Zohran Mamdani’s Quirky Casio May Become This Year’s ‘It’ Budget Watch

Casio’s affordable digital watches have long been go-to choices for everyone from design nerds to world leaders. So its never surprising to see several of the brand’s pieces riding one trend wave or another at any given moment.

But now one of Casio’s lesser-known timepieces—a brushed metal throwback with vintage quirks and modern upgrades—has recently surged into the public eye. And it’s not because of a brand campaign or celebrity co-sign.

This time, the attention comes courtesy of a New York state assemblyman turned new front runner in New York’s mayoral race and
unlikely style influencer, a.k.a. Zohran Mamdani.

A Neo-Vintage Statement

Casio

The Casio A1000MA-7 (American SKU) and its European counterpart, the A1000MA-7EF, were released in early 2022 as part of the brand’s Vintage Premium collection.

While it drew some early buzz from the watch press, including a nice breakdown from the astute watch experts at Fratello Watches, the model has flown mostly under the radar in the years since—that is, until recently.

The A1000MA-7 is essentially Casio’s grown-up take on its beloved digital classics with a mid-century twist. It retains the core DNA of the F-series—the squared LCD screen, labeled function indicators, and no-frills display—but refines it.

Though its dimensions put it squarely into gender neutral territory, the brand perhaps originally envisioned it more as speaking to potential female customers, given that every model shown wearing the watch is a woman.

What sets the A1000MA-7 apart from similar watches, including the strikingly similar A700WM-7AVT, is the attention to detail: a stainless steel case, mineral glass instead of plastic, quick-release straps, and a bit of dressy, mid-century flair in the form of a Milanese mesh bracelet.

Casio

Add a nostalgic digital module that still includes staples like an alarm, stopwatch, and LED backlight, and the overall piece looks vintage without being dated—retro without being costume.

At 39.6 × 38 × 7.3 mm, it’s also slim and easy to wear, yet still offers a reassuring heft of metal compared to a traditional plastic digital watch.

In many ways, the A1000MA-7 was built to be quietly appreciated by Casio fans. And that’s precisely what’s happened since its launch, seemingly until now.

Meets a Surprising New Spotlight

Zohranfornyc

Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic New York State Assembly member representing Queens, has recently garnered national attention as a rising political figure and possible future contender in New York City’s mayoral race.

Known for his grassroots approach, social media fluency, and intense focus on cost-of-living issues, Mamdani has also cultivated a trademark style—low-key, deliberate, culturally attuned and pointedly accessible.

That said, knowing how calculated Mamdani was when choosing this specific watch is impossible.

Yet he undoubtedly knows that in a political landscape where image is often tightly managed, the watch one chooses is interpreted as a subtle signal, whether intentional or not.

And now, eagle-eyed users on Reddit, TikTok, X, and other social media platforms are searching to find out what he’s chosen to wear on this wrist.

Casio

What we do know for sure is that Mamdani has worn the Casio A1000MA-7 a lot. As Tres Dean GQ recently reported, Mamdani has been repeatedly spotted wearing the Casio A1000MA-7 on the campaign trail, during press appearances, and even in official Assembly sessions.

So what message does his Casio A1000MA-7 send exactly?

It’s pragmatic and affordable yet still distinctive and eye-catching. Though the watch doesn’t scream luxury, it does telegraph taste.

In short, depending on the trajectory and impact of his future political career, the Casio A1000MA-7 could one day join the ranks of “quiet watches” worn by cultural and civic figures like Barack Obama’s Jorg Gray or Steve Jobs’ Seiko.

Pricing and Availability

Casio

That kind of visibility might be having an effect. The A1000MA-7 is getting a little harder to find these days.

It’s sold out on Casio’s U.S. website, and third-party listings are either marked up or disappearing.

While it’s still possible to track one down on European platforms under the A1000MA-7EF SKU, availability is also dwindling.

Originally priced at around $100–$120, the watch offers a rare sweet spot between budget and polish. But with renewed attention and thinning stock, prices may climb. That said, Casio is no stranger to reissues, and if demand holds, a restock or update could be on the horizon.

For now, though, the A1000MA-7VT remains a reminder of Casio’s design chops and a lesson in how quiet objects can speak volumes when worn with intention, especially when the spotlight hits them at just the right time.

Casio

Casio A1000MA-7VT

What sets the A1000MA-7 apart from similar watches, including the strikingly similar A700WM-7AVT, is the attention to detail: a stainless steel case, mineral glass instead of plastic, quick-release straps, and a bit of dressy, mid-century flair in the form of a Milanese mesh bracelet. Add a nostalgic digital module that still includes staples like an alarm, stopwatch, and LED backlight, and the overall piece looks vintage without being dated—retro without being costume.

• $160 at Casio

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