When looking for the right gift for your loved ones, you may come across the same question again this year: What actually makes a really good gift? The answer is of course very individual, but in most cases, it comes down to finding something that suits the personality, style, and tastes of the recipient. It should be valuable in worth or sentiment, and may even have historical value. So, is a watch the perfect gift? Watch enthusiasts certainly think so. But which timepiece should you choose? We’ve found watches for different budgets that would make an excellent gift for anyone.
Best Watch Gifts Under $2,000
With a budget of $2,000, we’re undoubtedly in the entry-level segment of mechanical luxury watches. However, this does not mean that you have to compromise on quality or design. Here, too, you can find the perfect gift.
1. NOMOS Club Sport Neomatik
The NOMOS Club Sport Neomatik is the sportier version of the NOMOS Club line and, in my opinion, the perfect gift. With its colorful dial variants and a case diameter of 37 mm, it’s the ideal unisex watch. The stainless steel bracelet makes it not only more robust than the Club Campus, but also more sporty and therefore suitable for everyday use and beyond. What makes this watch such a special gift, in addition to the usual NOMOS quality (in-house movement, etc.), is the option to personalize the watch with an engraving on the case back. Whether it’s a personal dedication, quote, or reminder of an important date, this detail makes the watch a gift with meaning.
2. Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Moonphase
The second watch I think makes a perfect gift tip for watch fans is the Frederique Constant Classics Moneta Moonphase (ref. FC-206N3S6). In contrast to the NOMOS Club, this watch is a much more classic gift. The most striking design element of this dress watch is the rehaut, which is inspired by the fluted edge of a coin. The watch, which also has a 37-mm case diameter and is only 7.65 mm thick, is made of stainless steel and is available with a blue, black, or silver dial with a guilloché finish. As its name suggests, each comes with a moon phase display. This is made affordable by the built-in quartz movement with a five-year battery life. This timepiece is a true classic that offers a touch of haute horlogerie at an affordable price. As a gift, this watch will particularly suit people who are more classic in style and want a watch that can be used on special occasions such as weddings, family celebrations, and important dates.
3. Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 40 mm
After a sporty all-rounder and a classic dress watch, my third recommendation is a watch that combines sportiness with a certain vintage charm. The Big Crown Pointer Date, shown here in the 40-mm instead of the 36-mm version, has a stainless steel case. The blue dial is protected by anti-reflective sapphire crystal. The automatic caliber 754 has a solid power reserve of 38 hours and is therefore more than suitable for everyday use. In production since 1938, this model features vintage touches such as a matte dial, oversized crown and stylized date hand. Combined with the brown leather strap and fluted bezel, these features create the perfect package for a modern interpretation of a classic.
Best Watch Gifts Under $6,000
The price range up to $6,000 is a very popular one and includes some iconic models that should make the hearts of all watch fans quicken.
1. Omega Seamaster 300M ref. 210.32.42.20.04.001
If you’re not quite sure whether the recipient is looking for a dress watch or a pilot’s watch for their collection, you may want to give a watch that covers as many bases as possible. The Omega Seamaster 300M is a true all-rounder that will bring the wearer a lot of joy. Omega is a renowned and prestigious brand, and the Seamaster – alongside the Speedmaster – is one of the company’s shining lights. The white dial on this specific model is very trendy, as is the rubber strap. The 42-mm stainless steel case is distinctive, but still very wearable for most wrists. The Omega caliber 8800 has a power reserve of 55 hours and is water-resistant up to 30 bar (300 m, 984 ft). The watch is available in various versions with different dial colors, and on a steel bracelet or rubber strap. This makes the Seamaster the perfect gift that can accompany the wearer anytime, anywhere.
2. Rolex Explorer 14270
Prestige and history are two of the criteria that qualify a watch as a great gift for watch lovers. The Rolex Explorer ref. 14270 exceeds these criteria, because it proves that watches are more than just timepieces. They are daily companions even under the most adverse conditions and challenges. It doesn’t have to be a Mount Everest expedition, as was the case with Sir Hillary, but also simply personal or professional challenges. The Explorer is well-suited for anything. The 36-mm unisex watch from the world’s most famous watch brand is extremely robust and low-maintenance thanks to the Rolex caliber 3000 without a date function. The watch is simple, unobtrusive, and yet impressively stylish and absolutely timeless thanks to its black dial and size. We don’t even need to talk about Rolexes retaining their value. The Explorer I is the perfect gift for him or her.
Best Watch Gifts Under $12,000
In this price range, it should be no problem to find a suitable gift for more experienced watch lovers. Here you will find watches that many collectors dream of.
1. Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon
Anyone looking for a watch as a gift for this budget is probably looking for a timepiece that will either add to an existing collection or surprise a connoisseur. That’s why we haven’t selected an “ordinary” Omega Speedmaster here, but a special edition. The Dark Side of the Moon naturally has all the features of the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, which is why we do not want to go into any more detail about size, history, etc. However, it adds a few details that will appeal to connoisseurs: First of all, the case is made of black, satin-finished ceramic. As befits a pioneer and adventurous spirit, Omega did not take the easy “stainless steel” route when manufacturing this watch. Ceramic is an advanced material that makes the watch very light and robust against scratches. The monochrome look is never boring and is certainly not a common sight on other wrists.
2. Cartier Santos Dumont WSSA0046
As an author, it is usually important to be as neutral as possible. But I find it difficult with this watch. This is the watch that I would most like to give as a gift from this selection or, admittedly, would like to receive as a gift. The Cartier Santos Dumont reference WSSA0046 is a gift for true watch connoisseurs who want to stand out from other collectors. The Dumont is not mainstream like the Cartier Santos. The Dumont is also not as refined and special as the Tank Américaine. The sporty case shape with the typical distinctive screws on the bezel is complemented by the pointed crown with a blue cabochon and an elegant black lacquer dial. Overall, it’s an extremely sophisticated and balanced look. The manual caliber also ensures that you pause every now and then to look at your watch. Cartier is currently very popular as a brand, but this model is still flying under the radar and may be an insider tip, also in terms of value appreciation.
3. Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 mm
The last watch we have in the lineup is the perfect gift for watch lovers for several obvious reasons: integrated bracelet, blue dial, and not a Rolex or an Omega. At 41 mm, the Chopard Alpine Eagle Large is perfectly proportioned. The blue galvanized sunburst dial with its unique texture, reminiscent of an eagle’s eye, really shines, especially in the sun. Although the composition of the individual elements looks like a Royal Oak or Nautilus, the shape of the case and bracelet links make a very unique and self-confident statement. This has ensured that the Alpine Eagle collection has snatched the hearts of die-hard watch fans. If individuality is important to you, the Alpine Eagle is the perfect gift.
