8 Men's Analogue Watches Handpicked by Gnomon Watches

Timekeeping devices, whether they be wall clocks or wristwatches, employ a certain mechanism to measure hours, minutes, and seconds accurately. On the surface, the hour markers indicate the time that passes. These markers usually take the forms of Arabic numerals or Roman numerals. Traditionally, these watches are called analog watches.

The analog watches are always compared to digital watches because the two are practically at the end of the spectrum of types of watches defined by their functionalities. Those who are primarily into men’s analog watches can find an array of options from various brands in the market.

However, before exploring the available options in Gnomon Watches’ catalog, get to know about analog watches and how they differ from digital watches. Let’s explore below!

What Is an Analog Watch?

An analog watch is a watch that uses hour, minute, and sometimes second hands to point at certain markers on the dial. It can be referred to as the traditional type of watch. Some of the modern models still have the classic ticking sound that is closely associated with the timekeeping device.

Commonly, traditional analog watches have round case shapes. The dial is usually adorned with the numerals or indexes to indicate the time. To this day, analog watches still dominate the market, though the watchmaking industry has many breakthrough advances, including the invention of digital watches.

In general, analog watches typically look similar based on their functionality. However, it doesn’t mean that every analog watch looks similar to one another. Every brand releases distinct designs with compatible movements to power the analog watches. Hence, picking the best analog watches isn’t as simple as it seems. Other elements beyond the dial need to be considered.

Analog Watches vs Digital Watches

Compared to digital watches, analog watches have been around for a longer time. When anyone talks about a watch, they almost exclusively refer to the form of the analog watch. While not many changes are applied to the time-telling mechanism, the analog watches have the classic sophistication and the charm of the old-school ticking sounds that digital watches cannot replicate.

Then, what about the accuracy? The movement that holds the best accuracy to this day is quartz. A watch powered by a quartz movement has a guaranteed accuracy. Therefore, the result will not be conclusive enough to compare analog and digital watches powered by quartz movements.

Comparing the accuracy between analog and digital watches can be justified when it comes to a mechanical analog watch and a quartz digital watch. Some digital and analog watches may use quartz movements, which may be useless to compare.

Aesthetically, analog watches lean into the classic or vintage aesthetic. The classic markers as well as hour and minute hands showcase the essence of timekeeping on the wrist. It’s no wonder that analog watches tend to be closely associated with formal attire and events even though they also fit casual settings perfectly.

On the other hand, digital watches are usually preferred for their utilitarianism and modern aesthetics. Some people may choose digital watches to read the time as it’s displayed on the screen rather than figuring out where the hour and minute hands point. Nonetheless, watch enthusiasts can also find several models that incorporate the vintage aesthetic.

Read also: How Do Automatic Watches Work? Learn the Inner Mechanism! 

Recommended Men’s Analog Watches from Gnomon Watches

Finding the best analog watch for men alone may sound like a taxing thing to do. In this case, professional collectors and casual watch wearers can rely on the information provided by certified watch shops. Gnomon Watches has curated analog watches from various brands in the current landscape of horology. Here are ten recommended men’s analog watches to consider:

1. Aristo Aviator Vintage 4H451 - Sapphire

For a self-winding watch enthusiast, the Aristo Aviator Vintage 4H451 Sapphire can be a piece to consider. The aviator watch adopts the vintage style with a much slimmer case that measures 38.5 mm in diameter, a lug-to-lug distance of 43.5 mm, and a thickness of 9.5 mm.

Using 316L stainless steel, the case’s finishes get the retrograde satin brushing treatment at the top of the lugs and the side of the case. It contrasts the thick, highly polished bezel and the sapphire crystal to give a dressy appearance. To elevate the old-school style, the elegant case is paired with the German handmade brown leather strap with a distressed texture and vintage stitching.

Encased by the 316L stainless steel is the matte black dial, which features 12 luminous Arabic numerals. For easy readability, Aristo utilizes the pencil-style minute hand and a broad, squared-off hour hand, which gives a clear look at the dial. Without a date window in sight, the dial manages to capture the classic analog soul and how its delightful symmetry is pleasing to look at.

Price: $770.00 USD

2. Ball Watch Co. Fireman Enterprise Silver

Known for its precision and durability, the Ball Watch Co. Fireman Enterprise Silver stuns with the 316L stainless steel case. For a flawless look, the beveled bezel gets polished while the other parts of the cases are satin-brushed nicely. 

The clean silver dial doesn’t have any texture to emphasize the classiness and the utilitarianism of the analog watch. It features long rectangular indices as hour markers. Since the date window is at 3 o’clock, the index that indicates the hour is shortened to give a proportionate layout.

To accentuate the elegance, the indices are paired with classy dauphine hands. Ball Watch also adds a domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating to ensure optimal readability. Under the stunning dial of the 40 mm watch, the Ball RR1103 caliber powers up the mechanism faithfully with its 25/26 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour, and a 38-hour power reserve.

Price: $1,240.00 USD

3. Damasko DS30

Much like most Damasko styling, the Damasko DS30 offers large hour and minute markers, which ensure legibility in every lighting condition. Paired with bold sword hands, the contrast between the black dial and the white time indicators gives an overall clean impression. To further enhance the effective design, the dial is encased with a dark grey titanium.

Measuring 39 mm in diameter, 48 mm lug-to-lug distance, and 10 mm thickness, the Damasko DS30 is a comfortable timepiece to wear for men and ladies alike. The overall case design allows the watch to have a 200 m water resistance. For easy strap change, the DS30 provides drilled-through lugs that are easy for spring bar removal.

Price: $1,077.00 USD

4. Citizen Series 8 Automatic White

Series 8 is said to be a collection that redefines the power of sports watches with infinite possibilities. Citizen shows the commitment to its vision by stamping the figure 8 on the dial of the Citizen Series 8 Automatic White. The 40 mm stainless steel watch has a strong, elegant character that’s powered by the in-house Cal. 9051 automatic movement.

The white radial-brushed dial offers a clear view to emphasize a clean look with the beauty in simplicity concept at the center. It houses applied baton hour markers and faceted luminous hands. Similar to the Ball Watch Co. Fireman Enterprise Silver, the date window is located at 3 o’clock without disproportionating the layout.

For optimal protection, the dial is covered with a shatter-resistant sapphire glass that receives an anti-reflecting treatment. To give a luxurious feel to the overall design, the white watch is paired with the 20 mm steel H-link bracelet.

Price: $1,080.00 USD

Read also: How Do Mechanical Watches Work? Scrutinizing The Inner Parts 

5. Dievas Vortex 500

Not just a typical pilot watch, the Dievas Vortex 500 has more to offer for casual watch wearers and enthusiastic watch collectors. Standing at 41 mm in diameter, 46.5 mm lug-to-lug distance, and 13 mm in thickness, the Dievas watch offers comfortable wear for any wrist size.

The Dievas Vortex 500 is powered by ETA2824-2 movement with its 25 jewels operating at 28,800 bph. It also has a reliable power reserve of 40 hours. Though primarily a pilot watch, the Dievas Vortex 500 has a worthy water resistance of 500 m. It also has an automatic Helium Release Valve (HEV) for those who are tasked with saturation diving.

True to the aviation root, the dial of the Dievas Vortex 500 emphasizes accurate timing with a no-nonsense, uncluttered, and legible design. It features large, oversized Arabic numerals with the 3 and 9 o’clock in exaggerated markers, while the 12 o’clock takes the upright triangle form. Together, these specific traits symbolize the artificial horizon, which is crucial as a cockpit flight instrument.

Price: $780.00 USD

6. Alpina Alpiner 4 Glacier Blue 40mm

As the pioneer of the modern Swiss sports watch, Alpina is an expert in creating an analog timepiece without sacrificing the design. The Swiss brand’s expertise can be seen in the Alpina Alpiner 4 Glacier Blue 40 mm which emphasizes the four essential features in a sports watch: anti-magnetic, anti-shock, water-resistant, and stainless.

Though taking different inspirations from different designs in the "4" lineup, the glacier blue watch offers a distinction by making the diameter slimmer. It’s 40 mm in diameter and 12.5 mm thick, which makes it comfortable to wear on all wrist sizes.

The Alpina Alpiner 4 Glacier Blue 40mm is made out of 316L stainless steel with distinctive twisted lugs. Overall, the look is multi-layered and high-quality with its multi-finishings. As the finishing touch, the stainless steel case is paired with a multi-finished stainless steel bracelet.

Price: $1,270.00 USD

7. Marathon Pilot’s Navigator Blue Yonder Quartz (SSNAV-D)

With a case made entirely of 316L stainless steel, the Marathon Pilot’s Navigator Blue Yonder Quartz offers a comfortable dimension with a diameter of 41 mm, a lug-to-lug distance of 48 mm, and a thickness of 11 mm. Such a dimension suits the military-type watch, which exudes sturdiness for field activities.

Thanks to the screw-down crown, the pilot blue watch has a proper 100 m water resistance. The watch’s case back is specifically designed to withstand high altitude up to 35,000 ft. For legibility, the dial of the watch is equipped with tritium gas tubes and MaraGlo™ technology. 14 tritium tubes are applied to the hour markers and syringe hands to optimize readability in complete darkness for over 24 hours.

As a result, the hour markers and hands will constantly glow for a determined period. At the center of the dial, the wearer can see the H3 and radiation hazard emblems. The date window is positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock, which makes it easily readable. Overall, the dial of this pilot watch offers clarity for the most utilitarian purposes.

Price: $1,200.00 USD

8. Gruppo Ardito Lince Blue

A sports watch with a universal appeal is a definitive description of the Gruppo Ardito Lince Blue. The premium quality can be seen from the grade 5 titanium material throughout the case. It ensures durability without making the watch heavier.

Measuring 42 mm in diameter, the watch case has 10 Allen screws. Five are put on the solid case back, while the other five are on the bezel. With a lug-to-lug distance of 46 mm and a thickness of 12 mm, the watch can snug nicely on every wrist size. As for the safety underwater, the GAW screw-down crown ensures the watch has up to 1,000 m water resistance.

The dial of the Lince Blue watch offers a distinct Italian military dive watch aesthetic. It doesn’t just use a typical blue color but a fumé deep blue with a degradé effect. Along with applied old-school markers, the watch features small circle lume plots at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock. The markers and broadsword hands get the C3 SuperLuminova treatment, which improves readability in the dark while adding to the retro charm.

Price: $1,290.00 USD

Final Thoughts

Men’s analog watches have a wide variety that cannot be calculated by numbers, as the watchmaking industry continuously innovates. Even though analog watches have an old-school charm, it doesn’t mean that the pandering to the past should fill today’s creation. Many watches now feature exciting combinations of old and new, resulting in intriguing timepieces.

Picking the best among the countless analog watches in the market may not be an easy task. However, watch collectors can always start with their personal preferences. Whether it be the design, utilitarianism, budget, or availability, these can be essential factors to consider before making a purchase.

Read also: Luxury Within Reach - 8 Best Affordable Watches for Men