Casio CMD-50 – Technical Data & Model Information

Casio CMD-50 is a digital wristwatch released around 1994, and it was the final model in Casio’s famous “Wrist Remote Controller” line. It used module 1179 and combined standard digital watch functions like alarm and stopwatch with a learning infrared remote control system. Unlike the earlier CMD-40, which had a built-in calculator, the CMD-50 focused entirely on remote functions, introducing colorful memory keys (10/A, 11/B, 12/C) for storing up to 16 custom IR signals. This rare model was mainly sold in Japan and is today one of the hardest CMD-series watches to find.

Casio CMD-50 – Quick Technical Data

Field	Data
Model	Casio CMD-50 (also listed as CMD-50-1T in Japan)
Module	1179
Battery	CR2032
Manual	No official manual available online. Closest reference: Casio CMD-40 manual PDF
Glass Type	Acrylic
Strap Size	22 mm (lug) / 25 mm (case)
Case Material	Black resin
Functions	Time, alarm, chronograph, learning IR remote (up to 16 signals)
Production Years	Released ~1994, sold mainly in Japan in small numbers

What color versions of Casio CMD-50 exist?

Casio CMD-50 exists only in a black resin version, and no other colors are confirmed.

The design looks very close to the CMD-40, with the same overall case and strap shape. The real difference is in the keypad layout and the printed text on the dial:

• CMD-40 keypad: uniform grey buttons with calculator symbols (+, –, ×, ÷).
• CMD-50 keypad: colorful bottom row with memory buttons 10/A, 11/B, 12/C (green and blue).
• CMD-40 dial text: “Alarm Chrono & Calculator + Learning Function.”
• CMD-50 dial text: “Alarm Chronograph + Learning Function.”

Because CMD-50 was mainly sold in Japan in very small numbers, collectors only recognize this one black version.

What are the features and functions of Casio CMD-50?

Casio CMD-50 combines normal watch functions (time, alarm, chronograph) with a learning infrared remote control.

• Learning memory: It can store up to 16 remote signals copied from TVs or players.
• Keypad layout:
  • Top row: REV, STOP, PLAY, FF.
  • Middle rows: numbers 1–9, CH–, CH+.
  • Bottom row: 9, 10/A, 11/B, 12/C (colored green and blue, used for memory slots).
• Compared to CMD-40:
  • CMD-40 had calculator buttons (+, –, ×, ÷). CMD-50 replaced them with dedicated memory keys.
  • CMD-40 was multifunctional (calculator + remote). CMD-50 focused only on being a remote.
• Practical use: Designed for Japanese TV systems with channels above 9, explaining the 10–12 keys.
• Limitations: Learning range is short (close contact needed during setup) and signal direction is narrow, so the watch must be pointed straight at the device.

How collectible is Casio CMD-50 and what quirks does it have?

Casio CMD-50 is considered a rare model because it was produced in small numbers and sold mainly in Japan. It shows up much less often than the CMD-40, making it a sought-after piece for collectors of Casio’s remote control watches.

• Rarity: Harder to find than CMD-40. Appears occasionally on Yahoo Auctions Japan or Mercari.
• Market price: Depending on condition, usually higher than CMD-40 because of its scarcity.
• Quirks:
  • Easy to confuse with CMD-40 because of the similar case.
  • Bottom row colorful keys (10/A, 11/B, 12/C) make it stand out.
  • Some sellers wrongly describe it as a calculator model, but CMD-50 never had this function.
• Catalog info: Original Japanese retail price was 10,000 JPY. Barcode: 4971850533368.
• Collector experience: Many note that finding straps in usable condition is harder than finding the watch itself.

CMD-50 is remembered as the final step in the Arm Remo line, marking the end of Casio’s experiment with wristwatch remote controls.

What additional information and related models are connected to Casio CMD-50?

Casio CMD-50 was the last model in the CMD “Arm Remo” series, following CMD-10, CMD-20, CMD-30, and CMD-40. It simplified the design by dropping the calculator and focusing fully on the learning remote function.

• Related models:
  • CMD-10 – first generation, basic layout.
  • CMD-20 – larger, thicker design.
  • CMD-30 – compact evolution with improved functions.
  • CMD-40 – popular model with calculator + remote.
  • CMD-50 – final version, with memory keys and no calculator.

Collectors sometimes find CMD-40 cases fitted with CMD-50 modules, but these are usually swapped parts, not official releases.

FAQ – Casio CMD-50

Sources & Inspirations

This article about Casio CMD-50 was created based on my own years of collecting, buying, and restoring Casio watches. I also exchanged knowledge with other collectors, checked old Casio catalogs and ads, and reviewed videos and forum discussions.

For this specific model, I researched Japanese internet sources using a VPN to access regional sites and auctions. Even though I could not find an official CMD-50 manual, I gathered details from Japanese catalog notes, product codes, and community discussions.

The final structure and content reflect all these findings, combined with hands-on collector experience.