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SpaceCam 1200
By CasiMods ® カシ改造
Hand-modified individually
Base Model
Details of the NASA Hasselblad Electric Data Camera (HEDC). Photo by Marco Nietlisbach
Inspirations
I’ve had a folder filled with photos of NASA’s space cameras, particularly the modified Hasselblad 500 “EL Data Camera (HEDC),” that I had intended to use as inspiration for a watch mod. But with life and work taking the driver’s seat, that folder quickly got buried under other priorities.
Until I bought a stainless steel case to upgrade a stock AE1200.
When the case arrived, I immediately appreciated its substantial weight compared to the original resin case. The matte finish reminded me of the camera and that became the starting point that reignited the build.
When I was browsing and collecting images of the cameras, I was especially drawn to the scuffed, post-mission appearance, where labels, markings, and imprints remained as documentation and instructions for the astronauts. (Sidenote: the cameras were originally made from greyish aluminum and later painted silver to help reflect solar radiation).
The worn/well used asethetic became the foundation for the design.
Benson C.
CasiMods::
Details of the NASA Hasselblad Electric Data Camera (HEDC). Photo by Marco Nietlisbach
Design Details
The overall aesthetic is industrial with a touch of cassette futurism. I wanted the watch to have a mechanical, utilitarian appearance while still retaining evidence of a human hand.
For the mechanical side, I installed micro screws and metal mesh onto the face plate, while also replacing the original reflective backing with mesh. I intentionally added slightly misaligned labels and imprints to introduce an organic quality to the otherwise mechanical design.
Since the inspiration came from the post-mission appearance of the space cameras, I also weathered the case and face plate. The divots and surface wear were then given additional contrast by filling them with dark, oil-based ink, creating the appearance of accumulated wear and grime.
Rather than making the entire watch silver, I added a few small color accents to give the design more character.
A red dot marks my location in California, referencing the map element on the AE1200. A yellow label marked “1969” pays homage to Apollo 11, the mission that brought the Hasselblad camera to the Moon and produced some of the most iconic photographs in history.
For the strap, I chose a minimalist black rubber strap. With the watch face already carrying a lot of visual information, the simple strap keeps the focus on the case and dial.
Design Process // Drag to view ↔
Base Watch: Casio AE1200 ←
Modifications
Case Replacement (to Stainless Steel)
Case Weathering
Inner Face Plate Replacement (Resin aftermarket version)
Inner Face Plate Script Removal
Custom Imprint on inner Face Plate
Micro screws installation on inner face plate
Custom Fitted Rubber Strap
Dial/Module reflective film replacement (with metal mesh)
Covering of Face Plate windows with metal mesh
Red dot on map (California, where I’m based)
Parts List
I have broken the project down to the following modifications. Most of the mod processes are difficult to depict by words, so I plan to launch a series of tutorials and behind the scenes soon. You can visit the YouTube channel to subscribe
Steel Mesh is Custom-made. Not available for purchase online.
Name: SpaceCam 1200
Model: Casio AE1200
Built in: California, USA
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Material: Rubber with Steel Tang Buckle
Water Resistant: 10 Bar
Case size (L× W) 45 × 42mm
By CasiMods ® カシ改造
SpaceCam
1200
⚠
