Casio CPW-310 is a digital wristwatch released around 1993–1994, known for its Qibla compass and automatic prayer time calculation. It used module 1044 and combined Casio’s standard watch functions, alarm, stopwatch, countdown timer, EL green backlight, with unique religious utilities such as five daily prayer alarms, Hijri/Gregorian calendar, and Qibla direction guidance.
It was developed for Muslim users and sold mainly in Middle Eastern and Turkish markets under the names “Islamic Prayer Compass” and “Namaz Pusulası”. The CPW-310 shares its case design with earlier CPW-100 and CPW-200 compass models, but its module 1044 added new prayer-time logic and a dual Hijri/Gregorian calendar, making it one of Casio’s most unique cultural creations from the early 1990s.
Casio CPW-310 – Quick Technical Data
| Field | Data |
|---|---|
| Model | Casio CPW-310 |
| Module | 1044 |
| Battery | 2 × SR927SW |
| Manual | Casio Module 1044 PDF |
| Glass Type | Acrylic |
| Strap Size | 19 mm (lug) / 22.5 mm (case) |
| Case Material | Matte black resin |
| Functions | Digital compass · Qibla direction · Prayer time calculation (5 daily) · Hijri / Gregorian calendar · Stopwatch · Countdown timer · Daily alarm · Hourly signal · EL green backlight |
| Water Resistance | 50 m |
| Production Years | 1993–1994 |
| Made in | Japan |
What color versions of Casio CPW-310 exist?
The Casio CPW-310 was released in three known color versions: the standard black model with gold bezel text, the black version with a white faceplate, and the rare silver bezel edition. All three share the same resin case, strap design, and module 1044, differing only in bezel color and dial layout.
Black Version
The most common variant of the CPW-310. Features a matte black resin case and strap with gold lettering around the bezel. This version best represents the classic “Prayer Compass” look, with the green digital compass ring and dual Hijri/Gregorian calendar display.
💡 Easiest to find and the standard model shown in most catalogs.
Black Version with White Faceplate
A less common version featuring a white inner dial insert, giving the watch a lighter, more balanced contrast. It keeps the same matte black exterior but looks visually distinct due to the brighter background under the LCD.
💡 Rarer variant, often shows discoloration on the white insert after years of use.
Silver Bezel Version
The rarest CPW-310 known. Features a metallic silver bezel ring around the face, adding a premium appearance not seen on other Prayer Compass models. Very few documented examples exist online, and collectors regard it as a grail piece in the CPW series.
💡 Highly collectible, rarely appears even in Japanese or Middle Eastern listings.
Rarity ranking:
Common → Black → Black with White Faceplate → Silver Bezel
Features & Functions of Casio CPW-310
The CPW-310 introduced one of Casio’s most specialized modules of the 1990s, module 1044, designed specifically for Islamic prayer time calculation and Qibla direction. It blended traditional Casio digital functions with unique religious and astronomical logic.
Main functions:
- Digital compass for determining Qibla direction toward Mecca
- Automatic calculation of five daily prayer times (based on city coordinates)
- Hijri and Gregorian dual calendar
- Daily alarm and hourly signal
- Stopwatch (24-hour range)
- Countdown timer (1 minute – 24 hours)
- EL backlight with soft green illumination
- Water resistance 50 m
- Dual SR927SW batteries
How it works:
The compass indicates the Qibla direction by aligning the bearing with stored city data. The watch automatically calculates the five prayer times based on longitude, latitude, and date, showing them throughout the day.
Despite its complexity, the interface remains simple, the circular compass ring doubles as a visual guide for Qibla direction, a smart reuse of Casio’s existing compass LCD architecture.
Strap and Case Details – How easy is it to maintain Casio CPW-310 today?
The CPW-310 shares its case and strap design with earlier models like the CPW-200, meaning most parts and dimensions are compatible.
Strap details:
- Width: 19 mm at the lugs, expanding to 22.5 mm at the case.
- Material: matte black resin, originally supplied with compass-style embossed graphics.
- Compatibility: standard 19 mm Casio straps fit well, though slight curvature may be needed for a perfect fit.
Case details:
- Made of matte black resin, compact and lightweight.
- Acrylic glass is easy to restore with Polywatch or fine paste polish.
- Screw-back stainless steel caseback, marked Japan Made.
- Water resistance rated to 50 meters, still sufficient for everyday wear if seals are replaced.
Casio CPW-310 Manuals & Ads
The CPW-310 uses module 1044, and the official Casio manual provides full instructions for compass calibration, Qibla setup, and prayer time adjustment. It was one of the few Casio watches to include multi-language catalog material, released for both Middle Eastern and Turkish markets in the mid-1990s.
Manual reference: Casio Module 1044 PDF
Catalog appearances:
- Turkish catalog (“Namaz Pusulası”) – Presented as “Bütün Müslümanlar için!” (“For all Muslims”). Highlighted features include Qibla direction, prayer time alarms, and Hijri calendar.
- Arabic/English catalog (“Islamic Prayer Compass”) – Shown under Casio’s “Gear Watch” line, emphasizing automatic calculation of prayer times anywhere in the world.
Both catalogs underline Casio’s effort to localize digital technology for cultural use, turning the CPW-310 into a specialized tool for faith and travel.
Collector note:
If you have additional catalog pages, retail leaflets, or regional packaging from this model, please share scans via Instagram @vintage.casio.restore. These materials help preserve Casio’s rare history of culturally tailored digital watches.
Additional Information & Related Models
The CPW-310 started Casio’s “Prayer Compass” branch, using the same case as the outdoor CPW models but redesigned for Qibla direction and prayer time calculation.
It marked the point where Casio’s compass tech shifted from navigation to faith-based use.
Related models:
CPW-100 · CPW-110 · CPW-200 · CPW-210 · CPW-220 · CPW-320 · CPW-400
Quick note: The CPW-310 and CPW-320 share the same logic and manual, forming a small “Prayer Compass” subfamily within the CPW series.
FAQ – Casio CPW-310
What battery does the Casio CPW-310 use?
The Casio CPW-310 uses two SR927SW silver oxide batteries. They power both the timekeeping and compass functions and are easy to replace with standard equivalents.
What makes the Casio CPW-310 special?
The Casio CPW-310 is the first Prayer Compass watch ever produced by Casio. It combines a digital Qibla compass, automatic prayer time calculation, and a Hijri/Gregorian dual calendar, all inside a compact resin case. It stands out as one of Casio’s most culturally specific designs.
How is the Casio CPW-310 different from the Casio CPW-320?
The Casio CPW-310 and CPW-320 share the same case design and overall concept, but they use different modules. The CPW-310 runs on module 1044, while the CPW-320 uses module 1244. Both operate almost identically and even share the same user manual, but the CPW-320 features a slightly updated LCD layout with a flatter, more oval compass ring, making it visually distinct.
Where was the Casio CPW-310 sold?
The Casio CPW-310 was sold mainly in Middle Eastern and Turkish markets. It appeared under names such as “Islamic Prayer Compass” and “Namaz Pusulası” in regional catalogs from 1993–1994.
How rare is the Casio CPW-310 today?
The Casio CPW-310 is quite rare, especially outside of its original sales regions. Among its versions, the silver bezel model is the hardest to find and is considered a collector’s grail within the CPW series.
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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