Casio CPW-100 is a digital compass watch released around 1993, running on module 1031. It was Casio’s first wristwatch with a built-in magnetic direction sensor, able to detect the Earth’s magnetic field and store up to five direction readings in memory. Compact, lightweight, and made in Japan, it marked the starting point of Casio’s journey into outdoor and navigation-oriented watches.
This model represented a bold early step in sensor technology, combining classic 90s digital features, stopwatch, countdown timer, and alarm, with a true electronic compass on the wrist. The CPW-100 became the foundation for later compass models such as the CPW-200, CPW-210, CPW-220, and the CPW-310/320 Prayer Compass series, eventually leading to the titanium CPW-400 and the first-generation ProTrek line that defined Casio’s sensor heritage.
Casio CPW-100 – Quick Technical Data
| Field | Data |
|---|---|
| Model | Casio CPW-100 |
| Module | 1031 |
| Battery | 2× 395 (SR926SW equivalent) |
| Manual | Casio CPW-100 User Manual (PDF) |
| Glass Type | Acrylic |
| Strap Size | 19 mm (lug) / 22.5 mm (case) |
| Case Material | Black resin, Made in Japan |
| Functions | Digital compass, 5-memory direction storage, stopwatch, countdown timer, daily alarm, 12/24-hour time, date and day display, EL backlight |
| Water Resistance | 50 m |
| Production Years | Around 1993–1994 |
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What color versions of Casio CPW-100 exist?
Two known color variants of the CPW-100 were released, both sharing the same case design and module but differing in accent color and regional availability.
- Black with Blue Accents
The standard version of the CPW-100. Black resin case and strap, pale silver inner ring, and light-blue compass markings. This configuration appeared in early 1990s Casio catalogs and remains the most frequently seen in second-hand listings.
- Black with Yellow Accents
An extremely rare variant featuring a black case, golden compass text, and yellow side buttons. Almost no high-quality images exist online, most references come from Japanese auctions and vintage Casio forums. A genuine mystery piece among collectors.
Rarity ranking: Black/Blue Accents → Black/Yellow Accents
Features & Functions of Casio CPW-100
The Casio CPW-100 introduced the brand’s first digital compass system, powered by module 1031. It could detect magnetic north and display direction both as degrees and as compass points (e.g., N, NE, SSE). Despite its early 90s origins, it already featured a surprisingly capable navigation interface.
Main features:
- Digital compass with real-time bearing display
- 5-point memory to store direction readings for navigation
- Stopwatch and countdown timer for timing activities
- Daily alarm and hourly time signal
- 12/24-hour format, with date and day-of-week display
- EL backlight with green tint (soft brightness typical for the period)
- Graphic seconds indicator rotating in a circular motion (5-second cycle)
- 50 m water resistance, suitable for casual outdoor use
Compass operation details:
The built-in magnetic sensor required the watch to be held flat for accurate readings. Calibration was done through a bidirectional process, rotating the watch 180° twice. The compass memory allowed users to record up to five bearings, useful for returning along a set route.
Compared to modern sensor watches, the CPW-100 feels slow and simple, but in 1993 it represented a huge step forward for digital wrist instruments, setting the base for every Casio compass model that followed.
Strap and Case Details – How easy is it to maintain Casio CPW-100 today?
The CPW-100 came with a soft black resin (gum-style) strap, featuring molded compass markings and directional graphics, a signature design element that made it instantly recognizable. The strap integrated smoothly with the rounded case, giving the watch a compact and balanced wrist feel.
Maintenance today:
Finding an original strap in good condition is difficult. The resin often hardens or cracks with age, especially near the lugs. However, the 19 mm straight-end fit allows easy replacement with modern straps or Casio alternatives from the same era.
Details and notes:
- Original strap: Black resin with raised COMPASS text and printed direction graphics.
- Fit: 19 mm lug width, widening to 22.5 mm at the case.
- Compatibility: Works with standard 19 mm Casio resin or nylon straps.
- Common issues: Cracked lugs, faded lettering, or missing keeper loop.
- Crystal: Acrylic lens that can be easily restored with Polywatch or fine polishing paste.
Despite its age, the CPW-100 remains fully wearable if handled with care. Its compact case, curved strap geometry, and minimal button layout make it surprisingly comfortable, even compared to later compass models like the CPW-200 or CPW-310.
Collectibility & Quirks of Casio CPW-100
The Casio CPW-100 holds a special place among collectors as the first Casio digital compass watch, the true beginning of the brand’s “direction sensor” technology. Its importance isn’t in complexity but in pioneering function and design, which paved the way for every later CPW and ProTrek model.
Casio CPW-100 Manuals & Ads
📖 Casio CPW-100 User Manual (Module 1031, PDF)
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Additional Information & Related Models
The Casio CPW-100 stands at the very beginning of Casio’s compass watch lineage, a simple but groundbreaking model that introduced the company’s first magnetic sensor system. Its influence can be clearly traced through every later release in the CPW family.
Related Models and Evolution Path:
- CPW-110 – minor redesign with improved interface and module 1035.
- CPW-200 – more advanced outdoor model, 100 m WR, and refined bearing memory.
- CPW-210 – Japan-only silver variant of the CPW-200.
- CPW-220 – JDM evolution with upgraded module 1286 and degree scale on bezel.
- CPW-310 – “Prayer Compass” version with Qibla indicator and Hijri calendar.
- CPW-320 – updated design of CPW-310 with the same dual calendar and compass module.
- CPW-400 – full titanium flagship that led design-wise toward the early ProTrek line.
Position in the Family:
The CPW-100 represents the first generation of Casio’s compass technology. Later models split into two branches:
- Outdoor / Navigation – CPW-100 → CPW-110 → CPW-200/210/220
- Prayer / Qibla Compass – CPW-310 → CPW-320
While simple by modern standards, the CPW-100’s design DNA, the circular LCD compass ring, sensor housing, and minimal button layout, can still be seen in later outdoor Casios and the earliest ProTrek prototypes.
FAQ – Casio CPW-100
What battery does Casio CPW-100 use?
It uses two SR926SW (395) batteries. Replacements are easy to find, and the watch runs reliably if both cells are replaced together.
When was the Casio CPW-100 released?
Around 1993, marking the very first generation of Casio’s digital compass watches.
What module does Casio CPW-100 use?
It runs on module 1031, Casio’s first magnetic bearing sensor module with 5-point memory.
How rare is the yellow-accent version of the CPW-100?
Extremely rare. It appeared mostly in Japan and is known today only from a few low-quality auction photos and forum archives.
Does the compass still work today?
Usually yes, after calibration. However, sensors can weaken over time, and readings may drift near metal or strong magnets.
What makes the CPW-100 important to collectors?
It’s the first Casio digital compass, the model that started the entire CPW and ProTrek lineage,a must-have for anyone who collects early sensor-equipped Casios.
Daniel is the person behind Vintage Casio Restore, a project dedicated to restoring and documenting vintage Casio digital watches from the 80s and 90s. Based in Poland, he combines technical precision with a passion for retro design, bringing forgotten models back to life and sharing their stories online.
Outside the workshop, Daniel works in a digital agency, managing SEO and content strategy for technology clients, blending his professional experience with his love for classic tech and design.
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