in the worst way. The World Time is a classic. Why not upgrade and have a little fun at the same "Time". As a Watch Enthusiast I would spend $200 on a unique watch. After seeing the bronze, now I have two mods to do, Damn it Dave. 🙂

[@Atombender]

I really love the white one, although it doesn't match too well with the silver case. Maybe black wheel paint will do the trick.

[@strinity511]

I feel like the people complaining about the cost of the mod compared to the cost of the watch says nothing. I'm doing this because I love the watch but hate the cheapness of it. So if you like me have the means and love the idea of a cool little project then yes, this is worth it lol.

[@Paperfiasco]

I’ve been really mulling over doing this with my Royale, but I want to stick with the stock look; so silver with black rim around the crystal. This really helped give me a better look at the results I could expect if I pull the trigger, thanks so much for the insight!

[@thetruebatman4632]

Well that settles that. I’ve had the polished metal case in the shopping cart for probably a month lol.

[@mmartinez3619]

Outstanding review! Thank You

[@KabobHope]

With the SKX becoming less available this is something interesting.

[@baandoptager]

I just got a Kranio design (Steel) a couple of weeks ago and it gives them a much cleaner, blockier and rougher loook. By far the hottest improvement of the design available. Would kill to get the Damascus steel version thoe it's $400+. Absolutely love mine. Prefer that over any of these since these SKX mods still look plasticcy, tho I might still try do one of these just for the heck of it.

[@nicolobraghini1546]

Hi do you know if Kranio design sells a brushed steel case? (Same finishing as the original strap)

[@baandoptager]

@@nicolobraghini1546 He doesn't but he''ll give the bracelet same treatment. But you can also just ask him on instagram. He might be able to.

[@baandoptager]

Or get the Damascus steel one but that's 450.

[@Andrew-zr1jt]

The Damascus is something beautiful but yes price hurts , anyway would be something unique!

[@GlynDwr-d4h]

In my opinion, watch collecting actually becomes fun when you stop chasing expensive watches.

[@Relumer]

That bronce case is so lovely! Thank you for sharing. I also like to do mods on Casio watches. Cheers from Spain.

[@robertstates]

Dibs on the polished model!

[@mmrahman82]

Damn, not gonna lie, I'm really digging the red leather strap with the polished metal case. Really does give it a very unique look. Wonder if it would look good with a brushed metal or in a dark metal grey case, providing SKXMOD do those cases.

[@PokemanOkie]

It's so nice, I think even Kevin (Mr Wonderful) would wear it.

[@vladislaviliev7579]

I ordered red Vario strap as well, now wonder which case to get - polished engraved, polished sterile or maybe some other, bronze could also work..

[@mmrahman82]

@@vladislaviliev7579 nice, let us know what case you go with.

[@Ta_nuz]

Splendid exhibition of combinations there. Neat!👍

[@scifisoldier]

This looks awesome. Think I'm gonna do a set of three with all my kids

[@gelloyangsteryang6481]

the dress royale looks so so amazing. it's what i imagine leonardo decaprio would wear if he was driving a 90s sports car

[@OFD]

Absolutely awesome video!😎🤙I always love replacing the term "cheap" with "inexpensive".

[@surajsingh3783]

Love the watch man ship it to India 😇❤

[@jonathanmuller5328]

Makes no financial sense at all but like modifying a honda civic, you will love it and remember it when you've moved on. Fabulous.

[@dmac1259]

You are turning it into a more valuable watch that has even more value for the money than an off-the-shelf watch because you have customized it fit yourself. This makes excellent Financial sense compared to getting a non customized watch of the level of quality that you are raising the Casio up to. This is like buying a Ford Taurus and then upgrading it to a Toyota Corolla fit just for you for the same total cost or less of a stock Corolla.

[@rodg2335]

It's funny. Some commentators say they wouldn't spend money on a 20 dollar watch. Don't they realize that VERY many name brand watches costing hundreds of dollars have less than 20 dollar movements. Same things here I say, and you get some satisfaction of having a small part in the build. I have several Kranio, US made cased Casios, and they are among my favorites.

[@dmac1259]

Exactly, people don't realize that inside a watch that they paid hundreds for is a 20 or $30 automatic movement stuffed in a case the costs even less. When we talked about quartz movements we're down to single-digit dollars. You can get a quartz miyota movement for like three bucks or probably less.

[@talega1]

I paid $16 for my new Casio.....and the most important factor is the price......forget about more $$$.....out of the box and done. I liked your mod w shiny finish and leather.

[@onemph05]

I like the polished case to pair with a rubber strap.

[@daveyoder9231]

Wow! Neat set of options that I didn't know existed. Thanks for the review!

[@anthonytautu6678]

ok looks like i just have to get it,my watch collection is growing ,good work thankyou.

[@samfadel4997]

6:56 leather strap looks cool

[@Aetila]

I like the GREEN map lol, so now I had to order 2 C.R.-s, one with the green map and the one normal silver C.R., I'm going to switch the modules. I'll try to find a "bumper" wire to protect the plastic case (for now, the SKX case is a bit expensive for me)...I planned to put a color filter on it but I'm not sure what will happen with the display contrast, the filter should be under the glass, but that's a job for a pro, also, it should only be at one area. Thanks for all the tips and the presentation, it's crazy how Casio nailed this one, pity that they didn't realised that it would deserve a 10 Bar w.r. steel case.

[@BandrewScott]

Fantastic video, and I gotta say, it is taking everything in my soul to not go buy a bunch of those mod kits. Thank you for sharing this Dave and letting us live vicariously through you.

[@sayeedalsifat1308]

Just bought a Royale for about 23$ bucks for a daily beater and have been absolutely loving it! Trying to find a Nato to throw on it and it'll be perfect

[@12801270able]

Try the Bond nato. If you can find the faceplate with the gold/brown lettering on it to add onto your watch, it'll work even better with the Bond nato with the gold strip on them.

[@adibee88]

Absolutely Loved These Builds!! For The Rings of Power Series, I'm going for the Good Guys, The Elves seem the under dogs. Your watches however, have me rooting for SAURON!😈😈 SKX MODS elevated the ae1200wh. Then YOU, elevated that level!!🔥🔥🔥

[@bmjames]

If you think the bronze case mod isn't worth it the extra cost, consider that there are people who will spend an extra $15000 to get the gold case version of a watch that otherwise costs $5000.

[@jeffshaw4039]

I think I'm going to get the bronze case. I like the look, too.

[@philtullos3823]

Hey, Dave. I find this utterly preposterous, me. The Royale's greatness is, in my mind, inseparable from its price and spending $200 or more modifying it doesn't really result in a watch that's worth $200. I'd much sooner spend that money on something other and let my Royale be what it is. Having said that, I do still intend to get a leather strap like yours for my "metal" Royale, and erase some text inside and out. I'm happy that you're happy, though. ✌️❤️⌚

[@dmac1259]

Well that's your problem there, it's a great watch seperate from the price. Also modding a watch with $200 worth of parts does indeed add $200 to the value of the watch. Just like when someone spends a significant amount of money adding aftermarket mods to their vehicle. The vehicle is worth more than a standard off-the-shelf model.

[@philtullos3823]

@@dmac1259 That's the other way of looking at it, to be sure. I love you and I want you to be happy. ✌️❤️⌚

[@KapteinFruit]

I really liked the bronze one with the black strap. I wish they had bronze straps as well, but I didn't see any at first glance. Maybe too expensive too manufacture such small pieces in bronze.

[@artkingofwholefoods74]

This looks like SO MUCH FUN! I’m gonna MOD mine!

[@johnny6171]

How fun! Really enjoyed the video! Thank you, my Brother!

[@muppet1011]

The bronze case with a brown leather strap would be amazing

[@lxst7602]

Is it just me or is anyone else also seeing that jittery "MIN" on "ILLUMINATOR" @ 7:36?

[@-_--le3zk]

Yeah just noticed

[@halfpastblog]

Enjoyed this video immensely. I've never been a big fan of this watch but with these upgrades I think I could be.

[@basicforge]

It would be great to have a kit for the Royale that makes the watch slimmer and more of a dress watch. That would be a nice option for a great module. 🙂

[@jayfra100]

Great options listed here and really loving the leather / polished steel combo. Is that the MERLOT oiled leather VARIO strap ?

[@WristwatchAddiction]

Fantastic watches! One of my favorites. Wearing mine now as a matter of fact. Definitely trying some of their mods for the Royal. Did a mod on the CasiOak & love it so this is definitely on my list! Great video Dave!