A Closer Look At The Casiotron 50th Anniversary Watch, TRN50-2A

Just last week, Casio unveiled the new limited-edition Casiotron TRN50-2A watch  to mark the 50^thanniversary of the brand’s first watch – launched in 1974. While the Casio Company, a Japanese electronics company, was founded in 1946 and introduced its first compact electric calculator in 1957, the brand’s first watches, the Casiotron, pounced on the scene in 1974. The mass-produced watches were the world’s first digital watch, electronically run with calendar function. The digital watches heralded an era of technological advancements and they were well-priced and well received.

Now, in 2024, to celebrate the 50^th anniversary, Casio America unveils the  limited edition Casiotron 50th Anniversary TRN50-2A watch. The new TRN50-2A (a nice bow to the technical world with all numbers as its name) pays homage to the original Casiotron, but with modern innovations.

According to Tom Kato, Chairman of Casio America, “When Casio introduced the Casiotron in 1974, it marked a pivotal moment in the history of timekeeping. The Casiotron was not only the world’s first digital watch to feature an automatic calendar, but it also represented a groundbreaking shift in the industry, introducing digital technology into the realm of personal timekeeping.”

It is that inventive spirit that the brand wants to promote with the new watch. That, plus capitalizing on today’s smart technology, smartphone connectivity, solar power advantages and so much more. Maiintaining the size and design of its predecessor, this limited edition timepiece incorporates cutting-edge technologies to ensure precision timekeeping.

With Mobile Link functionality, the TRN50-2A allows seamless smartphone pairing via Bluetooth®, providing automatic updates for world time zone information, alarms, countdown timer, and more.

Moreover, the TRN50-2A retains the classic screw-lock case back of the original Casiotron, but with a contemporary twist. The center of the case back now features glass to enable radio wave reception for the built-in antenna, ensuring accurate timekeeping across different regions. To commemorate the 50th anniversary, the case back showcases a redesigned symbol of the original alongside an engraved serial number, highlighting the exclusivity of this special edition.

In terms of aesthetics, the TRN50-2A boasts a striking resemblance with an external diameter of 39.1mm, maintaining the essence of its heritage while trimming its profile by a mere 0.3mm for a sleeker silhouette.  From the case and band to the dark blue dial adorned with the classic Casiotron logo, each detail evokes a sense of nostalgia while embracing the advancements of contemporary technology.

The initial 1974 Casiotron boasted a hobnail textured pattern on the dial behind the digital readout. The newest watch features the aforementioned blue glass.

The watch also boasts additional features such as 50-meter water resistance, a full auto super-illuminator LED backlight, five daily alarms, and World Time functionality covering 39 cities plus UTC. In short, the TRN50-2A embodies the essence of Casio’s relentless pursuit of excellence.  Each TRN50-2A bears an engraved serial number (0001/4000 – 4000/4000), symbolizing its limited production. It is priced at $500.

Impressions of the new Casiotron TRN50-2A

As the timepiece launched, Casio America sent a watch for review. Interestingly enough, not only did the brand send a Casiotron TRN50-A, but also a host of four other Casio watches currently in the lineup, as well. All neatly packaged in an anniversary box. The Casiotron TRN5-2A, though, is sold individually in its own packaging. The surprise box was just to underscore the history of the brand.

As to the Casiotron TRN50-2A, it is nice. The fit of the 39.1mm case is perfect for almost any wrist size. The connectivity aspects are top of the line and the blue dial makes for an alluring look.

I love that the time adjustment is radio controlled and that it offers time zones around the world. The run time is 11 months on a rechargeable battery with normal use and without exposure to light after the charge, but it can run 22 months with the power save function . In short, the new Casiotron limited edition definitely recalls the past – but in an absolutely contemporary rendition.