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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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. 👍

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@rctaz990]

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

[@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.

[@chingpikot06]

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

[@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!!

[@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

[@mchandsome1]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@bensieber6960]

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

[@vladpiranha]

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

[@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!

[@robertask9027]

The best watch channel ever!

[@rangersmith4652]

I just took delivery of an AE1200WHD-1A, the silver-painted stainless bracelet version, on Amazon USA for under $40. Such a cool watch. Keeping it on the factory bracelet for now, pretty comfy and easy to size with a good range or micro-adjust. Very likely to become my new daily. Love the bronze kit, but with black rubber? Nope. It needs a matching bracelet or an aviator-style leather strap in tan or brown.

[@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.

[@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.

[@nicosnose]

The intro music to this channels videos absolutely makes my day

[@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

[@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.

[@timetowatch_francois]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@WatchesChecked]

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

[@anilmuktavar8424]

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

[@GabrielA-je2fl]

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

[@Relumer]

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

[@holloway_btw]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@mohammedosman88]

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

[@RS-pz2yb]

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

[@nickylancaster9746]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@mmartinez3619]

Outstanding review! Thank You

[@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. 🙂

[@doomsc-roller]

White strap + white dial looks sick!

[@derbagger22]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@calebnewton_]

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

[@Hamlock_Maneuver]

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.

[@gyrfalcon7332]

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

[@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!

[@jayfra100]

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

[@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!

[@johnny6171]

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

[@daleycatch]

The white strap with white faceplate is so clean 💯

[@scifisoldier]

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

[@daveyoder9231]

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

[@Ta_nuz]

Splendid exhibition of combinations there. Neat!👍

[@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..

[@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.

[@OFD]

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

[@anthonytautu6678]

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

[@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.

[@halfpastblog]

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

[@primerak]

the bronze with the vario leather would look awesome

[@robertstates]

Dibs on the polished model!

[@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.

[@KabobHope]

With the SKX becoming less available this is something interesting.

[@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

[@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

[@thetruebatman4632]

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

[@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!!🔥🔥🔥

[@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.

[@artkingofwholefoods74]

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

[@samfadel4997]

6:56 leather strap looks cool

[@onemph05]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@mistadopeman]

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

[@yogiesupernova]

Those steam punk look make me wanna buy this casio.

[@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. ✌️❤️⌚

[@konstantinavalentina3850]

for cost of mods plus the watch, you can get casio g-shock? Not sure how they compare side by side, but it might be interesting if there is a comparison vid (I have not looked to see if there is on your channel).

[@bongkem2723]

the best mod for Casio Royale ever !!!

[@tuckerhurley6313]

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

[@penguin_edits]

he did

[@artswri]

Great review as always, thanks!

[@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.

[@jouwenlee7829]

Very nice mod! Thanks for sharing yours.

[@richardmcginnis5344]

why do you need to take the band off if you're gonna be using the module only?

[@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

[@Kevinjimtheone]

The red and blue strips are straight fire, ngl. I was on the fence on getting the Royale because I already got the A500, but not I have to get the mod.

[@DanielDupriest]

Your watch footage is always gorgeous! Can you tell me the camera and lens you use for your closeup shots?

[@JusttheWatch]

Thanks! I use a Panasonic Lumix G9 Camera. For Macro shots I have an Olympus 60mm F2.8 Macro lens. I just got a motorized slider that I was playing around with in a few shots in this video. The one where the camera was moving towards the bronze watch passed the steel one I was using a wide angle 9mm Panasonic lens.

[@antonisisk1189]

Is there an extra mod for the dials to look yellowish with the map green, in the bronze case?

[@saevans63]

Nice mods. I might mod one of mine at some stage. I do like the bronze case. Looks great with a bit of patina