Five retro digital watches with 80s cool design

Retro watches inspired by the 1980s are back in style, thanks to Stranger Things. From classic Casio digital watches to colourful Swatch designs, these affordable timepieces offer vintage looks, reliable quartz accuracy, and everyday durability. Perfect for fans of old-school style with modern performance. Casio G-Shock, and the GW-M5610U-1ER, Casio A168 – Classic Digital Style With a Metal Finish and more.

If Stranger Things has reignited your love for 1980s nostalgia, these retro watches will be right up your street. From legendary Casio digital watches to a stylish analogue Swatch, these timepieces perfectly capture vintage charm with modern reliability.

With the final episodes of Stranger Things sparking a global wave of 80s-inspired fashion and tech, retro digital watches are enjoying a major comeback. Fortunately for watch enthusiasts, brands like Casio, Seiko and Swatch have been keeping this nostalgic aesthetic alive for years.

The best part? These watches are incredibly affordable. Quartz movements and digital displays are easier to mass-produce than mechanical movements, keeping prices low while delivering excellent accuracy and durability. Here are five of the best retro watches that blend old-school design with everyday practicality.

Casio F-91W – The Most Iconic Digital Watch Ever Made

The Casio F-91W is arguably the most recognisable digital watch in the world. Worn by celebrities, athletes and everyday users alike, it has become a symbol of minimalist, no-nonsense design.

Beloved for its ultra-lightweight build, long battery life and unbeatable price, the Casio F-91W remains one of the best budget digital watches you can buy. If you’re looking for pure 80s digital nostalgia under £15, this is the ultimate choice.

Seiko Rotocall – A Cult Classic 80s Digital Revival

The revived Seiko Rotocall is a bold nod to the brand’s experimental 1980s design era. Featuring a distinctive octagonal rotating bezel that controls the watch’s functions, it stands out in a sea of rectangular digital watches.

While it’s the most expensive watch on this list, the Seiko Rotocall delivers premium build quality, unique functionality and genuine collector appeal. It proves that Seiko is a serious contender in the retro digital watch space.

Casio A168 – Classic Digital Style With a Metal Finish

If you love the Casio F-91W but want something that looks a bit more refined, the Casio A168 is a perfect upgrade. Its stainless steel case and bracelet add a smart, timeless feel while retaining the classic digital display.

Affordable, reliable and endlessly versatile, the Casio A168 is one of the best retro digital watches for everyday wear.

Swatch Citrus Tilt – Retro 80s Style With Analogue Quartz Precision

Not into digital displays? Swatch delivers strong 1980s vibes with an analogue quartz movement. The Citrus Tilt showcases bold colours and playful design that made Swatch famous during the quartz revolution.

Swatch is widely credited with saving the Swiss watch industry, and this watch reflects the brand’s heritage of affordable, stylish and reliable timepieces.

Casio G-Shock GW-M5610U-1ER – The Ultimate Retro G-Shock

No watch collection is complete without a Casio G-Shock, and the GW-M5610U-1ER is the definitive model. Inspired by the original square G-Shock design, it combines vintage looks with modern technology.

Featuring solar charging, atomic timekeeping, world-class shock resistance and dive-watch-level water resistance, this is one of the toughest and most reliable digital watches ever made.

If you only buy one G-Shock, make it this one.