Casio W-780: button cleaning

This Casio W-780 I saw on a second-hand portal. The truth is that it had a very good price and a seemingly good condition for its age. As we can see in this great article from Guti's blog about the Casio W-780 with much more information, this model is approximately 33 years old.

The truth is that as you can see below, it is in an exceptional state considering its age. However, there was a common issue many owners of this model might face: Casio watch buttons not working. In this case, the buttons on the Casio W-780 were quite hard and difficult to press, likely due to the dirt that had accumulated over time.

So let's get to work. The first step in addressing the issue is to understand how to open a Casio watch. For the w780 Casio, it's essential to begin by inspecting the seal when you open the watch. I might be fortunate and not need to change it, as the watch has earned its retirement and I don't plan on getting the watch wet.

Next, I will check the condition of the battery. It's necessary to remove the movement from the case to access the buttons, clean them, and grease them to ensure better functionality.

Opening the clock is straightforward. The steel case of the Casio W-780 means I don't have to be overly cautious with the screws. Despite being a bit stiff, we must be careful not to damage the screw heads, as this could lead to further complications during future battery replacements.

Upon removing the back cover, signs of dirt or rust are visible. I'll clean this as thoroughly as possible.

The rear gasket needs replacement. However, since it's not the typical round gasket, finding a replacement for the Casio W-780 might require some effort. In the meantime, I'll grease the existing gasket and leave it until a new one is procured.

The primary concern here is the stiffness of the buttons. To remedy this, the watch module must be removed from the case to access the circlips and release the buttons for internal cleaning and greasing. If you're experiencing similar issues with your Casio W 780, it's important to follow a detailed process for removing, cleaning, and reassembling the buttons.

Extra caution is essential when handling the watch movement as there is a spring at the top. This spring enables the alarm to sound and is easy to misplace. The first action is to remove and safely store the spring to prevent loss.

Afterwards, we remove the plastic gown that secures the module in place within the case before proceeding to take out the module itself.

The button removal process for the Casio w780 is as follows: First, rotate the circlip to align the opening upwards. With a flat screwdriver, push the circlip down until it detaches from the button shaft.

While removing the buttons, it's essential to keep track of all components which include the button, spring, washer, two gaskets, and the circlip. A gasket inside the case is common when the buttons are extracted, so this must not be overlooked.

After removing all buttons, we clean the case. Care is taken when cleaning the exterior to avoid damaging the screen printing. An interdental brush is perfect for cleaning button holes, fitting snugly through the case openings.

The marks on the box were not just dirt; it appeared some liquid had corroded the metal. This cosmetic flaw, though unattractive, doesn't impede functionality.

Cleaning the buttons involves soap and water in a small container. After cleaning, the button components are reassembled, and silicone grease is applied to the case holes, joints, and spring.

With the buttons cleaned and greased, they are ready to be reassembled into the case. The procedure is simple: insert the buttons, set the circlip with the opening facing down, and press with the screwdriver until it clicks into place.

The quality of the photo may not be the best, due to the difficulty of holding both the case and the camera simultaneously.

After reassembling, we test the buttons to ensure they spring back into place promptly upon being pressed. Now that they are clean and lubricated, they function perfectly.

Next on the checklist is the battery. It appears to be sufficiently charged, but I intend to replace it with a high-quality brand. Unfortunately, I don't have a CR2016 battery on hand, so that's another item to purchase. When the new gasket arrives, I'll change both at the same time.

The module is then reinstalled into the case, and the sound spring is replaced. The piezoelectric speaker on the back cover relies on this spring for the watch's sound functionality.

Silicone grease is also applied to the watch's gasket. This Casio w 780 will be retiring, so it won't be exposed to water until the back gasket is replaced.

In conclusion, the Casio W-780 now has buttons that work flawlessly. All functions, including the sound, operate smoothly.

The model is a classic, representing a type of craftsmanship Casio no longer offers—a module with numerous functions encased in solid steel. Perhaps one day Casio will consider a reissue of the Casio W-780; it would surely be a hit with enthusiasts.

If you're as passionate about watch repair as I am, be sure to check out more in the Restorations category, where you'll find in-depth articles similar to Casio W-780: button cleaning. Keep honing your craft with us!