In 1978, Space Invaders kicked off an arcade revolution that totally transformed entertainment. Fast-forward to today, and Nubeo’s partnership with TAITO brings that digital legacy into a stylish timepiece that really shows how cultural classics can evolve. After seeing loads of gaming-inspired watches over the years, I can tell you this limited edition collection—especially the Plasma Pink version—stands out due to its thoughtful design and real horological value.
Peek under the crystal, and you’ll find a mechanical wonder putting on an endless display. The dial is a brilliant engineering marvel—each piece floats above the last like alien ships in formation. The outer ring takes charge of the hours, while a ghostly transparent plate hovers just below. A minutes disc circles steadily, all revolving around the highlight of the show: a seconds disc showcasing that notorious squid invader, always ready to launch its pixelated attack.
Designers: Nubeo Watches & TAITO
It’s pretty poetic that the squid invader—or “Ika” in Japanese—is the watch’s main feature. Fans of the classic game will recall this little foe with its triangular head and four tentacles as one of the toughest targets. Now, instead of dodging shots from players, it endlessly orbits the dial in a captivating dance of nostalgia and technical precision.
This timepiece comes in four striking colors, with just 125 units of each made. Here we have the Plasma Pink (which is the only one left available), and the others are Solar Yellow, Galaxy Green, and Invader Indigo—all vibrant hues that truly encapsulate the colorful 8-bit backdrop of the game. The silicone straps fit seamlessly into the watch’s design, offering a smooth look that stands out against the sharp, pixelated characters from the classic game.
From a technical point of view, the engineering feats achieved here are really impressive. Making a multi-layered dial while keeping reliable timekeeping takes precise calculations and exceptional manufacturing tolerances. Every layer has to be weighted and balanced just right to avoid messing with the movements underneath. The semi-transparent portions add another layer of complexity, needing specific materials that keep their strength while letting light through. The domed mineral lens on top gives off a vibe of a CRT display, the main display technology back in the day!
The ‘Ika’ and numerals are all luminous, though they don’t glow in the same neon colors as their original paint job.
The choice to limit each color option to 125 pieces shows a grasp of both collector culture and market trends. It’s enough to keep the watch reachable for dedicated fans while ensuring its exclusivity. This number also helps maintain proper quality control, which is key for a piece with such intricate design. That exclusivity is matched by the fact that right now, these watches are available at a bargain price of just $200. I’d snatch one up in a heartbeat if I were you!
A transparent exhibition window on the back gives you a glimpse of the automatic movement inside.
This watch shows how digital culture can turn into mechanical art. Every part has both artistic and practical purposes, from the layered design that gives depth to the precise placement of gaming aspects that enhance rather than disrupt timekeeping. Each watch comes in a cool Space Invaders box with neon artwork that lights up under a blacklight. They also boast a water resistance of 5 ATM and come with a 2-year warranty.
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