Hey, welcome to ARCH-MOD
I'm Eric, and I've been modding Casio watches since early 2023. In June of 2023, I came up with the idea to start selling my custom watches.Why? I'll show you.
The problem
Unlike traditional round watches, most Casio watches hide their lugs under the case. This creates a "lugless" look where the strap blends right into the case.For this to work, the lugs on most Casios are narrower than the case itself. This however means that the strap fitted between these lugs would also be narrower than the case.This is why Casio adds cut-outs or "notches" to their straps, which allow the wider strap to fit into the narrower lugs. For example, the F-91W ships with a 22mm strap to match the 22mm width of the case, despite the lugs themselves being 18mm in width.
But what if you want to swap out the strap on your Casio for your own?
You get the image above.Due to the 18mm lugs of the watch, you're stuck with fitting 18mm straps to the otherwise 22mm wide watch case, with the end result looking quite awkward.
The solution
Most people will simply opt for a standard 18mm strap to fit easily to the 18mm lugs of their Casio, while others will use adapters to fit wider straps to the watch. I wasn't satisfied with either of these options, so I began using the same method that Casio does to create its seamless strap look by notching not only leather straps, but nylon NATOs too.I figured that the same way nylon straps are heat sealed during their manufacturing process, that same way I could melt the material before and after notching them to ensure the material doesn't fray. This allows me to make the trademark custom Casio + NATO watch, with the improved aesthetics that come with the strap now blending perfectly with the rest of the watch.
The result
Casio watches modded by yours truly.Precisely notched 22mm straps, negative / coloured LCDs, NFC chips, you name it.
Original Casio straps, strap adapters, spring bar removal toolsFor your DIY modding needs.
What if Casio started making watches 20 years later?
BLACKSILVER
F - 9 1 W
"What if Casio started making watches 20 years earlier?"
The A158 "VINTRO" (Vintage-Retro) harkens back to the classic, earthy hues of vintage 1950s watches, combined with the retro appeal of the iconic A158. The watch is set with a brown, 20mm genuine leather strap hand-notched by myself. The beige dial contrasts with an inverted display with yellow characters.
£119.00
This watch also features an optional LED modification - the upgraded LED glows amber and is considerably brighter than the original with little effect on battery. The LED mod is a separate option as it requires some careful soldering work done to the internals of the watch.
"Casio has history and reliability. Now, let's give it class."
With its reserved, monochrome colour scheme, and its multiple surfaces, I immediately saw the potential in this model for a refined look. The watch has been fitted with a hand-notched, 20mm black leather crocodile style strap to bring out the sense of depth in the watch face. To complete this cohesive, covert look, the display has been inverted to blend with the rest of the black display.
£119.00
F - 9 1 W
£99.00
DESCRIPTION
NEGATIVE LCD + 22MM NATO STRAP
What if we took the F-91W; a practical, no-frills watch, flipped it on its head and made it into something rather glamorous? Well, the F-91W ROYAL is exactly that.Modifications include a negative LCD mod to blend with the rest of the black faceplate, and a navy blue strap with gold buckles to match the gold-coloured case of the watch.The original resin strap has been replaced with a quality 22mm NATO nylon strap in navy blue with a gold buckle, precisely notched to fit the full width of the watch, ensuring a proportional look.
It has been heat-sealed to prevent any fraying.
NYLON NOTCHING
Most people will simply opt for a standard 18mm strap to fit easily to the 18mm lugs of the F-91W, while others will use adapters to fit wider straps to the watch. I wasn't satisfied with either of these options, so I developed a simple yet effective method to adjust these nylon straps to ensure a perfect fit.I think you'll like it.
BUY
© ARCH-MOD / EC Thurn 2024
All trademarks pertaining to Casio
belong to Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
INTRODUCING
F - 9 1 W
DESCRIPTION
NEGATIVE LCD + 22MM NATO STRAP
The F-91W RACER is a combination of style and practicality, aiming to do the rarer, discontinued F-91WG-9QER model justice by expanding on the black-yellow-red colour combo with a custom NATO strap and negative display.The original resin strap has been replaced with a 22mm seatbelt-style NATO strap in black-yellow-red with bronze buckles, precisely notched to fit the full width of the watch, ensuring a proportional look.
It has been heat-sealed to prevent any fraying.
NYLON NOTCHING
Most people will simply opt for a standard 18mm strap to fit easily to the 18mm lugs of the F-91W, while others will use adapters to fit wider straps to the watch. I wasn't satisfied with either of these options, so I developed a simple yet effective method to adjust these nylon straps to ensure a perfect fit.I think you'll like it.
BUY
I have probably inhaled more nylon in the past month
heat-sealing these straps than most people will in their lifetime
© ARCH-MOD / EC Thurn 2024
All trademarks pertaining to Casio
belong to Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
F - 9 1 W
BLACKSILVER
DESCRIPTION
The "Blacksilver" - a tasteful monochrome mod for the iconic Casio F-91W, and the first custom model to be showcased on ARCH-MOD. This piece features a hand-notched, 22mm NATO strap for a perfect even fit, as well as an inverted display to match its black watchface.Due to the ease of modding the module 593 inside the F-91Ws, this one also comes with 2 extra, optional mods - a 144 byte NFC chip, and an upgraded, brighter LED backlight that glows amber. More info on store page below.
£99.00
© ARCH-MOD / EC Thurn 2024
All trademarks pertaining to Casio
belong to Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
ABOUT
ARCH-MOD
ARCH-MOD (A-M) is a hobby project started in June 2023 by Eric Thurn, making, showcasing, and selling high quality hand-modded custom Casio watches.ARCH-MOD stands out by making full-width, notched straps a standard in all custom watches on offer, as well as offering custom orders for those looking for something they just can't find anywhere else.All watches are modified by hand with great attention to detail, being thoroughly tested before and after the process is complete. Modifications include custom LCD colours, hand-notched custom straps, NFC chip installs, display and/or module swaps, custom lettering and repaints.
ARCH-MOD has consistently received 5 star ratings from customers on Etsy and frequently received the "star seller" badge for delivering an excellent customer experience.Here is what a few have to say:
yodontpanic
AE-1200 PHANTOM
PURCHASES / TRANSACTIONS
All on-site transactions and data are securely processed by PayPal, an online payment system operating since 1998. A PayPal account is not necessary for checkout, but can be used if you have one.
ITEM CONDITION / WARRANTY
- All items sold by ARCH-MOD are new, have never been used, and come with the original papers.- All items are fully tested prior to shipping - this includes functions, LCD display, sound and LED light.- I do not offer long-term warranty. However, I offer a 14 day return/exchange period in case any fault crops up within that time. See below section for details.- The modifications I perform usually involve opening the watch and modifying internal components, so Casio warranty is void.
RETURNS POLICY
I accept returns/exchanges within a 14 day time window in case of faults, in which case you will receive a full refund for the amount you purchased the item for, or the exchange item of your choosing plus or minus any price differences.A faulty product is defined as: where one or more of the aspects of the item received do not match the description, either functionally or cosmetically.If this applies to you, reach out to me at the address below.
CONTACT
For any enquiries, custom orders, returns, feel free to contact me via email at: archmod.contact@gmail.com - I usually respond within 24hrs.
How to program your NFC-enabled watch:
Good to meet you. I'm
Eric Thurn
I'm a marketing student, hobbyist photographer, artist & designer, and watch modder based in Exeter, England.I got my first Casio watch, the W-86, when I was a teenager in secondary school. Although it was very simple, I loved the functional, retro design. I didn't care much for watches at the time, but this unassuming timepiece was ultimately what sparked my later interest in horology.I've also always been a tinkerer, restoring old laptops and modding android devices since my teenage years.Today I am a major watch enthusiast. I particularly love vintage-style chronographs and field watches. But my respect and appreciation for the simplicity, efficiency and unique look of Casio's digital watches has never dwindled - only grown.It is no wonder then, that my history with Casio watches, combined with my background in technology and design has led me to this hobby of mine; watch modding, and the resulting creation of ARCH-MOD.
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