The Best Watches to Gift in 2021

Time is ticking. What higher solution to rejoice the countdown to the tip of 2021 than with a brand new watch? Whether or not you wish to go basic, classic, or utterly out of the wheelhouse of conventional horology, there are standout items for each wrist. Jaeger-LeCoultre’s conventional Reverso, which is celebrating its ninetieth anniversary this yr, is an effective alternative for commemorating a particular second, due to its flip-face with a clear canvas for messaging or emblems on the caseback. And you probably have been making an attempt to get your arms on an Omega Speedmaster “Darkish Facet of the Moon,” you would possibly attempt going the pre-owned route with WatchBox which has one able to ship. Or in case you are seeking to actually wow a particular girl in your life, Jacob & Co.’s over-the-top Caviar Tourbillon Purple Camo comes set with 388 baguette-cut rubies.

Not seeking to splurge this yr? Attempt a espresso desk tome for the aspiring Rolex collector. Classic Rolex: The Largest Assortment within the World, by David Silver of London’s Classic Watch Firm, comes filled with over 1,800 pictures of classic Rollies. Or purchase a course on watchmaking on the Horological Society of New York for the burgeoning watchmaker or horology fanatic.

The editors of Robb Report scour the globe (and the Web) for the very best of the very best and solely endorse merchandise we love—and assume you’ll love, too. If you buy a services or products by way of a hyperlink on this story, we might obtain a small fee.

Pre-Owned Rolex Submariner Ref. 114060

Since discovering a Rolex at retail is nearly inconceivable lately, it’s nearly a on condition that you’ll have to go for a pre-owned mannequin. Bob’s Watches has develop into a go-to for locating a timepiece from the Crown and this Submariner Ref. 114060 will make for a memorable present below the tree. The “no-date” sub has develop into a covetable mannequin and this specific timepiece is in glorious situation with little indicators of wear and tear. That is the up to date reference with a bigger crown guard, an engraved rehaut, and wider lugs, so it wears a bit bigger on the wrist than its 40 mm dimension suggests. And who wouldn’t need a stronger assertion when rocking this must-have Rollie?

BUY NOW: $13,995

‘Classic Rolex: The Largest Assortment within the World’ by David Silver

In case you aren’t eager on dropping a number of 1000’s of {dollars} on a present, David Silver of London’s Classic Watch Firm, considered one of London’s largest classic Rolex sellers, has simply launched vital tome for followers of the crown. Classic Rolex: The Largest Assortment within the World, showcases greater than 1,800 essential fashions from “Paul Newman” Daytonas to “Pepsi” GMT-Masters. However additionally, you will discover lesser-known uncommon references, with uncommon options, like its Octopus bracelets to early Artwork Deco cushion-shaped circumstances.

If nothing else, think about it a cataloged wish-list for future acquisitions.

Ulysse Nardin Freak X

If you wish to actually blow somebody’s thoughts this vacation season, might we advise the Freak X? With no dial and no arms, it tells time through a central bridge that acts because the minute hand, whereas considered one of its smaller wheels hooked up to a white-tipped appendage signifies the hour. This watch, pictured, reads roughly 10:08.

Its UN-230 manufacture motion, that includes 72 hours of energy reserve, comes housed in a 43 mm black titanium case. Every bit comes as a numbered version indicated in purple on the aspect of the case.

A freaky look ahead to a freaky yr.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Traditional Medium Hand-Wound

The Reverso has all the time been a perennial favourite in the course of the vacation season, however this yr is particular. The watch is marking its ninetieth anniversary in 2021. Identified for its flip-face perform, its dial might be turned over to cover the time. Nevertheless it’s greater than only a nifty gimmick, the swiveling face was initially created for British Military officers stationed in India, who wanted a watch that would take a beating throughout polo matches with out cracking the dial.

Immediately, this basic metal model of the dual-sided timekeeper is most frequently used to engrave a particular message, crest or emblem on the again for the final word heirloom piece.

BUY NOW: $6,500

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Dr. Woo MT

The watch business’s obsession with collaborations continues, with ever-more attention-grabbing outcomes. Take the most recent Excalibur tourbillon restricted version from Geneva-based Roger Dubuis, which options the intricate design work of the Los Angeles-based tattooist Dr. Woo. His graphic designs, together with his signature spider image, doc a starship’s journey on the entrance dial, whereas the show on the caseback encompasses a cosmic map, per the nice physician’s imaginative and prescient of time. The 42 mm case is original from eon gold, a patented pink gold alloy that tarnishes lower than commonplace pink gold and is extra immune to difficult situations equivalent to salt water. Restricted to eight one-of-a-kind timepieces, the watch comes with a possibility to obtain a tattoo from Dr. Woo himself.

BUY NOW: $158,000

Jacob & Co. Caviar Tourbillon Purple Camo

Launched in July, the Caviar Tourbillon Purple Camo from Jacob & Co. is a masterpiece of gem-setting. Adorned with 388 invisibly-set baguette-cut rubies and pink sapphires (completely greater than 48 carats!) in various shades of purple, the case, dial, buckle and lugs of this 47 mm watch are a research in coloration matching; it may take as much as three years to seek out the correct stones. Don’t neglect to look previous the bling (should you can) and be aware the flying tourbillon at six o’clock.

BUY NOW: $900,000

Grand Seiko SLGH005 “White Birch”

The Hello-Beat 36000 80 Hours Caliber 9SA5 from the Japanese mechanical watchmaker Grand Seiko encompasses a finely textured dial that pays homage to the white birch tree forests that encompass the brand new Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi in northern Japan. Housed in a posh faceted 40 mm metal case boasting a Zaratsu-polished, distortion-free end, the mannequin was lately awarded the prize for finest males’s watch on the prestigious Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).

BUY NOW: $9,100

Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Version

When Girard-Perregaux introduced its partnership with Aston Martin earlier this yr, followers of each manufacturers knew {that a} collaborative timepiece would quickly comply with. Enter the Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Version, which builds on the mannequin’s beguiling Nineteen Seventies heritage with quite a few design options which might be distinctive to the luxurious carmaker — together with a dial that includes a diamond-like sample first seen with the ‘AM’ brand (1921 – 1926), in a pleasant, and really holiday-appropriate, “Aston Martin Inexperienced.” For the primary time, the Laureato Chronograph (restricted to 188 items) options an open caseback, providing a glimpse of the engine inside.

BUY NOW: $18,100

Glashütte Unique Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date

Out there as of this month, the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date from Glashütte Unique encompasses a new darkish blue dial achieved by way of the painstaking means of galvanization. The mannequin’s iconic cushion-shaped case, with its retro Nineteen Seventies sensibility, homes a hand-finished computerized motion designed and constructed by the Saxon manufactory. With a alternative of 4 straps — blue Louisiana alligator leather-based, brown-grey nubuck leather-based, black rubber or a chrome steel bracelet — this strong 40 mm chronograph is a assured crowd-pleaser.

BUY NOW: $13,400

Berd Vay’e “Grand Grasp King” Sculpture

Based in 2014, Berd Vay’e makes horological sculptures that includes as much as 2,000 classic watch elements, together with hairsprings, pinions and wheels, encased within the shatter-resistant resin often known as Lucite. New for the vacation is the six-piece Checkmate assortment, that includes casings formed and polished to resemble the pawn, knight, bishop, rook and king. For the watch lover in your life, select the Grand Grasp — at 18 inches in dimension, it’s the biggest and most complex of all of the items. Or order a full set for the profitable gambit.

BUY NOW: $10,8000

Buben & Zorweg Turbo Collectibles Protected

Each severe watch collector wants a spot to retailer their assortment. For probably the most discerning (assume heads of state and captains of business), solely Buben & Zorweg will do. At its manufacturing unit in Pforzheim, the German luxurious producer focuses on handcrafting distinctive time, storage and presentation objects in small sequence and bespoke editions. The brand new Turbo is a modern watch winder and secure combo. Out there in 4 sizes decked out in both metallic racing lacquer or high-tech carbon fiber, the storage unit might be personalized with the customer’s coloration of alternative.

BUY NOW: $33,6000

Pre-Owned Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Chronograph “Darkish Facet of the Moon”

When a classic Speedmaster CK2915-1 offered for a record-breaking 3.2 million Swiss francs (about $3.4 million) at Phillips’ most up-to-date Geneva sale, the market confirmed what followers of Omega have lengthy understood: The Speedmaster is watchmaking gold. And whereas this pre-owned “Darkish Facet of the Moon” chronograph was manufactured in 2018, it bears all of the hallmarks of a future Speedmaster collectible, together with a stealthy 44 mm black ceramic case, a black zirconium oxide dial and a black cloth strap with a black zirconium oxide tang buckle.

BUY NOW: $8,900

Hermès Arceau Automated

Searching for a timepiece that gained’t break your financial institution? The chrome steel 40 mm Hermès Arceau Automated is a classically good-looking timepiece that’s equally at house within the workplace or dressed down with denims for the weekend. Its no-fuss white dial comes with slanted Arabic numerals and prolonged horsebit-style lugs on one aspect for a refined design twist on conventional timekeepers. It’s cool, informal and stylish in step with Hermès’ perennially trendy design codes.

BUY NOW: $5,475

Horology 101 Course at Horological Society of New York

For a watch lover obsessive about the interior workings of a mechanical timepiece, there’s no higher present than a hands-on course on the Horological Society of New York (HSNY). Based in 1866, the nonprofit group is devoted to advancing the artwork and science of horology by way of schooling. The quite a few choices embrace digital horological tutoring classes, weekday and weekend programs in New York Metropolis and touring schooling that takes place in cities across the nation. “Members are guided by skilled watchmakers and so they undergo the motions of disassembling and reassembling a mechanical watch motion to seek out out what makes it tick,” stated HSNY deputy director Carolina Navarro. The schedule for November and December finds the HSNY’s touring educators on the F.P. Journe boutiques in Los Angeles and Miami, the place your aspiring horologist can dare to dream. Test the web site for dates and places for upcoming lessons.

BUY NOW: $200-$500

Globe-Trotter Centenary Leather-based-Trimmed Twelve-Watch Field

For severe watch fanatics, Globe-Trotter’s good-looking Centenary case is a must have whether or not utilizing it for journey or just to elegantly show your watches in your house. It could possibly carry as much as 12 timepieces and can slide proper into the overhead compartment in your flight and you’ll even add an over-the-shoulder strap to show the case into an attaché for additional safety whereas on the go.

Lockable latches on the aspect of the vulcanized fibreboard and leather-based trim case add an additional degree of safety, whereas the inside compartment is detachable in case you like to show your prized wrist sweet outdoors of the field.

BUY NOW: $2,560

Chopard L.U.C. Full Strike

For a severe collector, Chopard’s new L.U.C. Full Strike affords horological fireworks with {a partially} openworked dial that gives a glimpse of its L.U.C 08.01-L minute repeater motion. In 2017, this watch was honored on the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève and was beforehand solely accessible in 18-karat pink gold and white gold. That is the primary platinum version, and it restricted to only 20 items, so you’ll have to act quick to get this one in hand.

It’s notable for its one-piece crystal and gong part, machined from a single block of sapphire. And it sounds the time by way of a mixture of two notes, C# and F with an ultra-crisp chime. Every watch takes 160 hours to assemble.

BUY NOW: Price Upon Request

Panerai Luminor Due PAM 01247

Panerai is just not for the faint of wrist, however the Panerai Luminor Due affords a smaller tackle the watchmaker’s hefty sports activities watch. At 38 mm, its a extra manageable match for smaller builds or for ladies searching for an announcement piece. This metal mannequin with a black anthracite sun-brushed dial is a very enticing proposition for a day by day put on. And its gold arms provide a refined pop towards its noir backdrop. The automated mechanical watch comes with three days of energy reserve.

BUY NOW: $6,300

Reverso by Nicholas Foulkes

Should you decide to provide your beloved a Reverso this vacation season, you wouldn’t need to skip out on additionally giving them the definitive tome on the mannequin. Written by notable watch journalist, Nicholas Foulkes, this complete espresso desk e book affords a full historical past of the enduring watch, tracing its routes from its inception as a gown watch to its metamorphosis as a gown watch and a canvas for the Swiss watchmaker’s artisanal craftsmanship and miniature portray. Plus, it affords touching anecdotes from collectors on their very own particular and commemorative flip-faced timekeepers.

BUY NOW: $195