Whether you’re treating yourself or buying for a loved one, a watch (if you’ll pardon the pun) makes a timeless gift. They’re personal, intimate and full of style. We’ve selected four timepieces just asking for some festive unboxing.
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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.
An old advertisement for the Day-Date Lyndon B. Johnson was the first US President to wear the Day-Date in officeCartier 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.
Alain-Dominique Perrin, Cartier’s CEO from 1975 to 1998, came up with the idea of launching an affordable Santos in steel with gold accents in 1978. (Image: theconnectedtable.com) Cartier Santos de Cartier WSSA0030Tudor 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?
Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex and Tudor Tudor Black Bay M79230N-0002 The unique Tudor Black Bay One for Only Watch 2015 based on the ref. 7923Jaeger-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!
Jaeger-LeCoultre manufacture, Le Sentier, present day Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds Dial designs and an archival document for the patent of the Reverso case
