Rolex Day-Date II
The Day-Date – sometimes known as the “President” in collector vernacular, thanks to its adoption as the wrist-swag
of choice by Lyndon B. Johnson and, allegedly, John F. Kennedy (the watch apparently having been gifted to him by
Marilyn Monroe the same night she sang Happy Birthday to him at Madison Square Garden in 1962, and inscribed, “Jack,
with love as always from Marilyn”) – was born in 1956. During its 60-plus years of existence, it has made
innumerable cinematic appearances and become a symbol of success, virility, power and alpha-male cool. In 2008 came
the sequel to the classic, the Day Date 2 with its 41mm case. The extra size and weight was in tune with tastes at
the time and the watches had a seven year run until they were replaced by the Day-Date 40 in 2015. This example is
in white gold and has a fluted bezel and silver dial with applied Roman numeral hour markers.
Cartier Santos de Cartier
As far as blue-dialed integrated watches go, this Cartier Santos is the surprising (and smart) choice. Right off the
block, the Santos is a certifiably iconic design that manages to be more than a century old and oh-so-80s all at
once. Add to this the subtle blue dial Cartier has engaged on this 2021 model, as well as the frankly great design
updates on this generation of Santos, like the quick bracelet change system, and this Santos is sophisticated and
stylish. All good things in a gift.
Tudor Black Bay
Typically in a Christmas buying guide listicle like this, each of the watches would get divided into some pretty
obvious tropes. Adventure guy, vintage gal, dive watch dude, classic style person — you know the drill. And if we
were to go down this route, the Tudor Black Bay would happily fill every slot, honestly. Especially in this classic
black and gilt combo with the in-house movement. What’s not to like?
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds
One of the most thoughtful things to gift at Christmas is something with a personalized message. And when it comes to
blank canvas potential on watches, you can’t beat the Reverso. This beautiful blue-dialed Reverso Tribute Small
Seconds features a solid caseback, just waiting for your own private inscription. The only question is, what to
engrave? A special date, a short note, or entwined initials. The options are endless!
