Casio × Back to the Future CA-500WEBF-1AER Review: The Calculator Watch That Took a Trip Through Time
RRP: £99.90 / $125 (approx.)
Available from Casio UK
Back to 1985
Hey Watchfam — as an ‘80s kid, few things take me back quite like Back to the Future. I remember those Christmas holidays as a kid, waiting for my favourite films to come on TV — and Back to the Future was always one of those must-watch moments. It captured an entire generation of us who dreamed of time travel, flying cars, and adventures with Doc and Marty.
Even a few years ago, my wife surprised me with an open-air cinema night showing the film for my birthday. Looking around, I could feel that same buzz of excitement — everyone grinning, quoting lines, and humming that unforgettable theme tune. Forty years on, these films still spark that same imagination.
So when Casio announced a collaboration combining Back to the Future with one of the most iconic watches of the decade — the classic calculator watch — it felt like a double hit of nostalgia. The Casio × Back to the Future CA-500WEBF-1AER isn’t just a cool throwback; it’s a time machine in miniature form.
What Makes This One Special
From the very first glance, this thing just makes me smile. It’s not a watch that takes itself too seriously — and that’s the magic. The design is pure retro charm, with that familiar rectangular case and keypad layout we all know and love.
Casio has done a cracking job with the details. The case is chrome-finished to echo the DeLorean DMC-12, that stainless-steel time machine we all secretly wanted to drive. Across the display, “OUTATIME since 1985” pays homage to Doc’s iconic license plate, while the flux capacitor engraving on the back is the perfect hidden Easter egg.
Even the VHS-style packaging brings a smile. Who didn’t spend half an hour digging through old VHS tapes trying to find their favourite film back in the day? Casio’s really leaned into that nostalgia — from unboxing to wrist, it’s an experience that feels designed to make you grin.
And it’s not just about looks. This is a proper CA-500 series watch, complete with:
8-digit calculator
Stopwatch (1/100 sec)
Dual time
Daily alarm
Auto calendar (to 2099)
5-year battery
You can explore the full specs on Casio’s official collaboration page, but the beauty here isn’t in the tech — it’s in the charm.
How It Wears on Wrist
The thing I love about Casio’s vintage line is how effortlessly wearable these watches are. The proportions are slim, the bracelets light and comfortable, and the overall feel is just spot-on for everyday wear.
On wrist, the CA-500WEBF-1AER is compact at 43.2 mm × 34.4 mm × 8.2 mm and weighs just 53 g, but it feels surprisingly solid. The stainless-steel bracelet is self-adjustable, which is great for a quick fit, and it adds a nice metallic feel that ties in perfectly with the DeLorean-inspired case.
I get to handle a lot of watches, but few make me grin like this one does. It’s not thousands of pounds worth of mechanical mastery — instead, it zeroes in on that childlike sense of fun we all felt when we first saw watches like this as kids.
And it’s not just me. When this watch arrived, my son’s eyes lit up as soon as he saw the packaging. Normally, he couldn’t care less about the watches that come through the door, but this one had him hooked.
“The coloured numbers and loads of buttons,” as he put it, had him completely fascinated. Watching him explore it — asking me how the calculator worked — reminded me exactly why watches like this matter. They’re fun, approachable, and spark curiosity.
The Collector’s Angle
At £99.90, Casio has absolutely nailed the proposition. It’s the perfect price point for something that’s both iconic and instantly nostalgic. Between the movie heritage and Casio’s legendary digital design, it’s a watch that appeals to fans, collectors, and anyone who just loves a good story on the wrist.
I have no doubt this one will sell out fast — if it hasn’t already. It’s the kind of release that crosses generations. For us ‘80s kids, it’s a piece of our youth in watch form; for younger collectors, it’s a slice of vintage cool they can actually afford.
Grab one from Casio UK’s collaboration page while you can. I’d bet good money it won’t be around for long.
Final Thoughts
Some watches make you feel sophisticated; others just make you smile. This one does the latter in the best way possible.
The Casio × Back to the Future CA-500WEBF-1AER takes you straight back to Saturday mornings, videotapes, and big dreams about flux capacitors. It’s a reminder of what got so many of us into watches in the first place — that spark of imagination, that bit of fun on your wrist.
This is one watch I’m genuinely thrilled to have in my collection. I know it’ll keep putting a smile on my face for years to come — assuming I can keep it out of my son’s grubby hands, of course!
Specifications
Model: Casio × Back to the Future CA-500WEBF-1AER
Case Size: 43.2 mm × 34.4 mm × 8.2 mm
Weight: 53 g
Case Material: Chrome-finished resin with stainless-steel back
Bracelet: Stainless-steel with self-adjustable clasp
Functions: Calculator, stopwatch, dual time, alarm, full calendar
Battery Life: Approx. 5 years (CR2016)
Water Resistance: Splash resistant
Packaging: VHS-style collector’s box
RRP: £99.90 / $125 (approx.)
Availability: Casio UK – Collaboration Page
If you’ve enjoyed this trip down memory lane, there’s plenty more retro goodness to explore. Casio and other brands have been doing a brilliant job of reimagining classic designs for modern wrists, and I’ve covered a few of my favourites already. Whether it’s the unbreakable charm of a G-SHOCK, the digital elegance of the Tissot PRX Digital, or Timex’s quirky LCD revival, each one brings its own slice of nostalgia and fun.
You can check them out here: