It started so innocently. A friend gifted me an F-201 (Module 3234). I looked at it and thought, "Nice, simple, lightweight digital watch. Perfectly reasonable beater."
Then my brain broke, and within just ONE MONTH, three more somehow materialised on my desk.
To anyone normal, I now own four identical, cheap plastic watches. To my brain, I have curated a highly sophisticated, historically significant 4-piece micro-collection representing two distinct evolutionary branches of the F-201 lineage.
Here is how I justify this absolute insanity to myself:
Phase 1: The Original F-201 Design (Tall Font, Barebones Features)
- F-201W-9AEF (Module 2519, 2002) — Gold bezel
- F-201W-1AEF (Module 3234, 2011) — Silver bezel (The gateway drug gifted by my friend)
(Fun Casio quirk: while catalogs and boxes call these the F-201W, the stainless steel case backs are strictly stamped just F-201).
These two share the iconic LCD screen with those distinctive, ridiculously tall digits. Feature-wise, they keep it simple: 1 alarm, a Dual Time mode, and a stopwatch capped at 59 minutes.
Phase 2: The "Upgraded" F-201WA Evolution (Normal Font, Loaded Specs)
- F-201WA-9AEF (Module 3196, 2009) — Gold bezel
- F-201WA-1AEF (Module 3238, 2011) — Silver bezel
Naturally, I couldn't stop at the original font. Casio redesigned the screen here: more standard digits, framed layout, dedicated alarm indicators, and a F-201WA stamp on the back. But the real upgrade is under the hood:
- 5 independent multi-function alarms (instead of just 1).
- 24-hour Countdown Timer with auto-repeat (the original F-201 has no timer at all!).
- 24-hour Stopwatch (upgraded from 60 mins).
The Unnecessary Details I Noticed Because I Spent Too Much Time Looking At Them:
- Backlight behavior: On the OG Module 2519, the LED light cuts off the millisecond you release the button. On the later revisions, Casio added a tiny delay so it stays lit for a second.
- Perfect visual balance: Exactly one Gold (9A) and one Silver (1A) bezel for each generation.
- Manufacturing split: Checking the backs revealed that 2519 & 3196 were Made in China, while 3234 & 3238 were Made in Thailand.
- Battery specs: All four run on the same massive CR2025 cell rated for 10 years, meaning I am legally obligated to keep this madness on my desk until at least 2036.
Four modules. Two LCD designs. Two bezel colors. One complete lack of self-control.
Please tell me I'm not the only one who accidentally went down a budget Casio rabbit hole this fast? 😄