Watch Strap Inspiration: Casio World Time "Casio Royale" AE-1200WH
What Size Watch Strap Do You Need For The Casio World Time "Casio Royale" AE-1200WH?
Quick answer: the Casio AE-1200WH (the "Casio Royale") has an 18mm lug width. It uses standard spring bars, but the gap at the lugs is tight, so it only takes thin 18mm straps: a NATO, a Marine Nationale or a slim silicone strap. Thicker leather straps and mesh bracelets are usually too bulky to fit. The steel-bracelet version (AE-1200WHD) has the same case and the same 18mm fitting. One thing to know before you buy: the original resin strap flares out from 18mm at the lugs to roughly 24mm where it meets the case, so any straight 18mm strap will look slimmer than the one the watch came with. There's more on that below.
Below is our founder's own strap pick for this watch, from the first post in our Watch Inspiration series. After it come a sizing table, a guide to changing the strap, and answers to the questions we're asked most about this watch.
Welcome to article 1 in this Watch Inspiration series, where I, Jonathan, the founder of The Thrifty Gentleman, will share some of my thoughts on what watch strap I think perfectly complements a particular watch from my collection. Or certainly a watch/watch strap combination I like, anyway!
In these articles, I will share some of my own ideas in the hope that they will inspire you to think about how you too can accessorise and individualise your own timepiece.
I hope you enjoy reading!
Introducing The Watch - Casio World Time AE-1200WH
In week 1, we are going to start with an absolute beauty - the Casio World Time AE-1200WH, also known as the "Casio Royale".
You don't have to search for too long online to see the love that this watch receives. This watch combines an unorthodox square shape (unorthodox compared moreso to standard round cased watches, rather than the ever-effective square shape of the standard digital Casio of course) with a vintage look all for an unbelievably affordable price. When this was first written (2022), it cost around £30 from most online retailers, and it's still one of the cheapest good watches you can buy. This is a perfect starter, everyday or even "beater" watch.
But what about its nickname - the "Casio Royale" - what is that all about?!
The nickname is indeed an indicator of a link to the James Bond franchise. Its link may not be quite as obvious as you think though.
The watch itself was never worn by our English hero, 007, however it does bears a striking resemblance to the watch worn by Roger Moore in the 1983 film, Octopussy - the Seiko G757 5020 Sports 100. Renowned for his love (one might say franchise love) of Rolexes and Omegas, the Seiko was a refreshing change for James Bond and was a clear sign of a shift in popularity of other watch brands.
And it is this resemblance that has almost "tricked" us into thinking there is something very James Bond-esque about this watch. But, heck, who are we to argue. There are clear similarities between the looks of the two watches and for the price, count me in!
Considerations When Picking Out The Watch Strap
When it comes to picking out a watch strap there are always a few things I take into consideration. Let's take a look at the key elements I reviewed that influenced my decision for the Casio World Time AE-1200WH.
Design Specs
Although the case is stainless steel silver it is complemented by strong elements of black across the dial and in the outline of the case itself. The combination of the analog clock and the digital display certainly shows its homage to the Seiko G757 giving it its Bond-flair and an air of 80s classic attractiveness.
The combination of the black and silver colourings actually make it an easier watch to accessorise - no hot colours to have to take into consideration. However, alongside the more neutral colours, the design stylings and classic charisma were certainly consideration points when picking out a strap.
How It Wears
Firstly, the original stainless steel strap was not in itself heavy, but a very noticeable feature of the Casio World Time is just how light it is! It truly is one of the easiest, almost weightless, watches to wear.
Therefore, I knew that I had to pick out a strap that did justice to the lightness and comfort of the watch. I certainly would not have wanted to pick out a monstrosity of a strap to deviate from the intended feel of the watch.
Technical Specs
The last, maybe slightly less interesting but none-the-less important, spec to take into consideration was the lug width. Fortunately the Casio AE-1200WH comes with a relatively standard lug width when we consider availability of watch straps - coming in at the not uncommon 18mm lug width. No major challenges here then.
The Casio World Time AE-1200WH Strap Choice
So, now I come to the strap that I have chosen for the "Casio Royale". In short I was looking for a light, comfortable, 18mm width watch strap that provided an air of gravitas, cockiness and confidence - the key character traits of the man of the moment - James Bond.
Additionally important to me was identifying a strap that looked great with the black and silver colour combination of the dial and case.
Ok, I think you know where this one is going!
Due to the necessity to identify a strap that was light enough for the Casio World Time I came down to a shortlist of two. It would either be a NATO watch strap or a Marine Nationale strap.
On this occasion though due to its lightness, durability and the fact that you can re-size the strap incrementally against your wrist for perfect comfort, I went with the Marine Nationale strap. But which style strap?
For my decision, I had to take inspiration from a more modern Bond - Mr. Daniel Craig. The Black and Grey striped design was most famously worn by Daniel Craig and has become synonymous with the term "James Bond watch strap". There are other designs that also fit the James Bond design mantra, but this had to be the one!
So there we have it - my choice of strap for the Casio World Time AE-1200WH - The James Bond Marine Nationale watch strap, which can be purchased here.
With that, there is just one last thing for me to share. The final look of course! Enjoy!
Casio AE-1200WH Strap Size: The Quick Facts
| Casio AE-1200WH / AE-1200WHD | |
| Lug width (strap size) | 18mm |
| Fitting | Standard spring bars, no adapters needed |
| Case width | 42.1mm |
| Lug to lug | 45mm |
| Case thickness | 12.5mm |
| Original strap | Resin, flaring from 18mm at the lugs to around 24mm at the case |
If you only remember one number, make it 18. That's the gap between the lugs, and it's the size to look for on any replacement strap.
Which Straps Suit the Casio Royale (and the One Honest Catch)
Here's the catch most guides skip. Because the factory strap flares out to about 24mm, the AE-1200 looks smaller and neater on it than it really is. Fit any straight 18mm strap and the 42mm case suddenly looks wider than the strap holding it. Some people love that: it makes the watch look more like an old-school tool watch. Others find it a bit top-heavy. Neither is wrong, but it's worth knowing before you order rather than after.
A two-piece strap hides the difference best. A NATO shows it most, because the fabric runs in a straight line under the case. With that in mind, here's how the main options compare on this watch:
- NATO (from £11.99): the lightest and cheapest swap, and it suits the watch's military-ish looks. Our 18mm NATO G10 Bond 'Spectre' strap is the classic black-and-grey stripe. It adds two thin layers of nylon under the case, which is no problem on a watch this slim.
- Marine Nationale (£14.99): the pick above. It's elasticated, so it stretches to your wrist rather than sitting on a set of holes, which suits a watch you might wear all day and forget about.
- Silicone: if you liked the rubbery feel of the original, a slim 18mm silicone strap keeps it, minus the flare. Not every silicone strap is thin enough at the lugs, so email us before you order and we’ll tell you which ones fit.
Our honest advice is not to choose just one. The AE-1200 costs about the same as two or three straps, and it's one of those watches that looks completely different on each. A NATO for hiking, silicone for the gym, and you've got two watches for the price of one.
How to Change the Strap on a Casio AE-1200
You don't need a jeweller for this, and it takes about five minutes the first time.
- Lay the watch face down on a towel or soft cloth, so nothing gets scratched and no spring bars roll off the table.
- Release the old strap. Push the end of the spring bar inwards with a spring bar tool (or a small flat screwdriver, gently) where the strap meets the lug, and ease the strap out. Do one side, then the other.
- Fit the new strap. Slide a spring bar through the end of the new strap, push one end of the bar into its lug hole, compress the other end, line it up, and let go. You'll feel it click into place. Give the strap a firm tug to check.
- For a NATO strap, it's even simpler. Leave the spring bars in the watch and thread the strap underneath them.
Changing the strap doesn't touch the case back, so it has no effect on the watch's water resistance.
Most of the emails we get about straps aren't about fitting them. They're "will this fit my watch?" On the AE-1200, the answer is “18mm, and keep it thin”, which is why we’ve listed the straps that work above.
Casio Royale Strap FAQs
What size strap does the Casio Royale take?
18mm. The Casio Royale lug width is 18mm on both the resin AE-1200WH and the steel AE-1200WHD.
Will any 18mm strap fit the Casio AE-1200?
No. The width is right, but the AE-1200 has less room at the lugs, so thick straps won’t fit in. NATO and Marine Nationale straps fit, and so do slimmer silicone straps. Most leather straps and metal mesh bracelets can be too thick. If you’re unsure about a particular strap, email us and we’ll check.
Will a 20mm strap fit the Casio AE-1200?
No. A 20mm strap won't fit between 18mm lugs. A 16mm strap will go in, but it leaves a gap at each side and the watch will shift about. Stick to 18mm.
Can you put a NATO strap on the Casio AE-1200?
Yes. An 18mm Casio Royale NATO strap fits directly with the original spring bars. It's one of the most popular swaps for this watch.
Does changing the strap affect water resistance?
No. Water resistance depends on the case and case back, which a strap change never touches. Just choose a strap that can handle water if you'll be swimming. That means NATO, silicone or rubber, not leather.
Is the Casio World Time the same watch as the Casio Royale?
Yes. "Casio Royale" is the nickname for the AE-1200WH World Time, because it looks like the Seiko Roger Moore wore in Octopussy.
Do other Casio watches take 18mm straps?
Plenty do, but not all. Check the model number on the case back to make sure. In the meantime, our full range of 18mm watch straps is the place to start.
A Little Bit About Us - The Thrifty Gentleman
The Thrifty Gentleman was founded in 2021 with the goal to provide great quality watch straps to customers looking to either replace a watch strap or to add another option to their collection with the intention to completely personalise their wristwear. And all at a price that means you can own a few straps rather than save up for one.
Founder Jonathan is an avid collector of budget watches and part of the fun has always been mixing and matching strap options. Over the years (even prior to the formation of The Thrifty Gentleman), people, whether customer, friends or family, have always asked Jonathan for his thoughts and advice on what watch straps would look great on their watch.
We hope that in this series of blogs we can give you some inspiration for your next watch strap purchase.
If you're struggling to find a strap for your watch, contact us or leave a comment below and we'll help you work out what fits. Every order comes with free UK delivery and 60-day returns, so there's very little risk in trying something new.