Armitron has been making watches for years, some with melodies, some with calculators, but nothing like this gem that appeared in 1983 – the Armitron Piano Game Watch.
This may be the only calculator watch ever made that has a melody keypad – just like the full-size Casio calculators of a similar vintage, with 13 keys of tones spanning more than an octave of notes.
While this is pretty impressive, the Piano Game Watch also boasts an alarm, the usual time and date, plus the game.
Very unique and, given the space limitations on the tiny LCD display, a miracle of programming in the early 1980s, the game is a side-scrolling space invaders derivative, where you use keys to move your ship and fire at the marauding invaders. You can only shoot once before having to move your ship to a new spot and it becomes challenging very quickly.
The highest score achievable is 2999 (not the 9999 you might expect) which was doubtless a cost saver when it came to making the watch (a 2 would allow 24-hour time, but there would be a higher cost in adding the other segments of the 8 to enable the score to count up to 9999).
This watch doesn’t use double-layer LCD but rather cleverly makes use of the available segments to create a very fun game. Obviously it’s no PS3, but this was 1983 after all and our tastes were far simpler then.
This was produced by E. Gluck & Co in Hong Kong for Armitron, and the watch was also released in Germany under the Meister Anker brand.
Hello,
is the Armitron Piano Game watch still available?
If yes, what would be the price and how much is shipping to germany?
Thank you.
Hi Ramon, I’m having some issues with the display disappearing on this one when the buttons are firmly pressed. Once I’ve fixed it, though, it will be available for sale. I’ll get in touch then.
did u get d watch fixed? & is it for sale? if so how much?bo
Yep, watch is all fixed and open to any extravagant offers š
it was my only enterainment i had during my weekend stay in jail!
You’re probably lucky that was your only entertainment!!
Hallo ist th e Watch still available? What Price offer would be acceptable. Do yoyou Ship zu germanygermany? Habe yo u go t paypal? Thank you
Is the Armitron for sale, neil
Hi, I’ve got a spare one of these, that was fully working last I checked; I’ll dig it out and let you know the condition.
Is the Armitoron still for sale?
hello
i have a similar watch but its says its stempo brand with a costum keypad art. i have been looking around internet trying to find the price of this watch, but so far i have nothing. I know its kind of rare but i would like to see how rare if you can contact me via email, i can send some photos
good day
Donut
Hi – this is a Hong Kong-produced watch that have several manufacturer’s names on the graphic ā Armitron (the most popular) but also Meister Anker (usually just their symbol), Stempo, and possibly others. I’ve definitely seen a white label version too with no manufacturer on it.
Prices range from USD40 to USD200+ (boxed, manual, NOS) but it’s all the same watch so there’s no advantage, money-wise, of having one brand over another.
Cool watch, though, worth hanging on to, because while they appear on eBay every few months they’re definitely not common.
There is no stopwatch with this watch. Also, if anyone has the instructions, Iād appreciate getting a copy.