As the first video game character to achieve mass popularity in 1980, PAC-MAN holds a special place in both gaming history and pop culture. Given the current resurgence of late '70s and early '80s styles, it's no surprise to see PAC-MAN experiencing its own revival in pop culture, including a surprisingly strong presence in the watchmaking world. In recent years, the dot-eating, ghost-chasing hero has inspired creations at both ends of the watch spectrum: playful luxury tributes from RJ have been paired with retro-digital offerings from Timex.
Casio is the latest brand to embrace the gaming franchise, combining the original 1978 digital watch design with vibrant and colorful graphics taken directly from the classic game. The new Casio A100WEPC looks bolder and more stylish than other PAC-MAN-inspired models, incorporating one of the brand's reliable quartz movements and a bright, exaggerated image of '80s arcade nostalgia.
The Casio A100WEPC case, crafted in gold-tone resin, measures 32.7mm by 40.7mm, maintaining the light and compact feel of early digital watches on the wrist. The hexagonal lug design gives the case multiple sharp angles and wide flat surfaces to showcase the shine of the gold finish, reminiscent of another '80s nostalgia icon - C-3PO. With no crown and buttons on the top of the case surrounded by a special auxiliary dial, the case profile is remarkably clean and smooth, giving the A100WEPC a uniquely appealing wrist presence. The crystal over both dials is made from inexpensive resin glass, and while Casio claims the A100WEPC is water-resistant, the brand is reluctant to provide an exact depth rating. However, considering the sub-$100 price point, these measures might be less glaring to enthusiasts than in more expensive watches.
As with many other Casio digital models, the inverted LCD digital dial of the A100WEPC is surrounded by a wide and vividly designed inner bezel. Here, this inner bezel plays into the overall design theme, showcasing the original PAC-MAN maze level in blue-black tones with PAC-MAN being chased by two ghosts (Blinky and Clyde), while the dial itself forms the "ghost house," where the player's enemies first appear during gameplay. The secondary dial at the "6 o'clock" position around the buttons continues this visual theme: the two remaining ghosts Inky and Pinky move across a field of dots with a waiting cherry. The use of an inverted LCD for the main dial somewhat distracts from the retro style of the rest of the design, but the predominantly black layout pairs well with the black ion-plated bracelet. Although these inverted displays have a reputation for poor readability in various lighting, Casio addresses this issue to some extent with LED backlighting.
Casio equips the A100WEPC model with its in-house quartz movement. As with most of its digital quartz models, Casio packs a wide array of complications into this affordable model, including a 1/10-second chronograph, a daily alarm, an hourly time signal, a perpetual calendar, and a 24-hour format. For its price, the watch offers good specifications: accuracy of +30/-30 seconds per month and an expected battery life of 3 years. To complete the A100WEPC model, Casio pairs the watch with a black ion-plated bracelet with wide single links. The PAC-MAN maze pattern on the dial is continued in a smooth white color, but Casio takes it a step further by adding visual storytelling to the bracelet. On the 12 o'clock side of the bracelet, PAC-MAN is seen navigating the maze, chased by ghosts. On the 6 o'clock side, PAC-MAN has eaten the power pellet, and now the tables have turned: he chases the fleeing ghosts across the bracelet. This playful additional level of detail gives the A100WEPC a distinctive character in the initial images.
With an aesthetic that avoids directly copying the early '80s in favor of a playful reimagining and vibrant dramatic coloring, the Casio A100WEPC is a fun and capable tribute to one of the earliest video game icons. The Casio A100WEPC will be available at select Casio retailers starting August 12, 2021, priced at $99.95 USD. For more information, visit the brand's website.