1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s - 20s
1980
W-100
100-meter water resistance for use in water sports
This watch had the rigid resin case, but with 100-meter water resistance. Its comfortable fit and lightweight design made it great for swimming and other water sports, and it also had a stopwatch, timer, and other functions useful for athletes. Even powering all this functionality, the battery life was still great, at about five years.
1980
C-80
First calculator-style Casio watch
This wristwatch incorporated a keypad the user could operate with a fingertip, leveraging original Casio miniaturization technology. In addition to doing all you would want in a watch, it offered all four arithmetic operations to eight digits. Even further, the Finger Touch System (FTS) circuitry could electronically determine the likely intended key when the user pressed two or more at once. Reinterpreting accidental input to grasp what the user meant to do — this was a truly conscientious design touch of the sort only Casio, a calculator maker, would think of. This timepiece was a milestone in both multifunctional watch development and wearable calculator design.
1981
J-100
Jogging watch with pace-setting function
This sports-oriented timepiece was created just in time for the worldwide jogging boom. Helping joggers keep their desired cadence with an electronic signal, the watch could also measure required time, distance, number of steps/strides, and average speed if the user specified stride length. It also displayed lap times down to 1/100 of a second. Rigid resin was used to allow for a lightweight, colorful design. From athletic-minded younger fans to health-conscious older users, joggers of all ages loved this watch.
1982
T-1500, T-2000
Digital watches with English-Japanese & Japanese-English dictionaries
Casio leveraged original LSI technology to develop a CPU capable of running English-Japanese and Japanese-English dictionaries on these digital watches. The T-1500 included English terms and phrases at about the level of a junior high school graduate, while the T-2000 went further with terms and expressions for travelers and businesspeople. Needless to say, all the desired basic watch functions were included, as well. Another new step for Casio — a “walking dictionary” that changed the time-telling wristwatch into a wearable information device.
1982
DW-1000
Diver’s watch with 200-meter water resistance
Designed to perform as a diver’s watch, this was the first Casio digital watch to deliver 200-meter water resistance. The stainless-steel, screw-lock case back ensured a water-tight seal. Paired with a top bezel made of resin, this made for an all-around heavy-duty design. Even when using the stopwatch or timer functions, the watch also separately displayed the current time, a highly practical feature. More than ready for intensive use, it also had long-term stamina, with a battery life of around seven years.
1982
TS-1000
First wristwatch with a built-in thermometer
The TS-1000 could tell the temperature, another first for a wristwatch. It employed a fine ceramic semiconductor called a thermistor to sense changes in temperature. The alarm function even notified users of temperatures above or below specified ranges. Despite the greater number of components, the watch was still an easy size to wear, thanks to the new single-chip microprocessor and high-density mounting technology. This also ensured low power consumption, providing for a roughly three-year battery life.
1982
AQ-500 (Janus)
First Casio analog-digital combination watch with three hands
Offering both a digital display and an analog display complete with hour, minute, and seconds hands, this watch gave the advantages of both: an intuitive grasp of the time at a glance and confirmation of the time with precision. The name was inspired by Janus, the two-headed god of time from ancient Roman mythology. It boasted a refined design to complement dressy, formal attire, along with functionality like a stopwatch and dual time display. Variations including a gold version and one with a leather band were offered to meet users’ increasingly diverse needs.
1983
AT-550 (Janus Read Sensor)
Touchscreen watch ahead of its time
This watch not only boasted a streamlined design combining analog hour, minute, and seconds hands with digital LCD, but was also equipped with a calculator function allowing manual input. Users could draw numbers and math symbols with a fingertip on the glass, and the LCD would then display the formulas and calculation results. This epoch-making watch is still known as one of the first watches with the kind of gesture recognition people use today on smartphones and smartwatches. Not bad for the early ’80s.
The technical achievement was significant. The touch sensor incorporated a transparent terminal switch as the cover-glass of the watch face. The originally developed Finger Trace Recognition System (FTRS) provided character recognition architecture that delivered accurate results regardless of factors such as the size of the letters or where characters were traced on the screen. This was a true pioneer in wristwatch multi-functionality requiring no physical buttons.
1983
CFX-200
Calculator watch that could perform scientific calculations
The CFX-200 added full-fledged scientific calculator functionality to the C-80 calculator watch which, three years earlier, already had a keypad allowing direct fingertip input and 8-digit calculation functions. Offering support for 25 scientific calculation functions, 12 types of unit conversions, and memory for three fixed numbers, this amazing tech breakthrough met a broad range of needs, from research to practical work. It was a truly high-spec timepiece, boasting an abundant selection of practical features for daily life and business settings as well, with stopwatch and alarm functions, 12/24-hour format switching, and more.
1983
DW-5000C (G-SHOCK)
Tough watch that overturned common sense about the wristwatch
The very first G-SHOCK hit the scene at a time when people thought of wristwatches as sensitive instruments in need of careful handling. Turning this conventional thinking on its head, the G-SHOCK created all-new value by redefining the timepiece as a tough tool that could withstand drops and impacts. The development story began with a single-sentence proposal to construct a tough watch that would not break even if dropped. After about two years of trial-and-error and over 200 prototypes, Casio finally achieved a revolutionary shock-resistant structure. The unique hollow case structure protected the movement from external shocks, and the urethane bezel provided an omni-directional buffer, keeping all the watch components safe.
The new G-SHOCK was not only praised by professionals working in extreme conditions; it also sparked a craze in youth culture, with skateboarders and others flocking to the brand. With the strength and functionality to handle hard use, all in a super-cool design, G-SHOCK watches have become a global favorite, an instantly recognizable must-have for street fashion, known for combining inspiration from sports, art, music, fashion, and other cultural forms. By 2017, more than 100 million G-SHOCK watches had been shipped worldwide.
1983
TC-500
Touchscreen calculator watch
Owners of this watch could perform calculator functions on the touchscreen. Just switch the LCD from timekeeping to calculator key display, then simply press the virtual keys shown on the screen with a fingertip on the glass to input math equations. With its large LCD set in a square case, the design previewed the smartwatches of today. The distinct look and feel of this model summed up the spirit of innovation behind every Casio watch.
1983
W-27
First solar-powered Casio watch
The very first Casio solar watch, able to generate power from sunlight or even fluorescent lamps, combined a high-efficiency, amorphous silicon solar panel and an energy-efficient LSI developed by Casio. Power generated by the solar panel beneath the LCD ensured stable operation of various functions, while also recharging an internal battery to ensure smooth operation later in dark locations. Also offering 50-meter water resistance and a slim profile of just 6.5 mm, this design met all the demands of daily use.
1984
CD-40, CD-401
Data Bank watches with telephone number storage
These Data Bank watches allowed users to store telephone numbers in internal memory. Ten combinations of numbers and letters (up to 12 numbers and 4 letters) could be stored for easy, on-the-spot recall. Also equipped with calculator functionality, this watch was handy for a wide range of settings, including business. As Data Bank functions continued to evolve, the name came to be synonymous with the multifunction digital watch.
1984
Casio ships 100 millionth watch
Casio surpasses 100 million watches shipped, nine years and nine months after the November 1974 debut of the Casiotron. In less than a decade, Casio goes from the world’s first auto-calendar function to a wide array of other features, from calculator, dictionary, and phonebook functions to onboard thermometers and other sensors. The Casio focus on developing an information device to wear on the wrist is paying off, giving it a real presence in the watch market.
1985
FS-10 (PELA)
Slim, lightweight digital watch with integrated case and band
This watch took a whole new approach to structure, creating a new fashion item befitting the digital age. The comprehensive design process started with the basic construction of the watch. Miniaturization technologies delivered dramatic size reductions, and hybrid molding techniques allowed for different materials to be molded together. The case and band were integrated — a revolutionary idea in wristwatch design. Featuring a slim profile at 3.9 mm and a light weight of just 12 g, this streamlined timepiece became an instant hit. Eventually, over one million were sold.
1985
DBC-60, DBC-600
Data Bank watches with Telememo and schedule functions
These two watches came equipped with two special features for business users: a Telememo function that stored up to 50 telephone numbers, and a schedule function that provided reminders for up to 50 schedule items. The higher-capacity internal memory could store entries combining 5 letters and 12 numbers. These watches offered greater practical utility and expanded personalization options, as well, with auto-sort and secret functions for Telememo and an advance-notice feature for the schedule function that allowed users to check a two-week calendar for engagements and openings.
1986
AE-20, AE-200
Twin-Graph watches with analog-style LCD
On these watches, the LCD was divided into digital and analog-style sections, incorporating practical watch features into a functional design. The clock in the analog-style window at the upper left displayed the time in hours and minutes, and the window at the upper right indicated seconds and also displayed graphics when in alarm, timer, and stopwatch modes. A pair of small and large digital displays showed the current time and could be used to check the month, date, and day of the week. Two models were offered: the AE-20 with a resin case, and the AE-200 with a stainless-steel case.
1986
SDB-300W
Sports watch with lap memory
The SDB-300W offered enhanced stopwatch functions to meet growing athletic demand, at a time when jogging, marathons, and triathlons were all the rage. The watch could do the lap/split time measurements essential for track races and had a memory function which stored up to 30 datapoints, each with a date. Other features useful for maintaining a steady pace during races, managing training, and more included average lap time calculation, target time alert, and timer functions.
1987
JP-100W
Runner-oriented sports watch that checked pulse
This watch came equipped with a pulse-check function useful for training and health management. It used photoelectric pulse detection, employing LED light to measure changes in blood flow. Users simply placed a fingertip on the sensor to get a pulse readout. Comparing post-run readings with ordinary pulse rate could help users determine their optimal exercise intensity. Jogging-oriented features were incorporated as well, including a 1/100-second stopwatch, split time memory, and an electronic signal that helped runners keep their cadence and maintain their desired pace.
1987
TM-100
Watch that transmitted FM audio signals
The TM-100 was a highly unique wristwatch with the ability to transmit speech via radio. Outfitted with an FM transmitter and microphone, the watch allowed users to wirelessly broadcast their voice to a radio tuned to the right frequency simply by speaking toward the watch. This meant users could play their voice over a radio’s speakers. From using the watch outdoors as a wireless loudspeaker to recording conversations on a radio-cassette, this functionality opened the door to countless possibilities. Welcome the digital watch with a supremely playful, gadgety appeal.
1987
AL-180
Battery-less solar-powered watch
This watch made good use of the solar technology used for calculators and other devices in the 1980s. Goodbye, battery replacement! The power was stored in a capacitor to ensure stable operation of functions including the alarm and stopwatch. There was no doubt the watch was user-friendly, with features including quick start and charge indicator. The look of the watch made quite a splash by boldly incorporating functional elements into the design, for instance the large solar panel occupying a considerable portion of the watch face.
1987
DBA-80, 800
Watch with Phone Dialer function enabling audio-based dialing
Introducing Phone Dialer functionality. This new feature worked in tandem with the Telememo function, which stored up to 50 telephone numbers. Simply holding the watch’s built-in speaker up to the receiver of a push-button telephone allowed users to place calls to stored numbers, which were output in the form of touch-tone signals. At a time before mobile phones really hit the scene, this was an extremely revolutionary feature. Eliminating the need to manually dial numbers digit by digit while checking a telephone directory, people used it in a broad range of settings, including business.
1987
MQ-24
Enduring standard captures the essence of the watch
This slim timepiece features a simple round dial that puts all the focus on the hour, minute, and seconds hands, for a watch that is easy to read and easy to use. The minimalist design conveys the essential function of a watch — telling the time — and embodies the pure aesthetic of pragmatic beauty. Great for men and women, young and old, casual and formal settings, the watch comes in a truly diverse range of design variations to meet individual needs.
Choose between bar index marks and numerals, and between conventional urethane, translucent, mesh, and other options for the band. Select classic black and white, or any number of colored dial variations—including metallic colors, matte hues, and earth tones. All kinds of people use the MQ-24 to express themselves — from those who choose a favorite watch and wear it for years, to those who like to switch up the color and look of their watch just like a change of clothes. A long-seller whose popularity has endured since 1987, the MQ-24 has won a loyal fan base including many celebrities and is still reaching new user segments today.
1988
LA670
Simple, compact women’s watch
Combining practical functionality with fashion sensibility, this watch was specially designed with women in mind. Its compact size, meant to ensure a comfortable fit on slender wrists, and its minimalist form, suited to business and fun alike, have kept it popular for over 30 years. In 2011, it won the Long Life Design Award at the Good Design Awards in Japan. The design has stood the test of time. Today, it is attracting new admiration from younger users with little personal connection to the era when it first came out.
This watch comes in many design options, including metallic colors like silver and gold for the case, complemented by metal and leather band choices and a diverse variety of face colors. Fashion-conscious women just keep on choosing this watch.
1989
BM-100W
Watch with a sensor for predicting weather patterns
Designed for outdoor sports enthusiasts, this timepiece could predict changes in weather. A pressure sensor automatically measured atmospheric pressure and displayed changes over an 18-hour span on a bar graph. Like a barometer on the wrist, the graph helped users know if the weather was likely to worsen or clear up. Measurements taken by the pressure sensor could also be used to calculate altitude and water depth — broadly useful functions for a range of activities, from mountain climbing to water sports.
1989
EXW-50
Fitness watch with accelerometer
This watch came with features geared for exercise walking, helping people incorporate aerobic exercise into their health routines. In addition to a stopwatch for measuring time, the watch had an accelerometer to detect body movement and count steps. It also calculated calories burned after exercising based on the user’s data, including stride length, body weight, and age. It stored up to 30 datapoints in memory, for another handy feature for daily exercise management.
1989
CGW-50
Cosmo Phase: 300 years of beautiful planetary orbits
The CGW-50 displayed the positions of the nine planets in our solar system (even the now-ousted Pluto!), along with Halley’s comet, for any given day in a 300-year period from 1901 to 2200, storing in memory their orbital paths around the sun. Simple button operation allowed users to enjoy scanning through the planets’ orbits at increased speed, as well as to view dates of the Halley’s comet’s closest approaches to Earth, total solar eclipses, and more. This very special digital watch had an outer space mystique that astronomy enthusiasts and watch fans of all ages loved.
1989
F-91W
The very definition of the digital watch
In the history of Casio watches, the F-91W takes its place as both the most memorable and a record-breaking bestseller. Ever since its launch in 1989, this watch has blazed a trail around the world, appearing on the wrists of the famous both in real life and on screen. Featuring a strong, slim, lightweight resin case, the watch is equipped with time and date display, stopwatch, alarm, and light functions. Easy to read, easy to use, easy to wear — this is a timepiece meticulously designed for quality down to the finest detail.
The F-91W has been joined by an extensive lineup with resin cases and bands and square designs. From the F-94W featuring a round indicator, to the W-59 with 50-meter water resistance, to the F-105W with EL backlight, each presented an evolution in form while maintaining the trademark multifunctionality of the F-91W. This line of timepieces demonstrates the Casio commitment to quality down to the tiniest details.
1989
A159W
Digital watch with metal band
Equipped with the same movement as its peer, the F-91W, the A159W employs a metal band. The case features metallic color as well, to match the band. Crafted in Japan by the highly skilled engineers at Yamagata Casio, the watch is still sold around the world today, a long-selling favorite alongside the A158, which shares the same specs, but a different production location.
1989
MAP-100
Digital watch with Map Meter function
The MAP-100 boasted a Map Meter function capable of calculating travel distances on paper maps. The watch was developed for the increasing number of people going for drives or camping on days off, capturing demand from the recreation boom of those days. Tracing a map route with the measurement roller on the watch’s bezel would display the actual distance based on the specified map scale. Travel time could be calculated as well, by inputting the speed of travel. This functionality was widely useful in a range of settings, from planning trips in advance at a time when digital maps were not yet widely available, to seeking the best route while out on the road.
1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s - 20s
