If you’d like to give the gift of time this holiday season, consider one of the eight wristwatches featured below. Our list has something for everyone, from watch newbies to veterans of the horological scene. But don’t delay — these shoppable timepieces are bound to sell out in no time.
For the Recent Grad: Brew Watch Co. Retrograph - Crimson Slate
The conceit behind Brew Watch Co., a microbrand founded in 2015 by Jonathan Ferrer, a New York-based industrial designer, is simple: Enjoy your time over coffee. The new Retrograph helps you meet that goal with its chronograph functionality, which can be used to measure increments of 25-35 seconds — just long enough to brew a shot of espresso. Housed in a 38 mm case shaped like an elongated cushion and made of blended steel and contrasting brushed components, the piece is ideal for minimalists, fans of 1970s style and watch sophisticates on a budget. $395; brew-watches.com
For the Gentleman: Grand Seiko Elegance
IYKYK. Among connoisseurs, the Japanese watchmaker Grand Seiko is considered the height of refined watchmaking. Manufactured at the brand’s Studio Shizukuishi, in the shadow of 6,700-foot Mt. Iwate in Japan’s northern Iwate prefecture, this Elegance SBGW283 mechanical model comes in a 37.3 mm stainless steel case encircling a pale blue dial designed to evoke the color of the skies above Mt. Iwate as summer begins, the season known as Kishun. The sapphire case back offers a glimpse of the slim, hand-wound movement that powers the watch, Caliber 9S64, a prime example of the spirit of Takumi, or the mastery of craft, that lies behind each Grand Seiko timepiece. $4,900; the1916company.com
For the Sporting Type: Girard-Perregaux Laureato 38 mm Sage Green
Steel sport watches on integrated bracelets, especially those with a 1970s heritage, were the “It style” of the pandemic. Then, about two years ago, the hoopla over the standard-bearers in the category — watches made by Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet — began to simmer down, allowing a handful of iconic sport models from lesser-known makers to come to the fore. Enter the Laureato from Girard-Perregaux, a sleek and storied wristwatch introduced in 1975, now available in a downsized 38 mm case with a seductive sage green dial. $14,900; girard-perregaux.com
For the Architecture Buff: Toledano & Chan B/1
The angular and asymmetrical B/1 from upstart maker Toledano & Chan — the brainchild of artist Phillip Toledano and watch designer Alfred Chan — pays homage to Brutalist architecture. The unusually shaped watch with the bright blue lapis dial sold out within minutes of its debut in May. Drop No. 2 is coming in Q1 2025. Why not gift the design devotee in your life an I.O.U? $4,000; toledanoandchan.com
For the Gem Lover: Rolex Datejust
Introduced in 1945, the Datejust is one of Rolex’s most enduring timepieces, and a canvas for gem-set experimentation, as in this fully flooded 18k yellow gold Ref. 179458 model, housed in an on-trend teeny-tiny 26 mm case. If you’re looking to put a smile on someone’s face this holiday, this piece from the Crown is bound to do it. $119,996; 1stdibs.com
For the Eco-Warrior: ID Genève Circular S – Sun
While mechanical watches are innately sustainable (given the occasional service, they are meant to run in perpetuity), ID Genève has taken circularity to the next level with its 41 mm Circular S Sun model, made of steel re-melted in a solar-powered furnace in southern France. The company claims that the carbon impact is 165 times lower than the industry average and brings it one step closer to producing zero carbon steel. But beyond the watch’s substance, there’s style here, too: namely, a sun-brushed satin bezel and traditional sunburst guilloched dial designed to call attention to the first-of-its-kind solar-powered solution in the Swiss watch industry. $4,700; watchesofswitzerland.com
For the Complicated Sort: Patek Philippe Ref. 5496P Perpetual Calendar
Known as “the king of complications,” the perpetual calendar automatically accounts for the varying lengths of months and adjusts for leap years. Once set, it won’t require a manual adjustment until the year 2100. When such functionality is made by arguably the most revered name in watchmaking, encased in platinum and sold with its original papers — as is the case for this elegant pre-owned Ref. 5496P from Patek Philippe — then you can bet the piece will retain, or perhaps even increase, in value over time. $55,960; swisswatchexpo.com
For the Feminine Style-Setter: Cartier Baignoire
Small, gold and utterly of the moment: There’s no going wrong with the Baignoire by Cartier. Introduced in 1958, the model was initially known as the Ovale cintré watch. In 1973, it officially became the Baignoire (French for “bathtub”), and ever since, the piece has amassed a cult following. The mini model shown here comes in an 18k yellow gold case on a black varnished calfskin strap. It’s equipped with a quartz movement, but don’t hold that against this timeless Cartier icon. $7,250; cartier.com
