The 15 best men’s watches to gift this Christmas
From minimalist models to traditional timepieces, here are a dozen of the finest bits of wrist armour to wrap up this year...
Words: Zak Maoui
Good things, as the saying goes, come in small packages. And, during this prime present-giving season, the greatest possible gifts stick to that maxim. Wristwatches – from pilot’s chronographs to dressier models – are pricey options when it comes to seeking out something to put under the tree, but there are few better choices if you’re looking to give a lasting, practical token of appreciation.
This year, we’ve curated a collection of fifteen timepieces, and, whether your chosen friend or relative would appreciate a minimalist timepiece from Grand Seiko, a sturdy Omega, or even an artfully designed piece from Laurent Ferrier, we’ve sought out something for every giftee to buckle up by Boxing Day.
A steel sports watch is an on-trend option
With every decade, the watch industry shifts its design focus. In the past, manufacturers jostled to outdo each other with professional-grade dive watches, ultra-thin dress models, and even high-tech quartz creations. Currently, the focus is luxury steel sports watches. So, to show the watch enthusiast in your life that you truly care, why not tap into this trend, and gift them the best of the bunch?
We’re starting off our suggestions with Blancpain's Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de Lune, which is exceedingly precise, equipped with a 72-hour power reserve, and featuring a changing face of the moon on the dial. Chopard’s Alpine Eagle 41 is inspired as it is by the watchmaker’s iconic St Moritz model of the 1980s. Meanwhile Longines' Legend Diver, which is celebrating 65 years in the game, is always a good idea.
Gift a dashing dress watch to see out party season
Although steel sports watches may be the models of the moment, an elegant dress watch will never go out of style, especially during the black-tied, champagne-popping party season.
In the Christmas spirit of going all out, then, we’ve got some handsome suggestions to make, and the first comes from the king of watchmaking, Vacheron Constantin. The jewel of the Patrimony collection, this sophisticated moonphase only needs adjusting once every 122 years. IWC, too, another world-renowned heritage house, offers this ultra-slim, automatic-winding model, which is defined by its gold case and black dial. Alternatively, for a gift that lives up to its esteemed brand name, this Patek Philippe is as classic as wristwatches come, with a polished yellow-gold case, brown-leather buckle, and a bright-white, crisply legible dial.
A chronograph is the ideal gift for a true aficionado
The three round baubles that decorate a chronograph’s dial are key to the style’s enduring appeal. Originally developed to record the fly-by timings of early planes, such watches have become more and more accurate over the years – and, today, they make perfect presents for those whose pastimes or jobs rely on tight-ticking accuracy.
Top of the offerings is Audemars Piguet’s slick Royal Oak. This Chronograph is fully crafted in black ceramic and contrasted with subtle pink gold accents. Breitling’s Navitimer B19 is our next pick. Or, for a traditional pilot’s watch, look to Tudor and its bold, black and utterly reliable chronograph.
Strip things back by wrapping up a minimalist model
Of course, that trio of subdials – as useful as it may prove – isn’t for everyone. Some of your friends and family members may prefer to receive something a little cleaner and more minimal. And, the key to getting those gifts right is to find a model that pairs its simple-appearing aesthetics with a high-performance movement.
Grand Seiko's The ‘Kishun’ Spring ‘Flow of Seasons’ Mechanical timepiece is a beauty, inspired by the watchmakers’ changing views of nature through the windows of the Grand Seiko studios in Japan. NOMOS Tangente Neomatik Doré is sleek, but adds a pop of colour to its dial with standout gold hands. Or, for a military vibe, opt for Hamilton's understated Quartz which comes with straighter Arabic numerals and a "railway" minute track. It’ll prove a perfect companion to take into the new year ahead.
Or go for something totally classic
For time now, these watches have been doing the job (and doing it with style). OMEGA's Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional is one of the most iconic watches in history, having been a part of all six moon landings. Laurent Ferrier's signature timepiece is inspired by the understated and sophisticated models of 19th century horological history, while Breguet's Classique 5157 is a watch of timeless simplicity, and is made of gold and features a sapphire crystal caseback.
Want more gifting ideas? These are the best Champagnes to give (and drink) this Christmas…
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