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You can’t force your child to create positive memories, but if you want them to be considerate when inheriting your watch collection, there are a few things you can do. Engaging with watches as a child can be difficult, especially in the age of smartphones, where most children are provided with more entertainment than ever before. Here are some analog clocks that are perfect for kids, whether they’re old enough to need to know the time or just a thoughtful gift.
Timex Time Machine 29mm Green Gecko
Most of the Timex Time Machines series are great watches for kids at minimal cost, but as a reptile lover, I can’t ignore the Green Gecko. The case is made of translucent green plastic and carries the energy of a big Jolly Rancher. The stretchy fabric straps are so cute, I wish my bedsheets were like this too. From the Comic Sans numerals to the orange and blue print, the dial is pure and innocent, and of course, there are two little geckos forever chasing each other around the dial as the seconds hand ticks away. It was very difficult not to order this watch for myself, especially considering the price and the long-trusted brand name. Price: $27
Loras Young R2317HX-9
Lorus has its roots in the 1980s as a subsidiary of Seiko, making affordable quartz watches that didn’t fit into Seiko’s catalogue, among other things. Considering its ownership, it is known as a reliable brand with solid construction for the price. Therefore, the lineup of children’s watches is very diverse. The R2317HX-9 is a particular standout in the world of kids watches, as it is water resistant to 100 meters, making it an incredibly capable diver’s watch for family snorkeling trips. The diving bezel doesn’t actually rotate, but the large numbers help kids count the minutes. The 36mm resin case is stylishly thick enough for kids, and the pusher at 2 o’clock turns on the glowing backlight, which is fun and useful at night. Price: $32
Casio LRW200H-7BV
Honestly, if you’re buying a Casio for your kid, a calculator watch is probably the coolest option. That said, this list is only for analog watches. The LRW200H series captures some of that rugged G-Shock spirit in a way that’s not visually jarring, especially in the reference LRW200H-7BV. The rainbow number in its white resin case looks summery and cheerful, but it’s also beach-friendly thanks to its 100 meter water resistance. It also has a rotating bezel and a date display, and has neat functions that you wouldn’t expect from a kids watch. At 34.2mm in diameter, it’s nice and compact and has a total thickness of 11.5mm. Plus, there are dozens of color configurations to suit your child’s taste. Price: $35.95
Flick Flak Cybersaurus
Most people already think of Swatch as a bit of a children’s brand, but Flik Flak is Swatch’s way of expressing the pure wonder of childhood. There are a lot of great designs out there, but it’s hard to ignore Cybersaurus. Dinosaurs and lasers? Please register. A translucent case will always be a fun choice. Neon highlights break through the navy background. Detailed numerals in 5-minute intervals surround the outer minute marker, while a ring on the inner hour marker makes the time very easy to read. The 31.85mm case has a rounded, lug-free design to fit smaller wrists, and the 9.25mm thickness means it won’t catch on you too much. If your watch battery dies, you don’t have to look for a replacement because the Swatch Store offers forever free battery replacements. Price: $40
Scuderia Ferrari Academy for Kids 810023
Who said a little indoctrination was a bad thing? If you’re one of the die-hard F1 tifosi or your kids just love shiny red cars, a watch with a red dial and prancing horse would be a dream come true. Scuderia Ferrari watches are produced in large numbers by Movado these days, and while they’re little more than a novelty, they’re enough to keep kids happy. Ref. 810023 epitomizes Ferrari’s high-octane spirit, cutting corners in design details such as the minute hand inspired by F1 race countdown lights and pinstriping on the dial and silicone strap. There is no. Plus, it’s one of the few kids watches with a 34mm case made of solid stainless steel instead of plastic. Although the retail price may seem a little high, there are often deep discounts available. Price: $70
block 33
Most children’s watches are assembled by large companies simply to fill a niche, with reduced proportions and the cheapest possible materials. Blok is on the other end of the spectrum, designed from the ground up as a microbrand for kids. Not only is this watch built to withstand the rigors of being worn all day by kids, but the dial, hands, and bezel are all designed to help kids learn to read analog time. Indeed, the brand has branched out into producing similar watches for adults, which shows that their trademark style has transcended practicality and reached for cool. The standard Blok 33 with updated lume on the hands and bezel is available in navy, fuchsia and aqua colors, as well as one version with a fully luminous case. It’s not cheap, but it lasts much longer than your average children’s watch. A yellow version of the original version is also available from the Time+Tide shop. Price: $189
