Digital Watch: Our 20 Best Picks Under $100

With the emergence of cutting-edge smartwatches and their multitude of features, one would think: ‘gone are the days of simple digital watches’.

But oh, you’d be surprised. There’s more to a watch than a mere collection of smart features. In fact, a lot of people still prefer an uncomplicated digital watch for its simplicity and durability. If you’re considering getting a digital watch but don’t really want to splurge, then you should definitely check out our selection of digital watches under $100.

1. Casio G-Shock DW6900-1V Digital Watch

Simple, well-made and durable, this digital watch from Casio does the job and at an affordable price, too! And with a water resistance of 200 meters, you can bet you can take this watch with you in extreme environments. Users of this watch love how easy it is to switch modes, not needing to go through all the other modes to go back to the default.

However, no watch is completely faultless. If there were a few things they could change about the watch, owners of this watch would probably improve the alarm feature. Since there’s no reverse button for setting the alarm, one could only move forward and not back. Plus, you’ll find it difficult to set the alarm in the dark since you can’t use the alarm and light simultaneously. 

Pros Durable Easy mode switching Good value for the price

Cons No reverse button for setting the alarm Difficult to set the alarm in the dark

 

2. Casio G-Shock DW5600E Digital Watch

The Casio G-Shock DW5600E is perhaps one of the most durable digital watches out there. One reviewer from the army has been extremely satisfied with the watch, mentioning that it has survived various conditions and rigorous training in varying terrains. And it’s also quite light on the wrist and very comfortable to wear.

One complaint from reviewers, however, is the recessed buttons. A lot have mentioned that they find it difficult to push. Although this was done on purpose to avoid being accidentally pushed, it makes it quite hard to push it intentionally.

 

Pros Durable Light and comfortable to wear

Cons The recessed button is difficult to push

 

3. Casio Classic F-91W Digital Watch

With a nice gold and black retro design, the Classic F-91W digital watch from Casio looks great on the wrist. And it doesn’t only look good but also feels good because of how lightweight it is. The watch is also quite durable, lasting several years, as some reviewers have mentioned.

It’s a pretty great watch, but that is if you have slimmer wrists. A few customers have complained that the band is too short for their wrist, and they also note that the buttons are also quite small.

Pros Durable Lightweight

Cons Small buttons The band could be too short for bigger wrists

 

4. Casio CA53W Databank Calculator Watch

Styles come and go and then come back again after several years. With that said, old school watches are now in again. So if you’re thinking about getting a retro watch, consider this pretty cool Casio calculator watch. Yes, that’s right. It’s a watch and a calculator at the same time. Not only is this watch pretty cool to have, but it’s also quite easy to use and incredibly durable.

The downside, though, is that the screen seems to be lacking some contrast so it might be difficult to read at times.

Pros Easy to use Durable

Cons Screen lacks contrast

 

5. Casio G Shock Gd 100 1b Digital Watch

If you’re looking to invest in a watch that will last you years, you should definitely consider getting this Casio G-Shock Digital Watch. It’s very durable and some reviewers even said that the watch has been with them for years and still works perfectly fine. What’s more, you don’t need to worry about getting it dirty since the strap is incredibly easy to clean.

Reviewers also love its auto light feature, which makes the screen light up when you turn your wrist back. The display is pretty good at night, but some have complained that it could be difficult to read in the daytime due to its brightness. Some also say that it’s a bit difficult to adjust the brightness.

 

Pros Durable Easy to clean strap Auto light feature

Cons Difficult to adjust the brightness

 

6. Casio G-Shock DW9052-1V Sports Watch

Another Casio digital watch makes it to our list. This Casio Men’s G-Shock Watch is very durable and quite comfortable on the wrist. What customers love most about it is its afterglow backlight, which makes it easy to read at night. However, the same can’t be said during the day since the low contrast of the numbers against the background makes it difficult to read. But overall, it’s a great watch to use for everyday wear and even for sports or water activities. 

Pros Comfortable to wear Durable Afterglow backlight

Cons Difficult to read due to low contrast

 

7. Casio FE10-1A Classic Digital Watch

If you prefer slimmer watches over the bigger and bulkier ones, then this Casio Classic Digital Watch is just right up your alley. It may be small, but it’s size definitely does not make it difficult to read. When you press the light button, it actually lights up the numbers instead of the whole face, making it easier to read the time in the dark. There’s also good contrast between the numbers and the background so you won’t have to worry about changing angles just to see the time. The watch is also very lightweight and feels comfortable on the wrist.

The downside, however, is that some parts aren’t that durable. Some reviewers commented on how the watch tends to scratch easily.

Pros Easy to read Light and comfortable to wear

Cons Tends to scratch easily Weak band

 

8. Casio G-Shock – The GA 100-1A1 Military Series Digital Watch 

Adding another G-Shock timepiece to this list, we have the GA 100-1A1 digital watch. As with many military watches, this watch was made to survive harsh conditions. It is incredibly durable so you can definitely use it for everyday wear and even while doing extreme activities. Despite being big, it’s not heavy or bulky at all. It’s actually quite comfortable to wear.

This Casio G-Shock military watch is nice to have on. However, it’s not that easy to read. Some reviewers have mentioned needing to tilt the watch at certain angles to read the time.

Pros Comfortable to wear Durable

Cons Difficult to read

 

9. Timex Expedition Grid Shock Digital Watch

Next on our list is the Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch. This watch is quite easy to read and very comfortable on the wrist. But what customers love about it the most is the various options when it comes to the alarm. You can choose among beeping, flashing on the screen, vibration, or any combination of the three for when the alarm goes off.

Overall, it’s a pretty great watch to own. However, some say it is somewhat prone to scratching. But no worries, this can easily be solved by applying a screen protector to the watch.

Pros Comfortable to wear Easy to read Various alarm options

Cons Tends to scratch easily

 

10. Casio A178WA 1A Illuminator Digital Watch

When it comes to digital watches, you’d often find them to be made of resin. But if you prefer the stainless steel look and feel, we’ve got you covered with this Casio Illuminator Stainless Steel Digital Watch. It’s quite comfortable to wear, and because the numbers are large, it’s also easy to read. You also won’t find any trouble when adjusting the steel band to fit your wrist since it’s quite easy to do.

The band quality itself, though, isn’t that great as some reviewers have complained. But with this price range, it’s still pretty much a good buy.

Pros Comfortable to wear Easy to read Easy to adjust steel band

Cons Poor quality band

 

11.  Timex Unisex Expedition Classic Digital Chrono Watch

For those who prefer something smaller and lighter on their wrist, this Timex Expedition Digital Watch could just be the watch for you. It’s quite easy to set up and use. No complicated instructions needed. It’s also easy to read, and as mentioned, very lightweight.

The strap, however, may not be to your liking, especially if you have bigger wrists. Some find the band too short and also difficult to secure on your wrist.

Pros Easy to use Easy to read Lightweight

Cons The band could be too short for bigger wrists Problems with securing the strap

 

12. Timex Expedition Digital Shock CAT Digital Watch

Made for outdoor use, this Timex Expedition Digital Watch is one you can rely on when it comes to durability. It’s also comfortable to wear on the wrist.

When it comes to readability, though, mixed reviews were met. Some customers love how easy it is to read the watch, even when in direct sunlight. However, some have also complained about finding it difficult to read the watch in low light.

Pros Easy to read in direct sunlight Durable

Cons Difficult to read in low light

 

13. Timex Full-Size Ironman Rugged 30 Digital Watch

Users love this Timex Ironman digital watch due to its functionality. When using the alarm function, you can set up to 15 reminder labels for different tasks or events. The watch is also quite easy to set up and navigate.

The downside of having this watch, however, is that it can be quite difficult to read in normal light. This can be remedied, though, by using the Indiglo function, which lights up the numbers instead of just the background.

Pros Can set up to 15 reminders Easy to use

Cons Difficult to read in normal light

 

14. Casio A168WG-9 Vintage Illuminator Chronograph Watch

If you fancy having a classic gold watch on your wrist, then you should totally consider getting this vintage gold digital watch from Casio. Reviewers have mentioned how this watch has gotten them several compliments because of it’s classic and sleek design. And in terms of functionality, the watch does not disappoint. It’s easy to use and comfortable on the wrist since it’s lightweight.

The watch, however, could be too small for those who have bigger wrists. Another complaint is that after some time of regular use, the gold plating eventually fades. But for this price range, this is understandable. 

Pros Lightweight Easy to use Great design

Cons The band could be too short for bigger wrists Gold plating tends to fade in time

 

15. Timex DGTL A-Game Digital Watch

For those who prefer bigger and bulkier watches, consider getting the Timex DGTL A-Game digital watch. It’s suave and rugged with a diameter of 50mm. It’s also quite durable.

Overall, reviewers love the watch but wished it came with instructions. A few have complained about having difficulty setting the watch up since the box didn’t come with a manual.

Pros Durable Has a nice weight to it

Cons Lacks instructions

 

16. Timex Full-Size Ironman Classic 100 Digital Watch

Marketed as a triathlon watch, the Timex Ironman Classic 100 is designed for function and durability. Users love the functionality, some pointing out that the watch only has the essentials, making it less cluttered. It’s easy to read and quite comfortable to wear.

The downside, though, is that some have observed that once the battery dies, the water-resistant seal sometimes ends up failing.

Pros Easy to read Comfortable to wear

Cons Failure of the water-resistant seal when the battery dies

 

17. Timex Mid-Size Ironman Essential 30 Digital Watch

This Ironman Digital Watch from Timex has some cool features that users love. It has great functionality. You can use it to time laps or when you need a countdown timer. And it’s also quite easy to use.

The problem of this watch, however, is in the aesthetics. Although it looks pleasing with a vibrant-colored strap, the band tends to collect stains when using regularly. Reviewers also complain about how they found it difficult to remove these stains, ending up with a dirty-looking watch.

 

Pros Easy to use Great features

Cons The band tends to stain

 

18. Armitron Women’s 45/7012 Chronograph Sports Watch

With a simple yet sleek design for a digital watch, this Amitron Women’s Sports Watch looks great on the wrist. What’s more, because it is lightweight, it feels good on the wrist too. It has great functionality and is a practical watch to own. It is, however, quite difficult to change the battery, which some reviewers have complained about.

Pros Great design Comfortable to wear

Cons Difficult to change the battery

 

19. Armitron Adventure AD1013ORG Chronograph Watch

Despite being a big watch, this Armitron Adventure Digital Watch isn’t heavy at all and sits comfortably on the wrist. It’s easy to set up and use. And you won’t find any difficulty reading the watch during the day.

At night, however, you might encounter some trouble since some reviewers mention that the illumination is a bit lacking when used at night.

Pros Easy to read Easy to use

Cons Lacks illumination at night

 

20. Timex Expedition Shock XL Digital Watch

Last but not least on our list of digital watches under $100, we have the Timex Expedition Shock Watch. For a big watch, it’s actually quite comfortable to wear and not that heavy at all. Users love that it has a vibration alarm, instead of just beeping.

The big display is a nice touch. However, due to low contrast, it could still be quite difficult to read in low light.

Pros Comfortable to wear Vibration alarm

Cons Difficult to read in low light

 

In the market for affordable automatic watches? Check out which brands offer great-quality automatic watches under $100.