The best analogue watches for kids that could turn them into future watch nerds

Buffy Acacia

You can never force a child to forge positive memories, but if you want them to care when you pass on your watch collection, there are a couple of things you can do. Engaging with watches as a child can be tricky, especially in the age of smartphones where most kids are offered more entertainment than ever before. Whether they’re of an age where they need to keep track of the time, or whether it’s a thoughtful present, here are some of the analogue best watches for kids.

Timex Time Machines 29mm Green Gecko

Pretty much any one of the Timex Time Machines range is the perfect watch for a kid with minimal cost, but as a reptile lover I can’t go past the Green Gecko. The case is made from translucent green plastic with big Jolly Rancher energy, and the elasticated fabric strap is so cute I wish my bedsheets looked like that. The dial is pure innocence, from the numerals in Comic Sans, to the orange and blue printing, and of course the two little geckoes eternally chasing each other around the dial as the seconds hand ticks. It was extraordinarily difficult not to place an order for this watch myself, especially considering the price and the long-trusted brand name. Price: US$27

Lorus Young R2317HX-9

Lorus has its roots in the 1980s as a subsidiary of Seiko, specifically to manufacture affordable quartz watches that don’t quite fit alongside the Seiko catalogue. Given its ownership, it has become known as a highly reliable brand with solid construction for the money. As such, its range of watches for children is quite diverse. The R2317HX-9 is a particular standout in the world of kids watches, because it makes for a surprisingly capable dive watch on a family snorkelling trip with 100 metres of water resistance. The diving bezel doesn’t actually rotate, but its large numerals will be helpful for a child counting the minutes. At 36mm, the resin case will be stylishly chunky on a kid, and the pusher at 2 o’clock activates a glowing backlight that’s both entertaining and useful after nightfall. Price: US$32

Casio LRW200H-7BV

To be honest, if you’re going to buy a kid a Casio, a calculator watch is always going to be the coolest option. That said, this list is exclusively for analogue watches. The LRW200H series captures some of that rugged G-Shock spirit in a way which is less visually abrasive, with especially the reference LRW200H-7BV. Its rainbow assortment of numerals in a white resin case is summery and cheerful, while also being appropriate for the beach thanks to a 100-metre water resistance rating. It’s even got a rotating bezel and a date display, offering neat functionality that doesn’t usually make it down to kids watches. The 34.2mm diameter is nice and compact, as is the 11.5mm total thickness. Plus, there are dozens of colour configurations to suit any child’s preferences. Price: US$35.95

Flik Flak Cyberozaurus

Most people would already consider Swatch a bit of a kids brand, but Flik Flak is Swatch’s avenue for pure childhood wonder. There are so many brilliant designs, but the Cyberozaurus is hard to go past. Dinosaurs AND lasers? Sign me up. A translucent case is always going to be a fun choice, and the neon highlights cut through the navy backdrop. Detailed numerals at five-minute intervals surround the outer minute markers, while an inner ring of hour markers make it extremely easy to read the time. The 31.85mm case is rounded and without lugs to fit on even the tiniest of wrists, while a 9.25mm thickness won’t get snagged on too much. If the watch ever runs out of battery, you won’t need to worry about finding a replacement, as Swatch stores offer free battery changes forever. Price: US$40

Scuderia Ferrari Academy for Kids 810023

Who said that a little bit of indoctrination was a bad thing? If you’re one of the die-hard Formula 1 Tifosi or your kid just loves shiny red cars, a watch with a red dial and the prancing horse will be a dream come true. Scuderia Ferrari watches are manufactured en masse by Movado these days, and while they’re not much more than novelties, that’s all a kid needs to be happy. The reference 810023 captures the high octane spirit of Ferrari and doesn’t skimp on design details, with a minute hand inspired by an F1 race’s countdown lights, pinstriping that travels across the dial and the silicone strap. Plus, it’s one of few kids watches with a 34mm case made from solid stainless steel rather than plastic. Its retail price may seem a little high, but can almost exclusively be found with significant discounts. Price: US$70

Blok 33

Most kids watches are thrown together by large companies simply to fill a niche, shrinking proportions and using cheaper materials wherever possible. Blok is the polar opposite, having been engineered from the ground up as a microbrand for kids. Not only are the watches built to survive the rigours of being worn by a child all day, but the dial, hands, and bezel are all designed to help children learn to read analogue time. Granted, the brand has expanded into making similar watches for adults, but that just goes to show how far their trademark style has surpassed practicality and reached coolness. The standard Blok 33 with updated lume in the hands and bezel comes in navy, fuchsia, and aqua colours, plus one version with a fully luminous case. They’re definitely not cheap, but they’ll last far longer than the average kids’ watch. There’s also still a yellow version from the original run available from the Time+Tide Shop. Price: US$189