COLLECTORS' GUIDE TO THE CASIO AMW-3XX "ARNIE"...

[Chris Galbraith]

Well, following a request from my good buddy Gabe (Isthmus), I've transplanted this post of mine from the Casioctoberfest one and started a thread of its own - hope you don't mind! 
 
Well, as I'm in a huge debit with Gabe (Isthmus) in this Casio special month, I'll try my best to somewhat compensate my fault.
 
I'll explain...
 
Gabe and I had agreed on setting a Buyer's guide for the awesome AMW-3XX series watch, and would help him in getting it done.
Due to some personal issues that happened to me over the past week or so and demanded to be addressed asap, I left him nihil for the task.
 
So now that things are going better, I'll try to do my best with the little I know of these great watches, and then some.
 
CASIO AMW-3XX SERIES (also refered to as Casio Marine Gear)
 
Specs: 46mm, 100m W.R., non-screw down crown, screw down caseback, rubber bracelet, bi-directional bezel, sits very flat and comfortable on the wrist.
 
I'll cover here the 320 and 330 series, since I don't think the 340 one belongs to the same family, since it has an entire different module, a very modern one, BTW.
 
AQ-600W - The first installment of the AMW-3XX series wasn't an AMW per se, but it had the same case, same module, same strap, but different dial and hands. There were 2 versions of this model: black dial and white dial. A pic of the white dial can be seen on this post, whereas the black dial one can be seen on this link -
http://www.google.com.br/imgres?imgurl=http://imagenes.lapapa.com/%3Fi%3D856819&imgrefurl=http://brasil.abatata.com.br/lista_historicas/365334&usg=__IYHV2ZfhcG1eV0CoH8UJzk8QU2U=&h=90&w=90&sz=4&hl=pt-br&start=6&zoom=0&tbnid=BJUwAndAnO_eOM:&tbnh=78&tbnw=78&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcasio%2Baq-600%26um%3D1%26hl%3Dpt-br%26sa%3DN%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1
 
The AQ-600 is the proverbial hen's teeth, and it's probably impossible to find one these days. Personally I have never seen one on ebay.
 
It's interesting to find its dial indices - especially the 12 o'clock mark - holds a close resemblence with the 6309-704x seiko diver.
 
Casio ran this model during the 1980 decade until around 1990/92, where the first installment of the AMW series took place.
 
AMW-320 - Casio discontinued the AQ600 and started production of this model in 1992. The first installment had 2 pushers on opposite sides of the case, with exactly the same module that equipped the AQ600.
Dial color options were black and champagne, being the later the most famous one, especially due to a strong plugging campaign made by Casio (a paid one, perhaps?) on some major Hollywood action flicks. Arnold Schwarzenneger made this Casio famous due to sporting the champagne dial on Kindegarten Cop, Last Action Hero. The black dial he sported on True Lies, and on Jinggle All The Way he worn the rare AQ-600W black dial.
 
As an horourable mention, there was a spin off version of the champagne dial called AMW-320D, which was a tad smaller than the traditional one, and with a curious digi window that had the shape of a smile, which entails the nickname of CASIO AMW-320 'SMILE' to this installment. Still, module functions were the same, although somewhat of a modification to it was necessary due to the configuration of the LCD to conform with the smile shape of its window.
 
Fast forward Y2K, Casio has retired the AMW-320 original w/ pushers on the opposite side and brought to us the nowadays case configuration, with both pushers on the left side and the crown on the right side. The rest was kept identical to the AMW original, which includes the module with a slight different complication (and it translates to its new nomination to "320R", instead of just 320). Upon adjusting the digital window and the analogue function, both can be synchronized by the watch itself, so to speak.
 
Upon trying to synch the analogue to the digital, when you press the button to 'zero in' the digital seconds to the seconds hand, the later waits until the former makes the first advance towards the next second count. Pretty cool, if you ask me.
 
Dial colors are black, white and champagne.
 
Later on (around 2008), Casio has brought more dial variations of this model, with rectangular indices and more color variations, in blue/silver and black/gold, with OEM bracelets.
 
http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece/Sports/AMW320_Series/
 
This year there's a new PVD version of the later rectangular indices model, which is pretty cool, mounted on the same rubber strap as the others AMW's.
 
Here are mine:
 



 
AMW-330 - In 2008, Casio has launched an analogue chrono version of the successfull AMW series, sans-digi window, with an analogue chrono function and calendar, only.
 
Same case, same rubber strap, same bezel, only differences are dial, and of course the pushers addaptation for the analogue chrono function.
 
Dial colors available are white (on OEM rubber) and black (on OEM bracelet).
 
Worth to mention that the AMW's bracelets are made of folded links and there's no SEL. In my book they are cheap, and I didn't like them at all. The AMW's look GREAT on their OEM rubber and also on NATOs.
Here's my 330 white dial:
 

 
Some collection pics (with the MQD-3000W and a Casio Duro 200m diver mixed in between) - enjoy them!
 



 
With a Casio Duro 200m...
 


 
With a NOS MQD-3000W...
 



 
Group shot of the gang...
 


 
First AMW-320 configuration (black dial, w/ opposite sides pushers - pic by calvin 3389):

 
More Hollywood plugging....Matthew Lillard and his AMW320 "SMILE" on a bund...

 
Think you need a screw-down crown to go diving with a W.R. watch? Well...think again!
(pics by SquishyPanda @ WUS)


 
It looks great on a NATO, too...
 

 
 

Hope you enjoy my humble review, and once again, sorry for being late to the party, Gabe! 
 
Regards,
CHRIS

[TheTigerUK]

Thanks Chris very informative !! but scary, because i actually like a couple of those 

[Chris Galbraith]

Thanks Chris very informative !! but scary, because i actually like a couple of those 

Not so scary, John, since the most expensive one of the AMW-3xx family will cost you around $50 bucks (the PVD one). 

[TheTigerUK]

Not so scary, John, since the most expensive one of the AMW-3xx family will cost you around $50 bucks (the PVD one). 

Do you mean the 300m ones are $50 ? I thought they went higher than that ?

[Isthmus]

To add to chris' fantastic post, let me collect some of my own info from the same casioctober thread.

First, the nickname.  This watch line is often referred to as the Casio Arnie or Arnold.  Yes that is the same nickname seiko uses in some of their ana-digi divers.  These casios use it for the exact same reason.  You see, Arnold Schwarzenegger wore the champagne dialed AMW320D-9EV in a couple of movies.
He wore it in the movie "Kindergarden Cop" - which just happens to be one of my favorite Arnold movies (IT'S NOT A TOOMAHHH!!)   





Here is a picture of the watch in question.



It is believed that he wore some variant of this watch line in the movie Jingle All the way (as you can tell from the pictures below), but I'm unsure as to which specific model it was:


   
 


The   Casioctober project got me interested in Casio's AMW320 Arnies.  More specifically I'm kind of partial to the following 3 which are the newest models to join the line:

The AMW320B-1AV:




the AMW320RD-2AV:




And the AMW320RD-1A9V:



Of   the three, my favorite is the blue dialed one.  I would also consider   the black model with silver accents (instead of gold), but I can't seem   to find that one in anything but a strap - and I'm more of a bracelet   guy.

Here are some of the other AMW320 variants I've found:

AMW320D-9EV (the Arnie model):



AMW320R-9AV (there seems to be some confusion as to whether this and the one above are the same model)




AMW320R-7EV:




and the classic, black dialed, AMW320R-1EV:




There is another   variant of this line called the AMW340, which is visually almost   identical, but smaller (read misized).  the AMW320's are the full sized   models.  from what I understand neither model line has illumination for   the digital display, and the same digital display works slightly   differently between the two model lines.  I'm not sure, but I think the   340's might have more function in the digital display, while the 320   uses it primarily as a second time display and alarm setting.

[Isthmus]

I also recently recived these two beauties (sorry for the crappy cell phone pic):



the AMW320RD-2AV:




And the AMW320R-1EV:




A   full report will be forthcoming soon!  For now all I can tell you is   that they are big, surprisingly flat and all kinds of awesome!

 

[Chris Galbraith]

Do you mean the 300m ones are $50 ? I thought they went higher than that ?

Oh, no....the AMW's that is.....the MQD-3000W shrouded ones are vintages, and both of mine are NOS cases! 
And yes, these MQDs command top dollar.

[Chris Galbraith]

It is believed that he wore some variant of this watch line in the movie Jingle All the way (as you can tell from the pictures below), but I'm unsure as to which specific model it was:


   
 

Gabe, in this movie Arnie is wearing the AQ-600W black dial model - an ancestor from the AMW-320.

[UpstandingCitizen]

the AMW320RD-2AV:

I'm currently bidding on this one.  I'm at $45 with shipping, and that's probably gonna be my limit.  I'll let ya guys know if I win the auction or not.  It ends at about 4:30 PT (15 hours from now).

Figured it'd be nice to have an analog beater to accompany my digital G.  Oh, and plus I actually think they look really cool.      The Seiko Arnie takes a back seat to this one in terms of styling IMHO.

[jason_recliner]

WOW!  I've been celebrating Casioctober as long as I can remember but this is the BEST Casioctober post.  EVER!!!

Great work.

[nhoJ]

Great post.  I never knew there was a full analogue version or that The Arnold wore this in so many movies.

[MikeyT]

Now there is a Waveceptor/Solar model as well.  Not labeled AMW320, it is WVA320.  Pic from Casio's site.  There is also a rubber strap version.  $240/200 list.

[Isthmus]

Now there is a Waveceptor/Solar model as well.  Not labeled AMW320, it is WVA320.  Pic from Casio's site.  There is also a rubber strap version.  $240/200 list.

Indeed there are.  Here is a recent post from mhoJ showing a little more info on those:

FYI   there is a solar/atomic version of that model.  WVA320.  Seems a little   overpriced to me and dosn't have the same charm as the models you   posted.  Just thought I'd add it here in case someone was interested.

http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece/Waveceptor/WVA320_Series/
 

and another from peacemaker885 showing a newer pusher only variant:

This one looks very good for me, the AMWS320-1AVCF:

and here is a pic of rallydiver's collection showing two of the mid-sized AMW340's (on the left)

[Isthmus]

Gabe, in this movie Arnie is wearing the AQ-600W black dial model - an ancestor from the AMW-320.

Awesome.  Thanks for clarifying that Chris.  I ran an online search and managed to find some clearer pics of that Casio AQ-600W in black and in a white dial (see attached).  what was the character they were looking for in that movie, Turbo-Man?



Turbo-Man prefers casios!  LOL   

[MikeyT]

Gabe, I just looked over at Casio USA and couldn't find the all pusher version.  Apparently it's not officially here.  Maybe on the bay or from other sellers. 

Quote   from: peacemaker885 on October 07, 2010, 10:12:05 AM

This one looks very good for me, the   AMWS320-1AVCF:
>

[Chris Galbraith]

Terrific pics collected, Gabe! Thanks a lot for posting them up. I had a hard time finding them online.
 
Look at the similarity of the indices on the AQ-600W's with the 6309-704x's......wow! I wish I could find a good conditioned AQ-600 one of these days, or at least find a beat up one but with good dial and hands, and do a mod transplant inside my old AMW-320 first version (opposite buttons)...

[Isthmus]

I found the black dialed pics in a mexican auction site, in case you are interested in tracking it down.

[Isthmus]

Gabe, I just looked over at Casio USA and couldn't find the all pusher version.  Apparently it's not officially here.  Maybe on the bay or from other sellers. 

Quote   from: peacemaker885 on October 07, 2010, 10:12:05 AM

This one looks very good for me, the   AMWS320-1AVCF:

>

If you look under the sports section of the Casio USA website:

http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece/Sports/

You can find the white dialed version of the watch, the AMWS320-7AV.  No pic of the black dialed one though:

http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece/Sports/AMWS320-7AV/




While we are at it, here is the picture for the entire current line up for the AMW320:

http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece/Sports/AMW320_Series/



And here is the link to the AMW330 series:

http://www.casio.com/products/Timepiece/Sports/AMW330_Series/



Oddly the mid-sized AMW340 series, does not show up at all in the Casio USA website.

[davidbs]

Hi all,
I'm a big fan of the 320, and just picked up the black ip version. If anyone can tell us all the difference between Ion Plating and other black case finishes that would be appreciated. I put mine on a plain strap for now, until I come up with a better option. May try a kevlar type next (Maratac Elite?). Cheers.

[UpstandingCitizen]

Hi all,
I'm a big fan of the 320, and just picked up the black ip version. If anyone can tell us all the difference between Ion Plating and other black case finishes that would be appreciated. I put mine on a plain strap for now, until I come up with a better option. May try a kevlar type next (Maratac Elite?). Cheers.

I can't speak of the different finishings, although running a search or checking the archives might yield some results.

I do think your watch would look really nice on a Maratac Elite TrueSize.  22mm all the way to the buckle would suit this watch well.   

[thianwong1]

Blast from the past for me....still have the basic black, sold the white and gold, gave the newer black to a friend....
car photo from the Neilo...
 

CasioyellowamwItalianyellowexoticca (2) by thianwong1, on Flickr
 

Casio AMW black newer version nite jet (3) by thianwong1, on Flickr

[RallyDiver]

and here is a pic of rallydiver's collection showing two of the mid-sized AMW340's (on the left)

Actually the one on the top left is an AD-510 and below it is an AMW-320.

[Isthmus]

If anyone can tell us all the difference between Ion Plating and other black case finishes that would be appreciated.

Generally there are only a few coating applications used on steel in watches.  when coating in colors such as black, you most likely will be doing one of the following:

- Teflon - This is a baked coating and can be applied in a home workshop with a toaster oven to bake it.  Color availability is limited.  It is excellent at providing chemical protection, but it is not the toughest of coatings and while still tough, it can be scratched fairly easily.  ON the plus side it is very inexpensive and very easy to remove or repair.  Teflon coatings require the surface to be prepare in order to ensure maximum adhesion.  IOW's you have to media-blast the surface so that the teflon will adhere properly.  Teflon can be removed through light pressure media blasting or a wire brush.

- Ceramic - Similar to teflon, but much tougher.  It is also toxic and requires a well ventilated work area to apply, and higher temperatures for baking.  It is more tolerant of surface application, but still best adheres to a blasted surface.  It is more expensive than Teflon and comes in a very wide variety of colors.  It is a little harder than Teflon to remove and repair, but still not to difficult.  Ceramic can be removed through media blasting.

- PVD - Physical Vapor Deposition is a type of application in which the coating is bonded at an atomic level with the underlying metal.  IP is one of the various methods by which PVD can be applied.  Because of the coating is not sitting on top of the metal, but is actually part of it, PVD can be applied to any type of metal finish and will retain that finish's characteristics after the application.  The color palate is more limited than Ceramic, but not as limited as teflon.  PVD is expensive and requires very specialized equipment to apply.  Not everyone does this kind of work, it is not something that can be done at home, and it s rarely ever done on a single piece (most likely it is applied in bulk quantities so as to make the process cost effective).  PVD is tough, but unlike what many claim, it can still scratch (how easily depends on the thickness of the application).  PVD is also a major pin in the ass to repair.  In fact it is not repairable, but rather requires a full removal and reapplication in order to repair damage.  The only way to effectively remove PVD is to media blast the case.  the problem is that doing that will also affect the underlying metal.

The thing to take is that none of these finishes where designed for impact protection.  they were all designed for chemical and/or corrosion protection.  yes they are relatively tough (or in the case of PVD very tough), but they are not designed for ultimate scratch and impact protection, and they will ALL scratch.

[davidbs]

Many thanks for that informative case finish info. Makes me feel even better about my AMW320B. And explains why it looks like part of the metal rather than a coating. The case sides are gloss finish, but the top is brushed. Really very well done, and a fantastic value from Casio. Hope everyone appreciates the info as much as I do. Thanks again.

[davidbs]

Yes, I think that the 'Kevlar style' suits it perfectly. And really a non tapering strap is the way to go. A 22mm should be a 22mm all the way, not down to 20 or even 18 at the buckle. Much harder to find a 22/22. And many straps are not even specified if they taper or not. And what is also critical is this- I want to use the original buckle, which of course matches the finish on the case, so it is imperative to have a strap which is 22 at the buckle.