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| The new Nikon-inspired Casio watches come in three variations: black, titanium, and chrome. Pictured - the chrome and the black variant. |
There is a quiet but passionate corner of the watch world where vintage digital meets high-end aesthetics. It’s a space usually occupied by custom "modders"—hobbyists and small shops who take affordable, iconic timepieces and give them a facelift. The latest entry into this niche comes from PPP Cameras, and it is causing a bit of a stir among both watch enthusiasts and camera collectors.
The new release, dubbed the PPP Cameras N168, has just been listed online. At first glance, it looks like a standard issue Casio from the 1980s. But look closer, and you’ll realize this is a full-blown homage to Nikon camera gear.
Before we dive into the details, it is crucial to note that this is not an official Casio release. Instead, it is a third-party rework that takes the familiar Casio A168WE and injects it with a heavy dose of photographic style.
Form Over Function: The Design Language
If you are hoping for upgraded sensors or solar charging, you will be disappointed—but that also isn’t really the point. Underneath the cosmetic surgery, the N168 is still the same reliable, no-frills digital watch that has been a staple for decades.
The underlying module remains unchanged. You still get the standard A168 digital features: a reliable alarm, a stopwatch for timing your exposures, and the signature electro-luminescent backlight. There are no functional upgrades here. Instead, the value proposition is entirely wrapped up in the style and design.
PPP Cameras has clearly gone "all in" on the Nikon aesthetic. The most obvious change is the display, which features a distinct yellow tint. For anyone familiar with Nikon’s branding—specifically the gold lettering on the classic Nikkor lenses and the company’s signature yellow accent color—this is a subtle but powerful callback.
The customization continues with the strap. The stock metal bracelet is gone, replaced by a black canvas strap with yellow stitching. It looks remarkably similar to the straps found on high-end camera bags or the neck straps bundled with professional DSLR bodies.
Notably, original Casio branding like "Illuminator" remains visible on the face. This reinforces that this is a mod, not a full redesign, keeping the retro charm intact while adding the new thematic elements.
Three Flavors and a Hefty Price Tag
The N168 is currently being offered in three distinct finishes: Chrome, Black, and Titanium. While these appear to be aesthetic variations on the same theme rather than entirely different watches, the pricing structure has caught the attention of the community.
If you are looking to pick one up, you can find the listing and current availability via the official product page here:
Check out the PPP Cameras N168 Collection
Here is where things get interesting. Pricing for the chrome and titanium versions is set at £150 (~$200) . The black version commands a slight premium at £170 (~$226) .
To put that in perspective, a standard Casio A168WA-1—the donor watch for this mod—currently retails for around $30 on Amazon. It usually sits comfortably in the low-end range of $20 to $30, prized for its affordability and retro charm. The N168 represents a markup of nearly 600% to 700%.
Despite the high price tag, demand appears to be there. As of this writing, the black variant is listed as sold out on the PPP Cameras website.
For those interested in the base model that inspired this build, you can see the original specifications here:
View the Casio A168WA-1 on Amazon
Is It Worth the Premium?
The Casio A168 is a common canvas for customization. Because it is simple, low-cost, and widely available, modders often use it to experiment with different coatings, dials, and straps. However, most of those mods remain relatively affordable, often staying under the $100 mark.
The PPP Cameras N168 breaks that mold. For the price, you are not paying for new features, upgraded water resistance, or a sapphire crystal. You are paying entirely for the theme.
For Nikon enthusiasts, this design overhaul might hit a sweet spot. It is a subtle way to display brand loyalty without wearing a branded corporate giveaway watch. The attention to detail—from the yellow-tinted LCD to the camera-strap-style band—suggests that the creators are genuine camera fans themselves.
For the average consumer, however, the value proposition is harder to justify. At the end of the day, it is still the same A168 underneath that you can pick up at a department store for the price of a pizza dinner. Whether the unique aesthetic justifies the significant upcharge depends entirely on how much you love Nikon and the culture of vintage cameras.
Disclaimer: This is a third-party custom modification and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Casio or Nikon.
