Casio’s Iconic $30 A168 Gets a Nikon-Inspired Makeover—And the Price Jumps Almost Sevenfold

PPP Cameras has quietly put a new custom digital watch online, and it’s one that will instantly catch the eye of photography fans. Called the N168, it’s built on the well-known Casio A168WE platform, but with a clear Nikon-inspired makeover. It’s important to know upfront that this is not an official Casio product. Instead, it’s a third-party customization that focuses heavily on visual style rather than changing what the watch can do.

At its core, the watch remains the classic Casio A168 many people already recognize. That means you’re getting the same familiar digital module with everyday staples like an alarm, a stopwatch, and a backlight. There’s no mention of performance or feature upgrades, so the appeal here isn’t about added functionality. It’s about the look.

The design leans hard into camera culture. The screen has a yellow tint that nods to Nikon’s signature color, and the strap swaps the usual metal bracelet for a black canvas band with yellow stitching, reminiscent of the kind of strap you’d see on a camera. The case stays close to the original A168 shape, and some of the standard watch markings, like “Illuminator,” are still visible. That combination makes it feel more like a themed rework than a complete reimagining.

PPP Cameras lists three versions: Chrome, Black, and Titanium. The differences appear to be mainly in finish and presentation rather than creating three entirely distinct models. The bigger talking point is the price. The Chrome and Titanium versions are listed at £150 (around $200), while the Black version is priced higher at £170 (around $226). To put that into perspective, a standard Casio A168 typically sells in the budget range—often roughly $20 to $30—making this customization several times more expensive than the original watch it’s based on. As of the latest update, the Black version is also sold out on the PPP Cameras site.

Custom Casio A168 projects aren’t unusual. The model is popular for mods because it’s simple, widely available, and inexpensive, which makes it a convenient base for creative redesigns. Many of those custom versions still aim to stay relatively affordable, but this one is clearly positioned as a premium, niche-style item.

Ultimately, the N168 is priced for its aesthetic and its photography-inspired theme, not for new capabilities. For Nikon enthusiasts or collectors who love camera-adjacent accessories, the design details may feel like the perfect crossover. For everyone else, it’s worth remembering that underneath the styling, it’s still the same classic Casio A168—just dressed up at a much higher cost.