Illuminating Watches
Illuminating Watches
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50+ Years of Digital Watch History in 15 mins
I’ve spent hundreds of hours investigating and illuminating the detailed history of the main digital watch brands (Casio, Seiko, Citizen, Timex) , as well as more obscure angles on the hobby like Tokyo Flash and the watch offerings of places like India and Germany. This video bakes that all together into one 15 minute digestible chunk - Matrix Style! I hope you enjoy the Video! If you want a bit more detail read on!
In the 70s, digital watches emerged as a high-end luxury item, marking a new era in timekeeping. Different nations would compete to be considered at the vanguard of this new technology . This new trend had connections to the fields of computers and calculators, causing a clash between traditional watch brands and new comers from the tech field. Towards the end of the 70s, two major challenges arose: the need to keep up with Japan's innovative advancements to capture the premium market and the increasing cost efficiency of producing lower-end models in Hong Kong and Japan for mass consumption. As a result, many Western companies were forced out of the game unless they adapted and formed partnerships with these emerging forces.
The 1980s are often remembered as the time when cheap plastic watches, mostly manufactured in Hong Kong, dominated the market. However, premium digital watches still held their ground in four distinct categories. First, there were sports watches that offered water resistance and durability, appealing to aspiring active individuals. Second, there were technological watches that combined timekeeping with emerging technologies such as computers and sensors. Third, there were novelty watches that featured integrated melodies or computer games, adding a playful element to timekeeping. Finally, there were stylish fashion watches that downplayed the digital aspect while retaining practicality, such as Ana-digi models and premium models from Swiss brands.
The 90s is when all the folks experimenting in the market had been flushed out and we were largely left with the promotional Hong Kong made cheap watches acquired at gas stations, or the titans of Casio and a revitalised Timex, as well as some youth oriented models from Seiko and Citizen designed to capture the burgeoning extreme sports craze and the associated youth culture.
The 2000s was when the brands beyond Casio were more targeted in highly specialised niches like the youth market and retro-futuristic fashion in Tokyo.
From the 2010s onwards, we find ourselves at the cusp of the smartwatch era, where digital watches intersect with advanced technologies.
Переглядів: 14 497

Відео

What was the first watch to summit Everest?
Переглядів 2,4 тис.Рік тому
Welcome to the dramatic world of mountaineering watches! Join us on this epic journey as we delve into the treacherous heights of the Himalayas, where timekeeping becomes a matter of life and death. In this thrilling post, we explore Nirmal Purja's astonishing achievement of conquering all 14 peaks over 8000 meters in under 7 months, as depicted in the awe-inspiring Netflix series "14 Peaks: No...
Enicar: Your (Sherpa) Guide to an Amazing Vintage Watch Brand
Переглядів 5 тис.Рік тому
Welcome to the captivating world of vintage watches! Join me as your Sherpa guide on an exhilarating journey through the remarkable Enicar brand. Just like the legendary Jim Clark on the racetrack, I'll speed through this exploration, thanks to the invaluable research from passionate experts in the field. If you're eager to delve deeper, consult the video description and references for more det...
Lip Watches: 6 reasons why they are THE most underrated brand
Переглядів 7 тис.Рік тому
Today we embark on a captivating journey through the world of French watchmaking to uncover a hidden gem that has long been overlooked. Prepare to be enlightened as we shine a spotlight on the most underrated watch brand of all time: Lip! I present six reasons why Lip is truly magnifique and deserves far more esteem than it currently receives. So much more than just a brand with a logo resembli...
Greatest Digital Watch Hits of the 80s : Casio, Seiko, Citizen and more!
Переглядів 18 тис.Рік тому
80s digital watches has been a favourite of my viewers, so to celebrate 5k subscribers I thought doing a broader review of the whole period of 80s digitals from Casio, Seiko, Citizen and more would be a fun one. I’ve used the inspiration of the classic 80s :”Now that’s what I call music” compilation albums as a theme for the video, with each different type of watch representing a track on the l...
Seiko and Giugiaro: A History of Collaborations
Переглядів 9 тис.Рік тому
In this video, we take a trip back in time to explore the collaborative designs of Giugiaro and Seiko. Giugiaro’s ventures beyond cars began with a successful partnership with Nikon in 1980 with F3 and “red line” accents, broadening out into consumer products like pasta, clothing lines, sewing machines, and Parker pens. In 1983, the Seiko watch link-up arose, with the first design being the ana...
The Untold Story of Seiko’s other Digitals : Pulsar, Alba and Lorus
Переглядів 15 тис.Рік тому
The Pulsar Time Computer was the first electronic digital watch available in 1972, but its acquisition by Seiko in 1979 marked the downfall of the digital watch industry in the US and Switzerland. However, Seiko's commitment to innovation in technology led to the revival of Pulsar, Alba, and Lorus brands, allowing for experimentation and unique designs. The initial offerings of Pulsar and Alba ...
The Ultimate Guide to Digital Watches for Motorsport Fans
Переглядів 9 тис.Рік тому
Explore the exciting world of digital watches and their connection to the driving and racing car aesthetic in this fascinating area of watchdom. Discover the history of some of the most iconic digital watch brands like Buler, Dugena, Seiko, Heur, Omega, Tissot, Casio, and Citizen, and their marketing links with the racing world. Find out how these brands used the racing theme in their designs a...
Gaming Watch History - Casio, Nelsonic, Tiger Electronics and more
Переглядів 16 тис.Рік тому
I have a treat for you on this episode - the history of game watches. I reckon most of you will have come across gaming digital watches from the 80s and 90s - particularly nelsonic with things like their pacman watch, and Casio’s various gaming watches, but I give the topic the full illuminating watches treatment. Did you know the makers of one of the first forms of pinball - baffleball - was G...
Should I trade my Rolex for a Casio? : What digital watch grails would I get?
Переглядів 3,6 тис.Рік тому
The recent to and fro between Shakira and Pique on whether one of them “traded a rolex for a casio” got me thinking. I do actually own a Rolex Submariner that was passed down to me from my Dad, and I do have a list of digital watch grails, inclusive of Casio. Would I ever consider trading in my own Rolex for a Casio, or indeed any other digital watches, and what would they be? These are my sele...
The Ultimate Guide to Watch YouTube
Переглядів 2,7 тис.Рік тому
Embark on a journey through the uncharted territories of UA-cam's watch community with this video as your guide. Join the host as they navigate through the many channels and personalities that make up the world of watch UA-cam. Discover channels that infuse humor into their content, such as The Time Teller, Nico Leonard, Andrew Morgan, and Britt Pierce. Learn about the channels that focus on ne...
Moon Watches: The Fascinating History
Переглядів 8 тис.Рік тому
Apologies for the re upload - but felt I had to re-do this one as the audio was just so bad. This is on the history of all links between the moon and watches. It goes deeper than you might think, beyond the obvious with the moon phase - which I do cover but also many other links. Time, tide and moon all have roots that go way back. We will look at both digital watches and analog mechnical watch...
The Digital Watch Wonderland - Following the White Rabbit
Переглядів 12 тис.Рік тому
The Digital Watch Wonderland - Following the White Rabbit
Fancy Digital Watches: A Deep Dive
Переглядів 7 тис.Рік тому
Fancy Digital Watches: A Deep Dive
Why you should trade in your Rolex for a Casio
Переглядів 23 тис.Рік тому
Why you should trade in your Rolex for a Casio
80s Swatch: The Iconic Pop Culture Watch
Переглядів 19 тис.Рік тому
80s Swatch: The Iconic Pop Culture Watch
Digital Watches: Tech Evolution
Переглядів 25 тис.Рік тому
Digital Watches: Tech Evolution
Casio Protrek: The ABCs
Переглядів 37 тис.Рік тому
Casio Protrek: The ABCs
Liquid Crystal Magic: The LCD Watch Story
Переглядів 8 тис.2 роки тому
Liquid Crystal Magic: The LCD Watch Story
Treasure Hunt: Unique Digital Watches
Переглядів 21 тис.2 роки тому
Treasure Hunt: Unique Digital Watches
CASIO WATCHES: 50 Years of Casio Watch Highlights in 10 Minutes
Переглядів 80 тис.2 роки тому
CASIO WATCHES: 50 Years of Casio Watch Highlights in 10 Minutes
Ricoh’s Hidden Watch Heritage
Переглядів 11 тис.2 роки тому
Ricoh’s Hidden Watch Heritage
Bulova’s Digital Watches: A Collectors Guide
Переглядів 6 тис.2 роки тому
Bulova’s Digital Watches: A Collectors Guide
ARMITRON Digital Watches - How America's Watch Came to Be
Переглядів 26 тис.2 роки тому
ARMITRON Digital Watches - How America's Watch Came to Be
India’s Timekeeping Heritage
Переглядів 16 тис.2 роки тому
India’s Timekeeping Heritage
Nostalgia Alert: The Timex Reefgear
Переглядів 2,5 тис.2 роки тому
Nostalgia Alert: The Timex Reefgear
CASIO COSMO PHASE : Why this watch is the culmination of astronomical history
Переглядів 11 тис.2 роки тому
CASIO COSMO PHASE : Why this watch is the culmination of astronomical history
Sanyo Digital Watches: A Blast from the Past
Переглядів 9 тис.2 роки тому
Sanyo Digital Watches: A Blast from the Past
CITIZEN WATCH HISTORY: Awesome mechanical, electronic and quartz watches - and yes.. eco-drive!
Переглядів 25 тис.2 роки тому
CITIZEN WATCH HISTORY: Awesome mechanical, electronic and quartz watches - and yes.. eco-drive!
Orient's Digital Watches: A Forgotten Gem
Переглядів 6 тис.2 роки тому
Orient's Digital Watches: A Forgotten Gem

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @DonaldJoeKennedy
    @DonaldJoeKennedy День тому

    This video was AWESOME! Thank you very much! I've got the Skyhawk from around 20ish years ago in both SS and in titanium, and a Blue Angels (Navihawk?) from around the same period hiding in a box buried somewhere. Recently I picked up a blue Tsuki-yomi and that rekindled my Citizen love affair. Two new Garrisons and about 10 vintage SS (and titanium also) Eco-Drives (including a few for my gf) in the last 2 months, and I'm feeling Citizen. Forget that Sei, Skei, Seik, whatever that brand is. I've already forgotten them. Citizen FTW!

  • @aaronsamms7433
    @aaronsamms7433 День тому

    Blue “speckled” strap is sharkskin

  • @D.R.S.666
    @D.R.S.666 2 дні тому

    where's citizen vega 9428

  • @sinchrotron
    @sinchrotron 2 дні тому

    A s a true flatearther ama offended af

  • @roeydaz
    @roeydaz 3 дні тому

    I had no idea so many of these precursors to the modern day pro trek existed or were even made! Fascinating! I don’t suppose these were all marketed world wide and presume some were made to be marketed for specific countries.

  • @ercanbanka5377
    @ercanbanka5377 4 дні тому

    that solar one looks awesome

  • @anirbanc88
    @anirbanc88 4 дні тому

    this was genius! thank you <3

  • @MatteBlackSilhouette
    @MatteBlackSilhouette 5 днів тому

    I hope they get silly again. Their watches are a little quirky still but definitely serious in comparison.

  • @vicente1341998
    @vicente1341998 8 днів тому

    🇨🇱

  • @BruceBerube
    @BruceBerube 8 днів тому

    Ah, the Casio Solar Powered ProTrek watch-an exquisite piece of technology that elevates wilderness survival to an art form. Picture this: you're deep in the unforgiving wild with a friend, and suddenly, a bear appears. Most people would be gripped by primal terror, but not you. No, because on your wrist rests a ProTrek masterpiece. In that split second of peril, your only concern is preserving this exceptional timepiece for future descendants. Without hesitation, you hand your ProTrek to your petrified buddy and urge them to run, not for their life but for the sanctity of this incredible watch. As you bravely offer yourself as a distraction, you rest easy knowing that the ProTrek will continue to thrive, tracking solar cycles and barometric pressure changes, flawlessly performing its duties for generations to come. After all, your buddy might forget your heroic sacrifice, but they'll surely remember the ProTrek that saved them! One can only hope that when the watch finally reaches its solar limit, perhaps millions of years hence, it happens in the comforting knowledge that it has outlived not just predators but also the very stars that powered it. Surely, the bear will salute your selfless devotion to technology, even as it enjoys its meal. The Casio Solar Powered ProTrek is so phenomenal that you'd willingly trade your flesh and bones for its future. It's not just a watch; it's a legacy. Install it on your wrist and know that in your final moments, your thoughts will be of the ProTrek, a timekeeping legend akin only to the sun into which it taps for endless energy. Here's to a timeless journey-albeit a slightly shorter one for you!

  • @digiNanok
    @digiNanok 8 днів тому

    Thats not all models! Where is the PRT-10 and PRT-11?

  • @zf5249
    @zf5249 11 днів тому

    can you clear your throat sounds like there’s a phlem in it

  • @kobepolston2707
    @kobepolston2707 11 днів тому

    What type of watch is it on the first picture on the bottom

  • @SonarALCB
    @SonarALCB 12 днів тому

    This is what perfect yutube video looks like. Great editing, tons of research and very informative. Just a great job!

  • @WatchWithMike
    @WatchWithMike 15 днів тому

    Fantastic video! I just finished rebuilding an E. Guck Château mechanical watch, and research on the company was hard to find. Now I am enlightened! I knew about a connection to Armitron, but I never realized how many nuances that transition involved. Great reporting and entertaining presentation! 😄

  • @elamotorista8776
    @elamotorista8776 15 днів тому

    Fantástico documental. Muchas gracias. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😀

  • @clockhunterGermany
    @clockhunterGermany 17 днів тому

    Great content. I startet collecting Swatch-watches in the end of the 80s as a member of the Satch Collectors Club in Germany.

  • @ziting5756
    @ziting5756 19 днів тому

    Why do these watches have so much more color and character compared to modern offerings? Casios LF20 reissue felt like them trying to put out a watch with the least effort possible.

    • @ziting5756
      @ziting5756 19 днів тому

      Did they get better at cost cutting or something

  • @corrado706
    @corrado706 20 днів тому

    If he is as fake as the astronauts then his value is minimal 

  • @fw1421
    @fw1421 21 день тому

    In the US Spencer Klein is the Willard Wizard!

  • @Xxiluv2snip3xX
    @Xxiluv2snip3xX 25 днів тому

    Do one on Chinese watches

  • @harithdanial141
    @harithdanial141 25 днів тому

    Rolex also don't had footballer as their ambassador. Their prefer tennis player or f1 driver.. Because football is working class and folk sports, which don't fit their identity. But at the end, who care? I prefer something affordable and functional. Casio forever

  • @davidcrandall4958
    @davidcrandall4958 25 днів тому

    It's Roy Scheider, not Schneider!

  • @Cuccos19
    @Cuccos19 27 днів тому

    Simple is like that: likely no thug will rip off your watch with your arm included wearing a cheap Casio. Wearing a Rolex... well, maybe will attract some unwanted attention.

  • @vermazing888
    @vermazing888 29 днів тому

    Autodromo group c!!

  • @FiremanFrach
    @FiremanFrach 29 днів тому

    Great video! Honorable mention to the PRW 6900YL-5. 😉

  • @dark12ain
    @dark12ain 29 днів тому

    Just picked up a nice armitron gold and silver watch from Walmart. I'm trying to slowly get my watch collection going

  • @Isaac-gh5ku
    @Isaac-gh5ku Місяць тому

    I really missed out on these Casio and G-Shock watches of the 90s and 2000s, and I don't know what they look like. I wish I could travel back in time.

  • @Sashko_Dee
    @Sashko_Dee Місяць тому

    The Mayan calendar "predicted" the end of the world in 2012 in the same way the Casio Cosmo Phase predicted that the world will end in the year 2200. You're carving your big-ass calendar into rock. You've gotta stop carving it sooner or later.

  • @mlmperez1114
    @mlmperez1114 Місяць тому

    I just spotted some beauties on here looks like grabbing me some armitrons 😅👍🏼

  • @Inaworldoflove
    @Inaworldoflove Місяць тому

    Best brand and continuing the ana-digi tradition, whereas Seiko seems to have given up.

  • @kjell1448
    @kjell1448 Місяць тому

    At 8:13 i finally found my Timex model, been searching for it for a long time. The one in your video is dark red, mine is grey. I thinks makes it extra rare :) Iam just a happy amateur collector of vintage digital watches.

  • @gighavlex
    @gighavlex Місяць тому

    PRW-30 is the best!

  • @stchang759
    @stchang759 Місяць тому

    A rare and excellent video on vintage French LIP's watches. I own a 60's Swiss HOGA Jump Hour similar to the LIP's. It was given by my father. I would appreciate it if anyone can share some history on HOGA. Thanks.

  • @jottka2162
    @jottka2162 Місяць тому

    Just bought the Casio A1100D. It's a very cool re-release in complete stainless steel.

  • @sandokan66
    @sandokan66 Місяць тому

    👍👍👍👍👍👍

  • @sandokan66
    @sandokan66 Місяць тому

    👍👍👍👍👍👍

  • @myZisfantastic
    @myZisfantastic Місяць тому

    I have this Gen1 and also the X33 Skywalker, you know what? I prefer this one to the Skywalker the only downside is the crown which has been changed on the Gen2!

  • @x201t
    @x201t Місяць тому

    Excellent video 👍

  • @MichaelEngel55
    @MichaelEngel55 Місяць тому

    I recently went to the Swatch museum in Biel. Incredible place I can highly recommend!

  • @adamhindle9215
    @adamhindle9215 Місяць тому

    Great video. As a cyclist, all my watches for the last five years or so have been Garmin GPS watches (Instinct, Fenix et al) so would have liked to have seen a bit more on this type. There are some more up-market GPS watches coming in these days - Garmin Marq, Suunto - so people will pay a fair amount for a well-made and finished digital sports watch.

  • @PaulBeauregard
    @PaulBeauregard Місяць тому

    Thank you so much for all this information about Bulova's Past. It was a fun listen.