A calculator watch is essentially an electronic gadget. It comes with integrated calculator buttons on the face, generally with at least eight digits. Calculator watches were certainly popular among teens and adults in the 1980s. They were affordable, and their designs went well with the fashion.
Above all, Casio is considered the pioneer of calculator watches. They offer a wide range of calculator watches. Here you’ll learn about some of the best this company has to offer. In this article, both old and new calculator watch styles will be considered.
Pulsar (now discontinued) launched the first-ever calculator watch in 1975. The Japanese company, Casio, offered several different calculator watch styles. They’re still one of the most highly-persued brands (and is still manufacturing such watches today to meet that demand). On this page, you’ll learn about some of the best calculator watches, specifically from Casio.
These timepieces were in fashion before smartphones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Similarly, most of the functions are the same as the older 1980 versions however people use them as old-school fashion pieces now.
Calculator Watch Features
Nowadays, a watch with calculator functionality is not needed since a smartphone can perform simple tasks. On the other hand, companies like Casio continue to market these watches because they are still in trend, and antique watches and accessories are still in demand.
If you’re considering purchasing a calculator watch, here are some main features to search for in addition to a calculator.
Data bank
The user can save data like phone numbers, emails, names, and appointments.
Countdown Timer
A popular feature in digital watches, this is useful for those who need to count backwards! Say you’re timing an egg or something similar.
World Time
It is a must for tourists who need easy accessibility to a time zone in a location other than their own.
Illumination
Whether you’ll be wearing your watch at night or in dimly lit areas, this is a thing to check for.
Misc
A simple calculator watch has eight-digit numbers and performs basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and percentages.
They can also be useful for those who need to perform more complicated functions as many calculator watches include more sophisticated functionality, including scientific and financial calculations.
So let’s look at the 8 best calculator watches in 2021
Casio
CA56-1
The Casio CA56-1 is an 8-digit calculator and stopwatch, which comes with a dual time zone. It gives the vibes of the 90’s model. Out of the variety of calculator watches Casio offers, this is one of the most reasonably-priced ones.
The stopwatch has an accuracy of up to 1 by 100 of a second. Hourly time-reminder and daily alarm are included in this version. It has a water resistance of up to 50 meters, and the calendar is available until 2039.
A CR2016 battery is used to power CA56-1. Resin and plastic materials are used in its manufacturing.
Vintage CA53W-1
Another 8-digit calculator watch, the Casio Vintage CA53W-1, can handle all the basic calculation operations. Dual time zone and a 12/24-hour format. Plus, it’s water-resistant thanks to the polymer material used in the build.
This 35mm watch is equipped with elapsed break time, 1st/2nd place time functions, and a 1/100-second stopwatch. A daily alarm feature, a full auto-calendar, and an hourly time signal round out the features.
Databank DBC-32-1A
Another model with an 8-digit calculator and 25-page databank is the Casio DBC32-1A. This black case watch with an acrylic strap has a 10-year battery life. It can store details such as appointments and the like, as mentioned in other models above. It has four multipurpose alarms and one snooze warning, totalling five alarms.
The watch is 41mm in diameter and features an LED backlight with an auto-light switch and warm glow. As well as a day, date, month, and year view. The tolerance to water is up to 50 meters. This is indeed a truly multilingual device, as it comes with a preview of the days of the week in 13 different languages.
After Pulsar launched its style in 1982, Casio debuted the Databank series in 1983. Casio has been evolving its Databank line since the 1980s, adding exclusive features such as world time, a speech recorder, and a fluorescent backlight.
Databank DBC611G-1D
The final Casio on the list. The Databank DBC611G-1D is a hallmark of sophistication.
This dazzling calculator watch has a stainless-steel strap and case, bossed with a gold-tone.
It offers a memory unit named Databank, capable of storing not only numbers but names too. Casio offers all these features at a slightly higher price, but still under $100.
The Databank, introduced within the Casio DBC611G-1D, can store up to 15 digits and eight characters, with a range of 25 sets of data. It shows us how phone numbers were fed into electronic memory before the era of cellphones!
The bossed gold-tone case comes with a resin glass, a LED light, and a stainless-steel band. This watch provides an 8-digit calculator and a 1/100th second stopwatch, and a daylight-saving time, with a dual time feature.
The Casio Databank DBC611G-1D uses a CR1616 battery. Additional attributes include an auto-calendar to the year 2099, 12/24-hour time format option, multi-purpose alarms, and an hourly alarm if needed.
- If you want something with a bit more tech, then check out the G-SHOCK range from Casio here.
Bulova
Computron 97C110
The Computron 97C110 was initially launched in 1976 when watch manufacturers produced calculator watches; however, it does not actually offer a calculator. It’s a little off-piste, but we feel like it belongs on this list for its retro style, much in line with the others here.
Bulova first introduced an LED display feature in the Computron 97C110. It’s a digital watch with a push button to show the time.
Manufactured during the phase of advancement in the watch industry, this Bulova digital watch stands out among the calculator-style watches.
The updated model of Bulova Computron 97C110 hit the market in 2019 with a blue variant for chrome, and the unedited red LED featured display. It’s a 31mm stainless steel watch that has a mineral crystal. This version comes in black, chrome, and gold variations.
Digitech
Vintage Retro Black Data Bank
This is a 30-memory databank illuminator watch similar to the Casio calculator watches. This Digitech watch is made of plastic and rubber and comes with a digital display at a modest price.
The watch’s key features include; 12/24-hour time format, calculator, daily alarm, stopwatch, and schedule model. It can store email addresses and phone numbers. Currency conversion is its other exciting features (for the time).
Timex
Retro Ralph – T2N236
Timex produced one of the best-selling calculator watch series. The unisex quartz retro black timepiece is a water-resistant digital screen watch. It can perform basic math functions on a 10-digit calculator. One can set alarms on it as well.
The T2N187 is another rubber model by Timex with a grey band and dial. It is a 34mm watch with a day/date module, a stopwatch, and alarm options.
- Take a look at the Indiglo range from Timex here.
Nixon
Dork Too
Nixon deeply investigated calculator watches and created their stunning and very own idea of what was “dorkier than a calculator”. However, it’s another on this list that doesn’t actually have a calculator. But, again, we’ve put it on here due to its retro aesthetics and calculator watch-like looks.
Manufactured by American watchmaker Nixon, they report that the Dork Too watch “doesn’t take itself too seriously.” It’s a distinctive watch. A bonus is that it can be charged via USB. The watch vocalises the time in English when its specific button is pressed.
This trendy retro watch has a 34mm stainless steel case with a backlight. The band is folded 21mm stainless-steel link bracelet. The casing is splash-resistant and dust-proof. It is currently available in silver and black colours.
It has a stainless-steel speaker riddled on the dial. When the time-telling button is pressed, the wearer can hear the time coming from the holes on the dial. The watch also offers functions like date, alarm, and time.
Modern Alternatives
Apple Watch 7,8 & SE 2
While calculator watches bring the image of retro styles to your mind, did you know that the Apple Watch series also offers calculator functions?
Apple Watch 7,8 and SE 2 provide users with a modern calculator app for quick maths on their wrist. This app directly mimics the well-known iPhone version, so it’s easy to use and has a straightforward interface.
Unlike the vintage calculator watches, Apple pairs their app with Siri and allows users to ask the watch questions. Can’t reach your watch and need a quick answer? No worries, just ask Siri, “What’s five times 90?” or whatever question you have in mind. This modern update keeps fans coming back to the famous Apple range.
Apple users should also note that if you remove the calculator app from your iPhone, it disappears from your Apple Watch.
Wear OS Calculator
Similar to the Apple Watch calculator app, Wear OS devices can download a calculator app compatible with Android smartwatches. This app is designed to provide a pocket calculator alternative for fast calculations.
This app can switch between scientific and essential functions, ensuring users can always access standard calculator services. If your watch has a microphone tool, this app also allows spoken commands for hands-free usage. This app is free to download and has over four stars on the Google Play Store. The Calculator App should work on the Galaxy Watch 4 & 5 which are the most popular in this category.
Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite
Are you looking for a budget watch that still offers calculator functions? The Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite sits under $50 and hosts a range of advanced features, including a digital calculator. Alongside calculations, users can also take advantage of fitness metrics, smartwatch features, and health options. This is a perfect choice for anyone new to the smartwatch field!
- If you enjoyed reading this, you might want to compare the retro look with what’s hot in 2021. Check out the best fashion watch brands in 2021 here.
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Last Updated on December 12, 2022
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