Casio SDB-500 – Technical Data & Model Information

Casio SDB-500 is a digital wristwatch released around 1989, designed for runners and athletes who needed advanced lap memory and training functions. It used module 863 and offered a 100-hour stopwatch, countdown timer, Lap Memory 30, and Ideal Time alarms, making it one of the most complete sports watches Casio produced in the late 80s.

The SDB-500 was the direct successor to the Casio SDB-300W from 1986, upgrading the design with a bulkier resin case, 100 m water resistance, and bolder button layouts that gave it a stronger presence on the wrist.

Casio SDB-500 – Quick Technical Data

Field	Data
Model	Casio SDB-500W (“Elit Runner”)
Module	863
Battery	CR2016 lithium 3V, approx. 3 years
Manual	Casio SDB-500 Manual PDF
Glass Type	Acrylic (some collectors report mineral-like scratch resistance)
Strap Size	17 mm (lug) / 23 mm (case connection)
Case Material	Resin, 100 m water resistance
Functions	100h stopwatch, 100h countdown timer, Lap Memory 30, 10 ideal times with alarms, daily alarm, hourly signal, microlight
Production Years	Released in 1989. Featured in catalogs 1989, 1992, 1994. Production until mid-1990s.

What color versions of Casio SDB-500 exist?

Casio SDB-500 was released in several color versions, ranging from common black case models to very rare special editions. The most basic versions had black resin with different button colors, while exotic cases like yellow, orange, and pink were produced in much smaller numbers.

• Black case with grey buttons – The most common version. A practical and neutral design, often seen on athletes of the time.

• Black case with blue buttons – Adds subtle color while staying sporty. Popular among collectors today.

• Black case with red buttons – A stronger look with red accents. Produced in smaller numbers than grey or blue.

• Black case with orange buttons – Distinctive and much harder to find. Collectors value its unusual appearance.

• Yellow case with blue buttons – Bright and bold. Scarce, especially with the original yellow-accented strap.

• Orange case with blue buttons – Another striking combination. Rare on the second-hand market.

• Pink case with blue buttons – The legendary grail of the lineup. Extremely rare, with highest prices among all versions.

• Asics co-branded edition – A promotional release replacing the Casio logo with Asics branding. Ultra-limited and considered even rarer than the pink model.

Rarity ranking: Black (Grey buttons) → Black (Blue buttons) → Black (Red buttons) → Black (Orange buttons) → Yellow/Blue → Orange/Blue → Pink/Blue = Asics

Features & Functions of Casio SDB-500

Casio SDB-500 was designed as a sports watch with features focused on running and training. It offered more than simple timekeeping, giving athletes tools to record, compare, and pace their performance.

• Stopwatch – 100-hour capacity with 1/100 second accuracy in the first hour. Stores up to 30 lap and split times, each with date and time.
• Lap Memory 30 – Saves split history with auto-numbering (R-1, R-2, etc.). Useful for tracking training progress and comparing results.
• Countdown Timer – 100-hour range with auto-repeat, ideal for interval sessions.
• Ideal Time Training – Up to 10 preset target times that trigger alarms during runs to keep pace.
• Alarm – Daily alarm plus hourly time signal. Alarm rings for 20 seconds and can be stopped with any button.
• Light – Orange-glow microlight for nighttime visibility.
• Calendar – Full auto-calendar until year 2019. After that, dates need to be adjusted manually.

The combination of Lap Memory and Ideal Time made the SDB-500 stand out in the late 80s. For many runners, it was one of the first digital tools that worked like a personal training partner.

Strap and Case Details – How easy is it to maintain Casio SDB-500 today?

The Casio SDB-500 used a 17 mm lug / 23 mm case connection strap, which makes finding original replacements tricky. Standard straps do not fit perfectly, so collectors often search for NOS parts or salvage straps from donor watches.

• Original straps – Each case color had a matching strap with colored side details. These are highly collectible today, especially the yellow, orange, and pink versions.
• Color aging – The yellow case version often fades toward white over time. Many surviving examples have lost their original bright tone.
• Button details – On the common black case with grey buttons, the left button originally had a red line and the right button a blue line in the groove. With use, this paint almost always wears off, so most watches on the market show plain grey buttons.
• Weak points – Resin straps become brittle with age, and lugs are known to crack after years of stress.
• Compatibility – Aftermarket straps can be adapted, but they rarely match the unique 23 mm case fit. Some collectors modify generic resin or nylon straps for daily wear.

Maintaining a SDB-500 is mostly about protecting the resin. Once the original strap or case breaks, it is hard to restore the watch to its authentic look. Many collectors keep one “wearer” with an aftermarket strap and store their rare color versions safely.

Collectibility & Quirks of Casio SDB-500

Casio SDB-500 is one of the most collectible sports watches from the late 80s and early 90s. Its value today depends strongly on the case color and strap condition.

• Rarity by color – Black/grey and black/blue versions are common, while pink and the Asics edition are considered grails among collectors. Yellow and orange cases are also hard to find in good condition.
• Strap importance – Watches with their original strap and colored side details are much more desirable. Many loose watches on the market are sold on generic replacements.
• Resin quirks – The yellow case fades toward white, and black cases often show worn text or cracks around the lugs.
• Button paint – On black/grey versions, the left button had a red line and the right button a blue line. This paint almost always wears off, so clean grey buttons are more common to see today.
• Market notes – Prices vary widely. Standard black versions are still affordable, but rare colors often reach high collector prices, especially if the strap is intact.

The SDB-500 has a unique mix of practicality and nostalgia. For many collectors, it represents Casio’s golden age of sports design: bold resin cases, sharp LCD graphics, and training features that were ahead of their time.

Casio SDB-500 Manual

📖 Official Manual: Casio SDB-500 Manual PDF

Additional Information & Related Models

Casio released the SDB-500 in 1989, and it remained in catalogs until around 1994. Its bold resin case, flared button arches, and layered LCD digits made it one of the most recognizable sports watches of its time.

Predecessor – SDB-300W (1986)
The first Sports Data Bank watch, smaller and rated to 50 m water resistance. It introduced the Lap Memory 30 but lacked the muscular design that defined the SDB-500.

Successor – SDB-600W (mid-1990s)
The SDB-600 carried over the training features in a slimmer case. It was aimed more at practicality than bold design, and while it has some fans, it never reached the same level of collectibility as the SDB-500 (YET 😉)

Family connection
Together, the SDB-300, SDB-500, and SDB-600 form Casio’s Sports Data Bank line. This series focused on running and training, just as databank models focused on memory storage or sensor watches focused on measurements.

FAQ – Casio SDB-500