Trend Report: ’70s Inspired LED Watches

’70s-style watches are back, but do you remember when they first made the scene? The first LED watches had futuristic, “modern” details which included calculator features, extra buttons, and oversized watch faces that displayed the time at the press of a button. While original originals have all but disappeared from the ’70s, they have been reinvented and improved with the coolest technological doo-dads.

LED watches are nothing like their former versions from 40 years ago. They’re available in a ton of trendy varieties this year, so it’s time to scoop one up if you haven’t already. Now, we can find ones that complement your look in the gym, while shopping, and even on a night out with ease.

Feeling doubtful about LED watches? Don’t. From streamlined metal faces with expandable wristbands and funky stylistic touches, the new LED looks are fresh and fun. In fact, some of the popular styles don’t even feature number details. Relying on a well-lit line of bright reds, greens, and yellows, this “barcode effect” has become a big thing for 2007 from many LED watch brands.

The Tokyo Flash brand is one of the stars of the season with its cool and interesting LED watches. All of their designs have an other-worldly appeal that fits right in with the simplistic clothing lines of the season, from white jeans to gray oversized jumpers, and glinting silver and gold offers an interesting contrast to the natural fabrics we’ve been seeing.

A few flashing lights and a creative LED display on your summer watch is essential for anyone who wants to take their look to the next level. Try these top looks for the season:

Vertical
This style can feature more complex features such as a display of flashing lights or a long number series along the face. Some of these popular watches have icons that can denote day or nighttime—like a tiny martini glass or a dollar sign.

The vertical style is packed with features, so if you love checking the time, setting simultaneous alarms, and looking at multicolored displays (perhaps all at the same time!), then this trendy style is for you. It looks best on a larger wrist, as it can overwhelm a smaller frame. The most selection of this LED style is from Tokyo Flash.

Horizontal
You can find LED watches with horizontal elements this year, available in either more traditional retro styles or a bubbly futuristic approach. This look takes the instantly recognizable appeal of a LED watch and brings it to the next level with an updated, rounded shape. The Equalizer watch has a retro-inspired touch with a blue LED display that combines a shape of the ’70s with the newest digital-watch display available today.

Retro Styled
Go on a blast from the past with a retro watch. Get the traditional styles that display only the time in classic green or red, or get a littler fancier with one of the calculator watches of a few decades past. They’re all in style right now, so slip one on your wrist with a little ’70s pride.

And what should be paired with the LED watch?
LED watches look best with funkier, younger styles. That doesn’t mean that you need to wear your clubbing gear with it, but the LED watch adds a certain panache that you can’t deny. Show yours off by wearing neutrals like steely gray and accent colors like blues, turquoises and reds.