Can Digital Watches Be Classy?

When it comes to digital watches collectors usually show them respect, but at the same time would not seem them as anything more than a high functioning tool watch.

It’s often asked if a digital watch can be classy. Usually the answer is a straight up no, but maybe they can? Sometimes? In this article we will be looking at if this is even possible.  

What Does Classy Mean?

When you look up the definition of classy in the dictionary you get words like “elegant” and “highly stylish”.

When it comes to watches, these words are pretty subjective and they could probably be used for a whole lot of different watches. However, the one style that comes straight to your mind when think of this is probably going to be dress watches.

I think when people ask if a digital watch can be classy, what they are actually asking is “can a digital watch be a dress watch?”

What Do Dress Watches Look Like?

When you ask someone to describe the perfect dress watch you are going to hear words like: classy, elegant, graceful, refined, minimal, subtle and understated.

When we look at some of the most lusted after dress watches, we can see these traits in physical form.

They are small, both in height and diameter so they can easily slip under a shirt cuff. The dials are quite minimal with usually no more than 3 hands; there is no need for extra complications while you are wearing one.

The shape and finishing is usually very sleek and refined and usually paired with a graceful leather strap that compliments everything making the whole thing have an understated beauty.

They are not loud and obnoxious, there is no lume and the dial isn’t covered in logos and branding; they just take a back seat yet can still help bring an outfit together with their subtle elegance.

They are just the physical embodiment of classy.

(You can read more about – Can You Wear A Dress Watch With Casual Clothes?)

What Do Most Digital Watches Look Like?

Compared to a typical dress watch, digital watches couldn’t be any further apart. They are pretty much on the opposite end of the spectrum.

They are can be large and chunky, with some bulky shapes and contours. There can be a lot going on with the dial (well I guess it’s called the display) with various complications and information as well as being bright and loud (both in colour and in audible noises that can from the watch). There is usually branding and sorts of other information all over the watch (think about how Casio’s have things like “10 year battery” printed on the watch face). They are also made of less refined looking materials like plastic and the straps can be equally as obnoxious.  

So broadly speaking, everything that gives a digital watch its signature look, is the total opposite of what a classy dress watch should be.

This is why 99% of watch collectors will give you a straight up NO when you ask them if a digital watch can be classy.

(You can read more about – Are Casio Watches Suitable For Formal Occasions?)

Are There Any Digital Watches That Come Close?

Not all watches are the same and while finding a digital watch that can tick all the “dress watch” boxes is going to be a bit of a unicorn, there are a few that might just be passable.  

When we think of digital watches we imagine things like G shocks, which are just thick, and chunky and ready to handle everything. However, digital watches use quartz movements which means you can often find smaller and slimmer watches.

You can also find they are not always made out of cheap plastic and can actually be metal. Although they are often just metal plated, they can still look good and can usually be found in a stainless steel or gold colour, usually with matching metal bracelets. While these can make the watches look a little sporty, they are still classier than a resin plastic strap. The fact that there are no watches that come with a leather strap supports the fact that these are not really designed to have this classier look.

Another next thing to consider is the dial. Most digital watches have some sort of display screen, this may be cheating a little bit, but you can get some watches that have a mix of digital and analogue. For me, this is where I believe the answer can lie.   

Top Contenders – Classy Digital Watches

Here are some digital watches that I think can be classy

Casio AQ-23

Personally I feel the Casio AQ-230 is going to be the closest thing we can get to a digital, classy dress watch. Its digital display is rather small, so I think I am pushing the limits here, but I think you could get away with this.

The rest of the dial is quite simple and at 28mm in diameter it’s rather small, which I think helps it a lot. I know I am not the only person who thinks “granddad watch” when they see these, but I think that helps. Granddads are always gentlemen, which is classy.

I have also seen these on leather straps and I think they are passable. If you got the white or black dial and put it on a leather strap, I think you could call this a classy digital dress watch.

 I’m probably clutching at straws with that, but it’s hard to find watches that meet the criteria and for me this ticks the most boxes.

 

Casio A168

I think after this you could maybe try a Casio A168 (or similar).

This is effectively the metal version of the iconic F91-W and comes in stainless steel or gold with the matching bracelet.

It is fairly small and slim and non-offensive design. I think the metal colour helps it look more stylish compared to the plastic versions, but it’s still not really going to pass as a dress watch for a lot of people because of this. I have seen these on leather straps, but I really don’t think they work well.

Its basic look and retro feel is great, but it’s not really classy enough. Probably perfect for an office outfit, but not a fancy evening function.

Smart Watch

Lastly I think smart watches might be a controversial contender. Some smart watches are sleek in design, they can be quite small (not all of them). They also have a very minimal, clean look, especially when the screen is off and they are just black. I have seen a few of them on some quite nice, subtle straps, but again, they do not pair well with leather straps. 

I know some people think that wearing a smart watch is an unforgivable sin, so I can only imagine the shock and horror they would have after hearing that I have suggested they could be used as a dress watches.

I do not think they are perfect by any means, but they can look a lot nicer than a lot of the other digital watches that are available.  My biggest issue with them is that they can be bright and loud when the display comes on. The fact you can read messages and what not is the total opposite of what you should be doing with a classy dress watch in a formal setting.

Get A Real Dress Watch

I think if you want to have a classy, dress watch, then you should go and buy a proper, classy dress watch.

I don’t think the digital market quite covers this area. Digital watches are designed to be worn in rough and tough situations. They can take a beating and that is why we love them. The options I have suggested may be able to get away with it, but they all fall short of that true elegance that you can only get from a watch whose whole existence is designed fulfill that role.  

(You can read more about – Are Smart Watches Worth Buying?)

Wear Any Watch

Let’s be honest, most people won’t notice what watch you have on, let alone if it is a dress watch or not. So, wear whatever watch you want.

No one ever questions James bond for wearing a dive watch with a tuxedo, so why should you care if you’re wearing a G shock to a wedding?

If you only have one watch, or you feel your watch works well with your outfit, go for it. No one is really going to care. Even if some watch enthusiast sees you, hopefully they will be a true gentleman and not judge you for your choice. They will assume you are ignorant to the world of watch etiquette and leave you to it.  

(You can read more about – Will A Watch Impress People?)

Conclusion

So can a digital watch be classy? Maybe, just a little bit.

I wouldn’t worry about it. If you have digital watch that you think wears well, go for it. If you want to look at dress watches and get something with real sophistication, go for it.

Just wear what you have available and enjoy it. You can always make different watches work with different outfits and always look classy, no matter the style or situation. 

(You can read more about – Will Wearing Watches Go Out Of Style?)