Casio CMD-40 – Technical Data & Model Information

Casio CMD-40 is a digital wristwatch released around late 1992, famous for its built-in infrared remote control. It used module 1174 and combined normal Casio watch functions with a calculator and full TV/VCR control, making it one of the most recognizable models in the “Wrist Remote Controller” line. The CMD-40 had a long retail life, staying in shops until about 2005–2006, and it remains a favorite among collectors for its colorful keypad versions, prank history, and unique learning IR function. It followed earlier remote models like the CMD-10, CMD-20, and CMD-30, and was later succeeded by the CMD-50, a short-lived version without calculator.

Casio CMD-40 – Quick Technical Data

Field	Data
Model	Casio CMD-40
Module	1174 (also 1175 for certain versions)
Battery	CR2032
Manual	Casio CMD-40 Manual PDF
Glass Type	Acrylic crystal
Strap Size	22 mm (lug) / 25 mm (case)
Case Material	Black resin (some versions painted silver)
Functions	Timekeeping, 8-digit calculator, alarm, stopwatch, TV/VCR remote, learning IR codes
Production Years	c. 1992/95 release, sold through retailers until c. 2005/06

What color versions of Casio CMD-40 exist?

Casio CMD-40 came in five versions between 1995 and 1996. At first glance they look almost identical, but small details like keypad colors, printed labels above the keys, screen tint, and catalog notes help collectors tell them apart.

1. CMD-40-1 (1995)

Black matte resin case and strap. The first row of buttons (REV, STOP, PLAY, FF) is blue, and the last two buttons (CH- / CH+) are green. All other buttons are grey. LCD has a light, standard contrast background.
This was the first and most recognizable version. The blue-green accents gave it a “gadget look” typical of the 1990s. Marked IN PACKAGE in catalogs, meaning it was sold in blister packaging.

2. CMD-40B-1 (1995)

Same black matte case and strap. The keypad is almost fully black, with only the last two buttons different: CH– in blue and CH+ in green. LCD is identical to the CMD-40-1.
A more minimal and toned-down look compared to the colorful CMD-40-1. In catalogs there is no IN PACKAGE note, which suggests it may have been shipped in a simpler retail box.

3. CMD-40D-1 (1996)

Black resin case with a matte finish. Buttons are lighter in color, and printed labels above the keys mark the first four playback buttons (REV, STOP, PLAY, FF) and the last two (CH– and CH+). The LCD background has a more greenish/blue tint. The red “+” symbol on the screen frame is bright and vivid.
This was the first version with Neo Bright luminous keypad (glowed in the dark). Catalogs marked it as IN PACKAGE, with richer packaging.

4. CMD-40E-1 (1996)

Black matte resin case. Keypad is darker, with almost no printed labels above the keys except the last two (CH– and CH+). The screen has a more neutral tint compared to the greenish CMD-40D. The red “+” symbol on the frame is darker and less visible.
Essentially a simplified CMD-40D, with fewer printed details and a subtler display. Not labeled IN PACKAGE in catalogs, which may suggest a cheaper or simpler release version.

5. CMD-40F-7 (1996)

Silver-painted resin case and strap. Under the paint, the base plastic is cream-colored, which becomes visible once the paint wears off. Keypad is black with white digits, LCD is standard.
The only bright/silver version of the CMD-40. At first it looked premium, but the paint finish was fragile. It did not include Neo Bright. Catalogs marked it as IN PACKAGE.

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📌 Quick summary for collectors:

• CMD-40-1: Blue first row + green CH+. Most colorful, “classic prank” version.
• CMD-40B-1: Mostly black, only CH– and CH+ in color. Simplest look.
• CMD-40D-1: Greenish screen tint, printed labels above first 4 + last 2 keys, bright red “+”. Neo Bright.
• CMD-40E-1: Neutral screen tint, almost no printed labels, dark red “+”. Minimalist version.
• CMD-40F-7: Silver-painted case, black/white keypad. Only light version, but fragile paint.

Some details (like packaging differences and battery life claims) come from catalogs and community research, so they remain partly speculative.

What are the main features and functions of Casio CMD-40?

Casio CMD-40 combined a digital wristwatch with a full infrared remote system. It offered timekeeping, calculator, alarm, stopwatch, and the ability to control TVs, VCRs, stereos, and CD players.

Timekeeping & Basic Functions

• Standard Casio digital display.
• Date shown at the top, time at the bottom.
• One daily alarm and an hourly signal.
• Stopwatch function for timing.
• No countdown timer.

Calculator Mode

• Built-in 8-digit calculator.
• Simple operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).

Remote Control Features

• Infrared emitter located at the top of the case.
• Remote functions included:
  • Power on/off
  • Channel up/down
  • Volume up/down
  • Direct number input via keypad

Learning Function

• The CMD-40 could memorize up to 16 IR codes from other remotes.
• To program:
  1. Enter learning mode.
  2. Select a storage slot (button flashes).
  3. Hold another remote about 3 cm from the watch.
  4. Press the target button on the remote.
  5. CMD-40 confirmed with an indicator icon.
• Once stored, functions could be recalled instantly.

Preset Compatibility

• Supported many popular TV brands of the 1990s (Sony, Panasonic, JVC, Samsung, Philips, Sharp, etc.).
• Also worked with VCR brands such as Akai, Goldstar, NEC, Pioneer, Toshiba, and others.

Display & Indicators

• LCD box highlighted when the watch sent out an IR signal.
• No backlight was included, since Casio found it drained the battery too quickly.

Which TVs and VCRs work with Casio CMD-40?

Casio CMD-40 was designed in the 1990s, but collectors report it is still compatible with many modern TVs and players. However, not every model will work, since some brands have changed or abandoned infrared codes.

Supported TV Brands

Brand	Example Code Numbers
Ferguson	17, 18
Funai	15, 16, 41, 42
Goldstar	6, 12, 13, 29, 32
Grundig	20, 21, 22
Hitachi	3, 25–29
JVC	3, 4, 5, 30
Mitsubishi	3, 19
NEC	3, 29, 31, 32
Panasonic	2, 8, 9, 10
Philips	6, 28
Pioneer	33
Samsung	6, 12, 14, 15, 29, 32
Sanyo	3, 35, 36, 40
Sharp	1, 3, 37
Sony	3, 7
Telefunken	23, 24
Toshiba	3, 38–40

Supported VCR Brands

Brand	Example Code Numbers
Akai	24, 25, 33
Ferguson	17, 18
Funai	15
Goldstar	26
Grundig	20, 21, 22
Hitachi	4, 27, 42
JVC	3, 4, 5
Mitsubishi	6, 19
NEC	28, 29
Nokia	30
Panasonic	2, 14
Philips	7–10
Pioneer	31
Samsung	16, 32, 33
Sanyo	34–38
Sharp	1
Sony	11–13
Telefunken	6, 23
Toshiba	39–41

📌 Collector note: Many users still find success using CMD-40 with newer TVs and set-top boxes. But not every device is compatible, especially those made after infrared technology was replaced by Bluetooth or RF remotes.

Strap and Case Details – How easy is it to maintain Casio CMD-40 today?

The CMD-40 used a wide integrated resin strap, measuring 22 mm at the lugs and 25 mm at the case connection. This design makes it hard to replace with modern straps, and original parts are now very rare.

• Strap durability: Many CMD-40 straps broke at the lugs over time. Resin becomes brittle with age, and the wide design makes stress cracks common.
• Case material: The black versions were plain resin, while the CMD-40F-7 was painted silver. On most surviving examples the silver paint has worn off, showing the cream resin beneath.
• Compatibility: Because of the non-standard strap fit, replacements are difficult. Collectors often use donor straps, adapters, or aftermarket solutions.
• Weak points: Lugs snapping, resin cracking, and keypad text fading. These are common issues that lower the number of well-preserved examples.

In short, keeping a CMD-40 wearable today is possible, but finding one with its original strap intact is getting harder every year.

Collectibility & Quirks of Casio CMD-40

The Casio CMD-40 had a very long retail life. It was released at the end of 1992 and sold through retailers until around 2005–2006. Because of this, many units are still available on the market today. A few years ago it was cheaper and easy to find. Prices have recently gone up. Standard versions now sell for around $200–250. Rare models with the Neo Bright glow keypad are more expensive and highly desired by collectors.

For many people the CMD-40 is a symbol of the 1990s. It worked as a multifunction watch and also as a gadget for fun. Many remember using it in schools, pubs, and public spaces to control TVs. The design is also admired. The dome-shaped case, the large red side button, and the small IR indicator box on the display make it unique.

The weak points are the same as with other resin Casios. Straps often snap at the lugs. Cases turn brittle with age. The silver CMD-40F-7 usually loses its paint and shows the cream plastic under the coating. Even with these issues, the CMD-40 is still one of the most wanted remote control watches. Strong nostalgia, long history, and several model versions keep it high in demand.

Casio CMD-40 Manual

The official user manual for the Casio CMD-40 explains timekeeping, calculator use, and detailed instructions for the remote learning function. It also lists preset codes for TVs and VCRs from the 1990s.

📖 Download Casio CMD-40 Manual (PDF)

Additional Information & Related Models

The Casio CMD-40 is remembered as the most successful of Casio’s remote control watches. It was released at the end of 1992 and stayed in production for over a decade, still being sold through retailers until around 2005–2006. Its design is praised by collectors as perfectly balanced, with a dome-shaped case, a bold red side button, and the IR emitter placed on top. The model also restored the 8-digit calculator function that some earlier versions had lost.

Casio produced several other remote watches around the same time: the CMD-10, CMD-20, and CMD-30, followed later by the rarer CMD-50. Compared to these, the CMD-40 was the longest-running and most widely available. While the CMD-20 was produced in the smallest numbers and is the rarest, it is also the least desirable among collectors due to its bulky design. The CMD-40 became the true “classic” of the series — the model most collectors think of when they remember Casio’s TV remote experiments.

FAQ – Casio CMD-40

Sources & Inspiration

This article was created from my own experience of buying, collecting, and restoring vintage Casio watches over the past few years. It is also based on conversations with other collectors, official Casio catalogs and ads, and various YouTube videos that document the CMD-40 and its history.