THE MOST AMAZING WATCH UPGRADE EVER?

Today I wanted to share something I came across, the Real CasiOak.  A truly innovative way on upgrading your Casio G-Shock. I was out with a friend for breakfast the other day and mistook his for a Bell and Ross. Although was later informed it’s a homage to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Hey I was already 3 cocktails in, an easy mistake to make. 

I asked my friend to send me some photos of his watch and some instructional videos and general information. 

What comes in the kits?

The conversion kits are meant to turn the watch into something resembles a Royal Oak but has the functionality of a G-Shock inside of it. The cost varies on how far you want to go. 

You have the option of changing the case, the bracelet, the dial, the hands and the chapter ring. The kits come with the tools and the parts. If you want to do the dial and hands however you will need some additional tools 

That will be a hand setting tool, but they include a pair of plastic tweezers which are soft and don't scratch the handset of the dial.

Overall, all of these parts seem to high quality. (Judging by online feedback and my friend attesting) and a very beautiful level of finishing. I felt the watch and there is a nice heft to all the stainless steel parts. The parts seem higher quality than what’s in the stock G-Shock. The original use a lot of plastic parts. It’s supposed to be rugged, it’s part of the DNA of G-Shock and keeps the costing down.

The cost of the kits are roughly the same as the cost of the watch itself. But you'll keep the core components of the G-Shock intact which means it will retain most of the ruggedness. It will still be water resistance but possibly lose some of the shock resistance. 

I'm told it's very easy to replacing the case and the bracelet, however replacing the hands and the dial requires a bit more skill. I'd recommend skipping the deep customisation and just going with the case and bracelet for now and see how you get on with it. 

There are assembly instructional videos on the website. 

Overall thoughts

I like the rubber strap option, when I tried it on it felt comfort on the wrist. The black and orange colour screen looks fantastic if you can find some of the same colour accents integrated into that carbon core section of the built. 

I'd certainly recommend looking around for the different colour-ways, matching straps and casing with the accents on the dial. It's not a must but will give it a more coordinated look. Like pairing your windowpane check with a colour in your tie that brings it together. 

Overall the style and quality is outstanding. It’s not a cheap modification if you do everything, but if you like the Royal Oak look then this is a fun way to upgrade.  

My friend’s Watch

Images and influence sourced:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNtll1epf90