The eleven watches in Time+Tide’s October 20, 2017 list are models and watch categories from 1980 to 1987, chosen for their 1980s look. They are not a record of what the show’s characters wore. The list runs from cheap plastic quartz and electronic novelty pieces to technically ambitious Seiko quartz models and Swiss luxury watches, so “classic” here means a period style, not an affordable or easy-to-buy shelf. Casio’s official collaboration page places Stranger Things in 1986. The Casio A120WEST-1A that many readers associate with the show is a later licensed collaboration and is not one of the eleven.
Which watch does Stranger Things use?
The answer depends on what you mean by “use.” The 2017 article is nostalgia framing: it borrows the show’s 1980s atmosphere to introduce a set of watches from the decade, and it does not claim that any character wears any of the eleven. Treat the list as a guide to the period’s design language rather than a costume inventory.
The one Stranger Things-linked Casio you are likely to find on sale is the A120WEST-1A. Casio’s official US collaboration page documents it as a licensed product inspired by the series and by the brand’s 1980s designs. It is a modern watch made for fans, so it should not be read as a prop or as an original from the period. Its availability varies by region and retailer, and the design is not one of the eleven entries.
The eleven watches, one by one
1. Swatch Watch (1983)
Time+Tide describes the Swatch as a simple, colorful plastic quartz watch, relatively inexpensive, and designed to make watches playful and collectible. Hodinkee’s retrospective on the decade’s defining watches describes it in similar terms. It is the list’s most accessible entry in both original price and design intent, and it is the clearest example of a watch meant to be collected in multiples.
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- ICONIC VINTAGE DESIGN A true Casio classic, the A168WA-1 combines timeless retro styling with dependable digital functionality. Its polished stainless steel bracelet and signature square case create an iconic look that's perfect for everyday wear, business casual, or vintage-inspired fashion.
- BRIGHT ELECTRO-LUMINESCENT BACKLIGHT Unlike standard LED illumination, the A168 features Casio's Electro-Luminescent (EL) backlight, providing a bright, even blue-green glow across the entire display for outstanding nighttime visibility.
- PRACTICAL EVERYDAY FEATURES Stay on schedule with a 1/100-second stopwatch, daily alarm, hourly time signal, auto calendar, and selectable 12/24-hour time format. Designed for reliable everyday performance whether you're at work, school, or on the go.
- LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT & LONG BATTERY LIFE Weighing just 50 grams with an adjustable stainless steel bracelet, the A168WA-1 is comfortable enough for all-day wear. Its dependable CR2016 battery provides approximately seven years of operation under normal use.
- DEPENDABLE CASIO QUALITY Built with Casio's legendary reliability, this watch features quartz accuracy of approximately ±30 seconds per month, water resistance for daily use, a durable chrome-plated resin case, and a stainless steel bracelet designed to withstand years of everyday wear.
2. Casio G-Shock DW-5000C (1983)
This is the original square digital G-Shock, and the 2017 article frames it around durability. Hodinkee reports that the original was 200-meter water resistant and could survive a 10-meter drop. Those are historical specifications for the 1983 model. Current G-Shock variants use different specifications, so do not assume a modern model shares them.
3. Pulsar calculator watch, Ref. Y739-5019 (1980)
Time+Tide highlights this two-tone calculator watch as an example of the calculator-watch aesthetic. Pulsar is a separate brand from Casio. Casio’s own history records a different calculator watch, the C-80, in 1980, so do not treat the two as the same model or as the same lineage.
4. Nelsonic Pac-Man game watch (1982)
The article describes this as a toy-themed game watch and reports sales of more than 500,000 units. The article does not name the source of that figure, so it should be read as the 2017 article’s claim rather than an independently verified industry number. The same passage cites about 30 million Pac-Man players in the US in 1982, with the same missing attribution.
Rank #2
- Micro Light, Hourly Time Signal, Auto Calendar
- 12/24 Hour Formats
- Dial Code: Digital
- Water Resistant
- Daily Alarm
5. LCD radio watch (1982–1985)
This entry is a category, not a single model. The article names Sinclair, Comlink, Nelsonic, Gala, Advance, Quasatron, and Casio as makers of LCD radio watches and refers to their appearances on screen. The 1982–1985 span and the brand list are the article’s own description, so use them as a starting point for searching the category rather than as a complete production record.
6. Seiko Voice Note, M516-4009 (1983)
Time+Tide says a Seiko Voice Note appears in Ghostbusters; that film detail comes from the article. Seiko’s own heritage account confirms that in 1983 it launched a wristwatch with audio recording and playback, capable of a voice message up to eight seconds. The eight-second limit is a manufacturer specification from 1983, not a figure for every later voice watch.
7. Seiko Speedtimer chronograph, 7A28-7000 (1983)
Time+Tide calls the 7A28 the world’s first analog quartz chronograph, links the 7A28 family to Ripley’s watch in Aliens, and credits Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. Seiko’s official page confirms the first analog quartz chronograph launched in 1983 and was designed by Giugiaro. It also states that the watch measured elapsed time to 5/100th of a second and offered split time and a tachymeter. Of the eleven, this is the one where the technical claims are best supported by the manufacturer.
Rank #3
- 8-Digit Calculator; Constants for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
- Water Resistant
- 1/100 second stopwatch; Measuring capacity: 23:59'59.99"; Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
- Auto Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2079)
- Size of case/total weight; 42.0 x 33.0 x 7.0mm / 29g
8. Ebel Sport Classic Chronograph El Primero (1982)
The article describes the 1982 version as an El Primero-powered chronograph with an integrated bracelet and a five-screw bezel. These details come from the 2017 article and have not been checked against Ebel’s archive, so confirm specifics such as the reference and movement with the seller or the brand before relying on them.
9. Cartier Santos Galbée (1987)
The article links this model to Gordon Gekko, the character in Wall Street, and describes the example it shows as 18-karat gold. Treat both points as the article’s context. Not every Santos Galbée is made from that metal, and the film association is a styling reference rather than a documented fact about the model’s design.
10. Omega Constellation Manhattan (1982)
The article highlights the integrated bracelet, Roman numerals, bezel claws, and designer Carol Didisheim. Those details are from the 2017 article and have not been checked against Omega’s archive.
Rank #4
- ICONIC RETRO STYLE WITH A MODERN TWIST The legendary Casio Vintage design paired with a sophisticated gold-tone digital display creates a distinctive look that blends classic 1980s style with modern everyday fashion. Perfect for casual, business, or streetwear.
- EVERYDAY DIGITAL ESSENTIALS Stay on schedule with practical features including a 1/100-second stopwatch, daily alarm, hourly time signal, auto calendar, LED backlight, and selectable 12/24-hour time display—everything you need in a reliable everyday digital watch.
- BUILT TO LAST Powered by a dependable quartz movement with an approximate 7-year battery life, the A158WEA-9 delivers reliable timekeeping and exceptional value with minimal maintenance required.
- LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT Designed for all-day wear, the slim 45g construction and adjustable stainless steel bracelet provide a secure, comfortable fit for a wide range of wrist sizes. The classic fold-over clasp makes adjustments simple and secure.
- TRUSTED CASIO QUALITY Featuring a durable resin case, stainless steel bracelet, water resistance for daily use, bright LED illumination, and quartz accuracy of approximately ±30 seconds per month, this watch delivers the dependable performance Casio is known for.
11. Digits finger watch (1987)
This is a novelty ring watch. The article also notes that Gucci’s interchangeable-bezel bangle watch narrowly missed inclusion. The selection and the descriptions are the article author’s own choices, so the list reflects one writer’s view of the decade rather than an official ranking.
How the eleven compare
The table below uses only the values the sources state. “Not stated” means the 2017 article and the manufacturer pages cited here do not give that detail for the model.
| Entry | Year (as reported) | Function or type | Notable detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swatch Watch | 1983 | Quartz, plastic case | Colorful, inexpensive, collectible |
| Casio G-Shock DW-5000C | 1983 | Digital | Square case; 200 m water resistance and 10 m drop per Hodinkee (historical) |
| Pulsar Y739-5019 | 1980 | Calculator watch | Two-tone |
| Nelsonic Pac-Man | 1982 | Electronic game | Toy-themed; 500,000+ sales as stated in the 2017 article |
| LCD radio watch category | 1982–1985 | LCD with radio | Multiple makers listed in the 2017 article |
| Seiko Voice Note M516-4009 | 1983 | Voice recording and playback | Up to eight seconds per Seiko |
| Seiko Speedtimer 7A28-7000 | 1983 | Analog quartz chronograph | 5/100 s timing, split time, tachymeter per Seiko |
| Ebel Sport Classic Chronograph El Primero | 1982 | El Primero-powered chronograph | Integrated bracelet, five-screw bezel per the 2017 article |
| Cartier Santos Galbée | 1987 | Not stated | 18-karat gold example per the 2017 article |
| Omega Constellation Manhattan | 1982 | Not stated | Integrated bracelet, Roman numerals, bezel claws per the 2017 article |
| Digits finger watch | 1987 | Novelty ring | Not stated beyond the 2017 article’s description |
Casio’s calculator and digital history
Casio’s corporate history is the most useful official source for the brand’s early digital watches. It records the C-80 calculator watch in 1980 and the CD-40 Telememo 10 in 1984. The CD-40 stored 10 groups of 16 letters or numerals, and Casio reports that it sold six million units in the five years after release (1984–1989). That sales figure is Casio’s own, from its corporate history, and it applies to the CD-40 only.
Best Value
- RETRO 1980s-INSPIRED ANALOG-DIGITAL DESIGN The Casio AQ-800E-7A reimagines the iconic AQ-450 design from the 1980s with a modern vintage aesthetic. A separate analog dial and LCD display combine classic watch styling with convenient digital functionality, while the grid-pattern dial, simple bar indexes, and angular case create a distinctive retro look.
- SLIM, LIGHTWEIGHT CASE WITH STAINLESS STEEL BAND Measuring 40.7 × 32.1 × 8.7 mm (L × W × H) and weighing 52 grams, the AQ-800E-7A has a slim profile designed for comfortable everyday wear. The case features a resin/chrome-plated construction and resin glass, while the stainless steel band with adjustable clasp fits approximately 150–205 mm wrists.
- DUAL TIME & 1/100-SECOND STOPWATCH Keep track of another time zone with the Dual Time function, while the 1/100-second stopwatch measures elapsed time with a capacity of up to 59 minutes, 59.99 seconds. These practical functions add versatility without taking away from the watch's clean vintage appearance.
- DAILY ALARM, HOURLY TIME SIGNAL & EVERYDAY CONVENIENCE Stay on schedule with a daily alarm and hourly time signal. The watch also features an auto-calendar, 12/24-hour format, and separate analog and digital time displays showing hour, minute, second, PM, month, date, and day.
- WATER RESISTANT & POWERED BY SR920W BATTERY Designed for everyday wear, the AQ-800E-7A features water resistance for routine situations such as rain and hand washing. A SR920W battery provides approximately 3 years of battery life, while quartz accuracy is approximately ±30 seconds per month.
Casio dates the F-91W to 1989 and says it remains sold worldwide, according to its heritage page. The F-91W is not among the eleven entries. It is the most practical current-product suggestion for a reader who wants a simple retro digital watch.
Buying a current or vintage version
Modern and vintage options are different purchases, so choose the route before you start shopping.
Quick Recap
- Current Casio models. The F-91W is still sold worldwide, according to Casio. Check the model number on the case back or the listing, since similar-looking Casio digital watches are sold under different references.
- Stranger Things collaboration. The A120WEST-1A is a licensed fan product. Its availability and price vary by region and retailer, so confirm the listing shows the A120WEST-1A reference before buying.
- Vintage originals. Condition, provenance, and serviceability matter more than the year on the listing. Ask for a photo of the case back and movement, and check whether replacement parts or batteries are available for the specific model.
- Prices. The sources here do not establish current prices for the eleven entries. Use recent sold listings for vintage pieces rather than older price guides.
Choosing among the eleven
- If you want a wearable piece of the period that is easy to live with, the Swatch and the G-Shock DW-5000C are the most straightforward starting points, though the DW-5000C’s specifications are historical.
- If you care about 1980s technical ambition, the two Seiko models and the Speedtimer’s manufacturer-documented features make the strongest case.
- If you want a luxury or designer piece, the Ebel, Cartier, and Omega entries are the ones where condition, documentation, and servicing history will drive the decision.
- If you want a novelty or conversation piece, the Pac-Man game watch, the LCD radio category, and the Digits ring fit that role.
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