For the first time in 36 years, the iconic Casio F-91W digital watch is receiving upgrades, though not from Casio itself. The Ollee Watch One serves as a replacement mainboard for the Casio F-91W, A158W, and several other models, enabling installations without soldering tools or advanced electronics knowledge. This updated board incorporates essential features such as Bluetooth connectivity for automatic time setting, step tracking, and gaming capabilities, while enhancing personalization with a color-changing backlight, reports 24brussels.
The DIY version of the Ollee Watch One, which requires one of six supported Casio models (including the F-84W, A159W, A171W, and W-59), is now available for $54.99. For those who prefer not to tackle the installation themselves, the company offers preinstalled options for the F-91W-1 and A158W-1 at $99.99, although these are currently sold out.
The upgraded mainboard features an accelerometer for step counting and an improved audio buzzer that alerts users upon reaching set goals through an iOS and Android app. Additional enhancements include a temperature sensor, an adjustable LED backlight for color settings and flashlight use, world time functionality, and five customizable timer presets.
Although the Ollee Watch One lacks advanced notifications and retains the basic segmented display of its predecessors, it allows for simplified games like Blackjack and Ping, where users control a paddle to keep a bouncing ball aloft. While the battery life falls short of the seven years promised by an unmodified F91W-1, the upgrade only reduces it to about 10 months with a CR2016 battery, thanks to the use of Bluetooth low energy.
