Christmas is almost upon us, it’s time to think about all the presents you have to by for friends and relatives, so as to arrive at the holidays with everything set in place.
However, among our loved ones there might be that friend or relative who is passionate about watches. Or maybe, someone asked us what should they give us as their Christmas gift.
The answer seems obvious: a watch, of course! However as easy it may seem, giving a timepiece as a gift is actually much more complex.
A watch, expensive or inexpensive, is a very personal object: it holds a different meaning for each of us, and therefore deserves particular attention in the choice.
So, first and foremost, you better know that it is not at all easy to give a watch to an enthusiast, we at IWS are the first to admit it.
For us, a timepiece cannot go unnoticed: it must be felt, desired and chosen. It must require a thorough search in order to be found – by ourselves, or by others – and that takes time; time that is not always available, especially before holidays.
Finally, let’s not hide the fact that sometimes it is better to invest in some object that enhances and accompany our watches.
So, what to do on those occasions when giving a timepiece as a gift is not the best choice, but we still want to give a thoughtful present to a watch enthusiast?
In the next few lines we propose what we believe can be excellent Christmas gifts to give or to receive for a watch enthusiast, and which we are sure will be delighted to be able to open on Christmas morning.
1. Watch Roll and Watch Cases
This is a must-have for your watch geek or yourself. It is one of those classic examples of a seemingly unassuming, but very useful object. On many occasions it will make the difference between a perfectly preserved watch and a somewhat abused one.
Let’s imagine that you want to go on vacation, or have to travel for work: who among you would give up your watches? Who among you would not want to wear several, to match the occasion or time of day, or simply your mood. After all, the watch is one of the ways in which we express our taste and personality; so why deprive ourselves of the pleasure of admiring our timepieces off-site? And that’s where the watch case, watch roll or travel watch case comes in, a box specially designed to house and protect our timepieces.
Again, there are really a lot of versions, with different structure and materials: so choose the one that suits you best and tickles your taste the most. That said, still allow us to give our advice. There are some details that we think can make a difference, which can actually protect your watches in the best way.
If you prefer timepieces with bracelets, we recommend that you opt for a watch holder with cushions, so as not to create contact points between different parts of the bracelet, which can lead to unwanted scratches on the bracelet or case.
Alternatively, if you prefer watches with leather straps or at least straps without deployants, a watch case with flat compartments (where the timepiece is therefore lying down) may be right for you, saving on clutter.
Another piece of advice we feel like giving you is to choose a watch case with separate individual housings (thus with a small wall between one timepiece and the other). This will avoid the formation of scratches and marks due to rubbing between cases or, as happens more often, between the crown and case of two adjacent watches.
Good inner padding combined with a rigid outer structure will surely be a welcome detail for your watches. Also, pay attention to the material of the part in contact with your timepieces: choose watch holders with a long-lived and durable inner material, to prevent it from being ruined over time and releasing fragments that are not exactly healthy for a mechanical movement.
2. Fine Watch Straps
If you want to play it safe, a watch band is the one for you. Any watch lover can’t help but adore such a gift. Watch straps are a way to breathe new life into your watch, change its character and adapt it to a wide variety of situations. The right strap can literally light up your watch.
Although there are numerous strap manufacturers, be careful about the quality of the leather used. With the help of an Italian manufacture we have been able to create a selection of Made in Italy items of the highest quality in order to offer them to enthusiasts. Here you can have a look at our selection.
Sure, in the realm of watch straps there is a huge variety of leather, shapes, sizes, stitching. When it comes to shapes and sizes we made sure to make it extremely easy for you to choose the right width and regarding length (we have one standard size that can fit almost every adult wrist). In the end, it all comes down to your taste and what you think fits best on your relative’s or friend’s wrist. If you have any doubts we are also available via the live chat to advice you and do our best so that you will donate the best present.
3. Horology Books
To play it safe, a suitable Christmas gift for any watch enthusiast is a good watchmaking book. There are an endless truth of them on a wide variety of topics, but we at IWS have selected three that might be right for you. Unfortunately they are in Italian only except for Magister: A Unique Andrea Foffi Speedmaster Collection di Andrea Foffi
Collezione Personale di Clément Mazarian
Personal Collection is a selection of more than 80 iconic watches that have made history, curated by collector and enthusiast Clément Mazarian. From the first Santos Dumont to the legendary Speedmaster, via the Rolex Submariner, not forgetting the flamboyant pop revolution by Swatch
All the models featured in this volume are described in a dedicated chapter and accompanied by illustrated data sheets, explaining the basics of watchmaking even to novices. A book for novice enthusiasts but enjoyable for the more advanced as well.
Un Uomo & Il Suo Orologio by Matt Hranek
This book is a tribute to the enduring bond between a man and his watch. Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona, received as a gift from his wife Joanne Woodward; astronaut Wally Schirra’s Omega Speedmaster, the first watch to travel to the moon, watches are born behind incredible events.
Matthew Hranek, a New York collector and style icon, traveled the world to collect these interviews, dive into the most exclusive collections, and gather the untold stories of 76 watches, presented with captivating photos of each one. Thanks to these stories and Hranek’s pen, watches do not merely mark time or status symbols; they manage to represent historic moments, groundbreaking achievements, family heirlooms, sincere gifts, and unbreakable friendships.
Magister: A Unique Andrea Foffi Speedmaster Collection di Andrea Foffi
This is a slightly more advanced book than the first two and the price reflects its importance. One thing is certain, if you give this book as a gift, the person who receives it will know all about Speedmasters.
Magister is the story of one of Omega’s most comprehensive collections in the world, the one built by Andrea Foffi over more than twenty years of work and research. The texts edited by Paolo Gobbi and the images entrusted to Fabio Santinelli guarantee an immersive experience of the highest quality. A must-have for every watch enthusiast.
A part from these books, I highly recommend you checkout Assouline for a wide selection of advanced books dedicated entirely on brands and specific models.
4. Watch Graphic Art
This type of gift is a bit special, it is also necessary to know a little bit about the tastes of our friend or relative. It is not an object that has its own usefulness, it is a way to express our passion for watches.
I always find it very interesting to see the concept of a timepiece placed in a completely new context. Watch art allows us to always have our dear watches around, but in a truly unique and personal perspective.
On the web and on social networks there are so many artists who are committed to representing the watches in an artistic form, each with a unique and original style. Artists like Derom ( Deromcollection | Artwork by derom ) and Days_Studio77 ( Days Studio 77 ) have managed to give watches a new meaning, inserting them in a completely unexpected atmosphere.
The takes of the two artists are very different, but I think they really managed to do something interesting. Take a look at their Instagram profiles to find out what their artistic genius is capable of.
If, on the other hand, you prefer something more classic, which is not too particular without being banal and which manages to be versatile while maintaining its originality, then a quality poster or print can be a solution to consider.
5. Watch cufflinks with movement
As the last item, we have decided to propose a somewhat particular item, which should not be used every day, but which, if worn in the right way and on the right occasion, can really make a difference. We are talking about cufflinks, but not just any cufflinks: instead of a stone or a cabochon, there is a real watch movement.
At first glance it may seem an unusual accessory, but if it is well matched to the dress and the correct context, it will be that touch of freshness that will distinguish us as watch enthusiasts. They exist in different shapes and of different sizes, so as to be at the same time well recognizable but not tacky.
They also represent the possibility of giving new importance and attention to movements that would otherwise remain hidden and used as spare parts. Being able to admire the beauty of a caliber, even if it is not working, is not always possible.
A part from skeletonized watches, the movements of our watches are often well protected by waterproof cases, or you need to remove the watch from your wrist to see the movement from a visible caseback. So this cufflink are a way to revive otherwise forgotten movements, as well as being a trademark of our passion.
And for the ladies? The same type of article is also offered in the form of a ring, so that it can be worn with class and elegance even by a female audience.
6. Watch Winder
It is one of those accessories that must necessarily be mentioned. For an enthusiast it has now effectively become a must have: just like the watches they house, watch winders are never enough.
This particular accessory is nothing more than a box inside which a small engine is installed. A watch holder is then mounted on it. Once you have inserted your watch – automatic, please – inside the box and turned on the engine, it will slowly start to turn. This will allow the oscillating weight of the watch to recharge the spring.
A very useful object, which gives us enthusiasts the possibility of having our watches always charged and on time.
No more time wasted having to set the current one again. Watch winders often have several options, allowing you to choose the time intervals in which to operate and the direction of rotation (clockwise, counterclockwise or both alternately).
However, there are some small precautions to keep in mind when using a watch winder: first of all, insert only automatic watches inside, the effect on manually wound ones is completely non-existent.
Another very important detail is to pay attention to the nature of the automatic winding of your timepiece, that is, whether it has a rotor with one-way or two-way winding.
In case it is bidirectional, just set a rotation of the winder in both directions and that’s it. In addition, your watch will still be recharged even if you accidentally set it to rotate in one direction only.
If, on the other hand, your timepiece has a one-way winding, you have to pay attention to the direction in which the spring is actually wound. To understand this, just bring your watch close to your ear and rotate it until it is clear in which direction the oscillating weight recharge the spring (you will hear a slight winding noise). Once this is done, set the motor rotation to follow the direction of charge.
Alternatively, you can set alternate rotation in both directions so as to “peck” the right one in each case. Personally I do not recommend this mode as the time dedicated to the actual recharge is half compared to the correct way only. The charging time may not be sufficient, risking not to keep your watch charged and on time.
The time boxes are available in many versions in as many finishes: single seat, two or more seats, with rotations on one or more axes, vertical, horizontal or inclined; there is really an embarrassment of choice. Our advice is to choose one of good quality, long-lasting and above all silent. Better get one with fewer seats but one that welcomes your watch with the finesse it deserves.
Conclusions
These are just some of the possible gifts that we watch enthusiasts would love to receive as gifts. Remember, however, that a real gift must first of all be felt, then sought and finally found, in order to give your loved one an object with a unique meaning and immeasurable emotional value. With this article, we at IWS can only hope to have helped you in your research also this Christmas!
If you still feel like you have not found the perfect gift, check out the article we did for last year’s Christmas!
