casio f-91w: the cult classic digital watch

the history and impact of the casio f-91w

first released in 1989, the casio f-91w quickly established itself as a global icon of utility and design. designed during a pivotal moment in digital innovation, this unassuming watch became the definitive symbol of affordable precision. lightweight, extremely durable, and priced for the masses, it embodied the functional ideals of late-20th-century product design. with its now-iconic square resin case, straightforward lcd display, and intuitive three-button layout, the f-91w offered everyday features like a daily alarm, hourly signal, stopwatch, and backlight, essentials that met the needs of virtually anyone. remarkably, the model has remained virtually unchanged since its release, a testament to its enduring relevance.

its impact, however, extends far beyond its technical specs. the f-91w has been worn by schoolchildren across the globe, as well as soldiers, aid workers, and world leaders. it has appeared in films, music videos, and art installations, solidifying its place in popular culture. at one point, it became the subject of international controversy after being cited in intelligence reports as a tool allegedly favored in certain extremist circles, a fact that, though disturbing, underlined its global ubiquity. in this way, the f-91w transcended its role as a timekeeping device and became a cultural artifact, a symbol of both innocence and complexity depending on the context.

design-wise, the f-91w is minimalism perfected, compact, clear, and purpose-driven. its seven-year battery life is often an understatement, with many units functioning well beyond a decade. its cost, often under $20, has made it an accessible entry point into the world of watches, a first watch for millions. yet despite its affordability, it commands a rare level of respect from horological enthusiasts, collectors, and pragmatists alike.

today, casio continues to manufacture millions of f-91w units annually. in a world dominated by ever-evolving tech, its consistency feels radical. while smartwatches promise to do everything, the f-91w remains committed to doing just enough, reliably, elegantly, and without distraction. its legacy lies not just in what it does but in how confidently it does so with so little. over three decades later, the original formula still works, and it’s still ticking.

the rise of modding and custom displays

as its fanbase grew, so did the desire to personalize the iconic watch. modding the casio f-91w has become a global trend. from swapping out resin straps to completely revamping the display colors. custom modifications give the f-91w a fresh, artistic edge while maintaining its familiar shape and nostalgic appeal. one of the most popular forms of modding is the display tint swap, where the traditional grey lcd screen is replaced with gradient, holographic, or monochrome color variations.

this movement isn’t just about style, it's about self-expression. modding transforms the utilitarian piece into a wearable canvas. these modified versions allow collectors and casual wearers alike to make a statement, combining retro charm with bold modern design. this culture of customization has become especially relevant in an era where individuality in fashion and tech has never mattered more.

our custom casio f-91w collection

at único13, we offer a curated collection of modded casio f-91w watches that fuse creativity and craftsmanship. each one has a custom color display, paired with strap and case combinations that give new personality to this digital classic. here’s a look at the styles we’ve developed:

transparent case mods:

casio f-91w green & transparent – “toxic waste”
bright green display paired with a fully transparent case and strap, channeling a radioactive, cyberpunk energy.

casio f-91w gradient & transparent – “synthwave”
a blue-to-pink gradient screen meets a transparent build, evoking retro-futurist aesthetics inspired by 80s digital dreams.

casio f-91w purple & transparent – “violet storm”
purple display with a transparent shell, inspired by neon cityscapes and electric nights.

casio f-91w blue & transparent – “glacier dive”
cool blue display inside a clear case for a clean, icy finish. calm and crisp with subtle edge.

white cases mods:

casio f-91w white & red – “japan”
inspired by minimal japanese design, this edition features a white case and strap with a red display for bold simplicity.

casio f-91w white & holo – “white crystal”
a white-out body combined with a shimmering holographic display, giving off dreamy, light-reflective visuals.

black case mods:

casio f-91w gradient & black – "dark prism"
a blacked-out case framing a gradient multicolor display. minimal in body, maximal in soul.

casio f-91w black & gold – “night pharaoh”
black case and strap with a rich gold display, combining stealth and luxury into a bold statement.

blue case mods:

casio f-91w blue – “arctic ice”
matte blue finish with a matching blue-tinted screen. an all-blue watch for a clean and modern aesthetic.

pink case mods:

casio f-91w pink – “valentine’s day”
this playful version features an all-pink case with a soft-pink screen, perfect for those drawn to charm and color.

Explore the Listings

🟢 available – casio f-91w green & transparent "toxic waste"
🟢 available – casio f-91w gradient & transparent "synthwave"
🟢 available – casio f-91w gradient & black "dark prism"
🟢 available – casio f-91w white & red "japan"
🟢 available – casio f-91w white & holo "white crystal"
🟢 available – casio f-91w pink "valentine's day"
🟢 available – casio f-91w purple & transparent "violet storm"
🟢 available – casio f-91w blue & transparent "glacier dive"
🟢 available – casio f-91w black & gold "night pharaoh"
🟢 available – casio f-91w blue "arctic ice"
🟢 available – casio f-91w white & opal "gold opal"