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Digital watches indeed swept over the wristwear industry like wildfire upon their release, garnering intense adoration for their cutting-edge silhouettes, technical dials, and other interesting additions. But, like their mechanical predecessors, they too would falter, fizzle, and take a back seat to new, emerging technologies. Throughout the years, they’ve made somewhat of a steady comeback; especially within social circles and collector’s groups that vie for nostalgic, vintage timepieces. However, that doesn’t mean that there are contemporary models that haven’t adopted the digitized look. Below, we’ve aggregated some modern-day variants that are either homages or revisions of past models, as well as a handful of new-and-improved timekeepers that have been inspired by their predecessors. So slap on some ’80s music and lace up — we’re getting ready for a night on the town with our favorite digital watches for men.
Photo: HICONSUMPTION
How We Tested
Analog and mechanical watches have had their day. They’ve laid the groundwork for forthcoming options, they’ve been adorned by the most notable individuals, and they’ve helped to usher in the new era of timekeepers for the next-gen wearer. As times began to change, wearers beckoned manufacturers to create something a bit more “futuristic” — to adorn their watch faces in blocked numbering, lettering, and illumination. Thus, the age of digital was born. Today, digital watches are making a big comeback thanks to nostalgia and a heightened sense of utility; they’re stylish yet affordable timepieces that give you the time at a glance. That said, there are a lot of options available and it can get hard to sift through the noise.
For our guide, we wanted to get hands-on with the best digital watches available. For starters, we took a look at the current landscape and tapped into our own expertise of the most renowned and popular models out right now. We then made a short list of watches we thought could make the cut and tested them against an array of criteria, including aesthetic, function, fit, durability, battery life, and price. From there, we spent some time with each timepiece to see how comfortable each one was and came up with the list you see before you. You’ll see how it looks on-wrist below; our tester has a wrist size of around 7.75″, so keep that in mind. The entire process took a couple of weeks but we’re happy to present you with our favorites.
Video Guide: The Best Digital Watches For Men
Photos can only tell so much of the story, so we’ve highlighted the best digital watches in our 4k video review.
What to Look for
Durability: Like analog watches, the cases on digital watches can be made from stainless steel, titanium, and ceramic, but also often utilize a strong resin material that may increase the drop resistance. Because nothing is actually moving inside these non-mechanical timepieces, they’re relatively more resilient to shocks.
Battery Life: A battery on a digital watch can last upwards of 10 years at a time, which, as stated above, is an inherent benefit over analog. However, if the watch uses a standard battery instead of quartz, that longevity can be much less.
Appearance: This may be the only factor you look at when picking a digital watch, and for good reason. How a timepiece looks on our person can make us overlook any other issues it may possess. This will be up to personal preference but there are some excellent options available.
Features: Digital watches can be great for their features, which can often be added without much increase in the price tag. While certain models will be time-only, others may have a chronograph, alarms, time zones, and more.
Casio F91W-1
Best Cheap Digital Watch: One of the undeniable benefits of collecting digital watches is that they’re so darn inexpensive. However, with this current wave of ‘80s and ’90s nostalgia, brands have understandably taken advantage. Some options, as you’ll see, are over a grand. But no need to fear; you can always count on Casio to bring you formidable timepieces that won’t cost you more than a month’s cable bill. And as for the F91W, it won’t be more than just a few cups of coffee.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONContinuously in production since 1989, the F91W was Casio’s way of making their own version of the 5600 from their sublabel, G-SHOCK, which was released just a few years prior. This piece has been well used throughout the years, and for good reason. We love its accessible 35.2mm case size, 7 years of battery life, and plethora of features, including a stopwatch, hourly alarms, an automatic calendar, 12/24 hour time formats, and a built-in LED.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONDiameter: 35.2mm
Case Material: Resin
Water Resistance: 30m
Casio AE1200WH-1A
Best World Timer: One of the benefits of digital watches over their mechanical counterparts is the significantly reduced price. We’re talking a few hundred bucks over thousands (or tens of thousands) of dollars. However, if you’re looking for even more of a price reduction, look to some of Casio’s latest retro-style models, including this multi-function digital piece, which features a stopwatch/timer, a world time map, five alarms, 10 years of battery life, a bright LED illumination, and 100m of water resistance — and at just $30! There’s even a stainless steel version at the same price point.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONHoused in the black resin case, you’ll notice each function is displayed across several different screens, most notably the world time map, which is capable of cycling through 31 different time zones across the globe. We love how the watch feels on our wrist, with the 39.5mm case size feeling much smaller and lighter than it would seem. As a blast from the past, the Casio World Time feels straight out of the ’80s in a way that most retro revivals can only hope to achieve, for better or worse.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONDiameter: 39.5mm
Case Material: Resin
Water Resistance: 100m
Timex T80
Best Retro-Style Watch: Digital watches have a long history, meaning that many of the modern and contemporary variants that we know today had to come from somewhere. If you’re looking for a definitive “retro” model, check out the T80 from Timex, which was inspired by the brand’s very first digital watches from the ’70s and ’80s. Available in black, steel, and gold, the T80 features a matching expansion band that’s easy to take on and off. 34mm in diameter, the timepiece features an alarm function, a calendar display, and 30m of water resistance.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONAlthough there are a lot of digital timepieces with one foot in the past, the Timex T80 has an accessibility to it that most retro watches may not have. Despite the low price tag, the T80 still has a great deal of perceived value and you could reasonably get by wearing it to less casual functions, compared to something like the F91W above, which may be more reserved for relaxed or everyday scenarios. We loved the options available for the strap, especially the stainless steel unit that stretches to fit your wrist without needing adjustment.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONDiameter: 34mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 30m
Armitron Griffy
Best PSR Alternative: While a Hamilton PSR will cost you upwards of $1,000, the Armitron can be yours for just $70. Of course, the Griffy doesn’t have the pedigree or the prestige as the legendary Hamilton timepiece –– nor does it possess the build quality –– but it certainly echoes its competitor in style and minimalism. An updated version of the brand’s ’70s-era model, the Griffey reissue enlarges its numerals and swaps the LCD for LED.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONIn terms of size, the 34mm stainless steel case wears much larger than that thanks to the integrated bracelet. Function-wise, the watch features two side buttons, one of which turns on the time when the screen is blank. Pressing it a second time activates a calendar feature. The second button is used to set the time. We loved the plethora of case finish options and versatility. However, the bracelet feels flimsy and the clasp isn’t as secure as we’d hoped for. Nonetheless, this is a fantastic watch if you’re going for the OG aesthetic and don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONDiameter: 34mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 50m
G-SHOCK DW5600E-1V
Best Overall: If you want to purchase the definitive paragon of the digital watch, look no further than G-SHOCK — more specifically, the 5600 Series, an updated version of the brand’s first-ever timepiece from 1983. Sporting all the staples from the Casio sub-label, including 200m of water resistance, the easy-to-read display, and the user-friendly stopwatch/timer features, this DW5600E has a timeless aesthetic that transcends the very idea of retro reissue. G-SHOCKs seem to live forever (that’s not to mention the 10-year battery life) and this quintessential reference is proof.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONAside from the timeless appearance, the 5600 is possibly the most indestructible watch on the planet. Likewise, we’re big fans of how reliable the watch is as a whole, with its accurate time-telling thanks to its quartz movement which automatically synchronizes to a time code transmitted by a radio transmitter, as well as its Tough Solar, using not just the sun’s power for charging but certain man-made light as well. Like many G-SHOCKs, this piece wears much smaller than its larger size, while the black coat looks slimmer to the eye than a metal case version might be.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONDiameter: 42.8mm
Case Material: Resin
Water Resistance: 200m
Huckberry x TIMEX IRONMAN Flix Reissue
Best Performance Watch: First released in 1999, Timex’s IRONMAN Flix has become a favorite for endurance athletes, outdoorsmen, and first responders alike. Now, online retail curator Huckberry has partnered with the watch brand to bring back the Flix in one of the most faithful recreations possible. Housed inside of its 44mm resin case with 100m of water resistance is a display that favors legibility so you don’t have to stare at your wrist to figure out the time. Other returning features are the 5 alarms, countdown timer, 10-item memo pad, INDIGLO Night-Light illuminator, and a hands-free illumination option when you raise your arm. The only thing that’s changed here is the Lap Memory, which has increased from 30 to 100.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONThe IRONMAN Flix is staunchly purist in its tenets, foregoing many smart features in favor of a very ’90s functionality. There are no GPS or Bluetooth capabilities. As such, the features it does possess are fairly straightforward to use, at least once you get the hang of it, with 6 tangible buttons that activate its various capabilities.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONDiameter: 44mm
Case Material: Resin
Water Resistance: 100m
Yema LED
Best Dress-Style Watch: Retro reissues are not just a fun conversation starter but can be a way to connect you to a previous era, whether you lived through it or now. However, most digital watches might look out of place in dressier settings. And while we don’t recommend sporting the Yema LED for every dinner date, it’s certainly a solid option when the line is more blurred. Born out of the quartz crisis and subsequent digital watch craze in the ’70s and ’80s, this timepiece from the French watchmaker was revived just a few years back.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONLike the best digital watches, the Yema LED is never boring to look at. On the contrary. Despite its simplicity and time-date function, the piece is instantly striking because of its octagonal shape, a screen that extends to the edges of the face, and overall retro-futuristic aesthetic. At 37.5mm in diameter, the watch is comfortable and slim but still has a noticeable wrist presence that wears slightly larger due to its integrated-esque bracelet.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONDiameter: 37.5mm
Case Material: 316L stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100m
Bulova Computron
Best Driving Watch: Bulova’s Computron is one of the most abnormal watches on our list, but it’s earned its rightful place due to originality, retro commitment, and sleek design. Based on the 1976 original, it adopts a unique trapezoidal, stainless steel case, and expands its allure with the implementation of an eye-catching blue LED display, day/date window, and dual timezone capabilities. To keep the watch’s overall character cohesive and true, it’s rounded out by a well-coordinated stainless steel bracelet, calling upon a vintage-styled fold-over clasp closure and linkage to give it an appeal all its own.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONPerfect for driving due to an edge display that allows you to see the time without taking your hands off the steering wheel, the Computron’s utility matches its striking appearance. While it’s available in three colors, the gold- and silver-colored options will really catch people’s attention. However, our one complaint is that the current reissues use a polished finish as opposed to the horizontal brushing of the originals, which may bring a bit more maturity to the overall aesthetic.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONDiameter: 31mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 30m
Autodromo Group C Chronograph
Best for Car Enthusiasts: Watches and cars share a close bond, and when it comes to auto timepieces, there’s no better option than the chronograph. However, most chronograph options available are of the mechanical variety. Autodromo, a brand renowned for its assertive homages to the heyday of car racing in the ‘50s and ‘60s, has recently unveiled its first-ever digital watch range with the Group C Chronograph. Inspired by the namesake FIA race that went caput after the 1993 season, Autodromo has outfitted its quintet of 36mm steel timepieces in a sleek design language and colors similar to Group C icons of the era.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONUnlike other watches on this list, the Group C is not a reissue or reproduction. Rather, it’s a solely original timepiece inspired by a time gone by and an entire culture that doesn’t exist anymore. The four buttons on the sides of the case are incredibly straightforward when activating features such as its backlight or its chronograph functions. Unfortunately, the plethora of buttons means more points for water to get inside. As such, the Group C only has a depth rating of 30m, but treat that as “splash-resistant.” Still, at a mere 36mm, this piece wears accurately and will be a popular choice for fans of small watches.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONDiameter: 36mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 30m
Hamilton PSR Digital Quartz
Best Vintage Reissue: The digital watch world has every reason to thank Hamilton for releasing the Pulsar back in 1972, which became the first-ever timepiece with a digital display brought to market. Today, the Pulsar name is owned by Seiko and the watches mostly sport analog displays, but the PSR Digital Quartz model has been assigned to take direct inspiration from the godfather of digital watches. Minimalist in its time-only design, the PSR is 40.8mm in width, features a hybrid LCD/OLED digital display, and has a decidedly retro aesthetic, even if it won’t be as accessible as some other options on this list. However, the significance of the model it represents is great enough that it earns a spot on our list.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONPriced a little steep at over a grand, especially considering the 5-year lifespan, the PSR still attempts to rectify its battery-sucking LED screen by creating a function that keeps it at a low brightness until becoming brighter with the push of a button. Our biggest complaint is the lack of screw pins in the bracelet links; they’re only present in the end links. Also, the PSR swaps the “Pulsar” name on the bottom of the original’s case for the “Hamilton” brand name, which may irritate some fans of the ’70s watch.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONDiameter: 40.8mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 100m
OMEGA Speedmaster Skywalker X‑33
Best Analog/Digital Hybrid: When people think of OMEGA, they may recall the iconic divers and chronographs that helped change the game decades ago, and which are traditionally operated by mechanical movements. However, one of the Swiss brand’s most notable references is the Speedmaster Skywalker X-33, a quartz-powered chronograph that’s part of the Instruments line and housed in a 45mm grade 2 titanium case. Sporting the time in an analog display, the watch then has the capability of displaying the time digitally underneath. However, the watch also features a display for the chronograph function, three different time zones, and a perpetual calendar.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONSimilar to the Breitling Aerospace EVO, the Skywalker X-33 was developed for aerospace use, meeting the needs of astronauts as they launch into orbit. Being the first watch worn on the Moon, OMEGA has close ties with the U.S. Space Program and knows a thing or two about the requirements of space travel. Despite the steep price tag, the timepiece is every bit as masterfully constructed as you would expect from OMEGA. We love how the titanium is finished on the case, while the bidirectional bezel is a definite standout with matted color that plays nicely against the rest of the watch. Likewise, the buttons have a nice click to them that only adds to the tangible experience. The only drawback? 30m of water resistance makes this one of the lowest from the dive masters themselves.
Photo: HICONSUMPTIONDiameter: 45mm
Case Material: Grade 2 titanium
Water Resistance: 30m
What Is a Digital Watch?
Technically, any watch that displays the time as digital numbers rather than with traditional hands (also known as “analog”) can be considered a digital watch. And then there’s the term digital in reference to the technology used. In other words, digital watches use quartz or Lithium-ion batteries for power rather than mechanical movements.
Benefits of Digital Over Analog Watches
Hardcore watch enthusiasts may scoff at the idea of wearing a digital watch over an analog one. After all, analog watches are typically mechanical marvels; tiny accomplishments of science that can be exhibited on your wrist. However, there’s the matter of both cost and style that may have you leaning toward digital. For one, there are many digital watches that can be obtained for well under $100, with most of them coming in under $1,000. Digital timepieces also feature different styles than analog. They tend to be more retro in spirit, reminiscent of the very first timepieces we had in our youth.
Are Digital Watches the Same as Smartwatches?
The first thing you may be looking for in this guide is a quality smartwatch to buy. However, it must be noted that while smartwatches are technically digital watches, they’re not referred to as such in parlance. Smartwatches typically do much more than just tell time and are essentially just a smartphone for your wrist. The digital watches in this guide are time-tellers first and foremost, perhaps with one or two more functions related to telling time, such as alarms or a chronograph.
The Best Solar-Powered Watches
Photo: Seiko Prospex “Arnie” | HuckberryWant a timepiece with digital appeal, but don’t take kindly to changing batteries every year? Head over to our guide on the best solar-powered watches for men to check out some great examples that you won’t find dead when you need them most.
The best digital watches of 2024 might not be as popular after the success of smartwatches from Apple, Samsung and others, but they blend some of the best smartwatch features in a beautiful package.
You may be forgiven for forgetting about the humble digital watch. You know, those watches from Casio and Timex that put calendars, multiple alarms, time zones, and even fitness tracking on your wrist way before Silicon Valley got involved. These watches blend some of the features of smartwatches with the huge battery life of a digital timepiece while offering quirky, attention-grabbing designs and affordable prices.
Just because a watch is digital doesn't mean it can't be one of the best watches you can buy, these are often durable and utilitarian. Some can even be uber collectable and could become one of the best watches to invest in.
If you're looking for more watch-buying inspiration, then you should also read our guide to the best watches under £1000.
Here’s a selection of our favourite digital watches on sale today.
Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
If a watch could say ‘I mean business’...
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Rugged, stealth black design
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Offers 29 time zones
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Calendar pre-programmed until 2099
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Huge 51mm case
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Could be too chunky for some
The G-Shock GA 100 by Casio is a bulky 51mm watch which is designed to soak up abuse. It is water resistant to 200 metres, has an anti-magnetic structure to ensure its timekeeping stays accurate wherever you go, and there’s an LED backlight for seeing the time and other functions in the dark.
The watch face includes physical hour and minute hands, plus a second dial, two further complications, and two digital displays for showing the date, stopwatch (accurate to 1/1000th of a second), calendar and other functions.
When the Swiss go digital
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Swiss made quartz movement
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Water resistant to 100 metres
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Solar powered
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Not digital enough?
This is what happens when the Swiss get involved with making digital watches. Instead of merely slapping an LED display onto a military-grade rubber case, Tissot has produced a watch which is arguably more analogue than digital.
Time is kept with a Swiss quartz movement, and power is topped up thanks to a solar watch face. The 43mm case is protected by sapphire crystal and the watch is water resistant to 330 feet, or a whisker over 100 metres.
The titanium-bodied watch has over 20 different features, including multiple time zones and weather forecasts, plus an altimeter and compass. Strap options include silicone, leather and titanium.
Can watches be widescreen? Because this one is
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Unique widescreen design
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Altimetre, barometre, thermometre and compass
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Weather warnings
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At 50mm could be too large for some
More of a digital readout for your outdoor adventures than merely a watch, the Timex Expedition WS4 features a unique widescreen display which shows several pieces of information at once.
The watch measures a chunky 50mm across, and shows the time, weather, temperature and other information at a glance. It is water resistant to 50 metres and even alerts you if you exceed a user-defined altitude on your hike.
Other features include a 100-hour stopwatch, 24-hour countdown timer, two time zones, inclement weather warnings, and a screw-down battery hatch to make replacing the battery easier.
Embrace a bit of Eighties bling
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Iconic design
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Compact
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All the kids have one!
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Perhaps a bit too look-at-me
You could buy a classic Casio in black like a normal person, but where’s the fun in that? This shiny gold model screams Eighties chinz while still being something of a bargain.
Like all Casio’s of this style, the A168WG is compact and unobtrusive on the wrist, at just 34mm across. It features a simple digital display with time, day and date always on show, and there is a stopwatch, daily alarm and optional hourly chime.
Naturally, a lot of the buying process here is down to personal preference. Which watch fits best? Which has the features you want? Which best compliments your personal style?
There are other considerations too, of course. Do you want a digital watch the size of a wall clock and which looks like it could single-handedly save you from an avalanche? Would you like a classic Casio, complete with exam-busting calculator? Or do you prefer a watch which offers traditional hands and a digital display in one place?
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