This Atari-Inspired Timepiece Functionally Fires at Virtual Asteroids for Hour and Minute Indication
In the spirit of celerating the 45th anniversary of the unforgettable arcade game Asteroids, Atari and watchmaker Nubeo collaborated on a captivating collection of limited-edition timepieces. Dubbed the Asteroids collection, this slate of watches pays homage to the iconic triangular spaceship from the game through a distinctive watch hand design.
The partnership between Atari and Nubeo yields five watch styles, each featuring a vibrant color scheme that mirrors the original 1979 arcade sensation. Each watch face boasts a captivating scene from the classic game, adorned with asteroids and flying saucers. Remarkably, the spaceship remains fixed at the center, spinning while continuously firing at pursuing aliens.
Measuring 50mm in diameter, the watch cases employ a sapphire lens, boasting a Japanese automatic movement system governing three hands. The spaceship's dynamic rotation represents the spinning seconds hand, while the UFO serves as the hour and minutes hands. Glow-in-the-dark pigments accent the asteroids, adding an enchanting touch during dimmer lighting conditions.
Additionally, these timepieces come with commemorative packaging emblazoned with the Atari emblem and showcasing classic arcade art. Colors like pumpkin orange, blue, and red make the watch faces pop, with the black Nova Nightfall truly capturing the essence of the original Atari 2600 version of Asteroids and the 1980s Atari 7800 re-release.
The Atari watches are rated at 5 ATM for water and dust resistance and come with a two-year warranty during which the company will replace the watch's internal components, including hands and dials. Due to their limited availability – each style is restricted to a mere 125 pieces – sales are brisk, with many styles already sold out, such as the multicolored "Nightfall" edition and the classic red Atari logo version.
These watches typically sell for $500, although their full MSRP is listed as an exorbitant $1,650. Interestingly, Nubeo previously manufactured a sold-out batch of limited-edition Space Invader watches, which famously surpassed their stated price prior to release.
Fuelled by the intrigue of modern, high-end smartwatches from Apple and Samsung, I have come to appreciate the aesthetic allure of retro watches. While the SpaceStop D20 watch with its '70s styling and tabletop roleplaying game functionality is a treat, these Asteroids watches are pure visual pleasure for fans of classic arcade gaming, provided you have $500 to spare.
In the future of watch design, the fusion of tech and nostalgia is evident with Atari's collaboration with Nubeo, creating limited-edition Asteroids collection watches. Embracing technology, these watches incorporate a Japanese automatic movement system, ensuring precision and reliability.
