Before smartwatches took the spotlight, there was another type of techie timepiece wrapped proudly around the wrist of the world’s fashion-forward men. Featuring stylish silhouettes and technical dials, digital watches were the modern alternative to the analog designs next-gen wearers were growing tired of.
However, while their introduction to the world of watches was welcomed, they often lacked a little in appearance. Just being honest. Nowadays, things look very different. The best digital watches for men offer a slew of high-tech, practical features and charmingly good looks even Rolex would envy.
Not just a one-trick pony, the best digital watches for men manage to produce the best of both worlds—proving just as popular with Apple lovers as they are with the fashion elite. Keep reading, and you’ll find some of the finest modern-day variants. From classic Casios to military favorites, we’ve pulled together the latest designs that deserve to be in every guy’s collection.
Our Top Picks
Casio’s G-Shock segment is one of the most popular performance watch lines on the market. Its portfolio includes a range of robust yet stylish designs suitable for every day. If you like your watches on the chunky side, this wristwear will be right up your street. If you don’t, it’s best to look for a slimmer model.
The ultimate all-rounder boasts a black-and-blue dial with a shock-resistant 45mm case. Yes, it’s durable enough for clumsy chaps or guys working manual labor. And the countdown timer and 1/1000-second stopwatch come in handy at the gym. You can safely wear it in water, but just don’t go deep-sea diving.
Material: Resin | Diameter: 45mm | Strap: Shock-Resistant | Colors Available: Black | Waterproof: Yes
So it turns out Casio is pretty clued up when it comes to the best digital watches for men. But you knew that by now, right? Here we have another, and it’s the kind no surfer, or self-confessed water baby, should be without.
Whether you’re locked in a killer wave or paddling in the ocean, the G-Lide is your trusty (and stylish) companion. Water-resistant up to 200 meters, it’s equipped with tide graphs and moon data functions. Plus, it has the ability to track the miles you’ve racked up and how long it’s taken—perfect for casual swimmers too.
Material: Resin | Diameter: 51mm | Strap: Resin | Colors Available: Turquoise | Waterproof: Yes
As far as the best digital watches for men go, few can top the Casio A168WG-9. Bursting with 80s retro appeal, it’s a truly timeless design that looks just as good with a T-shirt and jeans as it does with a tailored suit. The throwback style still comes fitted with all the futuristic details you love, though.
Backlight, stopwatch, alarm, and you even get a calendar. It’s pretty clear why this Casio won the vintage slot in our best digital watches for men guide. The seven-year battery life doesn’t hurt either.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 35mm | Strap: Stainless Steel | Colors Available: Gold | Waterproof: Yes
A successful fishing trip doesn’t just require time, patience, and skill. You also need the proper tools. These are the best digital watches for men who want the perfect option for stylish anglers. It’s designed with four outdoor function modes, which will come in super handy wherever you’re setting up shop.
Not stopping there, you’ll also find a barometer and altimeter, plus storm warning functions, so you know when to call it quits. The weather forecast feature will give you a heads up on the conditions, and there’s real-time air pressure for storage points. Perhaps the most impressive feature is the tracking, allowing you to keep tabs on up to six fishing spots.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 53mm | Strap: PU | Colors Available: Black | Waterproof: Yes
Wherever your worldly travels take you, Casio’s Wave Ceptor LCD digital watch is perfect for backpackers and jet-setters alike. Its main selling point is the atomic timing feature, so you can focus more on exploring and less on what time zone you’re in. And if you’re more of a rough adventurer, Casio equipped this beauty with durable mineral glass and shock resistance. Wander with peace of mind and an accurate time.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 44mm | Strap: Plastic | Colors Available: Black | Waterproof: Yes
If you’re into modern style, you clearly need a modern watch. Here it is. The V01MKII offers a minimalist approach that looks slick enough to wear with your favorite tailored suits and formal shirts. The design is unique, so it’s not the kind of timepiece you’ll see your friends wearing.
The square shape gives you a masculine edge. But the stainless steel case and sapphire crystal face offer some valuable protection from knocks and bumps. If you’re wearing it during the evening, the backlight helps you tell the time in the dark. It’s not the best for underwater activities, but it can be worn in depths of up to 50 meters.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 42mm | Strap: Stainless Steel | Colors Available: Black | Waterproof: Yes
Braun doesn’t just offer great electric shavers. They’re also pretty good at making the best digital watches for men too. The BN0106 looks like the kind of thing that 1970s James Bond would have worn—so it’s great for retro-loving gentlemen. Housed in a stainless steel case, it offers a full calendar, countdown timer, alarm, and second-time zone. It’s water-resistant up to 30 meters, which means it’ll withstand splashes or brief immersion in water. Be aware that it’s not suitable for swimming or bathing.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 42mm | Strap: Polyurethane | Colors Available: Black | Waterproof: Yes
When it comes to improving your sporting performance, the watch you choose can play a big part in your success. The Ironman won’t perform miracles of smart tracking, but it does include more than enough handy functions to help you hit your personal best. The 100-lap stopwatch memory, customizable alarm, and interval/countdown timers for starters. And the large display and fast five-button face are an extra bonus. It’s also water-resistant to 100 meters for our more water-based fellas.
Material: Resin | Diameter: 44mm | Strap: Plastic | Colors Available: Black | Waterproof: Yes
For those on a budget, these are the best digital watches for men – Youwen is excellent value for money. Sporty yet smart, it offers a wide range of functions. That’s also for a fraction of the price you’d pay for one of its more costly rivals. And it’s not only the plethora of features that are impressive. It looks like it would cost far more than it actually does too.
This is in part thanks to the stripped-down design. It does away with any unnecessary detailing which could otherwise cheapen its appearance (less is more, after all). The LED display screen is crystal clear and shows dual time. You’ll also find a stopwatch, daily alarm, and automatic calendar.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 41mm | Strap: Silicone | Colors Available: Black. Gray, Blue, + | Waterproof: Yes
They say you should never judge a book by its cover, but you’d be right in thinking Diesel’s Crusher watch is more than just a pretty face. Stylish and practical in equal measure, it features a negative display screen for easy reading in low light conditions. Telling the time in bars just got a little easier, especially after a few whiskeys.
As you’ve come to expect with the best digital watches for men, there’s also a stopwatch function. You could use yours while cooking up a storm in the kitchen. We’re wearing ours basically everywhere—it’s the kind of timepiece that’ll never look out of place.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 46mm | Strap: Nylon | Colors Available: Grey, Red, Black, + | Waterproof: Yes
We’re not exaggerating when we say the right watch can save your life. Whether you’re lost in the wilderness or hiking in a blizzard, a tactical watch can help get you out of the trickiest of situations.
Heavy-duty and highly specialized, this offering from AOSLSI will keep you on the move whatever the elements throw at you. And it doesn’t just give you the current temperature and predicted weather forecast. the altimeter records your current elevation, and the barometer displays the sea level pressure. Not bad.
Material: ABS | Diameter: 53mm | Strap: TPU | Colors Available: Black | Waterproof: Yes
The Tissot T-Touch II isn’t cheap, but you can clearly see why. Combining stylish design with unrivaled performance, you could mistake it for your everyday dress watch (which it can certainly be). But it’s actually the perfect piece for hikers and outdoor adventurers.
You’d never know by looking at it, but it has features like a thermometer, compass, and altimeter. So whether you’re on top of a mountain or in the jungle, it can safely—and stylishly—accompany you on the journey of your choice.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 43mm | Strap: Stainless Steel | Colors Available: Silver | Waterproof: Yes
This NIXON digital watch offers performance, practicality, and comfort—all at an affordable price point. It might not be as useful as a smartwatch, but it’s more than capable of providing helpful tools for runners.
Engineered for a minimal profile, the custom LCD module and timer options give athletes optimum functionality in a featherweight design. It proudly offers a range of useful features, but our favorite is the 60-second “SEND IT!” notification. It gives you the kind of encouragement you usually have to pay for via a personal trainer. This motivational message will help push you through the finish line and make you feel all the better for it.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 38mm | Strap: Rubber | Colors Available: Black, Blue, Silver, + | Waterproof: Yes
If you like the best digital watches for men fuss-free, this minimalistic design from Void should be the very first on your shopping list. Designed by Michael Young, it’s part of the label’s ‘Permanent’ collection. The futuristic stainless steel case is the kind you’d expect to see on the wrist of Admiral James T. Kirk.
The simple digital LCD display is easy to read, while there’s a belt buckle that’s held to your wrist by a comfortable woven nylon strap. What’s particularly great about this watch is that the strap is changeable and comes in a wide range of colors. We’ll be investing in a few for ultimate versatility. We suggest the black for the working week and something colorful for the weekend.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 36mm | Strap: Nylon | Colors Available: Silver, Copper, Black, + | Waterproof: Yes
Bulova’s Computron watch wouldn’t look out of place in the latest Star Wars movie, but we’re wearing ours at the weekend with some smart-casual favorites. Think button-down shirts, graphics tees, chinos, and high-top Chucks.
A must-have for those looking for originality, it showcases a unique trapezoidal stainless steel case with an eye-catching red LED display. Don’t forget to pack yours for your next vacation. The dual timezone capabilities will come in handy wherever you end up.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 30mm | Strap: Stainless Steel | Colors Available: Gold | Waterproof: Yes
Remember when mom would give you life lessons, and she would say, “you can’t have the best of both worlds.” No? Just me? Well, anyway, turns out you actually can—you were wrong, mom.
Casio’s EFA120D-1AVA watch perfectly combines analog with digital in the best tag team since Jeff and Matt Hardy. The stainless steel case is smart enough to wear with a suit but durable enough to participate in some sports. It showcases a bunch of awesome features, but the stand-out is its temperature function (which updates every two minutes). Plus, the auto light, which turns on as you turn the watch towards your face.
Material: Stainless Steel | Diameter: 44mm | Strap: Stainless Steel | Colors Available: Silver | Waterproof: Yes
What To Look For When Searching For The Best Digital Watches For Men
Battery
A dead digital watch is about as much use as a chocolate teapot, so make sure you choose one with a high-quality battery. Internal recharging capabilities are best, while solar capacity and extensive battery life are highly desirable. Generally speaking, the battery of a modern digital watch should last for at least two years. However, in some cases, they can carry on for four, five, or even six years.
Water Resistant
Putting appearance to one side for a minute, if you want to get the most out of the best digital watches for men, it will need to be water-resistant. Before parting with your hard-earned cash, take some time to see how much water it can cope with. Some watches can barely make it through a trickle of rain, whereas others are more than capable of accompanying you on your morning swim. It really comes down to where and how often you’ll be using your new wristwear.
Display
While some of the best digital watches for men resemble the cockpit of a Boeing 747, plenty offer a far more simplistic design. Truth is, we all like something different—it’s what makes us individual. Just find what works best for you. Oh, and check the screen dimensions too. If you struggle to read small numbers, you’ll want to choose something with a bigger face. You don’t want to be that guy struggling to tell the time…
FAQ
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Naturally, much of the buying process comes down to personal preference. There will be certain watches that work better for some than others. You should firstly look at what fits you best and complements your personal style.
Once you’ve found something you like the look of, we recommend taking some time to go over all of its features. It can be helpful to make a note of what you are after beforehand, and then you can see what matches up with your expectations.
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With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to separate the bad from the good. While no brand can officially claim to have the best digital watches for men, a select few have been in the game long enough to have earned the unwavering respect of the wristwear industry. If you’re looking for reliable labels that never fail to disappoint, look out for designs from Casio, Tissot, and Timex—to name but a few.
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You’ve decided you want to buy a digital watch, but do you know what you should be looking for? A good digital watch will strike the perfect balance between form and function. Not just visually attractive, they’re durable, comfortable, and easy to use.
Every watch is different, but certain features are a must-have. As a rule of thumb, the best digital watches will have features like water resistance, an LCD display, and long-lasting battery life. Alarm, stopwatches, and backlights are always welcome additions too.
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