Digital Watches: Tech Evolution

When we look at the smart watch today, we see so many features crammed in. The humble digital watch evolved over a long time to incorporate all these elements, and this video will give you an idea of the history behind its evolution. Digital watches are one of the best examples I know of different technologies being combined together in an almost infinite variety of ways. This got me thinking of the advancement of technology as typified in the civilisation 2 tech tree which I’ve used as a theme for the video.

We will track the history of digital watch display, accuracy mechanisms (e.g. radio control , GPS ) , computation (calculators, memory, wrist computers etc) , power generation (battery power and solar digital watches) , sensors and entertainment. There is broad coverage of brands, including Casio, Seiko, Timex, Citizen, Orient, Ricoh, Sanyo, Omega, Junghans and more.

Key sections:

Digital watch display 0:56
Activity and sports 7:37
Accuracy (radio control, GPS) 12:03
Computation (calculator , memory , wrist computers) 14:37
Power (battery , solar) 19:17
Creative design 21:22
Sensors (temperature , pressure , compass ) 23:29
Sound and entertainment (alarm, radio, gaming, tv, camera) 28:26
Conclusions 30:54

[MrKrewie]

Ive had android and apple watches but nothing beats the simplicity and style of an old Casio digital watch ❤

[iandavidson]

Your channel is such a gem! I really hope one of the big-boys of the watch YouTube world pick-up on your channel and give it a boost!

[GEMSofGOD_com]

This truly feels like the most perfect video of 2022's YouTube

[toddp]

Comprehensive here. Great in many ways!

[KrystianWlr]

Your channel reminds me of the old YouTube - driven by passion. I truly hope you won't stop creating, although your last video was from one year ago

[GeorgiGeorgiev-neps]

That was unbelievable selection and information about so many niche watches

[ericb]

TI Clepsydra… literally “ thief of water “ from the Greek water clocks .
Incredible that you found that !!
Thanks you so much ;)

[EcclecticNerd]

Very comprehensive look at all the different tech that’s been used over the years. The Citizen Ana-Digi Temp will always hold a special place for me as it’s what got me into watch collecting.

[zornikzornuk]

Cool Civilization reference, you pack so much cool info. Did not expect to see so much German watch, get me interested in Junghans. Also very impress by the fact that the first solar is from 1973.... great video thank for sharing

[garethsigrist]

What an incredible video! Love the Civ II reference too! It’s fantastic you have been able to amalgamate all of the extensive research for your other videos into this timeline of digital watch development. All in your usual detailed but accessible style! Phenomenal work as always Gordon!

[therodentryresistance]

That's a lot of work you've put in. Congrats!!

[oryoruk]

a CIV themed video on digital watch history.. I just stumbled upon your channel, but I have a feeling I will like it a lot :D

[TickSweep]

That was brilliant love a long informative video!

[Beechhill]

Loved the little running man on the Twincept chrono. Wish I knew where that watch went.

[jamesflix]

That was just a small thank you for all the research and editing you have done to compile this video.
and for including the links too. Casio and Seiko (James Bond era) have always been
My favourite brands for innovation, quality and affordability. I used to wait for the latest Argos catalogue to come out so i could see the new Casio models. Telly Savalas wore the Hamilton Pulsar in the TV series Kojak, I remember going upto London at that time and i saw the watch in an Oxford Street Jewellers window, it cost thousands and looked so futuristic, i am pleased they have brought out a new version and it still looks good today. Once again thank you for the depth and detail of this video and i look forward to viewing more on your channel.

[johanvandersandt]

I didnt really get into Civilization that much but played Alpha Centauri to death! Once more a superb video man! This is one hell of a tech tree!

[navyplumberboy]

Bruh your videos are exactly what ive been looking for. No gimmicks, straight to the point, fantastic watches, a lot of watches covered in a little bit of time. Im subbed. Will continue to watch your vids. Im all about it!

[stevenuk]

brilliant, just a brilliant video, so interesting.

[francisfullam]

Such a great organizing framework for thinking about digital watches. I think the Synchronar may deserve more acknowledgement and perhaps the #1 spot on your list. They may have been been the first digital watch watch. The patent was filed May 3, 1971. It was clearly the first completely waterproof digital watch and the first watch capable of going to very deep depths. It had a feature to adjust the timing of the watch so make it more accurate.

[Daud]

Well researched and narrated as always! Thank you for your upload.
Edit: So many watches you featured on this video are personal grails of mine. 😉