If the idea of solving basic arithmetic on the go makes your heart race, the Casio CA-53WB Calculator Watch is your soulmate. This retro marvel channels the design of the 1972 Casio Mini, the world’s first personal calculator, into a wearable gadget that’s both timeless and, let’s be honest, kind of adorable.
The CA-53WB comes with a reversible green LCD screen paired with a numeric keypad that would make 1970s engineers weep with pride. Every key uses retro fonts and is boxed into a neat grid, like a spreadsheet for your wrist. With three stylish colors—classic black, blue-green, and ivory—it’s a subtle flex for math geeks, vintage lovers, and people who enjoy explaining their watches to strangers.
Beyond its charming aesthetics, the CA-53WB is packed with practical features: dual time zones for global jet-setters (or those pretending to be), a stopwatch for timing your ramen, and alarms to keep you punctual. It also performs basic calculations up to eight digits—perfect for figuring out tips, discounts, or how much of your paycheck went to snacks.
It is not just the electronics that are year 2024. Some of the materials are the year 2024 eco-conscious. The watch band is made from biomass plastic, proving you can geek out over numbers while being kind to the planet. It’s water-resistant too, so you won’t ruin it washing away tears of joy after nailing that long division.
This blend of retro design, practical function, and eco-friendly materials is a steal at its current price, which, fittingly, you’ll need to calculate yourself. Kidding also! It’s 5,500 yen [JP] (or approximately US$36). I did not find it listed on Casio other countries website, so I am guessing it is for Japan only for now.
Oh, in case anyone’s wondering. This high-tech watch wasn’t the only calculator watch. Back in 1977, HP also had one that, if I can be honest, will look right at home today (even the function may not be). More look after the break.
Images: CASIO [JP].
via The Verge.
