Analog-digital watches are marvels of modern ingenuity. Rather than choosing between a timeless analog design or a more modern digital display, you can have both in a single watch that’s built to both last and please.
Digital-analog watches vary in price and durability. They also vary in quality and aesthetic appeal. Some ana-digi watches may have the shock resistance you’re looking for, but may lack that certain style that will tie together your entire wardrobe.
Don’t settle for a potential dud. We’ve tested plenty of contenders and pretenders for you, narrowing things down into an in-depth list of the 6 Best Ana-Digi Watches For 2021. We’ve also included a Frequently Asked Questions section to help you make a smart (and easy) purchasing decision.
Let’s get things underway with a classic Casio piece that costs about as much as a night at the movies for two.
The 6 Best Analog-Digital Watches For 2021
6) Casio AQ-230A-7BMQ Analog Digital Watch
- Elapsed time, split time and final time are measured with 1/100-sec accuracy
- The daily alarm reminds you of events that recur every day, by emitting an audible signal at the set time
- Once set, the automatic calendar always displays the correct date
- Times can be displayed in either a 12-hour or 24-hour format
Casio is well-known the world over for crafting some of the best digital watches at affordable prices. So, it makes sense that the Casio AQ-230A-7BMQ Analog-Digital Watch is our favorite budget ana-digi watch available right now. It’s simple, straightforward, and super stylish with a retro flair. The Arabic markers on the analog display are easy to read, and the white dial itself balances perfectly with the stainless steel band. It’s a low-cost stunner, to be sure.
Specs
Display Window Material: Resin Glass
Display Type: Analog-Digital
Clasp Style: Fold-Over Clasp
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 28 mm
Case Thickness: 9 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 20 mm
Strap Color: Silver
Dial Color: White
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- The Japanese quartz movement is quite precise.
- This watch is the cheapest on our list, and it’s not even close.
- Nobody does retro fits quite like Casio.
Cons
- This watch feels a bit flimsy compared to others on this countdown.
- The digital display is tiny and hard to read for those with sight impairments.
5) Breitling Professional Aerospace Evo Watch
- Model E7936310/F562-152S
For nearly four decades, the Breitling Professional Aerospace Evo Watch has been the luxury pilot’s watch of choice for many in the aviation game. While it doesn’t offer pilot smartwatch features like a dedicated pilot’s logbook, it does have a chronograph function that can double as a flight time recorder. Add in a glare-resistant sapphire crystal dial window, dual time zone feature, and a classic dark grey dial scheme with index markers and stylized Arabic numerals, and you’ll see why this watch simply soars sitting on your wrist.
Specs
Display Window Material: Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Analog-Digital
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Titanium
Case Diameter: 43 mm
Strap Material: Rubber
Strap Width: 22 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Gray
Movement: SwissQuartz
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Pros
- The brushed titanium case withstands anything and everything you might throw at it.
- We love the sapphire crystal dial window and how well it combats scuffing and glare.
- The included Swiss quartz movement rarely loses time.
Cons
- This watch will set you back a few thousand dollars at its normal retail price.
- It feels a little light on overall features for a watch at its price.
4) Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar II Watch
- Featuring a Green Band, Black Case, Scratch Resistant Tactile Sapphire Crystal
The Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar II Watch is the perfect blend of touchscreen ease and next-level sturdiness. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal dial window ensures that you won’t nick up your watch with normal everyday use. And the solar-powered Swiss quartz movement promises fantastic accuracy and intuitive charging with most light sources. The durable ceramic bezel is a real treat, and the entire list of sports watch features makes this an unbelievable value for under $1,000.
Specs
Display Window Material: Scratch-Resistant Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Analog-Digital
Clasp Style: Tang Buckle
Case Material: Titanium
Case Diameter: 45 mm
Case Thickness: 13.1 mm
Strap Material: Silicone
Strap Width: 22 mm
Strap Color: Green
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Bi-Directional Rotating
Movement: SwissQuartz
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Pros
- The touchscreen is quite easy to see in different lights, and it’s very responsive too!
- The titanium watch case and sapphire crystal lens will protect your watch throughout all your adventures.
- The high-quality Swiss quartz movement rarely experiences much in the way of clock drift.
Cons
- The overall construction is a bit on the sporty side. It’s not really versatile enough to double as a dress watch.
- The silicone strap is comfy. Yet, it’s not as durable as other straps on the list.
3) Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive A-T Quartz Watch
- Modern, pilot-inspired Promaster timepieces equipped for professional use to discover the world from high above.
- Synchronized Atomic Timekeeping Technology with Synchronized Time Adjustment Available in 43 World Cities, Perpetual Calendar, Dual Time (Second Time Zone), 2 Alarms, 99-Minute Countdown Timer, Digital Backlight Display, Power Reserve Indicator
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Anti-Reflective Mineral Crystal
- 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
One of our favorite pilot watches ever released, the Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive A-T Quartz Watch is a solar-powered stunner that’s as accurate as they come. The real draw for travelers is the atomic timekeeping capability with synchronized time adjustment for 43 different cities across the globe. No matter where you go, you’ll have a gorgeous timepiece wrapped around your wrist set to the exact right time. Also, Citizen’s patented Eco-Drive movement takes the littlest bit of light and turns it into power for hours on end.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog-Digital
Clasp Style: Push-Button Deployment Clasp
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 46 mm
Case Thickness: 15.5 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Length: 7.5 inches
Strap Width: 23 mm
Strap Color: Silver
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Eco-Drive U680 (Atomic Timekeeping)
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Pros
- The included Eco-Drive movement pushes solar power to its very limits.
- This watch is water-resistant down to 200 meters, making it a fantastic watch to take to the pool or beach.
- Forget stainless steel accents. The silver-tone stainless steel case and matching bracelet are as eye-catching as they come.
Cons
- This watch can be dizzying with all of its tiny letters, symbols, and numerals.
- The digital display is kind of small and doesn’t catch the eye with all the print on the dial.
2) Casio G-Shock GG-1000 Mudmaster G-Shock Watch
G-Shock watches are known for their shock-resistant casing and overall toughness. The Casio G-Shock GG-1000 Mudmaster G-Shock Watch goes even further with a mud-resistant construction and easy-to-use analog-digital interface. Want to take it rock climbing? Looking for a watch that can hike miles and miles with you in the pouring rain? This watch can do all of that and more! And, it also has classic Casio sports watch features like a day/date calendar, multiple time zones, stopwatch, and alarm functionality.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog-Digital
Case Material: Resin
Case Diameter: 56.2 mm
Case Thickness: 17.3 mm
Strap Material: Resin
Strap Color: Green
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Pros
- The orange accents on the dial really pop.
- The durable resin strap will keep its shape and tightness no matter how much you use it.
- Casio G-Shock watches receive more positive reviews online than pretty much any other series of watches for sale right now.
Cons
- This watch is huge. Smaller wrists need not apply.
- The dial is a bit bland compared to some of the dressier watches we’ve profiled here.
1) Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 Watch
If you’re going to purchase an analog-digital watch, why not trust a timepiece built to withstand the harshness and rigors of outer space travel? Back in 1998, Omega introduced the Speedmaster Professional X-33 — a gorgeous, sturdy timepiece built for high-speed pursuits. The new Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 Watch ups the ante for the series with removable analog hands, a liquid crystal display with an amazing backlight, and a brushed titanium case and sapphire crystal dial window trusted by the European Space Agency for its interstellar missions. Luxury and long-lasting power. That’s the Omega way.
Specs
Display Window Material: Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Digital-Analog
Clasp Style: TangBuckle
Case Material: Titanium
Case Diameter: 45 mm
Strap Material: Fabric
Strap Color: Blue
Dial Color: Blue
Movement: Swiss Quartz
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- The titanium case and sapphire crystal dial window are of unmatchable quality. This watch is constructed for the long haul.
- The option to remove the analog hands for easier viewing of the digital display is a really neat addition.
- Omega makes luxury watches for professionals in some of the most demanding jobs in the world (and the universe). You know you’re getting the very best of everything when you buy one of their timepieces.
Cons
- This watch only offers 30 meters of water resistance. Try to limit your time in the pool or bathtub with it.
- This is the most expensive watch on our list. The quality matches the investment, but it’s still extremely pricey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a digital-analog watch?
A digital-analog watch combines a digital display, analog display, and other smart features like a built-in GPS, built-in compass, perpetual calendar and/or full auto calendar, Bluetooth connectivity, ISA temperature display, synchronized time adjustment, dual-time feature, full daily alarm function and countdown timer, smart watch nuances, and the visual appeal of a truly handsome watch.
Analog displays and digital displays are not mutually exclusive. You can get the best of digital watches and analog watches in a true statement piece. There are affordable watches and luxury watches that qualify as analog-digital watches. In fact, we included both luxury brands and budget options on the list above!
Which watch is best, digital or analog?
The timeless aesthetic appeal of an analog watch is undeniable. Analog hands just have that something extra that’s fun to look at.
Yet, digital timepieces have other features and a general air that makes for a simply irresistible combination. Whether it’s a retro watch or a new watch with the latest modern technology, digital watches are a lot of fun.
Analog or digital? Digital or analog?
Why not choose both?!?
Whether you choose a smartwatch like the Apple Watch Series 6 or the Suunto Core, or true ana-digi watches like the ones on this list, the best digital watches and best analog watches are often one in the same.
Closing Thoughts
Don’t waste your time with other watches that promise plenty and deliver little. The six ana-digi watches on the list above are the cream of the watchmaking crop. With quality strap materials, vintage design schemes, and plenty of extra features, these analog-digital watches can’t be denied. And, many models on our countdown are available at affordable prices that won’t drain your bank account, so be sure to grab one before they sell out!