Casio CPW-200 is a digital wristwatch released around 1993, known for its refined digital compass and upgraded 100-meter water resistance. It used module 1030 and combined everyday Casio features, alarm, stopwatch, timer, and light, with a more advanced navigation mode capable of storing multiple bearings.
It represented the most polished evolution of Casio’s first-generation compass line, improving on the CPW-100 and CPW-110 while keeping the compact resin design and signature circular LCD layout. Many collectors consider the CPW-200 the most balanced model in the CPW line, reliable, readable, and still practical for outdoor use today.
Casio CPW-200 – Quick Technical Data
| Field | Data |
|---|---|
| Model | Casio CPW-200 |
| Module | 1030 |
| Battery | 2 × SR927W (or equivalent 399) |
| Manual | Casio Module 1030 PDF |
| Glass Type | Acrylic |
| Strap Size | 20 mm (lug) / 23 mm (case) |
| Case Material | Black resin |
| Functions | Digital compass · Navigation mode (5 direction memory) · Stopwatch (24h) · Countdown timer (1m–24h) · Daily alarm · Hourly signal · EL backlight |
| Water Resistance | 100 m |
| Production Years | Around 1993–1994 |
| Made in | Japan |
What color versions of Casio CPW-200 exist?
The Casio CPW-200 was produced in several distinctive color versions, each highlighting different compass bezel and text color combinations. While the green version is the most commonly seen, two darker variants and one unique offshoot (CPW-201) are known among collectors.
Green Bezel with Orange Letters
The most common version of the CPW-200. Features a deep green bezel with bright orange compass markings and a black case. This colorway appeared in most early marketing materials and catalog photos.
💡 Easiest to find and most recognizable version.
Black Bezel with Orange Letters
Slightly rarer variant featuring a fully black bezel with the same orange compass text. The minimal contrast gives the watch a cleaner, sharper look, often mistaken for the green version until viewed closely.
💡 Less common, typically seen on late production runs.
Black with Red Buttons and Mint-Green Bezel Letters
The rarest CPW-200 variant. It combines red side buttons with mint-green bezel text, creating a darker, more striking aesthetic. Very few examples are known, and unfaded lettering is extremely uncommon today.
💡 True collector’s version, highly desirable if complete.
Casio CPW-201 – A Rare Color Version of CPW-200
Model CPW-201 is a special color variation of the CPW-200, using the same module 1030 and functions. It swaps the standard black case for a bright yellow resin body and features a vivid blue bezel with white compass markings. Believed to have been produced for Asian markets only, this funky version rarely appears online.
💡 One of the most unusual and collectible colorways in the entire CPW line.
Features & Functions of Casio CPW-200
The Casio CPW-200 was the most refined model in Casio’s first generation of digital compass watches, using module 1030. It took everything that made the CPW-100 and CPW-110 interesting and added higher water resistance, a navigation memory, and a more advanced interface.
Main functions:
- Digital compass with magnetic bearing and degree display.
- Navigation mode storing up to five direction readings (each saved with date and time).
- Stopwatch (24-hour range, split and finish time).
- Countdown timer adjustable from 1 minute to 24 hours.
- Daily alarm and hourly time signal.
- EL backlight with soft green illumination.
- Dual SR927W batteries for stable sensor operation.
- Water resistance: 100 m.
Compass operation:
The module uses a magnetic bearing sensor that detects the Earth’s magnetic field. It provides a static reading, meaning it captures direction once when activated rather than continuously tracking movement. Calibration is bidirectional, allowing fine-tuning for accuracy.
Navigation memory:
A signature upgrade over earlier models. The watch can store up to 5 bearings, each with timestamp data. This allowed users to log directions during hiking or mapping and recall them later to retrace routes, a surprisingly advanced feature for 1993.
User notes:
The outer rotating bezel helps align the display to north, making the watch practical for basic field navigation. The compass accuracy still impresses collectors today, though recalibration may be needed after long-term storage or battery replacement.
Strap and Case Details – How easy is it to maintain Casio CPW-200 today?
The CPW-200 came with a resin strap specifically molded to fit the case’s short lugs and curved sides. It was printed with compass markings that matched the watch’s bezel design — a detail that gave the model its sporty, directional look.
Strap details:
- Original width: 20 mm at the lugs, flaring to 23 mm at the case connection.
- Strap material: matte black resin, flexible but prone to aging.
- The original strap reference code is not documented, but modern Casio 20 mm resin bands can be fitted with minimal adjustment.
- Collectors sometimes install strap adapters to use nylon NATO or silicone straps, preserving the lugs and improving comfort.
Maintenance tips:
- Avoid forcing new spring bars into brittle resin lugs, they can crack with age.
- The acrylic crystal can be restored easily using Polywatch or a fine abrasive compound.
Overall, the CPW-200 is very maintainable. With proper care and a strap swap, it can still be worn daily.
Casio CPW-200 Manual
Manual reference: Casio Module 1030 PDF
Additional Information & Related Models
The CPW-200 sits at the core of the CPW compass family, representing the most balanced design and the last purely outdoor-focused model before Casio began branching into specialized variations.
Evolution & dependencies within the CPW line:
- CPW-100 – The origin. Casio’s first digital compass (module 1031), 50 m WR, basic magnetic bearing and memory.
- CPW-110 – A refinement of the 100 with module 1035, improved interface, and more compact case.
- CPW-200 – Core production model. Introduced module 1030, upgraded to 100 m WR, added navigation memory for 5 bearings, and became the template for later designs.
- CPW-210 – JDM variant of the 200, with silver case accents and identical module and functions.
- CPW-220 – Final iteration of the “outdoor” branch, module 1286, new bezel with degree scale and minor firmware refinements.
- CPW-310 – Marks the split into the “Prayer Compass” branch. Uses module 1044, adds Qibla direction and Hijri calendar.
- CPW-320 – Successor to the 310, shares manual (modules 1044/1244) and same logic with updated LCD geometry.
- CPW-400 – The flagship. Full titanium case, simplified sensor logic, and direct design ancestor of early PRO TREK / PRT models.
Summary
The CPW-200 connects both sides of the CPW family tree, the outdoor navigation models (100 → 110 → 200 → 210 → 220) and the prayer-compass offshoots (310 → 320). It shares sensor roots with all of them and bridges the transition to the material and design philosophy seen later in CPW-400 and early PRO TREK releases.
FAQ – Casio CPW-200
When was the Casio CPW-200 released?
The Casio CPW-200 was released around 1993–1994. It represented the third generation of Casio’s early digital compass watches, building on the CPW-100 and CPW-110 with improved design and higher water resistance.
What module does the Casio CPW-200 use?
It uses module 1030, which introduced the navigation memory feature. This allowed users to store up to five magnetic bearings with timestamps — a standout feature for early 1990s technology.
How many color versions of the Casio CPW-200 exist?
There are three main CPW-200 versions and one rare offshoot (CPW-201): Green bezel with orange letters – most common version.
Black bezel with orange letters – rarer, later production.
Black with red buttons and mint-green bezel text – rarest standard variant.
CPW-201 – special colorway with yellow case and blue bezel, likely for Asian markets.
Is the Casio CPW-200 still usable today?
Yes. With proper maintenance and strap replacement, the CPW-200 remains fully functional. Its acrylic crystal can be polished using Polywatch, and modern 20 mm straps or adapters can be fitted easily.
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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