New Casio AQ-230 hybrid watches with leather straps launching

Casio is launching two new AQ-230 series watches in countries worldwide: the AQ-230EL-1A and the AQ-230EGL-9A. Both are already available to pre-order in Japan, but have also appeared on the brand’s international website, signalling a wider rollout in the future.

The AQ-230EL-1A has a black and silver colorway, with a black face and strap, and a siliver colored bezel, indexes and hands. In the six o’clock position is a light background (positive) display. The AQ-230EGL-9A has a gold face, bezel and case, with an accompanying brown leather strap. This version has a golden-hued digital display to tie in with the watch’s colors. Both versions have a chrome-plated resin casing and bezel, accompanied by a genuine leather band. They are relatively slim, measuring 38.8 x 29.8 x 8.1 mm (~1.5 x 1.2 x 0.3 inches). 

The combination of two analog hands and the slim display means that the time in two time zones can be displayed simultaneously. The AQ-230 is also equipped with a 1/100th second stopwatch, a daily alarm and hourly time signals. Plus, the calendar is fully automatic, and the water resistant watch should run for three years on a SR920W battery.

The Casio AQ-230EL-1A can be pre-ordered in Japan for ¥6,600 (~$45), while the AQ-230EGL-9A is more expensive at ¥7,700 (~$52). It is unclear which other markets will get these new AQ-230 watches and when.