Okay, here’s my take on sharing my experience with modding a Casio watch to get that Tiffany Blue vibe:
Alright folks, let’s dive into this! So, I got bit by the bug – that Tiffany Blue Casio bug. You know, that pastel, seafoam, almost-but-not-quite-minty color that just looks so damn good on a watch. Instead of shelling out big bucks, I figured, “Why not try this myself?” Here’s how it went down.
The Hunt Begins (and Fails a Little)
First thing’s first: finding a suitable Casio to mod. I was aiming for a classic like the DW-5600 or something similar – simple, iconic, and easy to take apart. Ended up snagging a used DW-5600E on eBay for a decent price. It was a bit beat up, which was perfect ’cause I wasn’t worried about messing up a brand new watch.
Disassembly Drama
Taking it apart was surprisingly easy. I watched a couple of YouTube videos beforehand to get the gist of it. Basically, you just need a small screwdriver to remove the strap and then carefully pop open the back. Inside, there’s a module (the brains of the watch) that you need to gently remove. Remember to ground yourself! Don’t want to fry anything with static electricity. I didn’t have a proper grounding strap, so I just touched a metal part of my computer case every now and then. Probably not the safest thing, but hey, it worked.
- Removed the strap with a small screwdriver.
- Carefully popped open the back cover.
- Gently took out the module.
The Color Quest
Now, for the tricky part: getting that Tiffany Blue. I knew I wasn’t going to find an exact match in a spray can, so I opted for a light blue that was close enough. Krylon ColorMaster Paint + Primer in “Sea Glass” seemed promising.
Painting Process – Learnings & Mess-ups
I prepped the bezel (the outer plastic ring) by giving it a light sanding to help the paint adhere. Then, I cleaned it with some rubbing alcohol to remove any grease or dirt. I did multiple thin coats, letting each coat dry completely before applying the next. I tried to be patient, but damn it’s hard.
Here’s where I messed up a little. I didn’t apply enough coats, and in some areas, the original black plastic was still slightly visible. Also, I got some dust particles in the paint, which created a slightly uneven finish. Lesson learned: more coats and a cleaner workspace next time.
Reassembly and Initial Reaction
Once the paint was dry (after a full 24 hours, just to be sure), I carefully reassembled the watch. Putting the module back in was a bit fiddly, but I managed to get it done without breaking anything.
The moment of truth: how did it look? Honestly, it wasn’t perfect. The color wasn’t an exact match, and the finish wasn’t as smooth as I’d hoped. But hey, it was my first attempt, and it looked pretty damn good! It definitely had that Tiffany Blue vibe, and it was a unique, one-of-a-kind piece.
Final Thoughts & Upgrades
I wore the watch for a few days and got a ton of compliments. People loved the color. However, the paint started to chip a little around the edges.
So, I decided to take it a step further. I ordered a metal bezel and strap from AliExpress. This time, I paid a little extra for a pre-painted bezel that was closer to the actual Tiffany Blue color.
Replacing the bezel and strap was a breeze. The metal gave the watch a more premium feel, and the color was spot on. Now, I’ve got a Casio that looks almost as good as the real deal, and I did it all myself!
What I Learned
This little project taught me a few things:
- Patience is key when painting.
- Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat.
- A clean workspace is essential for a good finish.
- AliExpress is your friend.
Would I do it again? Absolutely! It was a fun and rewarding experience, and now I’ve got a unique watch that I’m proud to wear. Maybe next time, I’ll try hydro dipping for a more durable finish. Who knows? The possibilities are endless!
