digital vs analog

The story of timekeeping is one of constant innovation, but perhaps no technological crossroads has been more culturally profound than the emergence of digital watches in contrast to their analog ancestors. 
The earliest mechanical timepieces were faceless. In a relatively advanced metropolitan area, there might be a clock, but it was no more than a collection of gears, weights and an escapement. The only other feature of note was a bell, to toll the passing of an hour, give or take. Then, about the late 13th century, came a dial and an hour hand, an amazing addition to the townspeople as one could not just hear, but see the time on the clock face. How long is it until we meet?.... There it is. 
So we leap forward, the Pulsar P1 was introduced and was the first electronic digital watch. Its accuracy far superior to almost any mechanical watch in the day.  But there were digital mechanical pocket watches that were made in the 1890’s and in some cases much earlier. Was it innovation or a creative affinity for something different? Maybe both. 
Watches and clocks were originally for the wealthy. Mechanical curiosities that served a purpose, but also to impress one’s guest. That being said, it wasn’t long before timepieces were affordable to the masses. Being innovative, the industry supported the needs of its customers. There’s a striking similarity happening now. The next best thing in cars, solar, computers, space travel…. These all contribute to the betterment of the world, I hope, and yet these newest of technologically advanced products are available initially to the wealthy, not unlike owning a fine watch in the 1600’s. Maybe in a few years, personal flying cars will be available for anyone to purchase with average means. 
Watches have evolved fantastically over the last 100 years. And I’ll get this out right now, the Apple Watch is not a watch just because it tells time on your wrist. It is a wrist computer. There’s nothing “watch” about it, other than the aforementioned. That being said, there are phenomenal advancements in electronic technology that mechanical technology can’t touch. But there’s nothing more pleasing to the eye than the fluidity and polished motion of a balance wheel and ticking of the escapement a fine watch can offer, over a computer microchip. No offense to those who would appreciate the chip. 
As an aside, I have heard on a local level that the schools are switching to digital clocks in the rooms because the students have a hard time reading analog. For me, I’ve always seen the passage of time on a watch face as fluid. There’s the past and there’s the future. In the digital world, the seconds flicker by, as lights turn off  and on in precise intervals. There is no past and no future, it is in the moment. “You called at 7:21:06” is digital. Analog, “You called about 7:15”.  I prefer the analog. 
In the end, the analog‑vs‑digital debate isn't just about technology—it’s a reflection of values: tradition versus innovation, artistry versus efficiency. Whether entwined with legacy or designed for the digital age, both types of timepieces tell more than time—they tell stories.

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