Casio W-86-1
A 1990s Classic Worth Preserving
The Casio W-86-1 is a watch that means considerably more to me than simply being another classic Casio digital.
Originally introduced in 1995, the W-86 has become increasingly collectible as good examples have become harder to find. I've personally refurbished many of these watches this year alone, taking tired and heavily worn examples and bringing them back as close as possible to their original appearance before selling them on to new owners.
This particular W-86, however, isn't going anywhere.
My example dates from 1997 and contains the 1572 module, the second generation of module used in the W-86. It's in pristine condition and, since owning it, the only person who has ever worn it is me. The previous owner was also a collector and he states he's never worn it, and seeing how pristine it was I'm inclined to believe him.
A Proper 1990s Casio
The W-86 was introduced in 1995 as an evolution of watches such as the W-59, bringing one particularly significant upgrade: electroluminescent illumination.
For anyone familiar with Casio watches from this era, that blue-green EL glow is an enormous part of their charm.
The original W-86 used Casio's 1275 module, before production moved onto the 1572 module found in my 1997 example. Much later examples received the 3298 module.
Functionally, it's a wonderfully simple watch.
You get hours, minutes, seconds, day and date, a daily alarm, hourly time signal, 12/24-hour timekeeping and a 1/100-second stopwatch capable of measuring up to an hour.
Nothing unnecessary. Just the functions that made Casio digital watches so useful in the first place.
The 1572 Module
Part of the appeal of my particular W-86 is the 1572 module.
It represents an earlier period in the W-86's production history and retains that fantastic electroluminescent backlight that makes these watches such a pleasure to use in the dark.
Casio collectors will know that the W-86 actually went through several internal changes during its long production life. The 1275 came first, followed by the 1572, with the 3298 appearing in later watches.
My 1997 example therefore sits nicely within the earlier history of the model.
That said, there's still one missing from my collection.
I'm continuing to hunt for a good original 1995 W-86 fitted with the 1275 module. Finding one is difficult enough; finding one in the condition I'd actually want to own is another matter entirely.
But the hunt is half the fun.
A Watch I've Refurbished Many Times
The W-86 also has a special place in my collection because it's a model I've worked on numerous times.
I've bought examples that looked well past their best, stripped them down, thoroughly cleaned them, replaced worn components where necessary and brought them back to a condition where they could once again be appreciated and worn.
There's something particularly satisfying about doing that with a watch like the W-86.
These weren't expensive luxury watches designed to spend their lives tucked safely inside a box. They were affordable everyday watches that were worn, knocked around and used for years.
As a result, genuinely pristine early examples are becoming much harder to find.
Being able to take a tired W-86 and make it look almost new again before passing it onto another owner is one of the more satisfying parts of restoring older Casios.
More Than Just an F-91W Alternative
It's tempting to compare almost every small classic Casio digital with the F-91W, but I think the W-86 deserves to be appreciated in its own right.
The styling is unmistakably Casio, but the 50-metre water resistance and electroluminescent backlight give it a slightly more capable specification while retaining the compact dimensions and simplicity that make these older digitals so enjoyable to wear.
There's also something about the proportions of the W-86 that just works.
It's small by modern standards, extremely lightweight and unobtrusive on the wrist, yet still has enough presence to avoid feeling insignificant.
For me, it's one of Casio's best classic digital designs of the 1990s.
The Casio Collector Verdict
The W-86-1 is one of those Casios that I've developed a real attachment to over the years.
I've refurbished many examples, brought battered watches back to life and sold them on, but my own 1997 module 1572 example is staying firmly in the collection.
It's pristine, it's only ever been worn by me since I've owned it, and it's exactly the sort of watch that reminds me why I started collecting and restoring older Casios in the first place.
The W-86 represents almost everything I enjoy about classic Casio: it's uncomplicated, practical, comfortable, affordable and built to do a job. Add that fantastic electroluminescent backlight and you've got one of my favourite Casio digitals of the 1990s.
With good original examples becoming increasingly difficult to find, I think the W-86 is finally getting some of the appreciation it deserves.
Would I buy another?
Considering how many I've already bought, restored and sold, I think we know the answer to that.
But the one I'm really waiting for is different.
An original 1995 W-86 with the 1275 module.
The hunt continues...
Specifications
Model: Casio W-86-1
Original Release: 1995
My Example: 1997
Module: 1572
Original Module: 1275
Later Module: 3298
Display: Digital LCD
Case/Bezel: Resin
Strap: Resin
Water Resistance: 50 metres
Battery: CR2016
Approx. Battery Life: 7 years
Accuracy: ±30 seconds per month
Backlight: Electroluminescent (EL)
Stopwatch: 1/100 second, measuring capacity up to 59'59.99"
Alarm: Daily alarm
Hourly Time Signal: Yes
12/24-Hour Format: Yes
Calendar: Automatic calendar
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