Casio Film Watches
Two or three years ago I started collecting watches. Nothing too fancy: no poncy timepieces or Rolexes for me, just some Casio Film Watches from Japan.
The attraction? Subtle retro style and some useful functionality at a decent price. I kept a few phone numbers in one’s databank in case I lost my phone, for example.
Strangely, ‘retro’ on this occasion meant the early 1980s. Could the decade of my birth really be deemed retro already?
Two or three years ago I also stopped collecting watches.
I didn’t become obsessive and break the bank (at 10 to 15 a go from ebay they were a snip). No, I just realised that three watches for one person was (probably) enough.

Little did I know that, like the 80s itself, these watches are as good as disposable. To replace the batteries that have since died will cost at least 15.
In motor insurance terms, that makes these Film Watches a write-off.
On the plus side, a very good salesman at The Watch Lab valued each watch at 125 and almost convinced me that 15 for a battery was excellent value. 59.95 brand new more like.
He actually pouted at me when I said I’d think about it.













13 Comments so far
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I have a silver dual-time Casio Pela Film Watch (FS-01) and recently the battery has just died. I really would like to keep wearing it. Do you know the exact type/size/brand of replacement battery I need to buy to get it working again? Please let me know. Thanks.
By John on 10.14.06 11:27 am
I own a watch repair company, who can replace such batteries at a fraction of the price. Please visit our website to see the prices we charge.
By Graham on 11.06.06 2:43 pm
Just lost my casio film watch I had for about 5 years.
It is by far, the freshest and handsomest watch on the planet. It was a b-day present from my girl and it would kill her she found out I lost it. I’ve searched the web endlessly to no avail. Yes I do feel a bit guilty but if you have any info as to where I could purchase new or used I would be forever greatful. The watch you hav pictuers is the same model (FS-02ED-2AMUR)
THANKS AND GREETINGS FROM M NYC
By castro on 03.06.07 1:34 am
My only suggestion is to set up some eBay alerts for the model and just wait. Good luck with that.
By Mancubist on 03.06.07 1:51 am
I have a Casio Pela Film Watch Model 2374 and the rubber end holding the band to the watch face is split. Do you know where I can get this fixed in the US? I love my watch.
By Cherie on 03.20.07 1:23 am
strange, i’ve owned a couple of film watches (FS-04) and battery replacement has been a fiver each time, probably because they are more common models?!
By bushra on 07.17.07 9:44 pm
(aside - another einaudi fan!)
By bushra on 07.17.07 9:44 pm
I personally love retro anything including retro fashion. Thanks for the post.
By Retro Fashion on 10.12.07 8:21 pm
Your FS-00 can be brought back to life with a 1616 battery instead of the pricy
1612. It is slightly thicker so you should “bow” the backplate slightly. dont forget to short the contact points to reset the watch.1616’s are cheap. I have 2 FS-00’s running with them. I bought the 1616’s on Ebay for less than $4 w/ shipping. good luck- Stew
By stew swanson on 10.18.07 3:05 am
I receive a casio FS-01 as a gift, and really like it. With over use of it the band is torn. Do you know I can order more of the bands?????
By Jo on 12.23.07 3:17 am
There is currently(3-15-08) an FS-01 on EBay for 2 pounds. Do a search for casio film watch on EBay and it below the 3 auction watches. Looks like a cheap way to get your band.
Stew
By stew swanson on 03.15.08 5:46 pm
I have an FS00 I bought in Tokyo for $10 on the street, love it. Warning though: there are actually Chinese fakes of the FS01s (maybe other models) for sale. I wasted $30 each buying two from a place in New Jersey on the net. They’re thicker, missing a button, have no backlight (even though it says “Illuminator” on the faceplate). Just Chinese copies. So just be real careful. Love my original FS00 though. Got the battery replaced a year ago maybe? Wasn’t that much.
By steve p on 06.24.08 6:44 pm
i have an fs06 and love it. getting a bit worn now though so would love to replace with a new fs06. any ideas where i could get one? email me.
By Dan on 07.09.08 11:14 pm
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