Introduced in the spring of 2015, everyone knows the Apple Watch.
What they don't know?
Back in 1982, a true "OG" of the watch game was dropping wearable tech 33 years ahead of its time. 🧵
What they don't know?
Back in 1982, a true "OG" of the watch game was dropping wearable tech 33 years ahead of its time. 🧵
1/ Welcome to the 1980s.
Big hair, parachute pants, and fanny packs are all the rage.
Apple's "1984" commercial announced the coming of the Macintosh computer.
Guns N' Roses & Motley Crue are on the radio...
Man, we were living!
Big hair, parachute pants, and fanny packs are all the rage.
Apple's "1984" commercial announced the coming of the Macintosh computer.
Guns N' Roses & Motley Crue are on the radio...
Man, we were living!
2/ As if the items above weren't cool enough, the 80s had more to give.
Iconic products such as the Nintendo Entertainment System, Sony Walkman, and the VHS player...
All products of the decade.
Iconic products such as the Nintendo Entertainment System, Sony Walkman, and the VHS player...
All products of the decade.
3/ But if you really wanted to be a baller in the 1980s you needed only one thing... A smartwatch.
Wait, a smartwatch? I bet you thought those weren't around until recently.
Well, think again.
Wait, a smartwatch? I bet you thought those weren't around until recently.
Well, think again.
4/ Long before Travis Scott & Kanye West were rapping about "big-faced Rollies," Casio & Seiko had your back.
Want a watch with a big face? Look no further than The Seiko Data-2000.
Need some gold bling and the ability to do some quick math? Check out the Casio Databank...
Want a watch with a big face? Look no further than The Seiko Data-2000.
Need some gold bling and the ability to do some quick math? Check out the Casio Databank...
5/ But the crown jewel of them all?
The watch that let people know they were dealing with a BOSS?
Let's talk about the Seiko DXA001. The TV-Watch.
The watch that let people know they were dealing with a BOSS?
Let's talk about the Seiko DXA001. The TV-Watch.
6/ Introduced in Japan in 1982, the Seiko TV-Watch was truly ahead of its time.
After pouring $400K ($1.1M in today's money) into R&D, Seiko believed it had achieved a true technological innovation.
One of the first, commercially available, Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD)
After pouring $400K ($1.1M in today's money) into R&D, Seiko believed it had achieved a true technological innovation.
One of the first, commercially available, Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD)
7/ I admit, the picture left something to be desired by today's standards.
Yet the 1.25" screen & 5 hours of battery life was an unbelievable accomplishment at the time.
The watch quickly became a status symbol, even being featured in some of the most popular movies of its day.
Yet the 1.25" screen & 5 hours of battery life was an unbelievable accomplishment at the time.
The watch quickly became a status symbol, even being featured in some of the most popular movies of its day.
8/ In 1983's "Octopussy," none other than 007 himself pulled the ultimate flex, incorporating the watch into his famous spy kit.
Yes, James freaking Bond, was rocking the TV-Watch.
Yes, James freaking Bond, was rocking the TV-Watch.
9/ Impressive as it was, the watch wasn't without drawbacks.
I mean, let's face it, we are talking about 1982 technology here.
The main issue?
In order to actually receive a TV signal, the user was required to also carry a small FM receiver.
I mean, let's face it, we are talking about 1982 technology here.
The main issue?
In order to actually receive a TV signal, the user was required to also carry a small FM receiver.
10/ The receiver, about the size of a walkman, attached to the top of the watch & allowed the unit to receive an "over-the-air" signal.
If you'd like to actually hear what you were watching, the unit came outfitted with a set of headphones.
I'm guessing those aren't "Beats"
If you'd like to actually hear what you were watching, the unit came outfitted with a set of headphones.
I'm guessing those aren't "Beats"
11/ Despite its limitations, the watch was initially a success.
Even with a price tag of $425 ($1100 today), Seiko had no trouble moving their high-tech product.
Early releases in Japan sold out almost immediately.
Even with a price tag of $425 ($1100 today), Seiko had no trouble moving their high-tech product.
Early releases in Japan sold out almost immediately.
12/ Unfortunately for Seiko, the success was short-lived.
With the introduction of numerous handheld portable TVs to the market, the novelty soon wore off and sales dipped accordingly.
With the introduction of numerous handheld portable TVs to the market, the novelty soon wore off and sales dipped accordingly.
13/ The watch would ultimately be discontinued only a few short years after its release.
Though analog signals are no longer available (as of 2009), you can still find this retro timepiece available in watch forums and auction sites online.
Though analog signals are no longer available (as of 2009), you can still find this retro timepiece available in watch forums and auction sites online.
14/ Now considered a collector's item...
Used versions can be found in the $300 range while an unopened original release can fetch up to $2K.
Used versions can be found in the $300 range while an unopened original release can fetch up to $2K.
15/ Enjoy this story? Want more like it, follow me @blakeaburge
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