by Stewart Lochrie

Digital Legends: The Most Iconic Watches Ever Made

From Sci-Fi Prototypes to Modern Marvels, These Digital Timepieces ...
Digital Legends: The Most Iconic Watches Ever Made

You’re thinking about iconic watches, and what probably springs to mind are those old-school beauties with hands gracefully sweeping around a dial. Classic, elegant, and thoroughly analog. But hang on a second. If you actually stop to ponder, some of the most memorable watches from the past few decades have been digital. Now, they might not have the prestige of their traditional counterparts, but let’s not kid ourselves – these digital marvels have designs that have stood the test of time and cemented their place in our culture. They’re the unsung heroes, the understated icons of the watch world.

There’s a plethora of digital watches out there that we absolutely adore. Some were mere blips on the radar of technological advancement and are now mostly forgotten, like the first solar-powered watch or the first radio-controlled one. But others have left an indelible mark, still being produced today or riding high on waves of nostalgia. Collectors have started giving digital watches the respect they deserve, and rightly so.

One of the best things about digital watches is that they’re often a riot of fun and surprisingly affordable. Sure, we’re all over a retro-futuristic Casio – and believe me, you’ll see plenty of those here because Casio practically owns the digital watch scene – but you might be taken aback by the variety of watchmakers we’re about to introduce, including some from the Swiss and German stables. And no, not all of them are even quartz.

Pulsar

Let’s kick things off with a bit of a legend – the first digital watch. Back in 1970, Pulsar, under the Hamilton banner, rolled out a prototype of the first all-electronic digital watch. By 1972, the final product hit the market, looking like something straight out of a sci-fi movie with its curvaceous, space-age design. It was such a big deal that even James Bond couldn’t resist strapping one on his wrist.

This bad boy used a power-guzzling LED display that stayed dark until you pressed a button, illuminating it for a few seconds. Later, LCDs became the go-to, but those early Seiko models from 1973? Almost forgotten. The Pulsar, though, has a lasting legacy, even making a comeback in modern form as the Hamilton PSR in 2020.

Girard-Perregaux “Loaded”

Next up, the Girard-Perregaux Casquette from 1976. It might not be an icon in the mainstream sense, but it’s a darling among enthusiasts and collectors. This funky little number was part of the driver’s watch trend, where the display faces the wearer from the side of the wrist – perfect for checking the time without taking your hands off the steering wheel.

Girard-Perregaux, one of the Swiss heavyweights, was all about developing its own quartz movements, and the Casquette is a testament to how Swiss quality can also apply to quartz and digital watches. Fast forward to 2022, and they reissued this quirky gem as the Casquette 2.0, proving that even the Swiss can have some retro fun.

Casio Databank

Now, who could forget the Casio Databank? Launched in 1983, this is the calculator watch – the ultimate nerd accessory. Marty McFly rocked one in Back to the Future, and chances are, you did too if you were a child of the ’80s.

Casio didn’t invent the calculator watch, but they certainly made it their own. These watches were mini-computers of their time, crammed with functionality. Today, they’re more about nostalgia and irony, but they’re still kicking around, ready to help you calculate a tip or cheat on a math test.

Casio G-Shock

You can’t talk about digital icons without mentioning the Casio G-Shock, particularly the square design that started it all in 1983. Instantly recognizable and revered, G-Shocks are the embodiment of durability. The brainchild of Kikuo Ibe, these watches were designed to be unbreakable and soon became favorites in street fashion, skating, and hip-hop culture. They’re also the go-to for police and military personnel. Whether you go for the classic black plastic or a snazzy metal case, a G-Shock is always a statement.

Casio F-91W

Here’s an oddball for you – the Casio F-91W, introduced in 1989. This ultra-cheap, robust little marvel is so ubiquitous it’s almost part of the furniture. Casio churns out millions of these every year, and for good reason. If you need a reliable watch for next to nothing, this is your go-to. It might not be fancy, but it’s dependable, and that’s why it’s an icon in its own right.

Timex Ironman

Jumping back to 1986, the Timex Ironman is a fixture of the ’80s and ’90s. Developed for the Ironman triathlon, it became a favorite among athletes and soldiers alike. Bill Clinton famously wore one, making it a symbol of the everyman. Timex still makes these today, and you can get a model that’s pretty close to the original, albeit a bit larger.

Apple Watch

Fast forward to 2015, and we have the Apple Watch. Love it or hate it, you can’t deny its impact. It’s not just a watch; it’s a tech marvel that outpaced the entire Swiss watch industry by some metrics. The Apple Watch brought sci-fi fantasies to life, combining digital technology with nods to traditional watchmaking. It’s an icon because it changed the game entirely.

A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk

Finally, let’s talk about the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk from 2009. This isn’t your typical digital watch. Powered by traditional clockwork, it’s a masterpiece of German engineering. The Zeitwerk features jumping hours and minutes, a feat of mechanical complexity that’s as impressive as it is unique. It’s digital, but it’s also pure horological art.

So there you have it. Digital watches might not always get the same nod of approval as their analog cousins, but they’ve certainly earned their place in history. From the pioneering Pulsar to the game-changing Apple Watch, these timepieces are every bit as iconic and deserving of recognition.