The 6 Best Analog-Digital Watches (2026)

What exactly is “ana-digi”?

There’s one type of watch that has seemed like a relic of the past several times. And each time, it has made a comeback in one way or another. We’re talking about ana-digi watches—models that combine classic analog hands with a digital display. At first glance, it might seem like a bit of a strange combination. Why have hands on a watch when we already have a digital display? And why have a digital display when we’ve just decided to wear an analog watch?

But that’s precisely what makes ana-digi watches so special. The hands remain an intuitive and quick way to tell time, while the digital display can handle everything else—stopwatch, alarm clock, second time zone, date, countdown, alarm, or a whole range of other functions. In other words: the best of both analog and digital watches in a single case.

And even though analog-digital watches experienced their biggest boom primarily in the 1980s and 1990s, they are by no means just a nostalgic fad. Today, they range from affordable Casio models to outdoor-oriented Citizen watches and even the legendary Breitling Aerospace.

The following selection shows just how broad this category really is. And yes, some of them have some truly interesting stories behind them.

A Brief Journey Through History

Before we dive into the selection itself, analog-digital watches deserve a bit of historical context. The combination of analog and digital displays isn’t some invention from the 1990s. Citizen introduced its first full-fledged analog-digital model as early as 1978. The model, featuring the 8900 caliber, combined analog and digital elements at a time when digital watches were among the most exciting technological innovations. Two years later, Citizen introduced another model, this time with an analog display as the main feature and a digital display for supplementary functions.

Ana-digi watches weren’t created because anyone was unsure whether to make analog or digital watches. Their purpose was to combine the best of both worlds. The hands were clear and traditional, while the digital display could show functions that would have required numerous subdials on a classic watch face.

In the 1980s and especially the 1990s, analog-digital watches became a symbol of technologically advanced sports equipment. And it’s no coincidence that their story is so often intertwined with the military, aviation, and action movies.

Arnold, Rambo, and Other Action Heroes

When talking about ana-digi watches, it’s practically impossible not to mention the Seiko H558, which later came to be nicknamed “Arnie.” Arnold Schwarzenegger wore it, for example, in the movies *Commando* and *Predator*, and it was precisely this association with his imposing physique and action roles that helped make the watch one of the most famous analog-digital models ever. Seiko later revisited this legacy with modern reinterpretations.

And then there’s the Chronosport UDT. Originally designed as a rugged tool for military use, this watch also appeared on the wrist of Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo. The original UDT combined analog time with digital functions, and it was this concept that later became the basis for several modern revivals of the model.

But the list of cinematic and military stories doesn’t end there. The ana-digi design has also become very popular among pilots. One of the best-known examples is the Breitling Aerospace, whose history dates back to 1985. This shows why ana-digi watches have survived an era that should have buried them long ago. They aren’t just retro. They make sense as a tool.

1. Breitling Aerospace Evo

If there were a list of must-have analog-digital watches, the Breitling Aerospace would practically be a must-have on it.

The model’s history began in 1985, when Breitling introduced the Aerospace as a multifunction chronograph that combined Swiss watchmaking tradition with what was then cutting-edge electronic technology. The current Aerospace Evo builds directly on this history and retains the characteristic combination of analog hands and digital displays.

At the same time, it’s a great example of how an analog-digital watch doesn’t have to look cheap, retro, or like a toy. The titanium case has a diameter of 43 mm and is only 10.8 mm thick. So you’ll have a relatively large yet very lightweight watch on your wrist. It features a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides and is water-resistant to 100 meters.

Breitling has equipped this model with the thermally compensated SuperQuartz Caliber 79, which offers, among other features, a chronograph accurate to 1/100 of a second, a countdown timer, a second time zone, an alarm, a calendar, and a minute repeater.

And then there’s one more aspect that sets the Aerospace apart: unit watches. In the past, the Breitling Aerospace became a popular base model for watches created for specific air force units and squadrons. For example, there are Aerospace models customized for A-10, F-16, and F-18 pilots, and similar custom models have also appeared for other military units. Thanks to this, the Aerospace has lost virtually none of its appeal since its inception. It is an analog-digital watch that has managed to transcend the boundaries of its era.

Specifications

• Case dimensions: 43 x 10.8 mm
• Case material: titanium
• Lens: sapphire with an anti-reflective coating
• Water resistance: 100 m
• Movement: Breitling 79 SuperQuartz
• Functions: 1/100-second chronograph, countdown timer, second time zone, alarm, calendar

2. Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive 35th Anniversary JV1007-07E

Citizen deserves its own article just on its ana-digi watches. And maybe even an entire book. The brand’s history in this category is truly long, dating back to the late 1970s. That’s why, this time, I didn’t try to pick “the best Citizen ana-digi ever,” but rather a model that caught our attention so much that it even appeared in our “Watch of the Month” column. And it’s not hard to see why.

The JV1007-07E is a model celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Promaster series and, at the same time, serves as a superb example of how far analog-digital watches have come over the past few decades. At first glance, it looks a bit like a watch from the future. The robust steel case is complemented by a black dial, bold hands, and a digital display located at the top. The display also uses modern MIP technology, so it doesn’t look like a display from a digital watch from the 1990s.

Under the hood, you’ll find the new Citizen U822 with Eco-Drive technology, which means the watch draws energy from light. According to available data, a fully charged battery can last for up to approximately one year without needing to be recharged. And there are plenty of features. The watch offers a chronograph, countdown timer, alarm, second time zone, automatic calendar, and a power reserve indicator. It also features a compass bezel controlled by the crown at the 8 o’clock position.

Add to that a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating and water resistance up to 200 meters. This isn’t just nostalgia for analog-digital watches. It’s a modern outdoor tool that has simply drawn inspiration from its past. And by the way, our internal survey confirms that Citizen has hit the mark. The model took first place in the 2024 Watch of the Year awards, and Jirka described it as a rugged, outdoor, solar-powered watch—one that, in his view, would be “perfect” if only it had a titanium case and radio-controlled time.

Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive Promaster 35th Anniversary JV1007-07E

14 700 €

The Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive JV1007-07E is the ideal choice for both active athletes and casual wearers. The watch impresses not only with its design, but also with features such as the Eco-Drive, which provides power by light energy (no need to change the battery). This model celebrates 35 years of the Promaster

Go to e-shop In stock 2 pcs — tomorrow 30. 9. at your place

Specifications

• Case dimensions: 43.5 x 14 mm
• Case material: stainless steel
• Lens: sapphire with an anti-reflective coating
• Water resistance: 200 m
• Movement: Citizen U822 Eco-Drive
• Functions: chronograph, countdown timer, alarm, second time zone, calendar, compass

3. Casio G-Shock GG-B100-1A3ER Mudmaster

The GG-B100 Mudmaster is exactly the kind of watch that doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. It’s large, rugged, and packed with features. And most importantly—its analog hands aren’t just a design accessory to the digital display. Combined with the display, they allow you to quickly check the time and the measured data.

The case features a Carbon Core Guard design and carbon fiber. Casio has also enhanced its resistance to mud and dust. The case measures 55.4 × 51.3 mm and is 19.4 mm thick, so definitely don’t expect a slim watch here. The reward, however, is 200-meter water resistance and truly robust durability.

And what can it do? It features a digital compass, barometer, altimeter, and thermometer. It also includes a pedometer, stopwatch, countdown timer, world time, and five daily alarms. Thanks to Bluetooth, it can also connect to your phone and offer features such as automatic time setting and the Mission Log function.

Interestingly, G-Shock actually takes the ana-digi concept a step further. The analog portion remains instantly readable, while the digital display functions like a small onboard computer. It’s the kind of watch that makes you realize why the ana-digi combination was created in the first place.

Casio G-Shock GG-B100-1A3ER Mudmaster

10 390 €

Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GG-B100-1A3ER is a watch that feels at home in harsh and adverse natural conditions, it offers its owners a large number of functions, modern design, all covered by high durability, which is supported by a new case construction…

Go to e-shop In stock 3 pcs — tomorrow 30. 9. at your place

Specifications

• Case dimensions: 55.4 x 19.4 mm
• Case material: carbon and resin
• Glass: mineral
• Water resistance: 200 m
• Features: compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, pedometer, world time, stopwatch, countdown timer, alarm, Bluetooth

4. Casio Pro Trek PRW-6600YB-3

While the GG-B100 is a classic G-Shock designed for truly harsh conditions, the Pro Trek PRW-6600 is its outdoor counterpart, with a slightly greater focus on outdoor adventures.

The analog-digital design takes on a very practical role here. The hands provide a classic way to tell time, while the digital display makes room for all the data from the sensors—and there’s plenty of it. The Trek PRW-6600YB-3 features a triple sensor—an altimeter, barometer, and thermometer—and, of course, a digital compass. It also includes Multi Band 6 radio-controlled time and Tough Solar solar power.

The watch measures 51.6 × 51.5 mm, is 13.6 mm thick, and weighs just 66 grams. Compared to the Mudmaster, it feels significantly lighter, which is quite an important feature when wearing it all day in the mountains.

The design of the hands is also very interesting. When certain data is being measured, they can move out of the way so they don’t obscure the digital display. It’s precisely these kinds of details that show the combination of analog and digital isn’t just for show. And, of course, it includes classic features such as a stopwatch, countdown timer, world time, alarm, and automatic calendar. The Pro Trek is a wonderful example of how an analog-digital watch doesn’t have to be retro. It can simply be practical.

Casio Protrek PRW-6600YB-3ER

10 390 €

The Casio Protrek PRW 6600YB-3 is a men's watch designed for sports and outdoor activities, which offers its owners a large number of functions along with efficient and robust processing…

Go to e-shop In stock 4 pcs — tomorrow 30. 9. at your place

Specifications

• Case dimensions: 51.6 × 13.6 mm
• Case material: resin and stainless steel
• Glass: mineral
• Water resistance: 100 m
• Movement: 5571
• Functions: compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, world time, stopwatch, countdown timer, alarm

5. Momentum UDT Solar 42 mm Black-Ion

And now, let’s take a brief trip back to the ’80s. If we mentioned Rambo and the Chronosport UDT at the beginning, the Momentum UDT Solar is their modern successor. The original UDT watches were created in the ’80s as rugged timepieces for military and professional use and were made famous, among other things, by Sylvester Stallone as Rambo. The modern Momentum directly builds on that design.

This isn’t just another watch that borrows the name of a famous predecessor. The underlying philosophy remains the same: a simple, durable tool that offers as many practical features as possible.

➡️ Did you know: Momentum has direct family and ownership ties to the original Chronosport, yet it is a separate brand of St. Moritz Watch Corp. Before founding Momentum, the family of its current owners owned Chronosport, a watchmaking company that produced sports and diving watches in the 1970s and 1980s.

The stainless steel case, with a diameter of 42 mm and a height of 11.7 mm, features a matte black finish achieved through ion plating (IP). Thanks to the short lug-to-lug width of 47 mm, it should feel significantly more compact on the wrist than its diameter alone would suggest.

Inside, it’s powered by a Japanese AB12A solar movement. It features a chronograph, a second time zone, an alarm, a date display, and a day-of-the-week indicator. The digital display is complemented by analog hands, and the watch is water-resistant to 200 meters. The sapphire crystal is a welcome feature.

Momentum has thus managed to take the design of watches that were once associated with military units and action movies and bring it into the present day without losing their original character.

Specifications

• Case dimensions: 42 x 11.7 mm
• Case material: stainless steel with a black IP coating
• Lens: sapphire
• Water resistance: 200 m
• Movement: Seiko/Epson AB12A
• Functions: chronograph, second time zone, alarm, day and date

6. Casio Wave Ceptor LCW-M170TD-1A

To ensure our selection isn’t limited to just outdoor and military-style watches, we also need something more casual. And that’s exactly why the Casio Wave Ceptor LCW-M170TD-1A is here. At first glance, it looks almost like an ordinary sporty-elegant watch. No giant case, no bezel covered in logos, no carbon fiber. Just a clean dial, hands, and a discreet digital display.

Both the case and the bracelet are made of titanium, which keeps the watch’s weight down to just 80 grams. The case has a diameter of 40 mm and a height of only 9 mm. For an analog-digital watch, that’s a really nice, compact combination.

The digital display shows the date, day of the week, stopwatch, alarm, countdown timer, and world times. And since this is part of the Wave Ceptor series, it also features radio-controlled time. Power is provided by Tough Solar. And then there’s the sapphire crystal, which is definitely a welcome feature in a watch of this category.

The LCW-M170TD-1A thus demonstrates another important feature of analog-digital watches: they don’t always have to be flashy. They don’t have to look like special forces gear. They can be quite elegant and understated, and the digital display can serve as a useful complement to the classic analog dial.

Casio LCW-M170TD-1AER

7 790 €

The Casio Wave Ceptor LCW M170TD-1A is a men's sports watch that is powered by solar energy combined with a radio controlled movement!

Go to e-shop On its way from supplier — on Thursday 1. 10. at your place

Specifications

• Case dimensions: 40 x 9 mm
• Case material: titanium
• Lens: sapphire with an anti-reflective coating
• Water resistance: 50 m
• Movement: Casio 5161
• Functions: world time, stopwatch, countdown timer, alarm, date, day of the week, automatic calendar, solar power, radio-controlled time synchronization

Honorable Mentions, or What Didn’t Make the Cut

Why did I choose exactly six models? Because if we really dove into the world of analog-digital watches, we could easily end up finishing this article tomorrow morning. And even then, we might not be done.

Citizen alone has such a rich history of analog-digital watches that a list of them would fill an entire book. In addition to historical models, the brand’s catalog features the Promaster series and other multifunctional watches that utilize this concept.

One of them is undoubtedly the Citizen Aqualand. The first generation appeared in 1985 and introduced something unprecedented at the time—the first diving watch with an electronic digital depth gauge. The analog hands showed the time, while the digital display could show the current depth, the maximum depth reached, or the dive time. It was the Aqualand that demonstrated just how practical the combination of a classic dial with digital technology could be. And Citizen continues to pursue this concept to this day.

Of course, we can’t leave out the Seiko Arnie either. The original H558 is one of the greatest icons in this category, and its association with Arnold Schwarzenegger is so strong today that the nickname “Arnie” has practically become part of the vernacular. And then, of course, there are dozens of other brands—Casio, Tissot, Timex, and others—that use a combination of hands and a digital display.

Analog-digital watches are definitely not dead

When you look at an analog-digital watch today, you might get the impression that it’s a relic from a time when digital displays were a symbol of technological progress. But perhaps it’s actually the other way around.

In the age of smartwatches, AMOLED displays, and GPS navigation, these watches return to their original concept: analog hands for quick time-reading and a digital display for everything else. It doesn’t have to notify you of every message, track your sleep, or show you the number of emails. Instead, it can offer a compass, an altimeter, a chronograph, an alarm, a second time zone, or simply the date.

That’s why they’ve endured and are enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Because while some fashion trends go out of style, the combination of simplicity and functionality never goes out of style too quickly. So whether you choose a rugged G-Shock, an outdoor Citizen, a legendary Breitling, or an understated Casio, analog-digital watches still have a lot to offer today.