The blogosphere is abuzz with speculation surrounding the alleged 1928 time traveler seen talking on a cell phone in Charlie Chaplin's silent film, 'Circus.' I have but one question: What kind of phone was this 1928 time traveler using?
In all seriousness, retro revival has devices blurring the lines between decades left and right. Charlie Chaplin and the entire cast of 'Circus' (including the 1928 time traveler) have nothing on this list of old school gadgets.
55 Decade-Confused Devices
In Honor of the Charlie Chaplin Film's 1928 Time Traveler:
Armida Ascano — Oct 28, 2010 — Art & Design
54
Toy Tablet Protectors
The Etch a Sketch iPad Case Shows This Tablet is All Fun and Games
53
Retooled Hot Rods
Bo Zolland's ‘33-34' Automobile is a Blast from the Past
52
Papercraft Phonographs
GGRP Corrugated Cardboard Envelope Unfolds Into Record Player
51
Wood Paneled Playstations
Steampunked PS3 Brings Old School to the Future
50
Vintage Calculator Apps
iPhone Gets Old School With Hewlett Packard
49
Hardwood Flash Drives
The Narrow Bridge Steampunk USB Comes in a Faux Vintage Tin Box
48
Retro Smartphone Covers
The Cassette iPhone Case Makes Everything Old School
47
Carved Computer Cases (UPDATE)
The Rainer Spehl Laptop Case Screams Classic Masculinity
46
Vintage Luggage Speakers
The BoomCase Turns Old Suitcases into Boomboxes
45
Astonishing Analogue Amplifiers
The Bone Collection iPhone Speaker is Electricity-Free
44
Old-School Style Gadgets
The Boombox iPod Cradle Keeps It Fresh
43
Old School Phone Holders
This Retro iPhone Phone Dock is a Blast From the Past
42
Toy-Inspired Digi Cams
The Holga D's Design is Inspired by the Original Holga Camera
41
Retro Gadget Protectors
The Etch A Sketch iPhone Cover is the Best Thing Ever
40
Old Walkman As iPod Camouflage
Hidepod?
39
Cutting-Edge Old Clocks
Fred Niell's Indicator-6 Nixie Clock Blends Retro & Nouveau
38
Faux Brick Phones
Carry Your New Mobile Like Your Old School Cell Phone
37
Retro Instant Photo Revival
Resurrecting Old Polaroid Film and Camera Models is Reality (UPDATE)
36
The Return of "New Retro"
First Gen iPods As Fashion Accessory
35
Reinventing Retro Gadgets
DIY iPod Cigarette Case
34
Steampunk Goggles
Mac McGowan Designs Victorianesque Eyewear
33
Vintage Camera Disguises
The Wooden Camera Tape Dispenser Plays Tricks on Your Eyes
32
Revamped Toy Weaponry
The Steampunk Nerf Vulcan is Battery-Powered Vintage Fun
31
Old School Tech Wallets
Retro Pocket Wear Likes Like An Old Cassette Tape
30
Viewmaster-Inspired Shades
The Vintage Red Walter Van Beirendonck Sunglasses are Nostalgic
29
Musical Pencil Cases
The Cassette Tape Pouch Makes Great Back-To-School Gift
28
DIY Hot Rods
'VooDoo' Converts an Old Philco Refrigerator into a Hot Rod
27
Retro Gadget Pillows
Floppy Disc Pillows From MyMimi Provide Cuddly Gadgetry
26
Retro MP3 Converters
The HIDEOTO Cassette Tape Deck Brings Back Your Old-School Beats
25
Designer Digital Jukeboxes
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 5
24
Touchscreen Fax Machines
The Panasonic KX-PW821 Proves That the Fax Isn't Dead Just Yet
23
Spherical Steampunk Writers
The Writing Ball is a Peculiar Vintage Typewriter
22
Vintage Vinyl Accessories
The Turntable Necklace Will Show Off Your Love for Music
21
USB Floppy Disks
Reinvented Retro Gadgets
20
Cassette-Inspired Hard Drives
The Freecom Mobile Drive CLS is a Retro Throwback
19
Hefty Vintage Phones
The Ediphone Concept Brings Us Back to a Simpler Time
18
Retro Arcade Clocks
The Pac Man Alarm Clock Wakes You Up in Old School Style
17
Ghetto Blaster Watch Bling
Is the Blaster Boom Box Watch Pendant Inspired by Flavor Flav?
16
40s Lamp Revivals
Robolux Flower Power Lamp Projects a Floral Pattern on Your Wall
15
Polaroid Pendants
Pay Homage to the Polaroid Camera With a Snappy Necklace
14
Old School Gaming Chargers
This Nintendo Controller i-Dock Recharges Your iPhone in Retro Fashion
13
Designer 35MM
Leica M7 Edition Hermes Combines Old School Tech With Hip Designs
12
Water Powered Calculator
11
Retro Tech Periodicals
Cassette Tape Magazine Reads Like a Micro Blog, Looks Like an Old Cassette
10
Polaroid 2.0
The PoGo Portable Instant Digital Prints
9
Old School Weather Monitors
Sputnik Barometer Weather Station with Steampunk Look
8
Time-Traveling Carriers
The Big Business Case Collection is Where Old School Meets New
7
Medieval Internet Detectors
WiFi Dowsing Rod Gives a New Purpose to an Old Gadget
6
Traveling Turntables
The Crosley Echo is Designed to be Taken Anywhere
5
Throwback Gaming Lighters
The Sega Zippos Would Make a Geek Start Smoking
4
Fake Record iPod Cases
MP3 Case Looks Like an Old School Vinyl Player
3
Two-in-One Retro Calculators
Revamped Old-School Typewriters as Calculators
2
Foghorn-Style Speakers
Teac and Avantgarde Make Postmodern Speakers
1
Speedy Music Players
The Sonic the Hedgehog MP3 Player is for Old School Sega Gamers
Related Ideas
Bold Industrial Smartphone Models
The Nothing Phone (3) Features the Brand's New Glyph Matrix
Revived Quartz Watches
The Q Timex 1972 Time Machine Reissue Captures Accessibility for a New Era
Retro Tech Phone Accessories
The Native Union POP Phone Works with Any USB-C Device
Y2K Style Digital Cameras
The Manual HOLO Digital Camera Comes in Four Color Options
Translucent Pocket Cameras
The ClearCam Brings Y2K Style into Modern Photography with Clear Design
90s-Era Sport Timepieces
The Timex 1995 Intrepid Reissue Revives a Classic in a New Way
Space-Themed Cartoon Timepieces
The Timex x Peanuts Marlin Space Orbit Watch is Animated
Robotic Companion Smartphone Models
The HONOR ROBOT PHONE Has a Rotating Camera on a Gimbal
Y2K-Inspired Keychain Cameras
The Kodak Charmera Millennium Edition Comes in Seven Designs
Pink-Hued Industrial Smartphones
The Nothing Phone 4a Showcases a Softer Shade and Function
Industrial Designer Clock Collaborations
Jaeger-LeCoultre and Marc Newson Debuted Three New Clocks
Honorary Digital Musician Timepieces
The G-SHOCK x PLEASURES DW5600PDP-1 is Daft Punk-Inspired
Modernized Portable Music Devices
The Conceptual TL-1 Music Player by Hunny Modi is Nostalgic
Social Media-Only Smartphone Designs
The Conceptual Threads Phone by NARZ Has Physical Buttons
80s Era Clock Collections
The Braun x NEIGHBORHOOD Clock Collection Revives Classic Products
Tiny Colorful Camera Toys
The Kodak Charmera Blind-Box is a Camera Photography Collectible
Retro Calculator Watches
The Casio CA-500WEBF Watch Honors Back to the Future’s 40th Anniversary
Film-Style Digital Cameras
The Rewindpix From Xiao Liu Returns to Disposable Camera Rituals
Screen-Equipped Smartphone Chargers
The Anker Nano Charger Adapts to Device Needs at CES 2026
Distraction-Free Alarm Clocks
Balmuda's the Clock Uses Light and Sound Instead of Hands
Reduced Connectivity Mobile Phones
The Commodore Callback 8020 Revives the Flip Phone
Vintage-Inspired Instant Cameras
Fujifilm Instax Evo Cinema Has Film Looks in an Instant Camera
Light Arc Clocks
Balmuda's The Clock uses light arcs instead of traditional hands
Spec-Driven Film Cameras
The Lomography Lomo MC-A Features a Range of Advanced Features
Cafe Budget Retro Cameras
Starbucks Retro Camera Brings Dual-Sensor Digital Shooting to 2025
Animated Artist-Designed Timepieces
The Asterisk Watches Happiness is Fleeting is Playful
Reimagined Retro Viscount Models
Timex and Bespoke Post Design the Field Watch for Lifestyle Wear
Retro Flip Phones
Commodore Callback 8020 Blocks Social Media and Web Browsers
Movie Model Sets
The LEGO Back to the Future Time Machine Features Two Build Modes
Modernized 70s-Era Timepieces
The Timex Q Timex 1975 Enigma Comes in Two New Dial Options
Double-Display Smartphone Concepts
The Conceptual 'duo Phone' Rethinks the User Experience
Night Vision Camera Smartphones
The FOSSIBOT F113 Has an Infrared Camera Lens
Mini-Sized Alternative Smartphones
This CMF Phone Mini Concept by Preet Ajmeri is Industrial
Screen-Free Communication Concepts
Ishac Bertran Prototyped a Voice-Only, Fixed Location Phone
Phone-Free Crafting Experiences
Pinterest Brought a Phone-Free Experience to the Desert
Throwback Audio Experiences
The Stranger Things Recap Cassette Delivers a Cinematic Retro Recap
Screen-Free Digital Cameras
Camp Snap 2 Delivers Digital Photography Without a Display
Nostalgic Soda-Inspired Suites
Olipop Introduced 'The Time Travel Travel Agency' in Texas
Throwback Walkie-Talkie Collectibles
Stranger Things Upside Down Capsules Series 3 Thrills Fans
Miniature Retro Digital Cameras
The OPT100 NeoFilm Emulates Classic Film in a Petite Digital Form
Flip-Top Communicator Watches
Hautlence Retrovision 64 Has a Jumping Hour Display & Hinged Cover
Nostalgic Gaming Devices
The Playdate Handheld Console Reimagines Retro Gameplay with Modernity
Signal-Blocking Wrapper Campaigns
KitKat Break Mode Blocks Smartphone Signals Using Cage Tech
Broadcast TV Cellphones
The Lava and HMD Phones Offer Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) Streaming
Pocket-Sized Point-And-Shoot Digital Cameras
Lola Camera is Available at Urban Outfitters
Modernized Mobile Cassette Players
The Maxell MXCP-P100 Has Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C and More
Uncomfortable Anti-Tech Rings
The UScellular Pinky Promise Ring Discourages Excessive Phone Use
Playful Cartoon-Forward Watch Designs
Armitron and Peanuts Worldwide Launch a Stunning Capsule
Limited-Edition Flip Phones
The SVEDPHONE Only Offers Call and Text for Living in the Moment
AI-Powered Memory Care Devices
TBWA\HAKUHODO's Radio Time Machine Supports Elderly Well-Being
Retro Phone Experiences
Brick 1100 Recreates Classic Mobile Simplicity On Modern Smartphones
Nostalgic Clamshell Handhelds
Anbernic's RG34XXSP is the Nostalgic Gaming Device People Want
Cubic Industrial Phone Models
This Minimalist Phone Concept by Keziah Mendjisky is Utilitarian
Minimalist Co-Branded Mobile Devices
Heineken and Bodega Introduced the Boring Phone
Rad Retro-Style Smartwatches
The Conceptual Retro‑Future Wrist Tech by Jacek Janiczak is Stylish
Nightmarish Mobile Campaigns
Liquid Death Created the Cellphone Bill Character for Boost Mobile
Versatile Effortless Instant Cameras
FUJIFILM Adds the INSTAX MINI 41 Instant Camera to its Roster
Handbag Anniversary-Celebrating Campaigns
Chanel Marks the Anniversary of the Chanel 25 Handbag
E-Ink Mobile Concepts
Marko Lazić Introduced Offone Wisephone Prototype
Revived Analog Cameras
The Lomo MC-A Film Camera Unveils Analogue Shooting with USB-C Recharge
Interactive Sound Installations
Daily Tous Les Jours Boasts Musical Hotline for Strange Times
Nostalgic Compact Clear Cassettes
The Retrospekt CP-81 Reintroduces Tape Culture with Modern Style
Modernized Nostalgic Toys
Tin Can Offers a Novel Approach to Children's Communication
Actor-Supported Watch Campaigns
Longines Introduced the Spirit Zulu Time 1925 Timepiece Collection
Pocket-Friendly Instant Cameras
The Polaroid Go Generation 3 Supports Phone-Free Photography
Minimalist Communication Devices
The Mudita Kompakt & Alarm Clocks Prioritize Calm Over Complexity
Analog-Themed Camera Campaigns
Polaroid Launched 'The Camera for an Analog Life'
Charming Retro Storage
This Floppy Disk Inspired SD Card Concept Brings Forth Vintage Style
Retro-Inspired Instant Cameras
The Polaroid Flip Camera Features a Four-Lens System and Autofocus
Tactile Digital Cameras
Camera (1) imagines a tactile digicam for a screen-tired generation
Branded Holographic Spectacles
Infinix Introduces the NOTE Edge with the Ten-Dimensional Reveal
AI-Powered Toy Telephones
Santa's Magical Telephone Provides a Direct Line to the North Pole
Vintage Imaging Kits
PGYTECH RetroVa Turns iPhones into Vintage Photo Systems
Child-Centric Landline Phones
Pinwheel's 'Home Classic' Limits Kids’ Calling to Approved Contacts
Flippable Retro-Style Instant Cameras
The Polaroid Flip Has a Four-Lens System for Bright Shots
Omni-Compatible Item Trackers
The Chipolo Pop Lets Users Choose the Google and Apple Network
Retro Clamshell-Style PDAs
The PocketMage PDA Has a 3.1-Inch E Ink Display
Analog Phone-Free Cases
Yondr Launches Phone-Free Pouches to Lock Away Connectivity
AI Cinematic Smartphones
The Honor 600 Transforms Photos into Cinematic AI Video Clips
Retro Cinema Collectibles
The Light-Up Delorean Popcorn Bucket and Cup for Amc 40th Anniversary
Qsr Retro Film Tributes
Domino’s 40th Anniversary is Honored with a Nostalgic Short Film & Capsule
Disruptive Headphone Technologies
Linkage Global Collaborates on Two Headphone Models
Intuitive Double-Exposure Film Cameras
The Kodak Snapic A1 Has a Three-Element Glass Lens
Redefining Screen-Free Cameras
Camp Snap Arrives at Target as a Mindful Disconnection
Smart Safety Flashlights
Timeli Flashlight Combines Bright Light and Emergency Alerts at CES 2026
Vibrant Retro Handheld Gaming
Retroid Designs the Pocket Classic Gaming Device
Retro Goggle-Style Gamer Accessories
The Nintendo Classics Virtual Boy Revives a 90s Console
Analog World Clocks
The Rolling World Clock Tracks Global Times Zones in One Dial
Minimal Meeting Clocks
The CAST Concept Clock Records and Summarizes Meetings in Timeless Form
Anniversary-Honoring Sound Systems
The Brionvega Radiofonografo is Arriving in a New Model
Drink Coaster Phone Cases
The Ultimate Signal-Free Party by Captain Morgan Encourages Presence
Pop-On Digital Camera Accessories
The Ligar from Escura Pops Onto Film Cameras
Sleep Companion Devices
The Dreamie Bedside Sleep Assistant Replaces the Nighttime Phone Habit
Underwater Archaeological Projects
Hublot Creates a Documentary Feature with Anil Brancaleoni
Second-Screen Movie Experiences
Meta's Movie Mate Technology Engages Film Viewers
Aging-Focused Connected Clock Systems
Eugeria and Partners Present a Clock & Smart Pillbox System
Mindful Communication Smartphones
The Clicks Communicator Encourages Users to Talk Not Scroll
Iconic Early-2000s Bag Designs
FENDI's 2025 Campaign Revitalizes the Iconic Spy Bag
Futuristic Vintage Headphones
The Ricoh Space Age Headphone Has Retro Design and Modern Audio Tech
Pocket Divination Devices
Karmi Delivers Tarot Guidance, Lucky Numbers, Fortunes & More on the Go
Secondary Mobile Devices
Meadow Was Made for Living in the Moment
Bright Screen-Free Kids Phones
The Tin Can Phone Brings Back Voice-Only Calling for Children
Satellite Communication-Focused Phones
Infinix Debuted the ‘Direct-To-Call’ Satellite Feature
Retro Audio Collections
Philips Moving Sound Lineup Includes Speakers, Earbuds, & Headphones
Revive Modern Film Cameras
Analogue Af-1 Updates 35mm Photography with LiDAR Autofocus
Retro Puzzle Block Computers
Lego Fan Build Recreates a Vintage Pc with Interchangeable Screens
Handheld Voice Recorder Toys
Smith Brands Introduced talkBAK at the Toy Fair New York
Adorable Mini Instant Cameras
The Retro Digital Toy Camera Brings Tiny Photo Capture to Keychains
Retro Software DIY Handhelds
DIY Retro Windows 98 Handheld Computer is Old-school Inside and Out
Romantic Hearing Aid Ads
Specsavers' Advance 65 is Positioned as "The Relationship Aid"
Chunky Retro Instant Cameras
The Polaroid Flip Instant Camera is a Designed for Analog-First Shots
Celebratory Centenary Camera Models
The Leica M11-D 100 Years of Leica Marks a Milestone
Playful Digital Detox Devices
The 'Cheaum' Concept Helps Users Overcome the Urge to Scroll
Swappable Keypad Cellphones
The Sidephone SP-01 Embraces Candy Bar-Inspired Devices
Collectible Mini Cameras
The Photo Creator Mini Cam Lets Kids Snap Photos Without a Phone
Tape Measurable Time Devices
The Setime Clock Concept Makes Time Tangible and Interactive
Historic Watch Auctions
The Phillips Decade One sale features the rare Patek Philippe Ref. 1518.
Swapped Phone Campaigns
KitKat Phone Break Depicts Devices Traded for Chocolate Wafer Bars
Nostalgic Digital Cameras
The Cs-8 Digital Video Camera Brings Back the Art of Filmmaking
Nostalgic Handheld Video Cameras
The Camp Snap CS-8 Video Camera Records onto SD Cards
Retro Messaging Devices
The PIPPO Pager Reimagines Digital Communication with Nostalgic Design
Retro Phone-Free Events
Before the Internet is on a Mission to Reconnect People in Real Life
Fashion-Forward Audio Design
The Luna Audio Concept Turns the Bluetooth Radio into Handbag Style
Global Guitar Searches
Gibson x Michael J. Fox Launch s Search for Lost Back to the Future Guitar
Analog Communication Projects
The Party Line by Matter Neuroscience Connects Boomers and Zoomers
Alternative Time Displays
Dozen Clock Offers A Creative Yet Accurate Timekeeping Experience
Revived Retro Tech Phones
Nothing Phone 3a Community Edition Brings Frosted Teal Design
Old-Fashioned Analog Camera Systems
The Alfie BOXX Camera Captures Images and Supports Developing
Pebble-Shaped Vlogging Cameras
The kyu Camera Captures Nine-Second Videos
Tactile Accessible Mobile Technologies
BlindShell Classic 2 Caters to Those with Visual Impairment
Analog Nostalgia Installations
Back to Basics II Celebrates Retro Tech with Vivid Paper Sculptures
Film-Themed Guitar Collections
Gibson Pays Homage to ‘Back to the Future’ with Lost to the Future
Retro Pastel Flip Clocks
Minimalist Flip Clock Concept Brings Retro Charm for Modern Desks
Phone-Free Cocktail Bars
Antagonist is a Charlotte Cocktail Bar That Locks Your Phone Away
Device-Free Coffee Shops
Silver Fox Coffee Boutique Bans Devices to Promote Human Connection
Digital Time Capsules
FromPast Lets Users Send Messages And Media To The Future
Analog Study Timers
The Roma Mk.1 by Tomato Clocks Uses Dual Dials for Focused Work
Elderly-Catered Journal Concepts
The Dual-Screen Journal Concept Captures Important Memories
Phone Software Updates
Google Launches March Pixel Drop With New Pixel And Android Features
Belle Époque Drinking Experiences
The Lost Estate’s Chat Noir Event Recreates 1896 Paris