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The Casio & Armitron watch in the movie “Back to the Future”

The Casio CA53W-1 embodies the innovative design and practicality synonymous with Casio’s digital watches. Its rectangular case and multifunctional design reflect its origins in the 1980s, a decade celebrated for digital watch innovation. The straightforward digital display ensures clear visibility of time, date, and calculator functions, making it a versatile and iconic accessory.

Pictured here is the Casio CA53W-1 worn by the character Marty McFly, played by Michael J. Fox, in the movie Back to the Future.

Image courtesy of watchuseek.com

The Casio CA53W-1: A Brief History

The Casio CA53W-1, introduced in the 1980s, revolutionized watch design with its unique integration of a digital watch and calculator. Known for its practicality and multifunctional capabilities, the CA53W-1 has remained a popular choice for students, professionals, and tech enthusiasts alike. Its iconic rectangular case and digital display reflect its 1980s origins while continuing to appeal to modern users seeking reliability and timeless style in a digital watch.

While rooted in its 1980s heritage, the CA53W-1 integrates modern features such as an 8-digit calculator, 1/100-second stopwatch, daily alarm, and an automatic calendar for enhanced usability in various settings. Casio has maintained its vintage appeal while adapting to contemporary needs, ensuring the CA53W-1 remains relevant and cherished by both retro enthusiasts and modern users.

Casio CA53W-1 Specs

The Casio CA53W-1 is celebrated for its practicality and multifunctional capabilities. Here are its key specifications:

Case and Band Material:The Casio CA53W-1 features a durable resin case and band, designed for comfort and longevity in everyday use.
Digital Display:Its digital display shows the time in either 12-hour or 24-hour format, along with the day and date, ensuring clarity and convenience.
Alarm:Equipped with a daily alarm function to help users stay punctual and organized throughout the day.
Stopwatch:Includes a 1/100-second stopwatch with a capacity of up to 24 hours, suitable for accurate timing of various activities.
Calendar:An automatic calendar function ensures the watch always displays the correct date, adding to its practicality.
LED Light:A micro light illuminates the display for easy readability in low-light conditions.
Water Resistance:The watch is water-resistant, making it suitable for everyday use, though it is not designed for swimming or diving.
Battery Life:Powered by a long-lasting battery, the CA53W-1 utilizes efficient CR2016 cells, providing reliable operation for extended periods, approximately 5 years.
Dimensions and Weight:Compact and lightweight, the watch measures approximately 42.0 mm x 33.0 mm x 7.0 mm and weighs about 29 grams, ensuring a comfortable fit and ease of wear in various environments.
Image courtesy of watchuseek.com

Where to buy Casio CA53W-1

The Casio CA53W-1 is available in 4 different colors priced at $29.95.

Where to Watch Back to the Future

Tomatometer 93%
Audience Score 95%

Score courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes

Netflix  
Amazon Prime  
Apple TV  

Custom Casio CA53W-1

I’ve considered the Casio watch worn by Marty McFly from the movie. While the iconic timepiece pays homage to the franchise, I don’t think it’d represent well for the Delorean.

I’ve chosen the WS1600, particularly for the gauge on the dial and I find striking and its resemblance to a retro-futuristic car speedometer.

Below is my custom Casio inspired by the Delorean—Outtatime.

ARMITRON WRIST-COMP 101

The Armitron Wrist-Comp 101 is a distinctive digital watch that stands out for its unique design and multifunctional capabilities. Known for its retro appeal and practical features, the Wrist-Comp 101 has carved out a niche among digital watch enthusiasts.

Pictured here is the Armitron Wrist-Comp 101 worn by the character Dr. Emmett Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd, in the movie Back to the Future.

Image courtesy of watchuseek.com

The Armitron Wrist-Comp 101: A Brief History

The Armitron Wrist-Comp 101 is a distinctive timepiece that stands out for its integration of a calculator, reflecting the technological innovations of the 1980s. Introduced during an era when multifunctional digital watches were becoming increasingly popular, the Wrist-Comp 101 quickly gained recognition for its unique design and practical features. This watch epitomizes the fusion of timekeeping and computational functions, making it a cherished accessory for tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike.

Image courtesy of watchuseek.com

Armitron Wrist-Comp 101 Specs

The Armitron Wrist-Comp 101’s appeal lies in its blend of retro charm and robust functionality. It features an eight-digit calculator, a daily alarm, a stopwatch, and an automatic calendar, all powered by a reliable battery.. Here are its key specifications:

Case and Band Material:The watch features a sturdy plastic case and a flexible resin band, providing both durability and comfort.
Digital Display:The digital display shows the time in 12 or 24-hour format, along with the day and date.
Alarm:A daily alarm function helps you stay on schedule.
Stopwatch:A 1/100-second stopwatch with a capacity suitable for various timing needs.
Calculator:An eight-digit calculator with basic arithmetic functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
LED Light:A micro light illuminates the display for easy reading in low light conditions.
Water Resistance:The watch is water-resistant, making it suitable for everyday use, though it is not designed for swimming or diving.
Battery Life:Powered by a long-lasting battery, the Armitron Wrist-Comp 101 offers reliable performance for extended periods.
Dimensions and Weight:The case dimensions and weight are designed to ensure a comfortable fit on the wrist, making it easy to wear throughout the day.