The digital watch prop associated with Ellen Ripley in Ridley Scott’s Alien was built from Casio F-100 watches. Casio later brought the design back as the A100 series, retaining its distinctive front-facing buttons. The A100 reissue is not the Seiko Giugiaro 7A28-7000 associated with Ripley in Aliens.
What watch did Ripley wear in Alien?
The watch behind Ripley’s futuristic wrist prop in Alien was the Casio F-100. According to Andrew Liszewski’s July 15, 2021 Gizmodo report, the film’s prop makers doubled up F-100 watches to create the larger, futuristic-looking device worn by Ripley, Dallas, and other members of the Nostromo crew.
That distinction matters: the unusual screen appearance came from the prop construction, not from a single purpose-built Casio model. The F-100 was the base watch.
How the F-100 differs from the A100 reissue
Casio revived the F-100 design under the name A100. The 2021 Gizmodo report describes the original F-100 as having a plastic case, while the reissue has a metallic case and strap. The front-facing buttons—one of the design’s most recognizable features—remain on the A100. The report also describes a flashing LED for alarms or when a countdown timer ends.
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- Water Resistant, EL Backlight, Daily Alarm
- 1/100 second digital stopwatch, Hourly Time Signal,Auto Calendar
- Accuracy: +/-30 seconds per month, Battery CR2016
- Approx. battery life: 7 years, Module 1275
- Size of case / total weight: 37.5 x 33.5 x 9.5mm / 58g
| Detail | Casio F-100 | Casio A100 |
|---|---|---|
| Role in the story | Base watch used to build the Alien prop | Later reissue of the F-100 design |
| Case and strap | Plastic case, as described in the 2021 Gizmodo report | Metallic case and strap, as described in the 2021 Gizmodo report |
| Buttons | Front-facing buttons | Retains the front-facing buttons, according to the 2021 Gizmodo report |
| Other functions noted | Stopwatch and screen light, according to the 2021 Gizmodo report | Flashing LED for alarms or countdown-timer completion, according to the 2021 Gizmodo report |
The MoMA Design Store’s Casio A100 Digital Watch description likewise identifies the A100 as an F100 reissue and connects the original design with Alien.
Don’t confuse it with Ripley’s watch in Aliens
Ripley’s watch in James Cameron’s sequel Aliens is associated with a different model: the Seiko Giugiaro 7A28-7000. The F-100 and its A100 reissue belong to the Alien connection; the Seiko is the watch associated with the later film in the 2021 Gizmodo report.
What the 2021 launch price does—and doesn’t—tell you
Gizmodo reported in July 2021 that the A100 would be available the following month for $90. That is a launch-era price and timing, not confirmation of today’s price, stock, or availability. Check a current retailer listing before making a purchase decision.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to avoid mixing up Casio’s retro models
Casio sells other digital watches with a retro look, but their specifications should not be attributed to the A100 or F-100. For example, Casio India’s official A168WEM-2B product page describes a separate model with a 38.6 × 36.3 × 9.6 mm case, 49 g weight, approximate seven-year CR2016 battery life, 1/100-second stopwatch, daily alarm, and EL blue-green backlight. Those details apply to the A168WEM-2B—not the A100 or F-100.
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Best Value
- Micro Light, Hourly Time Signal, Auto Calendar
- 12/24 Hour Formats
- Dial Code: Digital
- Water Resistant
- Daily Alarm
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.
Rank #3
- 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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
