A clunky Casio watch used to be something your dad might wear. You certainly wouldn’t dream about seeing one on the red carpet. In fact, you could hardly get further away from the world of diamond-studded celebrity timepieces than a cheap plastic digital watch.
Fashion has spent the last few years romanticising the early 2000s. You see it everywhere, from “Brat Summer” to the return of baggy cargo pants, baguette bags, and butterfly clips. We’re even using wired headphones again. The humble Casio fits perfectly into that nostalgic aesthetic that celebrates realness and rejects polished luxury.
A Quick History
In the early 1970s, Casio wowed the world by releasing one of the first digital watches to the general public. Things really took off in the 80s, with the release of the iconic G-Shock. By the 90s, everyone had one, from school kids to rappers and athletes. Then came smartphones, and, for the most part, digital watches faded into obscurity.
The 2025 Revival
Today, they’re back in the spotlight. Both Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal wore G-Shocks for their 2025 Othello performances on Broadway. John Mayer has a DW-6900 model (the same as Ed Sheeran’s) while Mark Zuckerberg has been spotted in a G-Shock GA-2100. Ryan Gosling, Zendaya, and Kristen Stewart are just a few more celebs to sport a digital Casio recently.
This isn’t a one-off trend. Digital watches are holding their ground because they bridge the gap between fashion and function. They’re a perfect blend of nostalgia and affordability. They work with almost any look, too, from Y2K outfits to luxury tailoring. Billie Eilish frequently pairs old-school Casios with her famously gender-fluid streetwear style. On the other end of the spectrum, Lewandowski pulled off the vintage look at the Balloon d’Or with a digital Casio that cost under $80.
Digital vs. Traditional Luxury
Luxury watches are a statement. Historically, they’ve been a way to show off success; the bigger, heavier, and shinier, the better. The digital comeback flips that idea on its head. Ceebs aren’t wearing a $30 Casio to save money. It’s a different kind of statement, but this time it’s about quiet confidence. Digital watches are minimal, ironic, and instantly recognizable. It fits the “anti-luxury” mood shaping fashion right now, where authenticity is more aspirational than excess.
Next Season Predictions
This autumn and winter, expect to see plenty of retro digital watches still on the scene. You can layer them with statement cuffs and stacked jewellery, or mix them with structured coats and knits to balance softness with edge. Colorful dials and irregular shapes are also on the up. Both metallic straps and bright plastics have a place this season, depending on the occasion.
Endnote
While digital watches have become a fashion accessory for the rich and famous, they’re not about showing off wealth. Instead, they’re about personality and simplicity, with a healthy dose of irony. It’s easy to see how that’s made them relevant again.
