Best Video Game-Inspired Watches That Will Make You Want To Build Your Own
Gamers LOVE merch - just look at the many cool collector's editions out there and you'll see how video games come to life. And sometimes this merchandise can be in the form of watches. While most gaming merch sticks to t-shirts, posters, and figurines, a few watch brands have stepped up to create something very special. These aren't cheap promotional giveaways or plastic toys from a loot box. We're talking about real, high-quality timepieces that capture the essence of beloved games while actually being functional watches you'd want to wear every day.
The best part is that these collaborations show just how creative you can get when combining gaming aesthetics with watch design. Today we're looking at three official gaming watch collaborations that absolutely nailed it. Each one brings a different game to life on your wrist with thoughtful details and design choices. Warning: these might just inspire you to work on your custom gaming-inspired Seiko mod!
Monster Hunter x Seiko
Source: Geek Culture
Capcom's Monster Hunter franchise has captivated players for 20 years with its unique gameplay loop of tracking massive beasts, studying their behavior, hunting them down, and crafting gear from their drops. It's become a cultural phenomenon in Japan and globally, and could probably even be credited for creating its sub-genre.
Seiko proved they understand gaming culture with their Monster Hunter 20th anniversary collection, and honestly, these watches are exactly what a collaboration should be. Released in 2024, this collection features four different models inspired by iconic monsters from the franchise: Alatreon, Velkhana, Mizutsune, and Nargacuga. Each watch is limited to just 2,000 units and retails for around 59,800 yen (approximately $404 USD). Perhaps a bit costly for a quartz watch, and they’re also missing a Rathalos version in their lineup, but is still probably worth it for their target audience.
What makes these special is the attention to detail that would have made them undeniably attractive for die-hard MH collectors. The Velkhana model features a stunning gradient dial that shifts from ice blue to dark blue, perfectly capturing the elder dragon's frozen aesthetic. The Alatreon watch goes full black with three different sub-dial designs representing the monster's elemental state changes. Meanwhile, the Mizutsune sports a white leather band with dark purple lining and fin-scale inspired dial stamps, while the Nargacuga features a textured black leather band with a gradient blue-to-black dial. Every watch ships in a special box decorated with each monster's motifs, and the case backs are engraved with their respective icons.
Seiko 5 x Street Fighter
Source: Seiko Watches USA
Street Fighter revolutionized fighting games when Street Fighter II launched in 1991, creating the competitive fighting game genre as we know it and still going strong until today. Its diverse cast of iconic characters, precise controls, and strategic depth have made it a favorite of both casual gamers and professional esports players for over three decades.
Seiko went all-in with their Street Fighter V collaboration, creating not one but six different watches based on the franchise's most iconic fighters. At $440 each and limited to 9,999 units per character, this collection featuring Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li, Zangief, Blanka, and Guile shows what happens when a watch brand actually respects the gaming community.
The genius move here was treating each character as their own design challenge. Instead of regular watches with different colors, Seiko made them reflect each fighter's personality and style. The dials reference their backstories and signature moves, while the color schemes remind you of their classic costumes. But the real fan-service moment? Flip any watch over and you'll find the controller combo inputs for that character's special move engraved on the caseback.
Source: @jp_thewristshop on IG
Technically, these are solid everyday watches. The 42.5mm cases house Seiko's workhorse 4R36 automatic movement, they're water-resistant to 100 meters, and they come with rotating bezels. You're getting actual watch quality here, not just collectible merchandise. The best part is that models like the Ken and Zangief are stylish enough to wear anywhere, whether people get the reference or not.
Also worthy to note; the dials were trendy to use for Seiko mods especially the Ryu and Ken versions. We’re not sure if they were surplus OEM dials or copies, or (hopefully not) retrieved from actual production units, but what’s sure is that they made for some amazing looking custom builds!
Xbox x MSTR
Source: MSTR Watches
Microsoft's Xbox launched in 2001 and transformed the console landscape with online gaming through Xbox Live, powerful hardware, and franchises like Halo and Gears of War. It's become associated with gaming innovation, from the controller design that set industry standards to Game Pass revolutionizing how players access games.
Now, this isn't technically a video game watch, but the Xbox as a console has defined gaming for over two decades. The Xbox x MSTR Noble Automatic Skeleton proves that gaming culture extends beyond individual titles to the platforms themselves. Limited to just 150 pieces, this collaboration takes a different approach from our previous picks.
MSTR went bold with an ultra-matte black skeleton design that puts the Japanese NH35 automatic movement on full display. And instead of traditional hour markers, you get the iconic Xbox ABXY buttons around the dial, all luminescent for visibility. The massive Xbox Sphere logo sits prominently at 12 o'clock, making no apologies about what this watch represents.
The watch sits at 43mm with a sandblasted 316 stainless steel case and bracelet. It’s also water-resistant to 100 meters with 41 hours of power reserve, making it great as a daily. And for extra flair, the exhibition caseback shows off the 21-jewel movement while displaying your individual number out of 150. This one’s for you Noobmaster69.
Wrap Up
Source: @nr_watchworks on IG
That’s all we have time for in this article, but this is far from being an exhaustive list of noteworthy video game x watch collaborations. There are watches themed with games harkening back to the NES and Atari eras up to the latest titles of recent years, and each of them have their special charms that no doubt turned some gamers into watch hobbyists. Perhaps you’re one of them!
If you’re thinking of tinkering with timepieces, do check out the humongous and ever expanding catalog of watch parts from namokiMODS. Whether you’re into story rich games like the Uncharted series or indie games like Slay the Spire, you can totally create something that shows off your craftsmanship, creativity, and gaming knowledge. You can mix and match hundreds of parts with different colors and patterns until you find something that pays homage to your favorite games. You can also straight up paint the dial with your favorite characters if you don’t care for subtlety! However you’d like to approach Seiko mods, it’s completely up to you.
Happy modding!