CheckMag | Casio F-91W transformed: New Italy-made EVT-01 has a CNC-machined aluminum build with sapphire glass

For decades, the Casio F-91W (curr. $21 on Amazon) has been a digital watch icon - cheap, lightweight, and basically indestructible. It’s the sort of design that’s as likely to show up on a fashion runway as on a truck driver’s wrist. But with the launch of the EVT-01 on Kickstarter, a duo of Italian watchmakers is betting that some fans are ready for something a bit… extra. 

So what is it? Essentially, the EVT-01 is still a Casio F-91W - same movement, same recognizable readout. What’s different is everything that surrounds it. Instead of resin and plastic, you get a CNC-machined and anodized aluminum case, a sapphire crystal, and the kind of small-batch, hand-assembled attention most digital watches never see. It’s a pretty niche mod for people who love the Casio’s vibe but prefer something more tactile and less disposable - something that can grab attention without explicitly asking for it.

Why does this exist?

That was one of my main questions when I first spotted EVT-01. After all, there’s no shortage of Casio modders - metal cases, custom dials, and strap swaps have existed for years. We recently covered the Ollee Watch mod, which is basically the opposite of EVT-01 (same watch, different custom module). But what helps EVT-01 stand out is its philosophy: this is not a slap-on kit or a quick eBay upgrade. The whole thing is rebuilt and refinished in Rome, heavily inspired by custom car culture and Italian craftsmanship. There’s even a limited-edition violet version with titanium screws for people who want to go full collector mode.

Who’s buying?

If the $250 starting Kickstarter price raised your eyebrow, you’re not alone. The original F-91W is only $20-$25, and even some of the fanciest mass-market metal mod kits rarely sail past $150. Still, enough people see the appeal, as evident from the Kickstarter progress - $12,229 has already been pledged out of the $18,735 goal as of writing. Early photos - shared everywhere from Reddit to watch groups - show a fair amount of hype and early support. The reactions so far prove there’s a niche, even if it’s a small one, for a truly artisanal F-91W reinterpretation.

Below you’ll find the questions I sent the UMW-Ugolini Meccanica Watches team, along with their unedited answers. This is exactly how our exchange went down:

Q1. What feedback have you received from early backers or users, and how do you plan to incorporate that feedback into future iterations or updates?

A: The initial feedback took us by surprise. We knew the EVT-01 was well-designed and visually striking, but once we released it, the response from users across various social media platforms was overwhelmingly positive, generating significant hype. We believe we’ve managed to shake up the digital watch world. As for upcoming updates: We’re currently exploring the possibility of adding interchangeable front plates to the Casio, allowing users to further customize and mod their watches.

Q2. Your project mentions CNC-machined anodized aluminum and a sapphire crystal - how did you select these materials?

A: We’ve been manufacturing watches for several years now, using materials like carbon fiber, anodized aluminum, and sapphire crystal across our entire range. Aerospace-grade aluminum, in particular, is not only lightweight but also incredibly durable - perfectly aligned with our philosophy of creating timepieces that feel light on the wrist. From the very first time you wear one of our watches, the experience should be nothing short of exceptional.

Q3. Given the current $250-ish Kickstarter price point, how do you justify the cost compared to other modders or upgraded models, especially considering the base F-91W is just $20-$25?

A: The EVT-01, our first digital watch, is the result of a handcrafted process - far removed from mass production. Inside, it features a movement that costs just 20 euros, but not just any movement: the Casio F91W, the most iconic digital watch in the world. For us, it’s the product as a whole that gives the EVT-01 its true value. What sets us apart from other brands is the artisanal touch we bring to every single watch that leaves our workshop.

The EVT-01 Kickstarter campaign has several reward tiers, all limited in quantity and shipping globally from March 2026. Early bird options include single- and double-watch bundles, with prices ranging from €220 (~$257) for the first backers up to €300 (~$350) for the Kickstarter-exclusive "Glossy Violet" edition. Each watch features a CNC-machined anodized aluminum case, sapphire crystal, 100 meters of water resistance, and the Casio F-91W movement. Quantities for the special editions are low - one violet run is capped at just 20 units, while grey and bronze variants come in editions of 30 or 50 per version. Every watch is delivered with a two-year warranty and at least one extra strap.

You could argue that the EVT-01 is an over-engineered F-91W, and you would be (somewhat) right. For most people, a $20 original is still the best deal in watches. But for a smaller crowd who already knows the story and wants something special, the EVT-01 comes with genuine craft, a niche appeal, and an Italian twist on an old-school favorite. Whether or not you think a digital Casio deserves this much attention, EVT-01 makes a strong case for treating classic design with a little more care and a lot more creativity.