Finding the right gift for a watch enthusiast is hardly easy, but perhaps one of these timepieces will strike the right chord for the collector in your life and set the tone for the year to come. Who knows—one of these could even make a perfect gift for you, and remind you not to leave the Christmas shopping till the last minute next year.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Following the release of two Reverso Tribute timepieces dedicated to the works of Katsushika Hokusai in 2021 and 2022, respectively, Jaeger LeCoultre once again revisits the celebrated ukiyo-e artist’s extensive catalogue of woodblock prints to introduce two more grand feu enamel models painted by the master artisans of the watchmaker’s Métiers Rares atelier. The Waterfall at Ono on the Kisokaido Road and The Waterfall Where Yoshitsune Washed his Horse at Yoshino in Yamato Province have been painstakingly recreated in miniature on the Reverso casebacks, each one taking up to 80 hours to reproduce. On the front, a barleycorn guilloché dial and classic chemin de fer minutes track provide a Western contrast to the Japanese motif. Only 10 pieces each of these exquisite timepieces were made, so getting your hands on one will be an exercise akin to Santa-spotting—good luck out there.
Cartier
A Cartier Tank is as coveted an accessory as can be—its timeless iconography transcends the passing of trends, cementing the watches as firm favourites amongst notable personalities, celebrities, heads of state and country, and leaders of luxury. Among the comprehensive collection, the simple but striking Tank Louis Cartier is our pick for the festive season—this model sports a yellow-gold case and a pine-green lacquer dial that screams “Christmas tree” in the most elegant and stylish fashion, paired with a matching alligator strap. Best of all, the monochromatic nature of the timepiece makes easy work of coordinating outfits.
Harry Winston
Add a touch of the festivities to your wrist with Harry Winston’s Precious Emerald timepiece—we think the red version is particularly fetching. 136 marquise-cut diamonds, totalling 14.95 carats, and 28 brilliant-cut diamonds are studded into the platinum case and bracelet to create a glamorous accessory that’ll draw attention at any Christmas party, while the vibrant dial of beaded mother-of-pearl shows off a welcome pop of colour.
A. Lange & Söhne
From the Glashütte studio of A. Lange & Söhne comes a new Zeitwerk Minute Repeater model in an exclusive grey and 18-carat honey-gold colourway. Limited to just 30 pieces, the highly sophisticated mechanical wristwatch features a jumping-numerals display with a decimal minute repeater function, presented in a symmetrical design that is at once bold and unique. First introduced in 2015 in platinum and rhodium, what makes this timepiece so special is its acoustic abilities of sounding the time on demand for every elapsed hour, ten-minute period, and minute, all at the push of a button. Under the hood, the manufacture calibre L043.5, made up of 771 components, keeps the instrument running smoothly.
Parmigiani Fleurier
In honour of founder Michel Parmigiani, Parmigiani Fleurier released the L’Armoriale pocket watch to celebrate the Swiss watchmaker’s birthday, and the level of craftsmanship achieved by the luxury maison is stunning to behold. Inspired by the intricately patterned flooring of the Palazzo Te in Mantua, Italy, the hand-engraved white-gold timepiece features a mesmerising geometric design in translucent red, yellow, and brown grand feu enamel, while the dial shows off a detailed mezzo vibrato motif. An especially beautiful detail is found in the hand-hammered white-gold moons and aventurine sky of the perpetual calendar complication. Golay Leresche & Fils manufactured the original PF993 movement that powers the watch, and an elegant chain mirroring the case design finishes off this masterpiece that will no doubt turn heads at any party, Christmas or otherwise.
Leica
A name far more commonly seen in the Gear section than in Watches, Leica has been lending its technological expertise to horology in recent years, and surprising us with the results. Its latest, the Leica ZM 1 Gold Limited Edition, stands testament to the company’s exceptional craftsmanship. Gold and titanium are combined to create a durable and sleek case, and the design and materials pay homage to Leica’s long history by referencing the 1929 IA Luxus, its first golden-edition camera. Under the hood, a Leica Calibre LH-1001 keeps the timepiece ticking and the movement is beautifully displayed through an open caseback. Only 50 of the Leica ZM 1 Gold Limited Edition have been made available for purchase.
Hermès
Here’s a whimsical pick to liven up your Christmas—the Arceau Belles du Mexique, inspired by the Mexican hat dance. First seen on a silk scarf released by Hermès in 2017, the colourful motif now finds itself echoed on a watch dial encased by white gold, its concentric placement around a ring of diamonds paying tribute to movement and rhythm. Each of the 14 dancers making up the design is meticulously hand-crafted and hand-painted, and the case is further embellished with 82 diamonds. Available in an orange or pink colourway with a matching alligator strap, only 12 numbered pieces of this limited-edition creation are on offer.
