The boundary between our world and the Upside Down is about to get a little blurrier on your wrist. After an initial tease through official press images, the highly anticipated collaboration between Casio and the hit Netflix series Stranger Things has surfaced in a series of real-world photos. These new glimpses don't just confirm the exciting design details we were hoping for—they also add a few subtle, on-theme surprises that have fans buzzing.
The two models at the heart of this crossover are a distinctly 80s-inspired pair: the iconic, square-faced G-Shock DW-5600 and the oblong, hybrid analog-digital AQ-800. Both are fully decked out in the show's signature aesthetic, complete with creeping vine graphics and nods to the sinister alternate dimension, and come packaged in specially designed collector's tins.
Let's dive into what these new photos reveal.
The G-Shock DW-5600: A Muted, Tactical Vibe
The promo shots suggested a glossy black G-Shock, but the real-world photos tell a different story. The G-Shock model shown features a dark, near-matte finish that gives it a more subdued, tactical look than expected. This change in texture makes the watch feel even more authentic to the show's gritty, everyday-hero aesthetic.
A closer look at the dial reveals a fantastic detail: a patterned filter over the digital module, featuring the intricate, creeping vine graphics that symbolize the Upside Down's invasion. Sitting proudly at the 12 o'clock position is the Stranger Things logo, rendered in a stark red tone. This red perfectly matches the red LED backlight, a feature highlighted in earlier press shots, ensuring the theme continues even in the dark.
Image Source: Instagram
The commitment to the theme extends to the packaging. A close-up photo of the themed tin shows detailed artwork of tangled vines and the distinct Stranger Things logotype. The lid of the box even features rivet-style detailing, a design choice that complements the rugged, industrial styling of the G-Shock itself.
The AQ-800: Hybrid Function Meets Hawkins Horror
The real-world shots of the AQ-800 model make the watch's unique hybrid layout much clearer. The analog portion of the dial features a layered vine print that spreads across the face, with applied Arabic numerals that are visible in detailed, close-up shots. The small digital window, a hallmark of this classic Casio series, is neatly framed by the same invasive vine motif.
The images also give us a great look at the metal bracelet and its adjustable folding clasp. A keen-eyed observer will spot a small but significant detail on the clasp: it's stamped with the number "001." This is a direct reference to the experiment that started it all, a deep-cut Easter egg that will undoubtedly thrill dedicated fans of the series.
Faithful to the Specs, Packed with Personality
From these real-world appearances, both watches appear to be quite faithful to their initial technical specifications. They feature modest case sizes suitable for everyday wear and are powered by reliable quartz movements. More importantly, they include all the costume cues that make limited-edition collaborations so special: engraved casebacks, the aforementioned themed packaging, and printed band rings.
Casio had previously indicated a December launch in Japan for these pieces, with prices set at approximately ¥17,600 (around $114) for the AQ-800 and ¥19,800 (around $128) for the DW-5600 G-Shock model. While global availability remains unconfirmed, these "in the wild" photos make one thing perfectly clear: Casio is moving full steam ahead with production, and these uniquely themed timepieces are ready to make their way from Hawkins to your collection.
For those looking to get a classic G-Shock experience today, you can always check out popular models like the Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1 on Amazon. But for fans of the series, these new Stranger Things collaborations are shaping up to be the ultimate collector's item, blending retro Casio cool with the unmistakable terror of the Upside Down.
