Casio is sticking to its vintage strategy with four new LCD watches that draw inspiration from the 1980s. Set to launch in February 2025, these models blend a retro-futuristic look with modern features, all at fairly affordable prices.
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A Design Straight Out of the 80s
For fans of vintage digital watches, the new A130 series is bound to catch your eye. Casio has taken clear inspiration from the analog-digital models of the 80s to create these timepieces. **The face is divided into several sections: a large main LCD screen for the time, a graphic display in the upper left for the time, and a small segment on the right for various functions.** While not groundbreaking, the design is effective and quite attractive.
**The watches remain fairly compact, with a case measuring 40.5 x 33.9 x 9 mm and weighing 54 g.** The case and bezel are made of resin, while the stainless steel band features an adjustable clasp. In terms of finishes, there’s a variety to choose from: the A130WE-1A and A130WE-7A feature a classic silver look, the A130WEG-9A offers a golden appearance, and the A130WEGG-1A sports a ‘gunmetal’ gray coating.
Classic Casio Features Remain
These models retain the beloved features of Casio digital watches. They offer world time with 48 cities and various time zones, a stopwatch with split function, a countdown timer, five alarms, and an auto calendar. **The display can switch between a 12 or 24-hour format, and an LED backlight can illuminate the display for 1.5 or 3 seconds, depending on your preference.**
In terms of battery life, there are no surprises: they operate on a CR2016 battery, which ensures about three years of trouble-free use. As for water resistance, Casio states they are splash-resistant, but they are not suitable for pool swimming, **which is arguably the biggest drawback of these models.** That’s a pity.
Affordable Pricing for Well-Thought-Out Retro Style
Fortunately, these watches remain budget-friendly. The standard versions (A130WE-1A and A130WE-7A) will be priced at around 55 euros, while the premium models (A130WEG-9A and A130WEGG-1A) will be slightly more expensive, at about 70 euros. **This pricing is reasonable for those seeking a touch of nostalgia without breaking the bank.**
**The official launch is scheduled for February 2025.** Expect to see them available on Amazon and through various retailers in Europe in the weeks following their launch.