Casio BM-600 is a digital wristwatch released around 1995. It used module 1284 and offered a barometer and an altimeter in a case with a large oval matrix display. The watch has a front-mounted sensor plate with six screws, a slim trapezoid case shape and straight rectangular buttons with small grip cuts. The original strap carried a ProTrek logo, which suggests that Casio planned to move the BM line toward the new outdoor series.
The front sensor layout brings back the look of the BM-200, with a similar protective panel on the front of the case. The back cover has a hexagonal outline but uses only four screws, because two positions are decorative and not functional. The display is dominated by a wide pixel matrix, while the time is shown in a smaller lower area. This gives the BM-600 a futuristic, experimental appearance.
The BM-600 appeared at the same time as the BM-610 variant and marks the last step of the BM family. It arrived during the rise of the triple-sensor ProTrek watches, and its single pressure sensor felt outdated next to the new models. Because of that, the BM-600 did not sell well, but today collectors see it as the final barometric Casio before the ProTrek era and one of the most unusual designs Casio released in the 1990s.
Casio BM-600 – Quick Technical Data
| Field | Data |
|---|---|
| Model | Casio BM-600 |
| Module | 1284 |
| Battery | 2× SR927SW (395 equivalent) |
| Manual | Not available online |
| Glass Type | No confirmed info |
| Strap Size | 20 mm (lug) / 23 mm (case) |
| Case Material | Resin, front-mounted sensor panel with 6 screws |
| Functions | Barometer, altitude difference, tendency graph, stopwatch, alarm, 100 m WR, light, 12/24 h |
| Production Years | 1995, last BM-series release |
What color versions of Casio BM-600 exist?
The BM-600 and BM-610 appear in three known color versions. The BM-600 was released only in black, while the BM-610 introduced two light-grey variants. All versions share the same case shape, oval matrix display, front sensor plate with six screws and module 1284.
1. Casio BM-600 – Black Version (standard BM-600)
• Black resin case
• Black strap
• Black bezel
• White button labels (ADJUST, MODE, LIGHT, START)
• Blue WATER 100M RESIST text
• Orange BAROMETER text
• Black front SENSOR plate
This is the only confirmed color version of the BM-600. It is also harder to find than the BM-610 grey versions.
2. Casio BM-610 – Light Grey Version (blue/white labels)
• Light grey case
• Black inner bezel
• Silver screws on the front sensor plate
• Blue WATER 100M RESIST text
• Orange BAROMETER text
• Black SENSOR plate
This is the most common BM-610 variant and follows the same layout as the BM-600, but with a lighter case color.
3. Casio BM-610 – Light Grey Version with Green Accents
• Light grey case
• Black inner bezel
• Silver screws
• Green or teal button labels (ADJUST, MODE, START, WATER RESIST)
• Orange BAROMETER text
• Black SENSOR plate
This is the rarest BM-610 variant. The green accents give it a different look compared to the standard grey version.
About the Casio BM-600 sensor system
The Casio BM-600 uses a single pressure sensor mounted behind the front plate with six screws. This sensor controls the barometer and altimeter, similar to earlier BM models but presented on a much larger matrix display. There is no depth meter in this generation, which places the BM-600 on the trekking-oriented branch of the BM family.
The barometer can display pressure from 610 hPa to 1,050 hPa and offers switchable units (hPa / inHg). It also includes a pressure tendency graph, which shows changes visually over time. A one-touch pressure difference function lets the user compare the current reading with a stored reference value.
The altimeter measures altitude up to around 4,000 m (13,120 ft), with a step of 5 m (20 ft). It also includes relative altitude memory, which records the largest altitude change during a session. Units can be switched between meters and feet.
The BM-600’s wide matrix screen plays a big role in how the sensor data is shown. Most of the display area is reserved for barometric or altitude information, while the time section is smaller and positioned at the bottom. This layout emphasizes sensor readings over general watch functions and gives the model its futuristic look.
Like other BM models, the sensor can drift with temperature or weather changes. Proper calibration and stable conditions improve accuracy. The single-sensor design is simpler than ProTrek models, but easier to understand and operate.
Market reception and the end of the BM series
The Casio BM-600 was one of the most experimental designs in the BM line. Its oval matrix screen and front sensor plate looked very different from classic Casio styling, and many traditional users did not accept the futuristic design. At the same time, the first ProTrek models with triple sensors were already reaching the market, making the single pressure sensor in the BM-600 feel outdated. Because of this overlap the model sold poorly, and Casio ended the entire BM series shortly after its release. The original strap even carried a ProTrek logo, which suggests that Casio planned to transition the BM line into the growing outdoor category. Today the BM-600 is remembered as the final release of the BM family and a symbolic closing point before the ProTrek era began.
Summary
The Casio BM-600 is the final model in the BM barometer series and one of the most unusual Casio releases of the mid-1990s. It uses module 1284 and focuses on barometer and altimeter functions shown on a large oval matrix display. The front sensor plate, six screws and trapezoid case shape give the watch a futuristic, experimental look. The original ProTrek-marked strap shows how closely this model sat between the end of the BM line and the beginning of the ProTrek era.
The BM-600 appeared at a time when triple-sensor ProTreks were becoming more advanced, which made the single-sensor BM design feel outdated. Because of this overlap the watch sold in small numbers and the BM series ended shortly after. Today the BM-600 and BM-610 variants are considered rare, especially the black BM-600 version. The model stands as the symbolic closing point of Casio’s early barometer watches and remains a favorite among collectors who appreciate experimental 90s design.
FAQ – Casio BM-600
Does the Casio BM-600 have a depth meter?
No. The BM-600 only has a barometer and altimeter. The last BM model with a depth meter was the BM-500.
What is the difference between the BM-600 and BM-610?
The BM-600 is the black version, while the BM-610 appears in two light grey versions. All use the same module 1284 and functions.
How accurate is the barometer on the BM-600?
The barometer works well when the watch is correctly calibrated. Like all pressure-based systems, readings can shift with temperature or weather changes.
Which strap fits the BM-600?
The BM-600 uses a 20 mm lug width and 23 mm case connection. The original strap is rare and was shared with models like the ALT-6200, AW-360 and CPW-220. Some versions originally came with a ProTrek-marked strap.
Is the Casio BM-600 rare?
Yes. The BM-600 sold in small numbers and appears less often than BM-610 grey versions. Clean black BM-600 units are considered rare.
Why does the BM-600 look so different from earlier BM models?
Casio designed it during the early ProTrek transition. The oval matrix screen and front sensor plate pushed the BM series into a more futuristic direction.
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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