Honestly, it’s been years since Max Black and Caroline Channing slung their last order of "horrible" cupcakes at the Williamsburg Diner, but the internet just won't let it go. We are still obsessed. Specifically, people are still hunting for the 2 broke girls watch—that chunky, gold, slightly-too-big timepiece that Max Black (Kat Dennings) wore in almost every single episode.
It wasn't just a prop. It was a vibe.
When the show premiered on CBS back in 2011, it was supposed to be a gritty-ish sitcom about the wealth gap, but it quickly became a style guide for "broke-chic." While Caroline brought the high-fashion remnants of her former life (like that Chanel pearl necklace that survived the fall of her father's empire), Max brought the thrifter's dream. The watch was the anchor of her look. It was tough. It was loud. It looked like it could survive a bar fight and still tell you exactly when your shift ended.
People want it because it represents a specific era of television fashion where things didn't have to be dainty to be cool.
The Mystery of the Max Black Timepiece
If you’re looking for a specific brand name, things get a little murky, which is exactly what happens when costume designers do their jobs well. For years, fans on forums like Reddit and the now-defunct "Wear It On TV" sites debated whether it was a high-end designer piece or a cheap find from a Bushwick flea market.
The consensus? It’s a Casio.
Specifically, many eagle-eyed horologists and fans of show costume designer Trayce Gigi Field have pointed toward the Casio A168WG-9AV or similar vintage-style digital models. It’s a classic digital watch with a gold-tone stainless steel band. It’s got that backlight that barely works and a beep that’s loud enough to annoy everyone on the subway.
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But wait. There’s a twist.
Depending on the season, Max actually swapped her gear. While the gold Casio is the "holy grail" for most fans, she was also seen wearing an oversized Nixon watch in several episodes. Nixon was huge in the early 2010s. It was the brand for people who wanted to look like they skated or surfed, even if they actually just worked double shifts in a diner. The Nixon "Vega" or "Time Teller" models fit the profile—bold, chunky, and unapologetic.
Why the 2 Broke Girls Watch Became a Cult Icon
It's just a watch, right? Wrong.
In the context of the show, the watch served as a character foil. Caroline Channing (Beth Behrs) was draped in symbols of lost status. Her jewelry was a reminder of what she had. Max’s watch was a tool for what she did. She was the worker. She was the one keeping time because time was literally money she didn't have.
There's something incredibly nostalgic about that specific "cheap gold" aesthetic. It screams 2012 Brooklyn. It reminds us of a time when we weren't all wearing Apple Watches that track our heart rates and tell us we haven't stood up enough. Max's watch didn't care about her steps. It just told her she was late for the bus.
Breaking Down the Aesthetic
If you're trying to replicate the look, you have to understand the proportions. Max didn't wear a "women's" watch in the traditional sense. She wore something that looked like it belonged to a boyfriend or a grandfather.
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- Color: Yellow gold. Not rose gold. Not "champagne." We're talking that bright, slightly tacky, 1980s-inspired gold.
- Face: Rectangular for the Casio lovers; perfectly round and oversized for the Nixon fans.
- Vibe: Industrial. It should look heavy on the wrist.
Actually, the brilliance of the 2 broke girls watch choice by the wardrobe department was how it balanced Max’s waitress uniform. That mustard-and-burgundy polyester nightmare needed something metallic to break it up. The gold popped against the dull fabric. It was the only "expensive" looking thing she had, even if it only cost 40 bucks at a drugstore.
Where to Buy the 2 Broke Girls Watch Today
You can’t just walk into a mall and find the exact 2011 stock, but you can get remarkably close.
- The Casio Vintage Collection: This is your best bet. The A168WG-9 is still in production. It’s affordable, water-resistant enough to survive a spill at a diner, and looks identical to what Max wore in the early seasons.
- Nixon Time Teller: If you want the heavier, more substantial feel of the later seasons, the Nixon Time Teller in "All Gold" is the winner. It’s more of a statement piece and less of a "vintage" throwback.
- Resale Sites: Keep an eye on Poshmark or Depop. Search for "Max Black style watch" or "Vintage Gold Casio." You’d be surprised how many people are still selling these specifically because of the show’s influence.
Is it weird to buy a watch because of a sitcom that ended in 2017? Maybe. But fashion is cyclical. The "Indie Sleaze" revival of the mid-2020s has brought back everything from that era—smeared eyeliner, flannel shirts, and, yes, oversized digital watches.
The Wardrobe Legacy of Max and Caroline
We have to talk about Trayce Gigi Field for a second. She’s the genius who styled the show. She understood that Max and Caroline shouldn't just look "poor." They should look like people who are trying to maintain an identity despite being broke.
Caroline’s identity was "disgraced socialite," so she kept the pearls.
Max’s identity was "street-smart survivor," so she wore a watch that looked like it could double as a brass knuckle.
This contrast is why the show worked visually. If Max had worn a dainty, feminine watch, the character would have lost some of that "don't mess with me" edge. The watch was her armor. It’s why fans still search for it. We don't just want the accessory; we want the attitude that came with it.
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Common Misconceptions About the Props
Some people swear Max wore a Rolex. Let's be real: Max Black wouldn't own a Rolex unless she stole it, and she's too honest for that. Others think it was a Michael Kors—very popular at the time—but the MK watches of that era were too "sorority girl" for Max. They had too many crystals. Max’s watch was functional. It was matte or polished metal, no diamonds, no fluff.
The 2 broke girls watch was essentially the anti-luxury statement.
Actionable Steps to Nailing the Look
If you're ready to channel your inner Max Black, don't just stop at the watch. The look is a whole ecosystem.
- Go Digital: If you're choosing between analog and digital, go digital. The 80s-retro-digital look is more authentic to the "Max" persona.
- Size Up: Don't be afraid of a 38mm or 40mm face. It’s supposed to look a little bit too big for your wrist.
- Mix Your Metals: Max didn't care if her watch matched her rings (if she wore any). The gold watch is the centerpiece.
- The "Worn-In" Effect: A brand-new, super shiny watch looks a bit too "new money." Let it get a few scuffs. It adds character.
Basically, the goal isn't perfection. The goal is looking like you have somewhere better to be, but you're stuck here for another eight hours.
To get the most authentic version of the Max Black watch today, look for the Casio A168WG-9VT. It features the EL backlight, a daily alarm, and that iconic 1/100 second digital stopwatch. It’s currently retailing for around $50 to $65 depending on the seller, which is ironically a price point Max herself might have actually been able to save up for—provided she didn't spend it all on rent or a new pair of boots for Caroline.
Check the clasp when you buy. The vintage Casios have a sliding clasp that allows you to adjust the size without removing links, which is perfect for that slightly loose, "borrowed" fit that Max mastered. Secure the watch, find a vintage flannel, and start practicing your sarcastic one-liners.