There are all kinds of men’s watches on the market that fit the definition of retro. Some are real antiques that you can get at flea markets and auction style sites and others are made by jeweler companies that specialize in this type of jewelry reproduction. There are several styles of these and of course their appearance depends on the type of era they come from.
One popular style is from the late seventies and early eighties. These are the chunky LED style watches that use to be so reminiscent of what was worn in movies like Star Wars or Blade Runner. These are chunky black rubber and have large chunky faces with red digital numbers. Some styles have really large digital numbers. The larger the face the chicer the watch actually is.
Another popular style is the sixties men watch with the super large face and large decorative numbers. Often the hands on this style of watch are very baroque looking. The hands may actually contrast in look to the numbers or other styling’s on the watch. These watches can have interesting bands made out black patent leather or white cow’s leather. Any band that is rubber or brightly colored can also retro date a watch. Today watch bands tend to be much more demure.

Watches from the forties are also popular but there are very few intact examples around. These watches tend to be square shaped and have brown leather straps. The metallic finish may be pinker or yellower in color. These watches sometimes also have very interesting details on their hands. They also have details like moon phases or barometers in them. It was also classic in that era to have a watch on your wrist that was also a compass. The style of having two watch faces, one depicting the time in one city and the other in another was also very fashionable back then as it was the era when people used to fly in planes a lot.
Of course the oldest of men’s watches in style are the pocket watches. There are all kinds of different retro styles of these on store shelves. If you can’t find the real antique version you can always find retro reproductions. Many of the more reputable jewelry companies make them. Pocket watches are definitely a sought after item because they can be passed down as heirlooms. You can always engrave one and give it to your son as a men’s watch heirloom.
Sometimes all you have to do to make a man’s watch look more retro is change the watch strap. Today black leather with big stitching is common. However to make the watch look older consider getting a patent leather strap. If you get a crocodile or alligator style strap you will also have a more retro looking watch, but you won’t be pleasing animal activists that you know!