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james_s:
I also prefer analog dial clocks generally, with a digital clock I have to read the numbers and process what they mean, with a dial clock I just glance at it and instantly know the time, I don't have to read anything, it's visual.

Same reason a lot of race cars have a row of colored LEDs instead of a tachometer, the precise RPM doesn't matter, the important thing is knowing when you're in the power band and when you're approaching the redline. It's faster to interpret the bargraph than a tachometer.

mwb1100:
The recent complaints about the second hand disregard what I think seconds hands are usually used for.  It's not so that people can know the absolute time down to the second - it's so you can tell when some number of seconds have passed.

Timeless questions like:

  - who can hold their breath longest?
  - how long can I hold my hand over this candle?
  - how fast can I chug this beer?

PS: looks like the Svalbard runs about $150.  Might have to get a new watch.

SiliconWizard:

--- Quote from: james_s on April 03, 2023, 06:56:20 am ---I also prefer analog dial clocks generally, with a digital clock I have to read the numbers and process what they mean, with a dial clock I just glance at it and instantly know the time, I don't have to read anything, it's visual.
--- End quote ---

It's pretty much a matter of what we've been exposed to as kids I think.
Now it's possible that "processing the numbers" may take a tiny bit more effort than processing the dial view for all of us. Or maybe it depends on each individual. Not sure.

One thing that works much better with "analog" displays in general is evaluating variations at a glance.

james_s:
I grew up in the 80s, digital clocks were common by then and we had several in our house, along with several analog clocks. I don't feel all that strongly about it but I do think analog clocks are attractive and when I want to know how long it's been or how long until some event they are definitely faster for me since I don't have to do math. Some of my favorite clocks are nixie tube based which are of course digital. I also have a liking of weird clocks, things like binary clocks and other quirky stuff. I like clocks in general, they can be a combination of kinetic artwork and functional tool.

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