DL1: My Weekend Project of Modding the CASIO Royale

I. Introduction: A Small Project for a Cult Classic#

• A Nod to the “Royale”: Briefly touch on why the Casio AE-1200WHD is such a popular and affordable watch, making it a perfect candidate for a fun DIY project.
• The Goal: State the project’s simple objective: to document a personal attempt at enhancing the watch’s durability and feel with two specific mods, all within a weekend. This is not a guide to create the “ultimate” watch, but a log of my personal experience.
• What to Expect: Outline the two main modifications:
  1. Hydromod: Filling the case with silicone oil for improved water resistance and screen clarity.
  2. SKXMOD Upgrade: Swapping the stock resin case and mineral glass for a full 316L stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal.
• Disclaimer: A friendly note that this is a personal log, not a professional guide. Any modifications are done at the owner’s risk.

II. The Prep Work: Tools and Materials#

• A simple, bulleted list of everything used. This section is about showing what you needed, not a strict requirement list for others.
• The Watch: The stock Casio AE-1200WHD-1AV. (Include a “before” picture).
• The Upgrade Kit: SKXMOD Stainless Steel Case & Bracelet Kit for AE-1200WHD.
• Hydromod Materials:
  • The specific oil used (e.g., 10cSt Silicone Oil).
  • A small, clean bowl or container.
• Tools on My Bench:
  • JIS #00 or small Phillips screwdriver.
  • Spring bar tool.
  • Fine-point tweezers.
  • Plastic pry tool (or a toothpick).
  • Lint-free cloths and isopropyl alcohol for cleaning.
  • An air puffer/blower to remove dust.

III. The Process: A Step-by-Step Log#

This is the core of the post. Use a conversational, first-person tone (“This is what I did…”). Including photos for each major step is highly recommended.

• Step 1: The Teardown

  • Removing the original bracelet.
  • Opening the case back and setting the four screws aside safely.
  • Carefully taking out the original gasket and the 3198 module. A quick note on how it felt/looked.

• Step 2: The SKXMOD Case Prep

  • Unboxing the SKXMOD kit and first impressions of the quality.
  • Giving the new steel case and sapphire crystal a quick wipe-down.

• Step 3: The Hydromod Experiment

  • Placing the new, empty case into the bowl.
  • Pouring the silicone oil to submerge the case.
  • My process for carefully lowering the module into the oil-filled case to minimize air bubbles.
  • The “Air Bubble Decision”: My thoughts on whether to leave a tiny bubble for thermal expansion or aim for a perfect fill. What I chose and why.
  • Sealing it up: Placing the gasket and screwing the case back on. Describing the (slightly messy) oil seepage and cleanup.

• Step 4: Final Assembly

  • Wiping down the fully sealed, oil-filled watch head.
  • Attaching the new, solid stainless steel bracelet to the new case.

IV. The Result: Before and After#

• This section is highly visual.
• Side-by-Side Photos: Compare the original plastic watch with the newly modded steel version.
• Key Observations:
  • The Look: The enhanced clarity and viewing angles from the hydromod. The way the light plays on the sapphire crystal and brushed steel.
  • The Feel: The significant difference in weight and the solid, premium feel of the new case and bracelet.

V. Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?#

• A Personal Verdict: A summary of my overall satisfaction with the project.
• Challenges & Lessons Learned: What was trickier than expected? (e.g., “Getting the module in without trapping bubbles took a few tries.”). Any tips I’d give my past self?
• Closing Remarks: Reiterate that it was a fun and rewarding weekend project that gave a favorite, affordable watch a unique and personal touch.