Casio AE-1200WH - review

Known as Casio Royale, I renamed it "il Padrino", because believe me, it's the Godfather of the affordable watches!

Casio AE-1200WHD-1AVEF

Its official name is Casio AE-1200WHD-1AVEF, but it has been nicknamed "Casio Royale", because it recalls the Seiko G757 5020 Sports 100, worn by actor Roger Moore as James Bond in the film Octopussy - operation octopus. Frankly speaking, I have never been a fan of James Bond, therefore, I didn't even have the faintest idea of its resemblance. I know that over the years, the charming secret agent has had, in addition to many beautiful women, the most iconic cars, suits, gadgets and watches, but I, as Casio lover and collector, didn't need 007's endorsement.

Bought on Amazon in March 2018 for 35.74 euros, this Casio was the second of my Casio vintage collection (10 pcs.), and perhaps the one that impressed me the most. The value for money of the "Godfather" (this nickname seems to me much more appropriate for it), is unbeatable.

Casio AE-1200WHD-1AVEF

I remember the sensation I had when I opened the box with excitement and, removed all the protective stickers and the Casio tag. A Joker-like grin spread like wildfire across my face, because just with one glance, I realized that the watch exceeded all my expectations. A positive characteristic of this Casio which I immediately noticed, was its incredible lightness (only 50 grams) perfectly balanced and supported by a remarkable firmness. This characteristic is the result of Casio's choice in the distribution of materials, for goodness sake, all very cheap, but which are sufficient in relation to the size and design of this model. Mine passed the MTB comfort test very well. And let's begin by describing the strap of this model, as cheap as it is light, resistant and robust. As we all know, Casio has always used very cheap types of stainless steel straps or bracelets and almost always suitable only for specific Casio models.

Casio AE-1200WHD-1AVEF

With the exception of some Casio and Casio Edifice models, it will be difficult to find a fancy and high-quality strap or bracelet on a Casio watch, such as a jubilee, oyster or Milano mesh bracelet. The strap of the AE-1200 is no exception. Its width is 18 mm in the upper part where the pin that locks the strap to the case is inserted, but which immediately becomes 24 mm with the first link going down, so that the strap is integrated better with the dial, thus making the bracelet more stable and secure for the entire watch. With a sea wave effect, given by the central links, the strap tapers down to the clasp.

Casio AE-1200WHD-1AVEF

The central links are empty and folded back on themselves, while the side links are filled. On the back of both links, we can read the band matrix number, which is S-1354DV. The steel of the clasp and hinges is of better quality than that used for the bracelet links. The clasp is a triple-fold clasp with engraved "Casio". As previously mentioned, Casio has wisely chosen the distribution of the different materials (resin, stainless steel and plastic) in order to ensure strength and lightness.

Casio AE-1200WHD-1AVEF

In fact, we have a resin case with very light acrylic glass, going down, the bracelet is in stainless steel and then, a folding clasp also in stainless steel but heavier than the entire watch. Regarding the case, Casio has opted for a square profile with sloping edges. With this simple expedient, Casio manages to reduce the thickness of the case, increasing the flattening effect of the dial, which makes the watch more comfortable on the wrist. The material of the case is resin and consists of two clearly visible parts. The outermost part, which is silver colored, contains the four side buttons for the different functions of the watch, whilst the black part on which the acrylic glass is assembled, is used as a spacer inside the display in order to make it clearly visible and legible, the different functions and options you are using. Furthermore, the dial, in perfect Casio style, shows the writings of the main functions that Casio believes may be of interest to its enthusiasts.

World Time is written on the top and outside of the case, whilst Illuminator is written on the bottom.

Casio AE-1200WHD-1AVEF

The dial is large and full of items. You can read, in fact, the written 10 years battery, WR 100M, 5 alarms, the name of the buttons mode, adjust, light, search and the inevitable name Casio. Backing for a moment to James Bond, now I finally understand the reason of a small analog digital clock at the top left, in a digital clock: it is the radar of the Seiko model of 007 (hahaha). The bottom of the case is in stainless steel with four screws, engraved with the number 3299 which is the quartz module of this Casio.

Casio AE-1200WHD-1AVEF

Versions

There are currently three versions of this model: the silver one, or mine, with a steel and silver colored strap, the black one, with a resin strap, and then there is the version with a silver colored case and black resin bracelet, the Casio 1200 -1CVEF.

Negative notes

Even this Casio has obviously its negative notes. The materials are in fact very cheap and, above all, the choice of acrylic glass and resin case makes the watch not very resistant to real shocks.

Also this model has a volume too low and, therefore, the alarms must be considered simple acoustic signals, perhaps useful as a memo, but not as an alarm clock. Finally, Casio manufactures this model in China, although several cheap steel Casio watches like this one, in addition to use a Japanese quartz movement, are also made in Japan entirely.

Casio AE-1200WHD-1AVEF

Specifications

• Case size (L× W× H) 45 × 42.1 × 12.5 mm;

• Case / bezel material: Resin;

• Stainless Steel Band;

• Triple-fold Clasp;

• 100-meter water resistance;

• Approx. battery life: 10 years on CR2025;

• Resin Glass;

• World time - Multi Time (4 different cities) - 31 time zones (48 cities + coordinated universal time);

• Stopwatch - 1/100-second stopwatch - Measuring capacity: 23:59'59.99'' - Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times;

• Countdown timer - Measuring unit: 1/10 second - Input range: 1 second to 24 hours (1-second increments, 1-minute increments and 1-hour increments);

• LED light: Light color Amber - Selectable illumination duration, afterglow;

• Button operation tone on/off;

• Accuracy: ±30 seconds per month.
  

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