Stranger Things season 4 may be a while away, but fans can capture the 80s spirit of the show through iconic watches. There are a range of retro timepieces worn throughout the series, and these may go unnoticed by viewers if you’re not on the lookout for them.
We’ve decided to look at the detailed costume design to get a glimpse of the vintage watches in the show and the fashion in the 1980s. We’ve also researched some similar watches available online and some Stranger Things-inspired watches for any diehard fans.
Read on to find out more!
Watches Featured In The Show
Here’s a rundown on a few of the watches featured in the show. These watches were worn by the kids and are great costume additions that complete the 80s nostalgia.
Casio CA53W-1
Worn by Mike Wheeler’s character, the Casio CA53W-1 is a constant costume choice for him in all three seasons. The calculator wristwatch works well for the character and is a perfect way to complete any math on your wrist. Calculator wrist watches can also double as stopwatches or store phone numbers, as well as provide the time.
Marty Mcfly also wore the Casio CA53W-1 watch in the first Back to the Future film. This came out in 1985, proving the great research done by the costume and prop designers. A perfect watch for an 80s kid!
Nelsonic Q* Bert
Though many characters opt for classic Casio watches, Will Byers dons a Nelsonic Q*Bert watch in the series. The watch suits Will, who’s a fan of D&D and all things video games. This watch is accurate to the year the kids live, making it another smart choice from the costume department.
The Nelsonic Q*Bert is another watch with a digital display, and the company even went on to create video game watches in the mid-1980s. This comes from the popular geek subculture of the decade, making the watch perfect for Will and his friends. The watch also features an easy-to-use interface and adjustable strap, perfect for everyday use.
Casio F-91W
Another Casio seen in the series is Dustin’s Casio F-91W. It’s no secret that Casio was a trendy brand in the 1980s, so it’s no surprise that they feature more than once in the series. This style is still more popular than ever today at an affordable price, so many retro fashion fans won’t be surprised this watch was featured by the Netflix show.
Even today, the Casio F-91W is affordable and found in many retail stores. The watch has an easy-to-read digital display, an alarm clock and is water-resistant too. Perfect for any fan wanting to get the look today.
How To Get The Stranger Things Look
While some 1980s watches aren’t available now unless you find a pre-loved one online, you can still get the 1980s Stranger Things look! Whether you want a retro 80s looking watch or a branded Stranger Things wrist strap, we’ve made a list of must-buys for Stranger Things fans.
Casio Men’s Data Bank Quartz Watch
If you’re after an old-school, retro-looking watch, the Casio Data Bank Quartz Watch is one to consider. This wristwatch is an affordable buy and will last for years. With a sleek 80s look, this is perfect for anyone who wants to capture the aesthetic of the 1980s without going too over the top style-wise.
The Casio watch is made from resin and is a water-resistant option when worn in shallow depths. The sleek digital display is easy to read with a 12/24Hr clock and date information too. The watch also features a 1/100 second clock watch, a daily alarm, and Casio accuracy and reliability – perfect for anyone who needs to be on time.
Casio Men’s Vintage CA53W-1 Calculator Watch
This watch is perfect for anyone who wants an accurate accessory, as this is the exact watch worn by Mike Wheeler in the show. This Casio calculator watch is another affordable gadget for anyone that loves 80s style. With an 8-digit calculator and constants for subtraction, multiplication, addition, and division, this is a geek chic dream!
The watch also features a 1/100 second stopwatch, an auto-calendar that’s pre-programmed until 2079, dual time, and it’s water-resistant. This is a very popular style watch for all retro fans and Stranger Things fans alike. Not only that, but it’s easy to find on Amazon!
Casio DBC611G-1D Gold & Black Digital Watch
For those that want a vintage watch with some extra style, this Casio calculator option could be perfect for you. This watch is similar to the classic calculator watch. However, this style features a larger digital screen with LED lights. The gold colorway offers a bolder color than standard darker Casio watches, great for any style-conscious fan. Unlike the previous two watches on this list, this Casio timepiece costs around $85.
Stranger Things VHS Tape Smartwatch Band
Maybe you’ve already got a modern smartwatch but want to add a touch of Stranger Things to the design. If this sounds familiar, you should check out this licensed Stranger Things VHS tape-style band. This is compatible with Apple Watches and adds some retro nostalgia to your smartwatch.
Stranger Things The Waffle Smartwatch Band
Similar to the VHS tape band listed above, the Waffle-style smartwatch band pays homage to Eleven’s love for Eggo waffles in the series. This watch band is slightly more expensive than others at $59.90. However, the design is one-of-a-kind and unique to the show. Perfect for any true 1980s fan.
The Takeaway
The 80s were a great period for watches, and the Stranger Things show proves this. If you watched the show and felt nostalgia for the time, embrace the look with one of the vintage Casio pieces on this list. If you’d rather show your love for the characters, try one of these branded smartwatch bands instead and rock the Stranger Things style.
Do you like the 80s style? Let us know what you think about these watches in the comments!
If you’re interested in more watches featured in hit TV shows, check out these great watches worn by Don Draper in Mad Men.
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Last Updated on November 14, 2021
Isobel is a freelance copy and content writer who regularly contributes to Superwatches. Well-versed in all the ins and outs of the smartwatch industry. Isobel specializes in Fashion and design and is a First Class fashion design graduate.
Currently lives in Bournemouth, United Kingdom.