
By Nick·October 22, 2025· 6 min readCasio has unveiled a limited-edition tribute to the Back to the Future trilogy, resurrecting Marty McFly's iconic CA-53 calculator watch with movie-inspired details like a Flux Capacitor engraving and time circuit dial.
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There are some on-screen watches that become inseparable from their characters. Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco, James Bond’s many Seamasters, and, for a generation raised in the 80s, Marty McFly’s Casio CA-50 (and later CA-53W) calculator watch. It was nerdy, it was futuristic, and it was perfectly, unmistakably Casio. Now, the brand is firing up the Flux Capacitor and taking us back.
But this isn't just a simple one-off reissue of a black resin watch. Casio has approached its Back to the Future collaboration by officially transforming its vintage-inspired CA-500 series into a tribute to the legendary DeLorean time machine.
It celebrates one of cinema’s greatest adventures in a way that shows just how well Casio understands its own heritage and the culture it helped define. It's a masterclass in affordable, nostalgic fun.

The star of the 40th-anniversary collaboration is the CA-500WEBF-1A. Instead of using a standard digital display, Casio opted for the 8-digit calculator format to remain true to the gadget-heavy aesthetics of the movie. It was a brilliant choice.
The CA-500 already has a dense, data-heavy face that looks like a piece of retro-tech gadgetry. This gave Casio’s designers a rich canvas to embed details from the DeLorean time machine’s dashboard. It’s a watch for the movie buff.
The keypad buttons on the face are decorated in red, green, and yellow—the exact colors of the DeLorean’s time circuits. It’s a subtle pop of color that immediately signifies what this watch is about to those in the know, while still functioning as a fully capable 8-digit calculator.
The case, made from resin but plated in silver chrome, has a metallic sheen meant to evoke the DeLorean's iconic stainless steel body. Paired with a folded-link stainless steel bracelet, it keeps the watch incredibly light and affordable, staying true to the Casio ethos. No exotic materials here, just smart, practical design.

Flip the watch over, and you find the best detail of all. The caseback is engraved with a detailed image of the Flux Capacitor itself, the Y-shaped device that makes time travel possible. It’s a hidden gem that shows Casio wasn't just slapping a logo on a watch; they were having fun with it.
One crucial piece of movie trivia: a common misconception is that Marty McFly wore the CA-53W in the first movie. In reality, he wore the earlier Casio CA-50 in the 1985 original, while the CA-53W appeared in Parts II and III.
This is the watch for the die-hard fan. It delivers an immersive and visually detailed tribute to the time machine itself. It’s less about being the exact watch *from* the movie and more about being a watch *about* the movie.

For collectors who want the exact watch from the film, the history is slightly complicated. The actual watch Marty wore in the 1985 classic was the Casio CA-50.
Because the CA-50 was discontinued by the time the sequels began filming, Casio's newer CA-53W took its place on Michael J. Fox's wrist in Back to the Future Part II (1989) and Part III (1990). The satisfyingly tactile push-button controls are all there, ready for you to punch in calculations just like you’re trying to figure out how many gigawatts you need.
While the CA-50 is a rare vintage find today, the CA-53W remains in continuous production. It allows purists to grab a piece of authentic screen-accurate history for around $25, serving as the perfect companion piece to the modern CA-500WEBF tribute.
The standard CA-53W is about celebrating the original tool-watch nature of 80s digital horology. Its power source is a reliable CR2016 battery, good for a solid five years of service. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Casio’s simple, reliable technology.

Ultimately, this gives fans two fantastic avenues. You can choose the visually engaging, DeLorean-inspired CA-500WEBF, or track down a functionally faithful CA-53W. There's no wrong answer; it just depends on what part of the Back to the Future legend resonates most with you.
This approach feels far more genuine than what we see from many luxury brands. For an accessible price, you're getting a lovingly crafted piece of memorabilia that you can actually wear and enjoy without worry. It captures the pure joy of collecting.
Let's be real: this is what Casio does best. While other brands release collaborations that cost thousands, Casio delivers thoughtfully executed nostalgia for the price of a nice dinner. It’s why the brand holds such a special place in so many collectors' hearts.

These watches aren't trying to compete with a G-SHOCK MRG or a Swiss mechanical piece. They exist in a different universe, one governed by fun, accessibility, and a deep appreciation for pop culture. The resin case and folded-link bracelet aren't "cheap"—they are period-correct and part of the charm.
The entire package, right down to the box art showing the DeLorean's flaming tire tracks, is designed to make you smile. And in a hobby that can sometimes take itself far too seriously, a little bit of pure, unadulterated joy is always welcome.
This is what sets Casio apart. They aren't just selling a watch; they are selling a memory, a feeling. For anyone who ever dreamed of hitting 88 miles per hour, it’s an irresistible proposition.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes this little time machine tick, and why these specs are perfect for the CA-500WEBF-1A tribute.
| Reference | CA-500WEBF-1A |
| Movement | Casio Module 3558, Quartz |
| Case | 43.2 × 34.4 × 8.2 mm, Resin / Chrome Plated |
| Crystal | Resin Glass |
| Features | 8-digit calculator, Dual time, 1/100-second stopwatch, Daily alarm |
| Battery | Approx. 5-year life on CR2016 |
| Water Resistance | Water Resistant (splash-proof) |
| Bracelet | Stainless Steel |
| Price | $130 USD (MSRP) |
At $130, this is a perfect example of why everyone should own a Casio. It's pure, unpretentious fun packed with clever details that real fans will appreciate. Casio could have done a lazy reissue, but instead, they created a thoughtful tribute that is impossible not to love. This is a must-buy for any BTTF fan or anyone who believes watches should, first and foremost, be cool.
Casio's trip back to Hill Valley is a resounding success. By honoring the iconic calculator format with the CA-500 series, they've catered to both the movie detail fanatics and fans of 80s tech. The watch is executed with a level of care that belies its accessible price point.
This is more than just merchandise; it's wearable nostalgia. It’s a celebration of a film that captured the imaginations of millions and a reminder that a great watch doesn’t need to be expensive to be special. All it needs is a good story.
And when it comes to stories, they don't get much better than this. As Doc Brown would say, your future is whatever you make it. So make it a good one—preferably with one of these on your wrist.
GALLERY






WRITTEN BY
Nick
I originally started VELOCE to put my skills to work, hone my app design and web development practices, and dive deeper into the world of horology. I wanted to learn more about the watches, the brands, and the incredible people behind them - the creators, the designers, and the collectors. I love discovering new timepieces and sharing their stories with the world. VELOCE is my ultimate passion project and hobby, the creative space I head to after my full-time job to build something I truly care about.
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