Casio CPW-110 is a digital wristwatch released around 1993, known for its built-in digital compass and compact, durable resin case. It used module 1035 and carried over the same magnetic sensor system from the CPW-100, but with a cleaner display and refined design.
This model was part of Casio’s first generation of compass watches, a short era that paved the way for later outdoor lines like ATC and PRO TREK. The CPW-110 kept all the core functions, alarm, stopwatch, countdown, light, and compass, in a compact case that felt more modern than its predecessor.
Collectors recognize it today as the transitional model between the experimental CPW-100 and the specialized CPW-310 Prayer Compass, marking an important step in Casio’s early 90s innovation journey. ⌚
Casio CPW-110 – Quick Technical Data
| Field | Data |
|---|---|
| Model | Casio CPW-110 |
| Module | 1035 |
| Battery | 2 × SR927W (or equivalent 399) |
| Manual | Not available online |
| Glass Type | Acrylic |
| Strap Size | 19 mm (lug) / 22.5 mm (case) |
| Case Material | Matte black resin |
| Functions | Digital compass · Stopwatch · Countdown timer · Daily alarm · EL backlight |
| Water Resistance | 50 m |
| Production Years | Around 1993–1994 |
| Made in | Japan |
What color versions of Casio CPW-110 exist?
There is only one known version of the Casio CPW-110, released in the early 1990s.
- Black Version
Matte black resin case and strap with green “Digital Compass” text printed on the band.
The bezel design features turquoise and copper accents around the compass ring, giving the display a subtle depth and color contrast.
The overall layout is identical to the CPW-100, but visually cleaner and slightly more compact, reflecting Casio’s gradual design refinement of the compass line.
💡 Collector note: This was the final color configuration before Casio shifted the concept into the later CPW-310 “Prayer Compass” and the outdoor-oriented ProTrek line.
No alternate colors, regional variations, or limited editions have been confirmed to date.
Features & Functions of Casio CPW-110
The Casio CPW-110 was part of Casio’s first generation of digital compass watches, designed for navigation and outdoor use. It carried module 1035, which was a refinement of the earlier 1031 used in the CPW-100.
Main functions:
- Digital compass showing the magnetic bearing (N, S, E, W) and precise degree value.
- Stopwatch (1/100 sec) and countdown timer for basic time measurement.
- Daily alarm and hourly time signal.
- EL backlight with a soft green glow.
- Dual battery system (2 × SR927W / 399) for stable power delivery.
- Water resistance: 50 m.
Compass operation:
The sensor reads the Earth’s magnetic field when the watch is kept flat and level, showing direction and bearing on the LCD ring. Calibration is manual and requires rotating the watch in a figure-eight motion, similar to other early 90s Casio compass modules.
User behavior & quirks:
Collectors often note that the compass is surprisingly accurate for its age, though the sensor can drift slightly after decades. An AC reset pin on the back plate allows for full module reboot after battery replacement, a detail common in early sensor Casios.
Compared to the CPW-100, the 110 offered faster readings and a tidier layout, making it a smoother experience for everyday wear or light navigation use.
Strap Details – How easy is it to maintain Casio CPW-110 today?
The CPW-110 came with a resin strap featuring printed “Digital Compass” graphics and compass markings. The design matches the case lines perfectly, but like many early 90s Casios, the original resin tends to harden or crack with age.
Maintenance & replacements:
- Original strap code: not confirmed, but it fits standard 19 mm lugs and flares to 22.5 mm at the case.
- Compatible replacements: modern Casio resin bands or soft silicone straps with curved ends fit securely.
- Avoid forcing metal spring bars into the aged lugs, the resin can fracture easily.
- For restorations, collectors often use strap adapters to mount NATO or nylon straps for safety and comfort.
Case details:
- Matte black resin case with printed bezel text.
- Acrylic crystal is easy to polish using Polywatch or fine abrasive paste.
- Screwed stainless steel caseback (Japan made).
Overall, the CPW-110 is easy to maintain compared to later sensor Casios. Its simple construction and standard strap width make it a good candidate for restoration projects. Just handle the lugs gently, resin fatigue is the main weak point. 😅
Collectibility & Quirks of Casio CPW-110
The Casio CPW-110 is a rare transitional model in Casio’s early compass lineup. It appeared briefly around 1993–1994, right between the first-generation CPW-100 and the later CPW-310 “Prayer Compass.”
Why collectors like it:
- It represents the refinement phase of Casio’s digital compass experiments, the last “pure” compass watch before the line split into outdoor and cultural versions.
- It uses module 1035, known for stable performance and slightly improved calibration logic compared to the 1031.
- The display ring and compass graphics give it a clean, technical look that feels very early 90s Casio.
- Made in Japan, with a solid build quality typical of that era.
Rarity:
The CPW-110 is uncommon on the market today. Most surviving pieces show strap cracking or faded bezel paint, and complete sets with original bands are especially hard to find.
Casio CPW-110 Manuals
No official Casio PDF manual for module 1035 has been found online so far. Its operation is very similar to module 1044 used in the later CPW-310, but without the Prayer Compass functions (no Qibla or Hijri calendar).
If you own an original module 1035 instruction sheet or scan, please contact me via Instagram @vintage.casio.restore or through the CasioRestore contact form, I’d love to archive it properly and share it with the community.
Additional Information & Related Models
The Casio CPW-110 stands at the midpoint of Casio’s early 1990s digital compass evolution.
It refined the ideas from the CPW-100 and directly influenced later models like the CPW-310 “Prayer Compass.”
Position in the CPW lineage:
- Casio CPW-100 → first-generation compass model with module 1031.
- Casio CPW-110 → refined design, module 1035, no Qibla functions.
- Casio CPW-200 → outdoor-focused upgrade, 100 m WR and memory for 5 directions.
- Casio CPW-210 → JDM silver-variant of CPW-200.
- Casio CPW-220 → later JDM edition with advanced compass scale.
- Casio CPW-310 → firmware shift toward Prayer Compass (Qibla + Hijri).
- Casio CPW-320 → successor with same manual (modules 1044/1244).
- Casio CPW-400 → full titanium flagship that set the stage for early PRO TREK.
Summary
The CPW-110 represents a key evolutionary link in Casio’s sensor technology timeline, combining a fully functional digital compass with classic Casio simplicity, right before the brand expanded into specialized sensor lines.
FAQ – Casio CPW-110
When was the Casio CPW-110 released?
The Casio CPW-110 was released around 1993–1994 as part of Casio’s first generation of digital compass watches. It followed the CPW-100 and came just before the CPW-200 and CPW-310 models.
What module does the Casio CPW-110 use?
It uses module 1035, a refinement of the earlier 1031 from the CPW-100. This version offered smoother compass calibration and a clearer LCD layout while keeping the same magnetic sensor system.
How accurate is the compass on the Casio CPW-110?
The compass is quite accurate for its era. It detects magnetic north when held flat and can be calibrated manually by rotating the watch in a figure-eight motion. After battery replacement or long storage, recalibration is recommended.
What color versions of the Casio CPW-110 exist?
Only one version is known, a black resin case with green “Digital Compass” text printed on the strap and turquoise-copper bezel accents. No alternate colorways or regional variants are confirmed.
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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