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Holiday Gift Guide: Watch Picks For Guys
09 Nov 2011 by w&w in Guides / No Comments
If you are like us, then you buy your holiday gifts at the very last moment…night before, day of, two weeks after, etc. So, in an effort to help you (and ourselves) get a head start on this shopping season, we’re running a series of gift guides. This first guide is geared towards guys, but naturally many of these watches could be worn by anyone. Regardless, this list is composed of watches we really like that range in style and price, so hopefully there is something for everyone.
Affordable
We’re all about watches of great value here at worn&wound, and each the pieces below offer outstanding value for under $200. For everyone operating on a tight budget this holiday season, here are a variety of watches that will more than satisfy without breaking the bank.
Seiko 5 SNZH53 $165
42mm, Seiko 7S36B 23 Jewel auto with Day/Date, Hardlex Crystal, 22mm steel bracelet- The SNZH53 is a 60’s styled diver with a blue dial and bezel. It is a well built, great looking and very affordable automatic that looks likeit’s worth a lot more than you paid. This would make a great gift for someone who is just starting their collection, is interested in 60’s watches/style or would just appreciate a unique diver.
- Check out our full review for more details and photos
Maratac Pilot Watch $195
46 mm case, Miyota 8245 Automatic Movement, Domed Sapphire Crystal, Nylon Military Strap- The Maratac Pilot Watch is one of our favorites in this price range, and really a no brainer if you’re in the market for a traditional pilot watch. It’s very well constructed, features a quality automatic movement and comes in at less than $200. Keep in mind this is a big watch (46mm!), so make sure whoever you’re buying for has larger wrists.
- You can see what else we’ve written about the Maratac here.
Braun Watch $150
38 mm case, Quartz Movement, Mineral Crystal, Leather Strap- This Braun watch is a reissue of the classic timepiece designed by Dietrich Lubs and Dieter Rams. With a clean and simple aesthetic, the Braun’s styling is timeless and sure to make any design-minded recipient very happy.
- For a bit more on this watch, see our post from a few months ago here.
Nava Time Tempo
$169.99
42mm, Quartz, Mineral Crystal, Black Genuine Leather Strap- The Tempo Libero is a whimsical take on the watch by Italian designer Denis Guidone. The all black Tempo Libero indicates time through an hour hand and a decentralized minute hand. It is at once minimal and amusing: a rare combination. We recommend this for those who are interested in design, non-traditional timepieces and a minimal aesthetic.
Mid-Range
With the watches below, we take a step into the affordable luxury watch category. Each offers a quality mechanical movement, superb design and solid build quality. If you’ve got some extra cash to spend on gifts this year, take a look at this list and we’re sure you’ll find the perfect watch.
Seagull 1963 Chrononograph $389
38mm, Seagull ST19 21 Jewel Chronograph, Sapphire Crystal, 18mm w/ Choice of straps- The Seagull 1963 is a faithful reissue of a chronograph designed for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. The 1963 is a stunning watch with great build quality, a fascinating history and a very affordable mechanical chronograph movement (that is mesmerizing and visible though the caseback). This is an ideal watch for someone interested in vintage military watches, heritage style and mechanical movements.
- Take a look at our hands-on for more details and photos
Christopher Ward C8 Pilot MK II – Vintage Edition $500
44 mm case, Sellita SW200-1 26 Jewel Automatic Movement, Sapphire Crystal, Leather Strap- To quote our review of the C8, it’s “an example of everything that’s right in the world of moderately priced watches.” The C8 nails the classic pilot look with flying colors, features a high quality Swiss mechanical movement and is built incredibly well. This is the perfect gift for the man in your life with traditional style, and who knows quality when he sees it.
- Check out our review of the Christopher Ward C8 here.
Halios Laguna $670
43 mm case, ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, Sapphire Crystal, bracelet and rubber strap- The Halios Laguna is a really outstanding example of retro style being well implemented in a contemporary timepiece. This diver features a rotating internal bezel, quality Swiss automatic movement and comes in three different varieties (grey, black or black/orange bezel). Its perfect for someone who loves the ocean, or loves the look of classic watches.
- Click here to see our more complete take on the Halios Laguna
DEFAKTO Eins Nachtschicht $665
42mm, ETA 2824-2 25 Jewel Automatic, Sapphire Crystal 20mm Calf Leather- The Nachtschicht is a one-handed watch with bold but simple styling and a full-lume dial. It has an almost stubbornly stripped down aesthetic with a very graphic appearance and a single large hand. Unlike other one-handed watches, this one only gives you markers every 15 minutes, making the time more of an estimation. The Nachschicht is great for an individual interested in contemporary design, who does not need to know the exact time….maybe that weird freelancing nephew who just got out of college?
- Check out our full review for more details and photos
Expensive
Ok, so you either have pretty deep pockets or you and your siblings are pooling together for a really great gift for dad. Below is an eclectic mix of watches that are at the top of their class and should last a lifetime. Each should make an awesome gift for a special guy in your life.
Helson Sharkmaster $899
44mm, ETA 2824-2 25 Jewel Automatic w/ date, 4.5mm thick Sapphire, 22mm Steel Mesh Bracelet- The Sharkmaster is a homage to an iconic model of the Omega Seamaster dive watch from the 70’s. It is a big and beautiful diver that authentically recreates the original, down to the 1000m depth rating, but unlike vintage Omegas, does not cost thousands of dollars. We’d recommend this for someone interested in classic watches, serious diver watches and cool 70’s kit….who can rock a big watch.
Lüm-Tec Super Combat B2 $1,295
45 mm case, decorated ETA 6498-1 Rhodium movement, Sapphire crystal, nylon military strap- Lüm-Tec Super Combat B2 is the quintessential stealth/tactical military style watch. It is absolutely beautiful, with a decorated Swiss mechanical movement, sexy black PVD case and Lüm-Tec’s super bright MDV luminescent. This a great watch for a rugged guy…who likes to wear black…a lot.
Steinhart Nav B-Chrono II $908
44 mm case, ETA Valjoux 7750 automatic movement, Sapphire Crystal, leather strap- Steinhart is one of our favorite watch companies, and the Nav B-Chrono II is definitely one of our favorite watches. It is the classic pilot chronograph personified, and features a decorated Swiss automatic movement, day/date function and deadly good looks, all under $1,000. This is the watch you buy your dad. Trust us, he’ll be happy.
Nomos Club Ivory Dial $1,290
36mm, Nomos Alpha 17 Jewel Handwound, Sapphire Crystal, Dark Burgundy Leather- The Nomos Club is a sporty dress watch with a clean design borrowing from the Bauhaus. It is a milestone in affordable luxury watches, featuring an in-house handwound movement (something quite rare) with a small seconds hand and superb finishing. Get this for someone who appreciates subtlety, but still wants to impress and be noticed. Also great for any watch nerd.
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