Vintage Casio AQ-340 (Module 309)

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Casio AQ-340 (Module 309)

23/1/22


Hello Casio lovers from around the world. I hope you are all well.



In this post I will be writing about buying and restoring (to the best of my abilities) the legendary Casio AQ-340 Analogue & Digital watch that were very popular in the mid 1980's. The very first 80's analogue/digital models were enclosed in a full stainless steel case and strap. A very tough watch indeed. However, that model watch was also very expensive. At around £90 in 1985, it wasn't cheap but it wasn't too expensive either considering the functions it was capable of.
 There are sadly very few models of that watch have survived to date. From the research I gathered, Casio rereleased the watch again around 1986-87. This time the case was plastic, covered with a chrome plate. The strap was still made of stainless steel as was the back of the watch. 
I have always loved this style watch not only for it's looks, but also for the many functions it has. It is very light on the wrist and is not too big and bulky. The analogue display is perfect for a quick glance at the time, and the LCD segment is also ideal for date and a daily alarm!
As I didn't own a Casio AQ, it was quite the task to find one worthy of restoration after decades of use. So the searching began!


After months of searching, I found this. This is the original EBay add picture I based on what I was buying. It was, and still is (after many months) the best example I could and can find. There are many watches out there, but most of them are not worth the asking price and have parts missing. So when this watch was delivered, I gave it a full inspection and found all the parts in place. However after decades of use, As I suspected, the watch had some scarring across the glass and strap. 


I have pointed out the deep scratches on the glass with the black and white arrows in the picture above. With the expected marking on the watch, I moved on to testing the functions of the watch with complete success. 


To be an original Casio AQ-340, the watch has to have the desired second hand that is pointed out in the picture above. With the watch's function's found to be good, I could move on to describe the functions of this watch.


In the picture above, you can see the coloured arrows. The red and green arrows adjust the digital segment and the blue arrow points to the crown wheel which adjusts the analogue dial. 
The red arrow button, when pressed scrolls through each function. The first press on the red arrow takes me to the month, date and day display. A second press on the red arrow button displays the alarm time. A third press on the same button displays the dual time facility and also displays a small DL sign in the bottom left corner of the LCD display, and can be seen in the above picture. A fourth press on the red arrow button displays the stop-watch or chronograph as they are also referred to. A fifth press of the same button will take the display to the beginning again of the menu to the time, shown in hours, minutes and seconds. The time can also be in either 12 hour or 24 hour format.
In every stage of the above menu, the information can be changed using the green arrow button to highlight/flash the number to be changed. Once the digit is highlighted/flashing, changes can be made by pressing the red button. Once the desired number has been input, press the green button to confirm and move to the next digit. Using a combination of both the red and green arrowed buttons will set up all menu's required. Granted, it's not the easiest Casio watch to set up, but believe me, I have experienced more complicated setups from Casio watches.


In the picture above you can see the red arrow pointing at the month, with the watch correctly adjusted to November. The blue arrow is pointing at the date and the green arrow is pointing at the day, which is Monday. The white arrow is pointing to the alarm symbol. When this little indicator is showing, this means the alarm has been set and will sound at the required time.


Above is the same picture without the arrows to show you how well this watch has polished up. It is still not perfect be a long way but it is getting there.


The yellow arrow in the picture above is pointing to the hourly chime indicator. When this is visible an hourly audio signal will be emitted. This function can be disabled or switched off as is the case with the alarm.


After many hours of polishing, the watch is presentable enough to wear. However, I will be doing at least another 2 polishes of the glass. Again, after so many decades in circulation it will never be perfect and I was prepared for that. 


A close up of the watch shows some marks that will never come out, but they are only visible under massive scrutiny.


I am very pleased with the outcome of my hard work, it looks really good yet I will now not wear it for fear of marking it.


Above is a picture of another analogue/digital Casio watch I am working on. It is a Casio AQ-321 with a white dial. The watch also uses the same module (309) within, the same as the AQ-340. This means both watches have the exact same functions and operations. Although the watches share the same module, they have different outer dimensions and subtle differences.


 The AQ-321 came to me in a very sorry state with parts missing, big scratches and a almost dead battery. I have managed to find most of the missing parts but others seem impossible to find. This watch is now starting to look as it should but again, it will never be perfect. Again the AQ-321 has the desired second hand and the crown wheel. 


In the picture above we can see a large scratch in the lower part of the strap (arrowed). I am obviously looking for a replacement but it will be difficult.

As the numbers of these watches on the market start to disappear, the price of them has of late become rather increased. Trying to find a nice example is becoming increasingly difficult and if you find one, it will be rather expensive.

Well Casio lovers, I hope you have enjoyed my little blog about this Casio AQ-340 watch. 

Please join me next time for another Casio watch detail and description.

Until then, Take Care!!!

Casio Tribe 23/1/22









Hello, my name is Mr.B. I have started this blog as I have owned and loved (and still do) Casio watches for more than 40 years. I would like to explain the many reasons why I still own and wear a Casio Watch. I want to share details, upgrades and maybe a vintage Casio watch restoration post. I will also show you my humble, but very cherished Casio watch collection . I will also show my beloved and aged GW-M5600, I have owned and worn for the last 13 years. I will also be adding further watches to the collection and adding a detailed post for each and every watch. I also want to show you how to avoid a fake watch and what to look for when purchasing a Genuine Casio from any seller.

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