Casio DB-31 – Restoration

The Casio DB-31 is one of the more common Databank models. You can still find them on eBay without much trouble, often for a fair price. But even a simple model can turn into a big challenge when it arrives in very bad condition.

This DB-31 was sent to me by one of my viewers, Marko, who offered it for a symbolic price. At first sight it looked like a complete write-off: broken lugs, holes in the case, missing buttons, and a scratched screen. Most collectors would call it parts only.

I decided to give it a chance anyway. Not because it was rare, but because I enjoy the challenge of bringing dead-looking watches back to life.

What was the condition of the watch at the start?

This Casio DB-31 came to me in very poor condition. Here is what I found:

• All four lugs broken – no way to attach a strap.
• Case with holes, including one big gap in the resin.
• Buttons missing or torn off – the watch could not be operated.
• No sound – the small buzzer spring inside was gone.
• Scratched screen and cracked plastic around it.
• General wear that made the watch look like scrap.

Most collectors would stop here and use it as a donor. But I decided to treat it as a challenge and try to rebuild it step by step.

How did the restoration process go?

Step 1: Rebuilding the case and lugs

The case was in the worst condition. It had holes, cracks, and all four lugs were broken off. I rebuilt everything using a mix of baking soda and super glue. After the repair hardened, I shaped each lug with a file and then sanded the case to match the original lines of the DB-31.

Step 2: Painting the case

When the shape was ready, I painted the case with matte black nail polish. To get a smooth finish, I lightly sanded it after the paint dried. This gave the surface a clean, factory-like look.

Step 3: Repairing the buttons

Some buttons were missing, others were broken. I restored them and fixed the internal contacts, so the watch could be used again without issues.

Step 4: Restoring the sound

The buzzer was silent because the spring was missing. I added a replacement spring, and the sound came back to life.

Step 5: Polishing the screen

The screen was scratched and cloudy. I polished it until the surface became clear again, which improved the look of the watch a lot.

Step 6: Adding a strap

Finally, I fitted a new strap, so the DB-31 could be worn again instead of just sitting in a drawer.

The result of the restoration

The Casio DB-31 is working and wearable again. The case is rebuilt, the buttons respond, the sound works, and the screen is clear. With a new strap, it finally looks and feels like a watch again.

Of course, it is not mint. The DB-31 still shows some marks from its tough past, but that gives it character. For me, the most important part was proving that even a watch in this condition can be saved with patience and the right methods.

Databanks like the DB-31 are still common on eBay, but many of them arrive broken or missing parts. Restoring this one reminded me that sometimes the value is not in rarity, but in the story of bringing it back.

👉 What do you think? Would you take on a project this damaged, or would you use it as a donor for parts?