The Essential 2016 Watch Style Guide

Watches are as important to men's fashion as ever and are valuable accessories for any man to own. However, in a time where many rely on their smartphone to tell the time, it's perhaps become a little too easy to lose touch with the charms of owning a quality timepiece. Therefore it's more important than ever to explore the abundant stylistic value of watches and catch up with the current trends. With that in mind, here are a few pointers for what to look out for in 2016.

Throwbacks to decades gone by have for some time been an integral part of modern fashion - think of 70s-style flares and 50s-style comb-over hairstyles - and it now seems that the predicted 80s throwback is in full swing this year. As a part of this revival, the lovably retro 80s-style Casio watches, in particular, are coming back in force. People from all over have started to covet the digital displays, the assortment of beeping buttons, and distinctive watch bands of a Casio. The great thing is, there's a wide scope for you to decide how best to make the reappropriation of 80s timepiece trends fit your style. For instance, you could opt for a gold digital model paired with a tank top and Ray-Bans, a geek chic Casio paired with some fresh Nike Air Max shoes, or whatever works for you. It's all about experimenting, blending retro with current trends, and discovering your own style.

In one sense, the role of vintage wear in fashion is similar to revivals in that it rediscovers the charms of a previous stylistic period. It has one crucial difference, however - vintage can (and should) be timeless. If you wear items that are too specific to an era, you risk looking like you just walked out of a time capsule or a movie set. These trends endure despite the world changing around them, fashion included, and allow each generation to take something new from them - timepieces are no different. Simple and unpretentious, yet elegant analogue clock faces are a great example of this, especially when coupled with a high-quality brown leather strap. This look is perfectly workable for any situation; great to match a classic 2-piece suit, but also more than up to the challenge of blending with a modern casual look. Then there are the traditional Swiss luxury watch brands like Rolex, Breitling, and Omega, the enduring style and prestige of whom is undeniable. To get a better idea of what's out there, you can find a great selection of vintage styles here.

In case you don't want to opt for a preowned watch, you can search for new watches that have a vintage vibe to them or that reinterpret watches of other eras.

This well-known adage just keeps on giving, and this year is right at the forefront of wristwear fashion. At Baselworld 2016, many watchmakers from across the world revealed a lot of red and black styles, and blue dials, but also smaller diameters. A new offering from the Japanese manufacturer Citizen, Eco-Drive One, stood out for its small proportions. The casing of this new model is a measly 2.98 mm thick (or thin, we should say) and the movement is just 1 mm. What's more, its solar powered just like the Crystron model from 1976, making it the slimmest solar powered watch on the planet. Tudor were another watchmaker to display this approach, with their stunning new Heritage Black Bay, measuring 36 mm but with the feel of a much more substantial timepiece. So, if there was ever a time to take the minimalist approach, now is that time.

A great watch is a piece that is strong, durable and timeless. Therefore, a good watch will always be modern and highly versatile, which is why you should invest a lot of research into discovering what makes a quality watch.

Once you get this down, it's up to your own style and taste to choose a watch that speaks to you.

Wearing watch will make a big statement about your style, personality and taste and will let people know who you are from the moment they first meet you.

Fraquoh and Franchomme