What is an Analog Watch? A Complete Beginner's Guide

If you have ever typed “what is an analog watch” into a search bar, you are not alone. In a world full of screens, apps, and notifications, the simple charm of a watch with hands and hour markers can actually feel a bit mysterious.

We've been around since before the smartwatch became "a thing". And in recent months, it's been energizing for us to see a renewed interest in men's and women's analog watches over techy ones.

But with that shift in preference comes the need for an understanding of the basics.

This guide breaks down exactly what an analog watch is, how it works, why it still matters, and how to choose the right one for your wrist and lifestyle.

First, let's start with the most basic question about analogs there is...

What Is an Analog Watch?

An analog watch is a watch that uses rotating hands to display the time on a dial, usually with numbers or markers around the edge to indicate hours and minutes.

The layout is similar to a classic clock face, which is why reading an analog watch feels familiar even if you mostly just check the time on your phone.

Most analog watches have at least two hands, an hour hand and a minute hand, and many also include a seconds hand sweeping or ticking around the dial.

Some analog watches, like the Nixon 51-30 Chrono, add extra subdials or other watch complications. But at the core, if you see hands over a dial instead of a digital time display made of numbers, you are looking at an analog watch.

Analog vs Digital: What’s the Difference?

A digital watch shows the time using digits on a screen, like 10:24, often with an LCD or LED display. An analog watch shows the time using hands that point to numbers or markers on a circular dial.

Both tell the same time, but they feel very different on your wrist.

Many of the most popular watches here at Nixon are analog because they balance everyday utility with a style that works from surf checks to office days to nights out. Just check out our three main Nixon icons: the Time Teller, Sentry and 51-30.

If you like gear that can look sharp without trying too hard, analog is usually the move.

How Does an Analog Watch Work?

Analog watches come in a few main movement types: quartz, solar, automatic, and mechanical (manual). The “movement” is the engine that powers the hands and keeps the time.

While they all look similar on the outside, what happens inside can be very different.

Quartz Analog Watches

Quartz analog watches are powered by a battery that sends electricity through a quartz crystal to keep time very accurately. The crystal vibrates at a stable frequency, and that vibration is translated into the motion of the hands through a gear train.

Quartz movements are popular because they are reliable, low-maintenance, and usually more affordable. Many Nixon analog watches use precise quartz movements, which means you get the look and feel of a classic watch with the accuracy of modern tech.

Learn more about quartz watches at our blog.

Solar Quartz Watches

Some watches in the Nixon catalog use a quartz movement that is powered by the sun. These are the Nixon solar watches like the Stinger 44 and Echo 38. This type of power differs from traditional quartz watches, which make use of a standard battery to power the quartz movement.

Learn more about solar watches at our blog.

Automatic and Mechanical Analog Watches

Mechanical and automatic analog watches use a complex system of springs and gears, rather than a battery, to keep time. In a manual mechanical watch, you wind the crown by hand to tighten the mainspring, which slowly releases energy.

Automatic analog watches are a type of mechanical watch that wind themselves using the motion of your wrist, thanks to a rotating weight inside the case. They feel more like a tiny machine on your wrist, which is part of their appeal to collectors and enthusiasts.

Key Parts of an Analog Watch

Even if you are new to watches, learning a few basic parts makes it easier to understand what you are buying and why certain designs feel different on your wrist. Here are the core components you will see again and again when browsing analog watches.

• Case: The outer shell that protects the movement and holds the dial and crystal. Case size and shape have a huge impact on how the watch wears.
• Dial: The “face” of the watch underneath the crystal. This is where you find hour markers, logos, subdials, and the overall design language.
• Hands: The hour, minute, and sometimes seconds hands that move around the dial to show the time. Their shape and length affect readability and style.
• Markers/Indices: The numbers or symbols around the dial that show hours and sometimes minutes. These can be Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, line markers, or a mix.
• Crown: The small knob on the side of the case used to set the time, date, and sometimes wind the movement in the case of mechanical analogs.
• Crystal: The clear cover over the dial, often made of mineral glass or sapphire for scratch resistance.
• Strap/Bracelet: The band that secures the watch to your wrist, which could be leather, fabric, rubber, or metal.

If you browse our catalog, you'll see that the watches here at Nixon play a lot with case shapes, dial layouts, and hand designs to give each analog watch a distinct personality. This can range from clean minimal pieces to more tactical, feature-packed dials.

Once you know the main parts of a watch, you start to appreciate the details that make one watch feel casual and another feel more refined.

Common Analog Watch Features (Complications)

In watch terms, a “complication” is any feature beyond basic hours, minutes, and seconds. Many analog watches layer in extra functionality while keeping the classic hands-and-dial format.

• Date window: A small cutout on the dial showing the date, usually at 3, 4, or 6 o’clock.
• Day/date: Shows both the day of the week and the date in one or more windows.
• Chronograph: A stopwatch function controlled by pushers on the side of the case, with subdials to track elapsed time.
• 24-hour subdial: Indicates the time in 24-hour format, helpful for distinguishing AM and PM or tracking a second time reference.
• Rotating bezel: A ring around the dial that can be turned to track elapsed time, often used in diver or surf-inspired watches.

These features are where a lot of our design creativity shows up, blending boardsports and street style influence with useful everyday functions.

When you shop analog watches from Nixon, you get timepieces that not only look good but also help you time a surf session, workout, or morning commute.

Why Choose an Analog Watch in a Digital World?

The obvious question when asking “what is an analog watch” is: why wear one when a phone can tell you the time instantly? For many people, the answer is about focus, style, and feel. An analog watch gives you the time without pulling you into a screen full of notifications and distractions.

Analog watches also work as a versatile style accessory. A well-chosen analog watch can dress up a basic fit, compliment your boardshorts or golf polo, or pair with a button-up for a more polished look.

Unlike many digital devices, a good analog watch is designed to be worn for years.

How to Read an Analog Watch (Quick Breakdown)

If you grew up with phones and digital clocks, reading an analog watch may feel a bit slower at first, but it becomes second nature quickly.

Here's what you need to know:

• The shortest hand points to the hour.
• The longer hand shows the minutes.
• And if there is a third thin hand, it tracks the seconds.

And to read the time:

1. Check the hour hand position first. Remember that the hour hand slowly rotates between numbers every 60 minutes. So always refer to the closest hour behind the hour hand if it's in between two numbers.
2. Then see which minute marker the longer hand is closest to.
3. Then glance at the seconds hand if needed.
4. Presto! You have read an analog watch.

Many Nixon analog watches use clear markers and bold hands so this process takes only a split second once you get used to it.

How to Choose Your First Analog Watch

When you are picking your first analog watch, think about where you will wear it most and what you want it to say about you.

Here are the five main things to consider when you're just getting started with purchasing an analog watch:

• Case size: Measured in millimeters across the dial. Smaller sizes tend to look more classic and low-key, while larger cases feel bold and sporty.
• Style: Are you more into clean, minimal dials or busier chronograph and sport-inspired designs? Both can be analog, but they give off totally different energy.
• Strap/bracelet: Leather feels classic, rubber or silicone feels active and surf-ready, and metal bracelets bring more of a street or dress vibe.
• Water resistance: Check the water rating if you plan to surf, swim, or sweat in your watch. Many Nixon analog watches are built with boardriders and outdoor use in mind.
• Movement: Quartz is usually the easiest, most worry-free choice for a first analog watch, with set-and-forget simplicity and strong accuracy.

Once you know these basics, you can start exploring specific Nixon analog models that match your lifestyle, whether that is dawn patrol surf, weekend golf rounds, or just a clean daily driver you can wear anywhere.

Caring for Your Analog Watch

One of the benefits of analog watches, especially quartz models, is that they are relatively low maintenance. Still, a few simple habits will keep them looking sharp and running well.

• Avoid exposing your watch to strong magnets, harsh chemicals, or extreme temperatures.
• Wipe the case and strap with a soft cloth after heavy use, especially after saltwater or sweat.
• Have the battery replaced by a professional when it runs low.
• And if you have an automatic or mechanical analog watch, consider periodic servicing to keep the movement healthy.

Analog Watches: Simple, Timeless, Still Essential

Asking “what is an analog watch” is really asking why a piece of tech that has existed for generations still feels relevant today. The answer is that analog watches blend function, style, and personality in a way screens never quite match. They keep you aware of the time without pulling you out of the moment.

Whether you are just getting into watches or looking to upgrade from your first basic piece, understanding what an analog watch is and how it works puts you in a better spot to pick something that fits your life. The next step is simple: find the design that feels like you, put it on your wrist, and let time do its thing.