Jamie Weiss
In a tradition-driven industry, the idea of bringing watches into the future was a horrifying idea. When the so-called quartz crisis of the 1970s shook Switzerland, it shook the watch industry as we know it. Longtime manufacturers have scrambled to understand how battery-powered watches can navigate how mechanical timekeeping can be eliminated. Ironically, thanks to creative and strategic thinkers like Jean-Claude Biver, this obsolescence ultimately becomes once again appealing.
However, in the 70s, the innovative technology and design introduced by Quartz Timepieces, such as LED displays, were extremely attractive and fashionable. Famous retailers such as Tiffany & Company have also seen celebrities like Jack Nicholson, Elton John, Sammy Davis Jr., Keith Richards and all the sports variations of watches (and not solid gold!)
Of course, one of the most well-known wearers of LED watches was Roger Moore. Roger Moore made the Pulsar P2 famous in Live and Let Die (1973) as James Bond. Such futuristic designs are perfectly combined with our favorite British secret agents, and adventures filled with high-tech gadgets have sparked the imagination of movie fans around the world. Over time, LED watches, like all quartz watches, became cheaper and cheaper, as they became largely obsolete by cheaper and more energy-efficient LCD displays.
An interesting aspect of today’s LED clocks is that they also stir up nostalgia while maintaining the appeal of the space age. Swiss mechanical watch manufacturers were traumatized by the quartz crisis, but today many are energizing their LED designs to celebrate their innovation and pioneering spirit. It is worth pointing out that this list is not LCD watches like Casio or Timex, and is not well known for creating, for example. To keep that out of the way, here’s a guide to the best LED watches that really connect today’s buyers with the pioneering spirit of the 70s.
Armitron Griffy
It’s interesting to think that at one point, LED watches were luxury. These days, you can pick up an LED watch. If appropriate, the Armitron Griffy is not the most affordable LED watch on the market, but also one of the most affordable new watches. One of our contributors, DC, chose one a few years ago for just USD 35. Featuring a comfortable brushed 34mm stainless steel case and an oversized LED display that is easy to read, this Armitron is the cheapest way to join in retro LED fun. Price: USD 60 (or less)
BenlyDesign “Gladiator” X7000
With another LED watch that proves you can enjoy retro-futistic watches at a reasonable price, the BenlyDesign “Gladiator” X7000 is different from the other watches on this list. But I think it still fits the bill. The result is that the LCD is much brighter than a backlit watch, with the “raising state” feature that quickly indicates the time the watch is tilted at a 60° angle and held for one second. BenlyDesign is a slightly interesting brand if you can call it. Based in China, most of its designs are pastiches from other retro watch models, such as the Nike Triax, MB&F HM4, and Amida Digitrend. Packaging some lists of my research). Price: 89 USD (or less)
Leaded by Yema
Octagonal case profiles are ramp-stretched in the current market, and often lead to watch enthusiasts drawing comparisons between them. However, the Yema Led Watch has a very clear appearance while having an octagonal case. The loyal reissuance of the ’70s leads the watches that were once released by French watchmakers, whose brushes and polished cases are extremely compact and thin, 37.5mm in diameter and 10.5mm thick, but also water resistant to 100 meters. Additionally, the unintegrated steel bracelet evokes the charm of sci-fi and is highly adjustable with the right slide clasp to suit all wrist sizes. Those who are fans of the Peacemaker in the HBO Max series may actually recognize this watch as actor Chukwudi Iwuji, who plays the role of Clemson Murn, the leader of Black-Ops Team Project Butterfly, wears one throughout the show. Price: 249 US$
Bulova Computron
Another brand, leaning towards the legacy of the quartz crisis era, injected clues from many of its works from the 70s to make Computron come true. When glowing on gold-plated stainless steel, the case is clocked at 31mm and has a depth rating of 30 meters, making it not the most robust watch on this list. But it offers buyers a faceted design of automotive aesthetics, featuring the talent of an engine-turned texture case and bracelet and a yellow gold tone flash. Like all watches on this wrist, it constantly does not convey time. The display is left by default to save energy, and the time will be displayed when you press the button on the right side of the case. Price: 395 US$
G. Gerlach Kosmonauta
Like virtually every watch on this list, G. gerlach Kosmonauta is the modern revival of the led watches of the era. Specifically, it is a revival (or homage) of the Unitra Wheel, the first Polish digital clock, which was released into space in Mirosław Hermaszewski. The Kosmonauta is not a one-on-one revival of the Unitra Werel, as it features slightly smaller (and current sapphire) crystals and a more rounded case. It is also much more energy efficient than Werel. If the original drains the battery within weeks of normal use, the Kosmonauta has a more modern two-year battery life. Price: 438 US$
Hamilton American Classic PSR
Perhaps the most iconic design on this list, the Hamilton American Classic PSR is a modern evolution of the Pulsar Watch, the world’s first commercially available LED watch that attracted the attention of Hollywood elites and the world’s largest fictional spy. Including multiple color schemes including black DLC and PVD gold, this stainless steel beauty is a lug with a diameter of 30.4mm, thickness of 13.3mm and a lug toe of 40.8mm. Also, being a robust everyday wearer with a depth rating of 100 meters, if you want to feel like leaving your Daniel Craig 007 out of the sea, you can certainly do so while the watch is on your wrist (though it was Roger Moore who wore this watch in the movie). Price: Available from Time+Tide Shop
Girard-Perregaux x Yves Saint Laurent Casquette 2.0 Titanium
In the world of watch collection, rarity is very appealing. Collectors’ plot certainly increases when the watch is inherently limited, as collections are driven by collectibility. The original Casquette Watch is not a limited edition, but it was 8,200 pieces made between 1976 and 1978 and was not produced in super high volumes, but in 2022 Girard-Perregaux revived the watch with the Casquette 2.0. A watch that can be purchased. The hooded design is very wrist-friendly and measures 33.6mm x 14.64mm x 42.4mm. A 50m depth rating, conservatively speaking, means you can safely swim on your wrist watch. Price: 7,500 US$
T+T Timeless Pick: CyberPunk 2077 XBłonieT-2077
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlyjtvi5eh0
This watch was released only two years ago, but is now all sold out. That retrofuturism is certainly “timeless.” Cyberpunk 2077 xBłonieT-2077 – Do you believe it, the second polish watch on this list – was produced to commemorate the release of Cyberpunk 2077, a blockbuster video game starring Keanu Reeves, produced by Polish company CD Projekt Red. The watch itself has a pebble-like design with a yellow LED display matching the yellow of the game’s signature. Its pure titanium case is fully matte finish, emulating the technology found around Night City’s streets and population. Cyberpunk 2077 setting. What actually dates this watch for 2022 is that each comes with its own NFT. How paradoxical is it? Price (retailer): 397 USD
