Casio TGW-10 – Restoration

Introduction

The Casio TGW-10 Tri Graph is a late-1980s digital watch powered by Module 827. It stands out for its unusual combination of a white/beige dial with blue mini clocks, a look far less common than the typical black version. Small details like this make certain Casios especially fun to collect.

I came across this TGW-10 on Facebook Marketplace for just $28. Considering how rarely this version shows up, it felt like a real bargain. Like many late-80s Casios, it comes with some quirks: the calendar only runs up to 2019, which felt futuristic back then but now serves as a reminder of just how much time has passed. 🧓

When I bought it, the watch wasn’t in collector-ready shape. The glass was scratched, the face had yellowed, and the numbers on the LCD were faded. Still, with its unique design and vintage character, I knew it was worth the effort to bring it back to life.

In this post, I’ll go through each step of the restoration process — from polishing the glass to reviving the faded digits — and show how this rare Tri Graph earned its spot in my collection.

What was the condition of the watch at the start?

When I first got the Casio TGW-10 Tri Graph, it clearly showed its age. The acrylic glass was scratched, with marks that dulled the dial underneath. The white face had faded, leaning toward a yellowish tone after more than three decades.

The digits on the LCD were faint, which is a common issue in older Casios. They were still readable but lacked the bold contrast the watch originally had. On top of that, it came without a proper strap, so it wasn’t even wearable right away.

Despite all this, the watch still had its charm. The blue mini clocks stood out nicely against the beige background, hinting at how good the TGW-10 could look once restored. And considering the price I paid, the flaws felt more like a challenge than a dealbreaker.

👉 Collector’s note: The TGW-10 appear quite often, but white/beige dial version is pretty much rare . Most surviving examples are black. Finding one in restorable condition, even with heavy wear, is a win for any vintage Casio fan.

How did I restore the Casio TGW-10?

Step 1: Polishing the glass

The acrylic glass had years of scratches. I used wet sanding starting at 800 grit, then moved through 1200, 1600, 2000, and 2200. After sanding, I finished with Polywatch, which gave the crystal back its shine and clarity.

Step 2: Cleaning and polishing the case

The resin case had lost its brightness. I cleaned it thoroughly and applied polishing paste to smooth out small marks. This brought back a healthy shine without making it look overdone.

Step 3: Whitening the watch face

The once-white face had faded. I applied 12% oxidant cream and exposed it to UV light. After a few sessions, the color brightened noticeably, restoring its original tone.

Step 4: Improving the faded numbers

The digits on the LCD were weak. To solve this, I applied a thin layer of polarizing film. The difference was immediate — the numbers became sharp and easy to read again.

Step 5: Adding the strap

Finally, I fitted a new strap bought from Amazon. It’s not the original, but it fits the style well and makes the watch comfortable for daily wear.

👉 Tip for restorers: Take your time with polarizing film. A small alignment mistake can affect readability, so it’s worth adjusting until everything lines up perfectly.

The result: how does the TGW-10 look now?

After the restoration, the Casio TGW-10 Tri Graph looked completely transformed. The glass is clear and free of scratches, letting the dial show through as it should. The case has its shine back, and the white face is bright again thanks to the oxidant treatment.

The biggest improvement came from the polarizing film. The digits are now bold and crisp, restoring the legibility that had faded over time. Paired with the blue mini clocks, the watch has that striking late-80s aesthetic that makes the TGW-10 stand out among Casio’s digital lineup.

With the new strap attached, it’s not just a display piece. It’s a comfortable, wearable watch ready for daily use. Considering the $28 price tag and minimal extra costs, this turned out to be one of the most satisfying budget restorations in my collection. 👍⌚