I know the whole world is currently gripped with Nintendo’s new Alarm Clock, but when it comes to watches and clocks, I like to feel like I’m living in a Stranger Things episode and playing with a Pet Rock. I actually traded in my Apple Watch and bought a simple Casio A158W watch that didn’t chime or whine at me to get up and walk every 10 minutes; it’s a classic design that oozes 80s nostalgia, and now it’s been turned into a Desk Clock for you to give your office space or games room an extra slice of retro goodness.
Meet the new Casio Desk Clock, a product with the rather catchy name of the ‘DQD-851J-8JF desk clock’. It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but I doubt you’ll be using it that often once it’s in situ next to your computer or on your bedside table. It’s essentially an enlarged version of the A158W with the same shape and style, as though Harry Potter has used Engorgio on it and just removed the straps.
It has some neat modern features too like the ability to tell you how much moisture is in the air and how warm your house is, but that’s where the ‘modern tech’ stops. This thing won’t tell you your boss is calling or let you know the latest sports scores – it’s distraction-free, just the way I like it. Weirdly it’s also water proof, so I guess if you suddenly find yourself in a Jumanji-esque monsoon in your living room, at least you can still tell the time!
The A158W battery seems to last forever. Mine hasn’t missed a beat yet, whereas I had to charge my Apple Watch more than I had hot dinners. The DQD-851J-8JF (let’s just call it the Casio Desk Clock from now on) lasts one year on two AA batteries which is phenomenal, all while giving you that warm retro glow from the display that you’re so used to seeing on your wrist. At 10.2 x 11.7 x 4.8 cm, you could even take it from room to room with you or put it on a chain and feel like Flava Flav whenever you leave the house.
If you’re looking to get your hands on one of these clocks, then it’s expected to release on October 25th in Japan for ￥4,378, which is just under $30 or £22.50. I’d definitely pick up one for such a cheap price; Casio is on to a winner here! If you do live in Japan, then the clock has a cool automatic time feature you can utilise, connecting up to the Japan Standard Time radio signal!
