Christmas is approaching. And you’re desperately wondering what you can buy the watch enthusiast in your life that’s different enough from last year, and the year before that, but that still honours their first love.
They already have enough straps and tools and wraps to last them several lifetimes. And you really don’t want to get them another desk clock; so, what do you do?
From little stocking fillers to the ultimate trip of a lifetime, we’ve rounded up some the best gifts for watch lovers this year. Each one is unique and would bring a genuine grin of delight to any watch lover’s face. Trust us, we know.
A High-Quality Watch Winder
Used to keep automatic or self-winding watches running when not being worn, a watch winder, if chosen rightly, can be both a functional and beautiful piece of kit.
This single watch winder from Time Tutelary is a perfect example of which. With its classic square construction and protective clear flip down lid, it winds watches small and large, clockwise or anticlockwise, while displaying them in all their glory.
A Multifunctional Watch Stand
Where’s a handy place to put your watch when it’s not on your wrist? You could place it in a display case in a cabinet, but it makes much more send to keep it with all your other accessories.
This solid oak stand not only features a place to hold your watch, bracelets, glasses, and keys, it also acts as a docking station for your phone. Its handcrafted and multipurpose frame would sit nicely on any bedside table or dresser. And with the option of being customised with engraved initials, it can make for a really special gift that any watch lover would be proud of.
A Pair of Watch Movement Cufflinks
As wearing a watch does nothing to showcase the intricately beautiful movement that drives it, watch lovers are always looking for other ways they can show off their enthusiasm for the craft.
These cufflinks are made from real watch movements that have been carefully converted into charming pieces of art and jewellery. They contain real gears and mechanisms and are finished off with a few small rubies.
They can add a touch of class and sophistication to any occasion. And, best of all, at less £10 each, they won’t break the bank.
The Vintage Watch They Always Wanted
Whether it’s a vintage Omega Seamaster or a classic Gold Rolex Day-Date President — a favourite of many world leaders — nothing says Merry Christmas more than a piece of horological history. At least to watch nerds.
But to make it that little bit more special, you can enhance the gesture by picking a vintage watch from the year of their birth, getting the caseback engraved, or finding one from a particular manufacturer they admire.
The thing to remember when buying a vintage or pre-owned watch is to always buy from a trusted dealer or seller. The market is pretty hot right now and some fraudulent sellers are taking advantage of inexperienced buyers. Make use of independent reviewers like TrustAdvisor to ensure you pick up a genuine piece of history.
Two Tickets to Chaux-de-Fonds
This may just be the ultimate Christmas gift for a watch enthusiast. La Chaux-de-Fonds is a sleepy mountain city on the France/Switzerland border, known for being the home of the Swiss watchmaking industry.
While it’s not a huge place, with a population of less than 40,000, it certainly makes up for it in quality. A visit is not complete without booking a few tours around its numerous famous watchmaking factories. And possibly a trip to the neighbouring city Le Locle, which, along with La Chaux-de-Fonds, has also received recognition from UNESCO for their history and significance on the international watchmaking stage.
But maybe the best thing of all about this gift, is, you guessed it, you get to go along with them.
