Electric watches have been a wristwear staple for quite some time now, so it should come as no surprise that there are many options on the market. To help you sift through them all, here’s our comprehensive guide to buying a high-quality electric watch in 2024.
A digital electric watch will display the time in digits, which differs from analog designs that use hands on a dial. The face of a digital watch will generally display the hour, minutes, and seconds along with the day and date, and its case will also include buttons that serve various functions. Digital watches are also cheaper and more durable than their smartwatch cousins.
Simply put, a smart electric watch is a computer on your wrist. The primary function here isn’t just displaying the time — instead, the watch will offer a whole host of smart features, like syncing with your smartphone and providing health stats. Like any smart device, you’ll need to charge these watches, though the frequency of these charges will depend on your use.
The size of a watch’s case represents its diameter. Unless you want to go for something unorthodox, the ideal case diameter will be determined by your wrist’s size. Measuring your wrist is easy — simply roll a measuring tape around it and read the measurement provided. Many watches are measured in centimeters and millimeters, so make sure you pay attention to these numbers.
If your wrist is 14-18 cm thick, a case size of 38-42 mm should be ideal for you. For people with thicker wrists, it’s a good idea to go for 44-46 mm case sizes, but if your wrist is thinner than 14 cm, consider watches with a size of 32-36 mm.
Whether you’re getting an electric watch for everyday use or specifically for sports, it should tick all the boxes when it comes to aesthetics. Take a good look at the product images and make sure it suits your taste — many electric watches are available in various colors, so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding one that will look good on you.
The price of your new electric watch will depend on the type you go for. For smartwatches, the price range will usually be from $200 to upwards of $400 depending on the brand name and features.
For a standard digital watch, though, you can expect a cost of $10 to $20. These prices will generally increase when you’re going for something with more functions and better build quality, so keep that in mind.
If you’re opting for a smartwatch, keep an eye out for features like music control, GPS, and health monitoring. The premier options will also allow you to change the watch’s face and download apps ranging from fitness and weather apps to maps, games, and more.
For digital watches, make sure that they’re water-resistant — this is essential if you’ll be wearing your watch outdoors. From sweat to rain, water-resistant digital watches can weather most tough elements like a champ. Look for functions like a timer, stopwatch, and countdown feature, and make sure that the entire watch is easy to use. You’ll also want to be able to easily view your electric watch’s display, so make sure that there’s an option to toggle the backlight.
The Garmin Smart Electric Watch is available in six color options — from the monochrome case and band pairings to elegant contrasts between them, it’s all here. As far as sizing goes, this electrical watch is available in 40 mm and 45 mm options, and a larger size translates to a larger screen. The screen offers touch control, letting you answer phone calls or switch between playlists by simply swiping the face of your electric watch.
Along with music and call control, this electric watch also offers you a contactless payment solution for convenience when you’re out and about. It also comes loaded with 20 fitness apps and widgets that allow you to conquer your workout goals while also helping monitor your stress levels, body heat, and sleep. These amazing smart features set this electric watch apart from the rest on our list, making it our top choice.
The runner-up on this list is brought to us by CakCity. This electric watch has a digital LED face, and housed inside its sturdy body are a highly accurate IC chipset and a super long battery. It also features a stainless cover that makes this electric watch waterproof and a great choice for outdoor activities.
This electric watch can withstand depths of up to 164 feet (50 meters), which means you can wear it swimming as well. You won’t have to worry about not being able to tell what time it is when it’s dark out, and that’s because all the digits on this electric watch’s face are extremely bright and easy to read. There’s also a light button to highlight the digits in a neon blue color, and a 24-hour mode for military-style time-telling precision.
No list of watches is ever complete without mentioning Casio. Available in 10 color options, this electric watch boasts a timeless digital design that you’ve almost definitely seen somewhere before. Similar to our previous pick, this electric watch offers a stopwatch and alarm function, and it also features a light to illuminate the screen when it’s dark out and you need to check the time.
This electric watch’s subtle, lowkey design gives it a casual look that can be a great addition to almost any outfit, and its screen even displays the date. As far as water resistance goes, this electronic watch will work at depths of up to 30 meters, and for a relatively low price, why not consider picking up this reliable timepiece?
From camouflage grays to solid blues, this electric watch from SKMEI is available in five different color options. No matter what color you choose, though, you’ll be getting a high-quality electric watch with four buttons on the side, one of which toggles the backlight for easy viewing in low-light conditions.
This electric watch has a stainless steel case, and it’s shockproof and waterproof up to 164 feet (50 meters), making it a great choice for deep-sea diving (but not too deep!). It has a 24-hour time mode, and its high-quality, ergonomic design helps make this electric watch a comfortable choice for your wrist.
With its subtle, unobtrusive look, this Armitron Electric Watch is a great wristwear option for women. Its design is the perfect blend of elegance and sportiness, and as far as colors go, you’re spoiled for choice — this electric watch comes in a whopping 29 different shades. From the timeless hues of rose gold and black to the elegant shades of mint green and teal, there’s something here for everyone.
Along with the hour, minutes, and seconds, this electric watch also tells you the month and day. There’s even an option to add an additional timezone, making this electric watch a great choice for anyone who travels a lot, and if you’re going to be taking a dip in the pool on your next trip, consider picking this one up — its impressive water-resistant capabilities can withstand depths of up to 330 feet (100 meters).
A: Yes, most electric watches will require a battery — this is where electricity will be stored. Some electric watches, however, can charge themselves using kinetic energy when you move your wrist, but unless your electric watch is automatic, you'll need batteries for it. In the case of digital watches, the battery will usually be the CR1216 battery, but check the user manual for the exact model. For smart watches, though, you'll need to charge the device up just like your phone.
A: The battery life of a digital electric watch will vary from product to product, but in most cases, you can expect the cells to function for 3-5 years. You can use your electric watch beyond this timeframe if you use certain functions, like its backlighting and timer, sparingly.
A: Yes, in most cases you can use a smartwatch without a phone. Some models even offer cellular capabilities, and this means you can make calls through the watch without owning a phone.