Retro solar-powered Casio AL-190 watch is worthy of a revival
September 9, 2021
Thanks to Watch Geek’s Instagram (@watchgeekyt) for bringing the Casio AL-190 series to our attention. While solar-powered G-Shock watches do their best to inconspicuously blend the solar panels into the borders or dial, the AL-190 features a large solar panel prominently located above the LCD display, giving the watch a joyously retro style.
Despite its 1980s look, the AL-190 was actually released in 2011 and is an update of the AL-180 from 1987. The AL-180 was a dressier update to the FB-50, another “Batteryless” model from 1981. Another interesting model is the titanium LIN-155 from the Lineage line, which shares the same module (668) as the AL-180. The AL-180 was later re-released with updated modules (2505 and 3262) in the late 2000s and early 2010s. The original AL-180 has a metal case, but the updated AL-180 has a chrome-plated resin case. The AL-190 has a resin case.
The official specifications state that the AL-190 is “Battery-less (requires no battery replacement),” but the AL-190 does use a rechargeable “capacitor,” like other solar-powered Casio watches. The AL-190 does not have a light, but it is water-resistant to 50 meters. Other features include resin glass, 1/100 second stopwatch (59’59.99” max, with elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times), countdown timer (24 hours, settable in 1-minute and 1-hour increments), 5 daily alarms, hourly time signal, low battery alert, auto calendar, and 12/24-hour format.
In the U.S., the black AL190W-1AV (AL-190W-1AV) with resin band sold for $24.95, and the AL190WD-1AV (AL-190WD-1AV) with a stainless steel band sold for $29.95. Watch Geek is wearing the AL-190W-9AV in his Instagram post below.
Unfortunately, the AL-180 and AL-190 series are no longer available, and we can only hope for another revival of the retro Batteryless line. There are some AL-190 watches on eBay, but it may be difficult to find one in good condition for a decent price.
Casio AL-190:
Updated Casio AL-180 (Module 2505) Circa Late 2000s:
Update: Watch Geek also posted a video on YouTube about his AL-190 and will also be doing a full review and tutorial later.
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How long did the AL models stay charged? Casio should do a revival on the AE-20W which is also know as the Casio twin graph watch. They should revive that watch in a G-Shock format too.
AL-180 (Module 668) about four days. Module 2505 about fourteen days. AL-190 about fourteen days. This is assuming the watch is not being continually charged by light.
Watch Geek
3 years ago
Thanks for sharing my post, do check out the unboxing video and the upcoming review and tutorial of this simple, yet ubercool watch 🙂
casio-boy
3 years ago
I have a titanium LIN 155 in mint condition. I got it around the year 2000. Unfortunately the display has gone funny, with everything displayed on the screen. I’m looking for a replacement module if available?
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How long did the AL models stay charged? Casio should do a revival on the AE-20W which is also know as the Casio twin graph watch. They should revive that watch in a G-Shock format too.
AL-180 (Module 668) about four days. Module 2505 about fourteen days. AL-190 about fourteen days. This is assuming the watch is not being continually charged by light.
Thanks for sharing my post, do check out the unboxing video and the upcoming review and tutorial of this simple, yet ubercool watch 🙂
I have a titanium LIN 155 in mint condition. I got it around the year 2000. Unfortunately the display has gone funny, with everything displayed on the screen. I’m looking for a replacement module if available?