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.

[@erdnadre7566]

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 :)

[@mlhbrx96]

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

[@rctaz990]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@MrPINKFL0YD]

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

[@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!!

[@bensieber6960]

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

[@GabrielA-je2fl]

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

[@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!

[@vladpiranha]

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

[@robertask9027]

The best watch channel ever!

[@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!

[@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. 👍

[@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

[@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.

[@doomsc-roller]

White strap + white dial looks sick!

[@anilmuktavar8424]

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

[@primerak]

the bronze with the vario leather would look awesome

[@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.

[@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.

[@timetowatch_francois]

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

[@KabobHope]

With the SKX becoming less available this is something interesting.

[@calebnewton_]

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

[@derbagger22]

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

[@mmartinez3619]

Outstanding review! Thank You

[@anthonytautu6678]

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

[@Ta_nuz]

Splendid exhibition of combinations there. Neat!👍

[@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

[@muppet1011]

The bronze case with a brown leather strap would be amazing

[@robertstates]

Dibs on the polished model!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@yogiesupernova]

Those steam punk look make me wanna buy this casio.

[@VARIOeveryday]

Looks like a great Mod

[@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.

[@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!

[@jcaam8094]

Not sure I would spend several hundred dollars on a $ 20.00 dollar watch.

[@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.

[@johnpetersen2314]

This is amazing thanks bro.😮

[@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.

[@jouwenlee7829]

Very nice mod! Thanks for sharing yours.

[@jayfra100]

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

[@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

[@greenchilaquiles]

No way I could do this mod, I couldn't swing it without leaving a speck of dust on the inside given that i live in a super dusty part of the country. It would drive me insane

[@TheOneInsurancePH]

very surprised that the dress royale looks really good...damn

[@animus444k]

Can you really call yourself a watch nerd without building your own custome watch?

[@chingpikot06]

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

[@surajsingh3783]

Love the watch man ship it to India 😇❤

[@danaross]

Awesome. Thank you.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Rfpepe7295]

I absolutely love these mods, but I’m afraid the price will keep me from doing it. Spending $200 on a$20 watch is hard to fathom. I have to admit the Bronze is incredible

[@NeoWahNah]

The module is solid. That's essentially what you're paying for. Very similar to a luxury or entry luxury brand using ETA or Sellita.

[@Fractal_blip]

​@NeoWahNah I wonder if you can gussy up the dw5600, although now that I am writing this, that makes absolutely no sense. I'll post the comment for the algorithm tho

[@NeoWahNah]

@@Fractal_blip 🤣

[@KernowEDC]

This video is brought to you by… Durex 😂 Jokes aside, great vid!

[@jessedeville]

If SKXMod could do a brushed metal case to match the bracelet then I would definitely get one.

[@ABenAndHisDog]

These are SO COOL.

[@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

[@dthoma128]

Great video! Thanks.

[@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.

[@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

[@EricJacobusOfficial]

My only issue with this watch is I always tend to bump the world time button and then have to push it 1-3 more times to get the local time.

[@ma9ical1]

I never received my SKX mod and never got a refund. So be warned

[@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.

[@tactofu]

I wish they'd come out with a kit for the A168. I bet they'd make a killing.

[@SKXMOD]

Variant of that in progress!

[@tactofu]

@@SKXMOD Excellent news!! Hope it's coming soon, I'll keep an eye out! 😊

[@captainbungee]

A1000M anyone?

[@nicolobraghini1546]

​@@SKXMOD I'll buy one instantly when it goes on sale! A168 with metal case is the ultimate watch for me

[@mistadopeman]

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

[@mnky75]

I've got a "Gold" one, it looks Bronze. Saying that, I might get the bronze kit as it has Sapphire, and it does look better.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@lxst7602]

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

[@-_--le3zk]

Yeah just noticed

[@WatchesChecked]

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

[@joemoco7]

Oh no! Where'd the Daiso calipers go?? 😮 Things are getting legit' 😝

[@cdeaker]

I wish the makers of the mods offer something compatible with the Casio w800h - very similar shape & size but it’s not possible to use the mods, only straps work

[@OFD]

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

[@nobinobiboyz6931]

Epic!!

[@thetruebatman4632]

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

[@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.

[@lulul]

illuminator must be a casio trademark too.

[@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. 🙂

[@jaydeeppawar1720]

Mine is working from past 11 years without any issues

[@jaydeeppawar1720]

Only the straps broke off

[@thewoodstrider]

Hey Dave ! Great video man ! I was looking to buy a new watch and came across your video !! And I must say I fell in love with the royale ♥️ it’s an amazing watch ! Btw I also live in japan , in the kanto area do you know , how about you ? I’ve look out the web site with the mods and I liked one in particular that is totally black and have the numbers and time in orange , do you know how to build that one ? Looking forward to talk to you ! Big hugs !

[@mrod3832]

Thanks, that was interesting. Are these kits produced by Casio or someone else? I'm now waiting for my black Royale with a green map to arrive. I presently like it as is without any upgrades, but when it gets a lot of visible wear and tear, then maybe I'll think about it. But I have a big watch collection right now, so I'll probably won't wear that one too often to slow its aging.😅

[@gglamorose]

Bravo encore pour votre vidéo, j'adore votre TEE SHIRT pouvez vous me dire ou l'acheter PLEASE

[@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!

[@Kakashi-hm4bq]

not too sure, upgrading affordable watch to something wt cost of bezel USD150+, ?

[@tuckerhurley6313]

Curious why you didn't use the full metal bracelet on the full metal/sapphire part?

[@penguin_edits]

he did

[@marcelodelpuerto395]

I wouldn't wander far from the original black or go with the white with good quality color matched rubber straps. But here's an unpopular opinion, paying as much for one of these kits as a complete Seiko 5 is a bit of a stretch. I'd love to see a more affordable alternative,

[@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..

[@vinishshetty8055]

Can this be done to a Casio Pathfinder/ Protrek. I bought a protrek PRW T-3500 with titanium bracelet however the body is resin, I would really like to change the body and glass to metal and sapphire. With 200meter water resistance and solar charging you cant ask for more.

[@urielalbertosanchezm]

$ 180 dlls for the Best Casio with the best upgrade

[@Bulgar1us]

Inscriptions on a watch, like illuminator, 10 years battery live and more its soo dumb and ugly.

[@nineteenninetyfive]

I do not understand why metal digital watches are so expensive.

[@lulul]

i almost answered that the stainless steel cases are more expensive but then it just clicked that casio themselves have the duro and tons of other analog watches with SS cases and bracelets for around 50€ including some square-ish models. so, why do the digital casio SS models cost so much? maybe it´s all the extra buttons and keeping them watertight but i don´t think that justifies it.. there are some armitron models with a stainless steel case that are more affordable but that´s about it..

[@dmac1259]

The watch industry as a whole is a giant rip-off. Since watches can be easily mass-produced for almost no money and the end product is extremely accurate marketing and charging more because they can is how the industry stays afloat. Do you really think it cost Casio that much more to make a G-Shock than it does for them to make an illuminator? There's a model of Seiko automatic watch that is two or three hundred dollars depending on where you shop and what day it is and there is an Invicta automatic watch just like it with the same movement they bought from Seco that you can find for $60. The more expensive the watches the bigger the riff-off it is.

[@spookmineer]

Trying to figure out what exact model number has the green world map. I ordered one which showed a green world map, but when I got it, it was the grey version. It doesn't contrast very well with the LCD time zone in some lighting conditions. [edit] Found it, it's AE-1200WH-1B.