Determining whether something is analog or digital is easy. Analog devices basically use common mechanical components that are actually invented thousands of years ago, such as gears and springs. Digital devices, on the other hand, are closely related to electricity and electronic components. They processed raw data into binary format of 1 and 0, which is further converted into something intelligible to human being such as numbers, alphabets and images.

Fashion: Overall, analog watches are deemed to be more fashionable. Major watch manufacturers such as Omega and Rolex still produced analog watches at premium quality and often adorned with gems and plated with silver, gold or platinum. Digital watches are considered to be functional than fashionable, because they tend to offer much more features which are unavailable in analog watches.

Form: Analog watches often have standard shape that look like a sundial. Reading an analog watch is much like reading a common wall clock, which nearly everyone is familiar with. Digital watches have boxier shape along with a screen that shows time and other information.

Simplicity: Setting a digital watch is more complex than on an analog watch. Digital watches include much more features, which often require you to read the user manual. Basic configuration such as setting the time requires a more complex procedure, while on common analog watches, you only need to pull the knob, twist it and push to put it back in place. Setting an analog watch only requires one hand and less than a minute, while with a digital watch you are likely need to use both hands and spend two to five minutes.

Accuracy: Unfortunately, sometimes, analog devices are notorious for its inaccuracy. Analog watches accuracy is determined by how precise each individual component is manufactured. However, modern manufacturing process makes it possible for producing uniform components, nevertheless, even the most accurate analog watch may have an inaccuracy of a fraction of a second each day. It will add up and after a few months, most analog watches must be re-adjusted. Digital watches are by no means perfect, although they are much more accurate, they may eventually miss a second or two after years of usage. However, digital watches can re-adjust themselves automatically to compensate for the predicted error.

Features: If you love to hike and do many things outdoor, you can choose a digital watch that is equipped with compass, GPS and altimeter. If you are a business executive, you may need to buy a digital watch with an alarm and calendar, which allows you to add dozens of meeting and deadline dates. Analog watches only give you two basic information; the time and the date.