The Watches of Stranger Things- From Eleven to Dustin
Stranger Things, the one show that may turn around Netflix’s fortunes, is back and viewers will head back to Hawkins, Indiana (and beyond?) to join Will, Dustin, Lucas, Mike and Eleven as they fight the darkness located in the Upside Down. While one might not think of the hit show as one to watch spot in, it actually has quite a few watches, and they are all period appropriate (Stranger Things does take place in the 1980s). While I will likely update this article to account for new watches featured in season 4 of Stranger Things (once I have a chance to sit down and actually watch), let’s take a look at the watches featured so far in the hit show.
Dustin Henderson’s (Gaten Matarazzo) Radio Watches
It seems like fan favorite Dustin (played by Gaten Matarazzo) likes utility when it comes to his watches. Digital watches were all the rage during the 1980s and that extends to the Stranger Things universe. Dustin takes it a bit further with an 80s-era watch with some serious functionality, that is an FM radio. Dustin has been spotted wearing the Armitron FM Stereo Radio Watch. The Armitron Ref. 40/6351 was first released in 1981, so it is time period appropriate. There doesn’t appear to be any examples of this watch available for sale.
Jonathan Byers’ (Charlie Heaton) Timex Weekender Watch
Jonathan Byers’ is Will’s older brother and spends much of the first season trying to find his younger brother (and rescue him from the Upside Down). Jonathan can be seen wearing a simple field watch during the series. The watch is likely a Timex Weekender watch. While the only version I could find is modern, it fits with the 1980s aesthetic. You can pick up a Timex Weekender for just $60 USD.
Jim Hopper’s (David Harbour) Casio Watch
Jim Hopper (portrayed by David Harbour) is one of the major protagonists of Stranger Things. As Chief of Police in Hawkin, Hopper found himself in the middle of the strange happenings of the small town. Like many of the other characters in the show, Hopper finds himself wearing a digital timepiece. Hopper’s Casio is likely the Ref. B640WD-1AV, though it looks like the display might actually be thinner. This watch is “retro style” but not actually a vintage watch. Because of this, you can pick it up new for $32.40 USD on Amazon.
Will Byers’ (Noah Schnapp) Qbert Nelsonic Game Watch
Maybe the coolest watch worn by any of the characters in Stranger Things is the watch worn by Will Byers. Byers wears a Qbert Nelsonic game watch. Not only can you tell the time at the top right of the watch, you can also play the Qbert game on the main screen. One example of the Qbert Nelsonic game watch is available on eBay for $199 USD.
Steve Harrington’s (Joe Keery) Hamilton Watch
Steve Harrington, portrayed by Joe Keery, starts off as the popular guy and Nancy Wheeler’s boyfriend. Over time he becomes more accepted by the gang and more involved in their investigations into the Upside Down. Steve appears in season 3 to wear a vintage watch (perhaps from the 50s or 60s). The exact make and model is difficult to pinpoint exactly, but it looks like it could be a Hamilton CLD. While the dial and crown look correct to be a Hamilton CLD, the lugs look a little different. It is possible it is just a similar model, or possibly another watch altogether. Similar gold Hamiltons sell for between $400 and $700 USD on the secondary market.
Eleven’s (Millie Bobbie Brown) Calculator Watch
Eleven is spotted wearing Mike Wheeler’s watch when they dress her up (in order to hide her) in season 1 of Stranger Things. Like many of the other watches featured in the show, she wears a digital watch, this one with calculator functionality. Interestingly, this watch doesn’t appear to be a brand watch. Instead it is likely a prop watch, or something unbranded and inexpensive from AliExpress.
Eddie Munson’s (Joseph QuInn) Casio f91-W
I went and rewatched season 4 of Stranger Things to try and figure out if fan favorite new character Eddie Munson (portrayed by Joseph Quinn) wore a watch in the show. Eddie, who won over our hearts rocking out to Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” (and yes it was really Quinn playing the song) wore a Casio F-91W. You can pick up this digital watch for just $19.95 USD. I won’t knock Eddie for wearing his watch upside down.