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When it comes to keeping a timepiece on your wrist, you want something that is, above all else, convenient. Sure, elegant watches with tiny dials and leather straps can be great staple pieces, but sometimes, you just need to glance at your wrist, see the time, and move on with your day. Enter stage left: digital watches.
The beauty of a digital watch is how easy it is. You might prefer to use one every day, thanks to its convenience and affordability compared to analog watches, or, you might just like to keep one or two around to swap your analogs for while you're exercising, traveling, or anything else that might cause some wear and tear to your other timepieces. Below, we've gathered 12 of the best digital watches on the market, with picks perfect for everything from fancy dinners to working out.
Pros
- Shock resistant
- Sleek design with Quartz digital movement
Cons
- On the expensive side for digital watches
This digital watch is fairly standard, but that means it's got all the functions you want one to have. The resin strap is durable against wear and tear, and while it's designed to be with you for sports, you can get away with wearing it just about anywhere.
Case | 45mm |
---|---|
Water resistance | 200 meters |
best casual digital watch
Adidas Digital Two Black Resin Strap Watch
best casual digital watch
Adidas Digital Two Black Resin Strap Watch
Pros
- Cool retro look
- Has time and date display
Cons
- Only has basic functions
Adidas, of course, makes the ultimate sporty digital watch. This one is chic and sleek, with some gold metal hardware to seamlessly transition into finer occasions.
Case | 36mm |
---|---|
Water resistance | 50 meters |
best large digital watch
Nixon Regulus Digital Watch
best large digital watch
Nixon Regulus Digital Watch
Pros
- Rugged design
- Quartz movement
- Has day, date, and alarm functions
Cons
- Bulky appearance
For a standout piece that does it all, Nixon has a digital watch so damn good, it's basically a smartwatch. All the convenience you need, right on your wrist.
Case | 46mm |
---|---|
Water resistance | 100 meters |
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best elegant digital watch
Kenneth Cole Reaction Digital Brown Synthetic Leather Strap Watch
best elegant digital watch
Kenneth Cole Reaction Digital Brown Synthetic Leather Strap Watch
Pros
- Fashionable design
- Glare-free lens
Cons
- Leather strap is more prone to wear and scratching than metal or rubber
So, you want a digital watch that looks like an expensive analog watch. Fear not—this style has you more than covered. It pairs perfectly with dressy vibes, office clothes, and evening events.
Case | 47mm |
---|---|
Water resistance | 30 meters |
best athletic digital watch
Armitron Sport Quartz Fitness Watch
best athletic digital watch
Armitron Sport Quartz Fitness Watch
Now 14% Off
Pros
- Lightweight
- Has lap time function
- Silicone strap
Cons
- Less ideal for constant use
Affordable, durable, and functional, this sporty timepiece is perfect for hitting the gym. It has very basic functions, so it may not be your everyday timepiece, but it sure as hell is going to be your favorite workout partner.
Case | 43.5mm |
---|---|
Water resistance | 50 meters |
best retro digital watch
Ted Baker London '80s Digital Bracelet Watch
best retro digital watch
Ted Baker London '80s Digital Bracelet Watch
Pros
- Cool design
- Has all the basic functions
Cons
- Wrist strap isn't adjustable
Ted Baker London has a watch that looks retro, but feels modern. This one has a date and time display, plus a light-up face and alarm and stopwatch features.
Case | 35.5mm |
---|---|
Water resistance | None |
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best rose gold digital watch
A|X Armani Exchange Analog-Digital Polyurethane Strap Watch
best rose gold digital watch
A|X Armani Exchange Analog-Digital Polyurethane Strap Watch
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Elegant design
- Has analog and digital functions
Cons
- Rose gold is hard to match
For a bit of opulence, look no further. This rose gold digital watch has analog features as well, but the real highlight here is the stunning, bracelet-like strap.
Case | 46mm |
---|---|
Water resistance | 100 meters |
best sleek digital watch
Diesel Croco Digital Black-Tone Stainless Steel Watch
best sleek digital watch
Diesel Croco Digital Black-Tone Stainless Steel Watch
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Subtle appearance
- Has a two year warranty
Cons
- High price tag for a watch that performs only basic functions
Easy, effortless, and damn sleek, this croc-effect watch looks straight off a superhero's wrist.
Case | 34mm |
---|---|
Water resistance | 50 meters |
best OG digital watch
Timex T80 Digital Chronograph Bracelet Watch
best OG digital watch
Timex T80 Digital Chronograph Bracelet Watch
Pros
- Good for daily use
- Sleek design
Cons
- Water-resistant but not waterproof, so feel free to get caught in the rain, but don't swim
No matter how much you know about watches, you know the name Timex. The iconic brand's take on a digital watch has a sleek silver strap, plus water-resistance and every basic feature you'd need, so you can wear this everyday.
Case | 36.5mm |
---|---|
Water resistance | Minimal depth |
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Pros
- Super lightweight
- Has all basic functions
Cons
- Not good for formal occasions
For under 25 bucks, you can get a fully-functional, water-resistant digital watch that, quite frankly, has a distinctly dope, retro appeal.
Case | 33mm |
---|---|
Water resistance | Minimal depth |
best basic digital watch
Amazon Essentials Digital Chronograph Black Resin Strap Watch
best basic digital watch
Amazon Essentials Digital Chronograph Black Resin Strap Watch
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Has basic functions
Cons
- Bulky design
Of course, if you wanted to go even cheaper, Amazon Essentials' digital watch is less than $20. Yeah, you read that right—they do make watches at that price.
Case | 45mm |
---|---|
Water resistance | 50 meters |
Pros
- Crystal face
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Buyers report it's delicate and prone to breakage
Guess has one of the sleekest digital watches on the market, with a minimalist face and silicone strap. This one is great for everyday use, and includes a battery for the Japanese Quartz movement.
Case | 46mm |
---|---|
Water resistance | 10 meters |