Casio’s CL-301 is one of a number of watches that share the 20-button case. They all look kind of similar, and share a number of functions, but each has at least one unique feature that separates it from the rest.
This time it’s the addition of solar power. The CL-301 used a 926R battery (long since discontinued) to power the time, date, dual time, stopwatch, alarm, calculator and light functions and, when it started to run low, a sunshine icon would appear on the display to remind the wearer to get some sunshine!
The watch also has a countdown timer as a hidden feature not mentioned in the owner’s manual. To access this feature, put the watch in stopwatch mode and press a number key on the panel rather than using the stopwatch buttons on the side of the watch. (Thanks to former casionerd.com website for this tip).
It was odd to see the addition of a light on a solar-powered watch, as it tends to be a bit of a battery hog in any watch – let alone one that has to be constantly recharging.
This is a very rare watch, as vintage Casios go, but is anyone’s guess as to why. Perhaps the other 20-button watches sold better – the CA-901 with game, the CA-951 with multiple alarms, or maybe the CD-401 databank, or CFX-200 scientific calculator.
Whatever the reason, it’s a great shame as it’s a fantastic looking watch and the whole solar-powered calculator thing is an added bonus.
Look long and hard for one of these, but expect to pay handsomely for the privilege of owning one.
Hello, I found one of this awesome watches at home. How much is one of these?
Hi – totally depends on the condition and if it works (there are a lot of 243 module watches that are in non-working condition) – could be anywhere from USD20-USD300+ – send some pics 🙂
Hi is this for sale?
Hi – not currently for sale sorry 🙂
If one day you want to let it go, please let me know sir.. thanks for your reply sir
Use a Panasonic MT-920 as a replacement for the original capacitor. Try to get one without the extra pins glued/soldered to it.
Hi dear,
Thank you so much for this informative post. I have the same watch but stuggled to find a replaceable battery, currently running on a non-rechargeable battery.
You mentioned the Panasonic MT-920 without extra pins, can you send me an ebay link to the same that fits the watch. Thanks a lot
Do you know how to change the battery or power cell?
It slightly works but then dies right away when out of the sun. Also take an hour before seeing a faded lcd screen
I have a cl-301 and would like to get a new battery for it.
Buy Panasonic Capacitor CTL920/CTL920F
I have just acquired a similar watch, a Casio CD-401 databank that needs some repairs.
I can’t for the life of me work out how to get the module out of the case?
Is there something special I need to know? I don’t want to break it.
From memory (and it’s been a while since I pulled a CD-401 apart) you ‘unclip’ the module from the top. Put a screwdriver or tweezer at the top like you are going to pry it out and you should feel it unclip and then will lift out easily. Reinstallation is the opposite. I think the CFX-200 does this too, and maybe one or two others.
Hi, I have this Casio CL-301 and was able to find a replacement non-rechargeable battery and the watch is working like a champ. It took me a while to figure out the correct size and find the battery. I am currently trying to figure out what would be the correct rechargeable battery and if it is in fact, available anywhere and can be sourced.