The dawn of the glorious 80's
Ana-digi watches are the step-child of the quartz revolution, finding a timeline of models and manufacturers is difficult and there is not much information about them online. Even Casio, who most likely invented them, is tight lipped about the whole issue as if they are somehow ashamed about their creation.
The best I could find is that the direct ancestor of my new AQ-230A was the AQ-222 which was probably launched sometime around 1983. I probably wore one of those in the 80's.
The AQ-230A is just what I wanted to rekindle the sense of wonder that I felt when I saw the first ana-digi watch. I thought then that the idea of matching an easier to read (for me) analog handset with an LCD display to show the date was simply brilliant. It still is BTW.
I decided to get the AQ-230A because the silver case and simple indices are similar to what I remember wearing 40 years ago. What I didn't remember was how cheaply build they where. The case and crystal are made of plastic, the module has the reviled fixed MMDD format and there is no illumination at all. It's also very small by modern standards.
For me the charm of the AQ-230A is that looks the same and wears just the same as an 80's watch. Despite being a cheap watch made of plastic it has more appeal to me than more expensive watches, despite its quasi disposable nature.
13 comments
·
Sort by
Sort by
Claude
@Catskinner
I'm a big fan of watches that are interesting because they are either unique, have interesting features, well designed or simply offer a great value for their price.
Hod Hasharon
Member since
Last active: 14 min ago
They certainly have a charm and a unique 80s vibe. I'm not sure they were cheaply build even back then, but here's mine
They certainly have a charm and a unique 80s vibe. I'm not sure they were cheaply build even back then, but here's mine
Oh, they were cheap. I remember the cheap bracelet the old ana-digi came with and the one on the new AQ-230A feels just the same. There is a reason why none of them survived and are still with me.
My suspected fake says "Nǐ hǎo":
Overall I agree, but I think we see the difference between construction and materials, with the latter being less premium.
🙋🏻♂️
Overall I agree, but I think we see the difference between construction and materials, with the latter being less premium.
The old ana-digi were made of metal, but they still felt cheap. But perhaps I'm using the wrong word here. Casio are the king of the cost effectiveness manufacturing, they never use more than they should and their manufacturing tolerances and QC is of such excellence that even when they use less than premium materials the fit and finish is always spot on.
I love these Casios because they are inexpensive, but also look great. This watch is next on my list!
Omega actually released the first ana digi in 1976. My watchmaker actually wears one as his daily. It's quite a big chunky beast.
I would certainly have one if the price wasn't so absurdly inflated for what the watch actually is. Same with the Timex Q reissues ($179) and M79 automatics ($299). What about the watch justifies the ridiculous asking price? Those Miyota 8215s are cheap when bought in bulk like a big brand like Timex could leverage, so where does the other $250 factor in?
The old ana-digi were made of metal, but they still felt cheap. But perhaps I'm using the wrong word here. Casio are the king of the cost effectiveness manufacturing, they never use more than they should and their manufacturing tolerances and QC is of such excellence that even when they use less than premium materials the fit and finish is always spot on.
So you think the new version is worth $40+?
So you think the new version is worth $40+?
Yes I do. YMMV obviously.
Omega actually released the first ana digi in 1976. My watchmaker actually wears one as his daily. It's quite a big chunky beast.
This is interesting, any chance you can get the model number or take a photo?
This is interesting, any chance you can get the model number or take a photo?
Omega's website doesn't have much info on it.
https://www.omegawatches.com/en-gb/watch-omega-seamaster-chrono-quartz-st-396-0839
Some more info from Wikipedia.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_Chrono-Quartz