Casio World Time Royale Watch Review (AE1200WH-1CV and AE1200WH-1AV)

Creating the StrapHabit TQ18 Q Timex straps has really opened my eyes to a number of watches that I wouldn't have otherwise owned. One such watch is the Casio AE1200WH, a.k.a. the Royale World Timer. It's 18mm lugs, and inexpensive factory strap make it a great candidate for a TQ18 installation.

I thought that the straps might fit, so I ordered one as a test. At less than $30 MSRP, it was a no-brainer! Sure enough, it fit perfectly but I also found myself enjoying wearing it a lot more than I expected. In fact, I liked it so much that I ordered a second black one that was on sale for $15.99.

I also did a modification project on one of them!  You can read that review here.

If you'd like to learn about some other great watches under $500, you can read the StrapHabit Top 10 list, or view other reviews of watches under $500.

First Impressions:

Despite its somewhat dorky plastic appearance, there is something cool about the Royale. The case has a chunky enough appearance to look tough, despite not being a true G-Shock. 

It does feel pretty light. It doesn't feel expensive, but it feels like it's too nice to be only $30. 

  

Wearing the Casio World Time Royale:

At 42mm wide, and nearly square, the Royale does wear large. It's very light though, so comfort is not an issue. It also has no polished surfaces (other than the buttons), and the height is short at 45mm. I think that most wrists sizes can pull it off.

The large time display makes reading the time supremely easy.

It also has a bright orange light for reading the time in the dark. The duration of the illumination can be adjusted between 1 and 3 seconds.

 

Casio World Time Royale Original and Replacement Straps:

As with many inexpensive Casios, the Royale comes with a resin strap. This one feels even stiffer and cheaper than the straps that come on a G-Shock, however.

It's comfortable enough and does the job, but it makes it feel like you're wearing an inexpensive watch. Some versions also come with a stainless steel bracelet, but I did not purchase one to evaluate.

 

This is where StrapHabit TQ18 Q Timex straps come in! They offer a higher quality aftermarket option in a variety of colors!

We currently have the versions listed below. Scroll down to the end of the article to see more photos.

FKM Rubber
Beads of Rice
Hybrid Leather
Hybrid Sailcloth

 

Of course, I'm highly biased, but I feel that they make the Royale feel like a more high-end watch, and also give the option of customizing it. Sure, the strap costs a bit more than the watch itself, but if the Royale came with a better strap, it wouldn't be $29.95 to begin with.

 

The Movement:

The Royale offers many of the same functions as a G-Shock. Time zones can be displayed by city, and it has alarm, countdown, and stopwatch functions.

It's a bit hard to read, but your home time is also always displayed in the small dial on the upper left. A world map also highlights the region that is being displayed at the current time. 

 

Conclusion:

While the Royale doesn't have the supreme durability of a G-Shock, and offers "only" 100m of water resistance, I'd argue that it can replace a G-Shock in most situations.

Its plastic crystal might be more easily scratched, but it's also easier to polish. Even if it ends up getting damaged, you could buy two to four of these for the price of most G-Shocks.

 

Specifications: 

Nickname: Casio World Time "Royale"
Reference Number: AE1200WH-1CV (silver), AE1200WH-1AV (black)
MSRP: $29.95
Diameter: 42.1mm
Height: 45mm
Thickness: 12.5mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Weight: 39g
Movement: Digital Quartz Module 3299
Power Reserve: 10 year battery
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Resin
Crown:  N/A
Bezel: Resin
Strap: Resin  (StrapHabit TQ18 straps also shown)

 

See and purchase different looks and purchase StrapHabit TQ18 Q Timex Replacement Watch Straps: