Casio CMD-20 – Technical Data & Model Information

Casio CMD-20 is a digital wristwatch released in the early 1990s. It is special because it mixed a full calculator keypad with a TV remote control. The watch used module 1134 and had normal Casio functions like time, alarm, and stopwatch. On top of that, it included an 8-digit calculator and an infrared light to control TVs, VCRs, and cable boxes.

The CMD-20 was thicker and heavier than later models. Because of this, Casio sold it only for a short time. It came after the CMD-10, which was the first Casio remote control watch, and before slimmer models like the CMD-30 and CMD-40. These newer versions dropped the calculator and were easier to wear every day. Collectors today see the CMD-20 as the chunky “in-between” step in the story of Casio’s Wrist Remote Controller watches.

Casio CMD-20 – Quick Technical Data

Field	Data
Model	Casio CMD-20
Module	1134
Battery	CR2032
Manual	Manual is not available online. Closest reference: CMD-40 manual → PDF link
Glass Type	Acrylic
Strap Size	17-18 mm (lug) / 23 mm (case)
Case Material	Resin
Functions	Timekeeping, alarm, chronograph, calculator (8-digit), TV/VCR/Cable infrared remote
Production Years	Early 1990s (short production run, between CMD-10 and CMD-30)

What color versions of Casio CMD-20 exist?

Casio CMD-20 was released only in one version: a black resin case with integrated strap.

This version has a green numeric keypad, orange “Volume” buttons, and side-mounted function buttons (Power, Enter, CH+, CH–). At the top right, a large infrared diode is clearly visible when the remote is active.

Production Period and Module

Casio CMD-20 was introduced in the early 1990s as the direct successor to the CMD-10. It runs on Module 1134 and was powered by a CR2032 lithium battery, giving around 2–3 years of life depending on how much the remote functions were used. Unlike later models, the CMD-20 was produced for only a short time and in very limited markets. This short run, combined with its bulkier design, makes it one of the rarest wrist remote controllers Casio ever released. Collectors often point out that it is much harder to find than the CMD-30B or CMD-40, and it stands out as the first Casio remote watch to feature a full calculator keypad integrated with infrared control.

👉 Collector’s Rarity Note:

The CMD-20 (often referred to as CMD-20B in catalogs and collector discussions) is widely considered the rarest Casio wrist remote controller. Collectors highlight several reasons: its short production run, possible limited regional release, and bulkier design compared to later models. A notable feature is the infrared activity box on the display, which lights up when the power button is pressed — a detail only shared with the CMD-40. Combined with its chunky keypad and experimental calculator integration, this rarity factor makes the CMD-20 highly sought after among remote control Casios.

Features & Functions of Casio CMD-20

Casio CMD-20 kept the usual digital basics: timekeeping, alarm, and chronograph. What made it special was the addition of an 8-digit calculator keypad together with a remote controller for TV, VCR, and cable boxes.

The remote worked through a large infrared diode placed at the top right of the case. When you pressed the power button, a small infrared activity box lit up on the display to show that the signal was being transmitted. Collectors note that this little display box was a quirky detail only found on the CMD-20 and the later CMD-40.

Navigation was handled by the chunky numeric keypad with green numbers, orange Volume controls, and side buttons for Power, Enter, CH+ and CH–. The CMD-20 could switch between TV and Cable modes using the select function.

Because of its calculator keypad, the watch was thicker and heavier than the slimmer CMD-30, which removed the calculator function to make the watch easier to wear. Later, Casio brought the calculator back in the CMD-40, but with a more refined and user-friendly design. This makes the CMD-20 an important early step in the evolution of Casio’s wrist remote controller watches.

Strap and Case Details – How easy is it to maintain Casio CMD-20 today?

Casio CMD-20 came with an integrated resin strap that was molded directly into the case design. At the lugs it measured 17–18 mm, widening to 23 mm where the strap joined the case. This made the watch look solid and uniform, but it also means that replacing the strap today is difficult.

Like many resin Casios from the early 1990s, surviving straps are often cracked, brittle, or completely broken. Finding an original replacement is nearly impossible, so most collectors use adapters or modify generic straps to keep their watch wearable.

The resin case itself holds up fairly well, though it is bulkier than later CMD models. The acrylic crystal scratches easily but can usually be restored with Polywatch or sanding. A common weak point is the painted buttons: the green numbers and orange volume keys tend to fade or wear down over time. It’s rare to find an example where the keypad paint is still bright and complete.

Casio CMD-20 – Manual

There is no dedicated CMD-20 manual available online. The closest match is the CMD-40 manual, which covers nearly identical functions and button operations. You can download it here:

👉 Casio CMD-40 Manual (PDF)

If you own the original CMD-20 manual or advertising scans, please share them with the community — it would help fill an important gap in Casio history 📖.

FAQ – Casio CMD-20