5 of the best ana-digi watches

Buffy Acacia

The term “ana-digi” can be a little confusing, but it’s simply this: ana-digi watches combine an analog main time display (i.e. an hours and seconds hand, at least) with digital display(s) for additional functions. The term is almost always used to denote quartz watches which integrate LCD displays into traditional analogue dials.

Now, there are a lot of watch enthusiasts who can’t see the point of hybridising analogue and digital watches. After all, wouldn’t you want something that clings either to tradition or purely to function? Well, watches are a more complicated accessory than that. We don’t always like them to do just one thing, and sometimes having the best and the worst of both worlds can still lead to great results. To prove it, here are 5 of the best ana-digi watches.

Casio G-SHOCK ‘CasiOak’ GA2100

Pretty much as soon as the Casio G-SHOCK GA2100 series dropped, the watch world went nuts for it. Echoing the Genta-designed classic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in a resin case, this affordable gem has been fuelled by streetwear style and an abundance of colours. The CasiOak nickname was a no-brainer, and G-SHOCK has followed up its 2019 with heaps more references for all tastes. Besides being one of their toughest-looking watches, it’s packed with functionality thanks to the analogue and digital displays. There’s not enough space here to list all of its features, but the highlights include a slim 11.8mm profile, 200m water resistance, a world timer, a stopwatch, and a perpetual calendar. Price: A$279

Breitling Aerospace EVO

Just because Breitling has been refining their collections in recent years, doesn’t mean they’ve lost any of their bulky ‘80s flair. The Aerospace EVO is a golden example of how totally outdated styles can still be cool, and although it’s had some changes, it clearly shows its lineage from 1985. The crown can be used to activate a 1/100th of a second chronograph, plus other digital features like alarms and calendars, while the rest of the steel case bears all the hallmarks of a luxury pilot’s watch. Even the bracelet has some quirky charms with angled links standing out significantly. Price: A$5,990

Seiko Prospex ‘Arnie’ SNJ025

Worn by Hollywood’s favourite muscle man Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1985 film Commando, this hybrid monster has been lovingly given the nickname ‘Arnie’ in distinction to the non-digital ‘Tuna’. The case, round and fat like a tuna can, is a hulking 50.5mm in diameter. That sounds huge, but the 47.8mm lug-to-lug length makes it surprisingly wearable. This modern reference under Seiko’s Prospex range features pushers on the left side of the case for the digital functions above 12 o’clock, while the rest of the dial feels like a classic Seiko diver. It’s also solar-powered, charging both the battery as well as the LumiBrite which lets you read it in darkness. Price: A$799

Citizen JG2105-93E

This reference from Citizen is also based on a watch from the 1980s, but unlike the other ana-digi watches on this list, it’s far more digital than analogue. What its analogue dial lacks in size it makes up for in having a second dial for dual-time functionality, below which lie the watch’s digital aspects. The left side displays the program, the right side has LCD displays, and the lower flange of the case has a sensor for a very rare thermometer complication. The all-black finish of this particular reference has a powerful sleekness about it, and the 33mm case width wears well as a unisex model. Price: A$599

Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33

As you could probably guess from its franchise-associated name, the Omega Speedster Skywalker X-33 is inspired by science fiction as well as real space travel. Given that Omega is an authority on watches in space, having been partnered with NASA since the ‘60s, they know exactly what an astronaut needs on their wrist as technology evolves. Its design is derivative of the Speedmaster Moonwatch we all know and love, but features a 45mm titanium case and a digital display occupying a large section of the dial. The dark grey is seamlessly integrated so it looks like the numerals are floating in place, giving you quick access to the chronograph, world time, alarm, and perpetual calendar functions. Price: A$9,650