Casio Pro Trek PRJ-B001EX-1JR Launches in Japan With a Reversible Strap That Doubles as a Coin Pouch
Casio has officially released the Pro Trek PRJ-B001EX-1JR in Japan after its preorder period ended on August 7. Priced at ¥33,000 including tax, or roughly $208, this new outdoor watch stands out for one very unusual feature: a reversible strap that can unzip into a small pouch for coins, parking tickets, or other tiny essentials.
At first glance, the design may sound more like a novelty than a serious outdoor tool. However, Casio says the idea came from observing how campers and hikers actually move around campsites and outdoor areas. Whether buying firewood, paying at roadside stalls, using vending machines, or keeping a parking ticket close by, there are plenty of moments when reaching for a wallet can be inconvenient. The PRJ-B001EX-1JR aims to solve that with a built-in storage pocket directly on the band.
The strap is not just for carrying coins. It can also flip over and cover the watch head, helping protect it when clipped to a backpack, stored inside a tent, or carried off the wrist. A carabiner-style loop adds more flexibility, making it easier to attach the watch to outdoor gear instead of wearing it traditionally.
Beyond the unusual band, the Casio Pro Trek PRJ-B001EX-1JR keeps many of the practical features expected from the Pro Trek lineup. It has a bio-based resin case measuring 50.3 x 46 mm and weighs just 51 grams, making it one of the lighter models in the series. That low weight should appeal to hikers, campers, and travelers who want outdoor functionality without a bulky watch on their wrist.
The watch also includes a rotary guard bezel, which can be turned to physically cover the side buttons. This is especially useful when the watch is attached to a backpack or other gear, where accidental button presses are more likely.
For power, the PRJ-B001EX-1JR uses Casio’s Tough Solar technology, allowing the watch to recharge using sunlight or ambient light. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity, letting users sync time and position data with Casio’s companion app. This makes it possible to record location information on a map, a handy feature for outdoor trips and travel.
Other practical features include 10-bar water resistance, a dual LED light, stopwatch, timer, and alarm. These functions keep the watch firmly within the outdoor and adventure category, even with its more experimental strap design.
For now, the Casio Pro Trek PRJ-B001EX-1JR is available in Japan. Casio has not confirmed whether this exact model will be released in the United States, Europe, or other global markets. However, earlier watches from the PRJ-B001 series did make it to international retailers, so a wider launch remains possible.
With its lightweight case, Tough Solar charging, Bluetooth features, and unique reversible pouch strap, the Casio Pro Trek PRJ-B001EX-1JR is one of the brand’s more distinctive outdoor watches. It may not be a traditional hiking feature, but for campers who like practical, easy-access storage, the coin pouch band could be more useful than it first appears.
