The Casiotron, model QW02, is Casio's first digital digital watch released in 1974. It features an automatic calendar, meaning the calendar date did not need to be reset on the first of each month. which was revolutionary. Later models could correctly display February 29 during leap years. The X-1 model, released in 1976. included features included in most Casio watches moving forward; including stopwatch, alarm and world time function. ![[Casiotron-1974.JPEG]] ## Quartz Movement The Casiotron operates using a 'Quartz Movement', which differs from traditional [[Mechanical Movement]]. When an electrical current is applied to a quartz crystal, it oscillates at a consistent frequency. This precise oscillation serves as the timing signal for accurate timekeeping. A battery powers the electrical current, circuit board, and LCD display. ![[Casiotron-board.png|Casiotron Circuit Boad (jrussbeauchamp)]] ## Cost In 1974, a digital watch was considered a Luxury item. Unlike today, when a Casio watch is affordable for almost everyone.  In 1974, the Casiotron was approximately $150 and a Rolex Datejust $500. Today, a basic Casio, the F91, is $17 and the modest Rolex Datejust 36 is $8,800. ![[Casio-Rolex-1974.png|Cost of Casiotron and Rolex Dateonly in 1974]] ![[Casio-rolex-2024.png|Cost of Casio and Rolex Dateonly in 2024]] ## 50th Anniversary In 2024, Casio released a 50 Anniversary re-creation limited edition of the Casiotron, model TRN-50. The 4,000 made were sold out quickly. The TRN-50 has is appromately the same size and design as the original. Some modern features were added, including SmartPhone link, Solar Powered, Radio Controller (sync time with atom clock). ![[Casiotron-2024.PNG|Original and Anniversary Version (Casio.com)]] ## My Thoughts As I explore the history of timekeeping and watchmaking, my appreciation for both mechanical and quartz watches continues to grow. I especially admire Casio watches for their durability, functionality, and affordability. Even the 50-year-old design of the Casiotron remains relevant and timeless in 2024. ## Resources [Casio 1970 (Casio.com)](https://www.casio.com/us/watches/50th/Heritage/1970s/) [Vintage Casio Collection and Casiotron Series and Model Numbering (Watchuseek by Paul R)](https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/vintage-casio-collection-and-casiotron-series-and-model-numbering.5436628/) [Casiotron TRN-50 and Casiotron 1974 Comparison (Video by Paul R)](https://youtu.be/bNKo2pxMuyY?si=JPp5-65ZD9oR_hSI) [www.jrussbeauchamp.com](http://www.jrussbeauchamp.com/item.php?id=5374) [Rare Digital Watches - Casiotron](https://raredigitalwatches.com/casiotron1.htm)