Before smartwatches, there was the Seiko Receptor message watch

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The year was 1992. On his wrist, KOIN 6 anchor Jeff Gianola wore a Seiko Receptor message watch.

Then-reporter Eric Schmidt was sent out on assignment to report on the new technology developed locally by a Beaverton based company – a futuristic watch that received messages.

“Dick Tracy could receive messages through his watch. He could also send messages through his watch. But in real life, that’s still several years away,” Schmidt reported.

Receptor had worked with Seiko to develop the watch before relocating to Seattle.

We can’t help but chuckle at the simplicity of the device and the similarities to the smartwatches we all know today.

Watch the fun throwback video above.