Waka-waka. You know that sound. I know you do. It's your turn at the arcade. Your quarter's already resting on the edge of the cabinet, a silent promise that you're next. The fluorescent lights hum overhead, the room is buzzing with 8-bit soundtracks and the occasional cheer from a nearby Galaga machine. You step up, take a breath, and slide the quarter into the slot. Clink. That satisfying drop into the coin drawer hits your ears just as the screen resets. You press the glowing red start button and, bam! You're off. PAC-MAN zips into the maze, chomping his way through a trail of dots while Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde plot their ambush.
That feeling? That mix of anticipation, rhythm, and nostalgia? That’s precisely what the Casio PAC-MAN Limited Edition ABL-100WEPC-1B captures. It's a tribute to two enduring icons: PAC-MAN and Casio’s digital watch legacy, wrapped into one wearable package. Released to commemorate Casio’s 50th anniversary and the 45th anniversary of PAC-MAN, this limited edition blends vintage arcade soul with modern practicality. Sure, it proudly embraces its retro style, but it's not just about the looks. It also features Bluetooth syncing, a built-in step counter, and app-based controls, making it a genuinely useful daily companion.
Case On The CASIO X PAC-MAN
Right out of the box, the case design pulls you in with a familiar Casio shape that fans of the vintage Databank and World Time models will immediately recognize. At 41.6 millimeters wide, 37.9 millimeters tall, and just 8.2 millimeters thick, it’s compact, comfortable, and easy to wear on just about any wrist. The case is made from black resin with a chrome-plated finish that gives it a subtle sheen. It plays well with both the colorful graphics and the dark theme of the watch. At just around 60 grams, it’s light without feeling flimsy. There is a satisfying sturdiness here, and the fit is snug without being tight, which makes it ideal for all-day wear.
The bracelet is stainless steel with a black IP finish, and here’s where the PAC-MAN theme comes to life. Lining the bracelet are tiny, colorful sprites: PAC-MAN, the ghosts, fruit icons, and power pellets, laid out in sequence like a slow-motion arcade chase. It’s playful without feeling juvenile, just a tasteful hit of 8-bit fun that sparks a smile every time you glance down. The clasp is a simple fold-over style and features the PAC-MAN logo as a final thematic touch. On the caseback, Casio has engraved a maze scene with PAC-MAN, the ghosts, and official logos. Even the packaging continues the theme, styled like a game screen to complete the experience. It’s a collector’s dream, but it doesn’t need to live in a display case. This is a wearable, usable piece.
If bracelets aren’t your thing, the ABL-100WEPC-1B also fits perfectly on StrapHabit’s TQ18 quick-release straps. For me, Leather and FKM rubber hybrid add another layer of fun and comfort. You can also go with a full rubber strap. The red and white versions are personal favorites. Red is clearly Blinky, the hot-tempered ghost who’s always chasing you down, while the white option gives the whole watch a clean and crisp look that still plays well with the pixel theme. The black strap is perfect for a stealthier vibe. And for those really in the know, Strap Habit even makes an orange sailcloth and FKM rubber hybrid that channels Clyde, who, fun fact, actually runs away from PAC-MAN if you get too close. A note here, as I know I will be asked: Is this a hair puller? Yeah. A bit. In typical Casio fashion. I ironically had some hair stuck in the bracelet when I took the photograph. I spent quite a bit of time removing it.
Dial and Design
The digital display features a negative LCD with white-on-black text, giving the watch a sleek, modern, and slightly stealthy appearance. The primary time readout is large and easy to read at a glance, and navigating through functions like world time, stopwatch, and alarms is simple, thanks to Casio’s intuitive four-button layout. Pressing the amber LED backlight illuminates the screen well enough for low-light conditions, letting you check the time anytime. It’s worth noting that Casio released a few other models as part of this anniversary collaboration. While those may not lean as heavily into the retro PAC-MAN styling, they do feature a more dynamic backlight with a full maze graphic and visible characters, including PAC-MAN and the ghosts. It’s a fun touch that some collectors might prefer if the backlight effect is a priority.
Functionality-wise, you get everything expected from a modern Casio digital. Dual time zones, a 1/100 stopwatch, a countdown timer, five daily alarms, an hourly time signal, and a full auto-calendar programmed through the year 2099. The display also includes indicators for Bluetooth connection and step count, depending on the mode. Despite its playful design, the watch never feels cluttered. It delivers the goods with a clean, logical layout, like clearing a maze without wasting a single power pellet.
Inside, the ABL-100WEPC-1B runs on a tried-and-true Casio quartz module that keeps time within ±15 seconds per month. But with Bluetooth syncing, you likely won’t need to think about accuracy at all. The watch pairs with the CASIO WATCHES app and can automatically sync time up to four times a day. This is great for travelers or anyone who prefers a “set it and forget it” experience.
The app also lets you control alarms, timers, and world time from your phone, which simplifies things dramatically. No need to memorize button combinations just to change your alarm. There’s also a handy phone finder feature—hold down a button on the watch and your phone will ring, as long as it’s in Bluetooth range.
One of the most unexpected but genuinely useful features is the step counter. Using a built-in 3-axis accelerometer, the watch tracks your daily steps, logs hourly totals, and shows progress toward a goal. There’s even an inactivity alert to nudge you when you’ve been sitting too long. It’s not meant to compete with a full-blown fitness tracker, but it’s surprisingly accurate and makes the ABL-100 more than just a pretty face.
Battery life is excellent. You can expect approximately two years of use from a single CR2016 coin cell battery, even with Bluetooth and step tracking enabled. There’s also a power-saving mode that further extends battery life. No charging cables, no weekly reboots, no maintenance, no blowing into the cartridges, nothing. Just pure, reliable functionality.
Final Thoughts
The Casio ABL-100WEPC-1B is more than a tribute; it’s a watch that delivers real functionality and a ton of character. The PAC-MAN graphics are playful yet thoughtfully executed, and the technology inside provides real-world usability that you don’t often see in a themed piece. It’s not a gimmick. It’s a real watch with real features, wrapped in one of the most iconic video game skins of all time. This was a Japan-only release, but has been picked up by many stores in the US. It retails for around $130.
As someone who grew up loving vintage arcades, this release speaks to me. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and practicality. The fact that it fits perfectly on Strap Habit’s TQ18 straps adds another layer of customization, making the whole experience even better. Red for Blinky, orange for Clyde, white for a clean pop, or black for a stealthy vibe; whatever you choose, it keeps the fun going.
If you’re a PAC-MAN fan, a digital Casio enthusiast, or just someone who wants a watch that puts a smile on your face, this one’s worth picking up. It doesn’t try to do everything. It excels at a few things really well, much like PAC-MAN himself. Keep it simple, keep it fun, and keep moving forward.
Eventually, every arcade session ends. The ghosts close in, your last life blinks away, and the screen fades to black. But with this on your wrist, a little piece of that magic stays with you—waka-waka-ing through your day, one PAC-DOT at a time. I enjoy this watch. It hits home in the best way. Please give me this, a pint, and a Barcade, and I’m as happy as PAC-MAN after a power pellet.
Casio X PAC-MAN Limited Edition ABL-100WEPC-1B Specifications
Model Number: ABL-100WEPC-1B
Case Material: Chrome-plated resin
Case Dimensions: 41.6mm (width) × 37.9mm (height) × 8.2mm (thickness)
Weight: Approximately 60 grams
Display: Negative LCD (white-on-black)
Backlight: Amber LE
Crystal: Resin
Bracelet: Black IP stainless steel with fold-over clasp (PAC-MAN logo engraved)
Lug Width: 18mm (compatible with quick-release straps like Strap Habit TQ18)
Water Resistance: 50 meters (5 bar)
Movement: Casio Quartz (Module No. 3554)
Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (Bluetooth sync improves this)
Bluetooth Features: Auto time sync, phone finder, app based controls like alarms, worldtime, etc.
Step Counter: axis accelerometer, daily goal tracking, hourly step graph, inactivity alerts.
World Time: Dual time support
Stopwatch: 1/100-second, up to 24 hours
Countdown Timer: 1-second increments, up to 24 hours
Alarms: 5 daily alarms + hourly time signal
Calendar: Full auto-calendar (pre-programmed to 2099)
Battery Type: CR2016
Battery Life: Approximately 2 years (with Bluetooth and step tracking active)
Packaging: Special PAC-MAN-themed box
Limited Edition: Yes. Was Japan only, however US stores have picked it up.
Price: $130