Automotive analog clocks were largely discontinued as standard features in the late 1970s and 1980s with the rise of digital clocks. Today, they persist primarily as a styling cue in high-end luxury vehicles, though even some of these models are phasing them out in favor of fully digital displays.

The Shift from Analog to Digital

Early Use: Analog clocks were common in cars from the mid-20th century into the 1970s. Early examples used mechanical or electric movements.

Quartz Revolution: In the late 1970s, "quartz" analog clocks were introduced, offering greater precision and reliability over older mechanical versions; manufacturers often highlighted "quartz" as a high-tech feature.

Digital Dominance: The first all-digital dashboard was the 1976 Aston Martin Lagonda, and by the 1980s, digital clocks became the standard due to their lower cost, ease of integration, and modern appearance.

Aesthetics and Functionality: While digital clocks offer exact time, some argue that analog faces allow for a more intuitive sense of elapsed or remaining time at a glance.