Watches are often seen as symbols of elegance, wealth, and sometimes even prestige. However, there are moments when a watch stands out by prioritizing practicality and function while still looking good. The Casio AE-1200WH, endearingly known as the “Casio Royale,” accomplishes this perfectly, all while maintaining a price point of about $30 (or $40 for certain models). It's an economical timepiece that doesn’t skimp on vital features, placing it in a category all by its self.
A Brief History
Introduced in 2012, the AE-1200WH quickly became well-liked for its range of features at a reasonable cost. Its design, featuring a digital face and a small analog sub-dial, was inspired by the spy world—hence the nickname “Casio Royale,” due to its likeness to the Seiko G757 seen in the Bond movie Octopussy. Throughout the years, the watch has not undergone many changes.
Impressive Features
The AE-1200WH is packed with:
These functions are commonly found in more expensive watches. For example, the Timex Expedition Grid Shock, which sells for around $70, offers a similar range of features like alarms and timers, along with a more rugged look. However, by paying nearly twice as much, you're mostly investing in aesthetics instead of a significant improvement in functionality.
Despite its vintage charm, the AE-1200WH still feels modern. Sure, you could spend more for advanced features like GPS and fitness tracking, but for the average user who just needs dependable timekeeping, alarms, and world time, these extras might seem excessive.
Classic Design
The design of the Casio takes cues from the iconic digital watches of the 1980s. With its resin case and strap, the watch is light and comfortable to wear. The digital display is neatly organized, making crucial information easy to read. From a usability perspective, its interface is user-friendly, making it suitable even for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy.
The LED backlight may not be the most advanced, especially compared to Casio's newer 'Super Illuminator' LED technology, but it serves its purpose when you're searching in the dark. Plus, this watch boasts an impressive battery life of 10 years thanks to the CR2025. It's also water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming and other water activities, though it isn't quite a dive watch.
Alternative Models
While the watch may not be suitable for formal occasions, there are various options available. Earlier this year, Casio released the AE-1200WHL-5AV, which features a sleek leather strap and is slightly pricier. If leather isn’t your style, the AE-1200WHD-1AV comes with a metal bracelet (also at a slightly higher price of $42.95, although it can be found for $27.50 on Amazon currently). If you're after a different design but similar features, the Casio WS-1600H-1AV might be what you’re looking for. All the mentioned models are priced around or below $40.
So, what’s the hype? Why is this watch so adored by many, as shown by numerous consumer reviews on platforms like Reddit? The answer is simple: the AE-1200WH is dependable, unique, and loaded with features that outperform its price. Additionally, there's something enjoyable about wearing a watch that stands out a bit. It’s a great conversation piece. Let’s be real—it just feels stylish to have a “world timer” on your wrist, even if you’re only using it to track time zones for fun. The Casio AE-1200WH isn't trying to rival luxury brands or even compete with mid-range watches. It simply carves out its own niche.
In a consumer-driven society, the classic ‘Casio Royale’ shows that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get something exceptional. And that may be its greatest success.
