Nerdy or Nice: Is An Apple Watch A Good Christmas Gift?

Does an Apple Watch do the emotional job a mechanical watch does so well?

December 14, 2020

comments 25

Naughty

Nice

As Christmas is getting closer every day, the annual rush to find a great present is about to begin. Of course, I buy a lot of socks (classic) but since I recently got into watches, I figured that my beloved husband deserves something classier than boring old stockings. No, this year, I have my heart set on a watch for him; not any watch but a watch that expresses appropriately how I feel about him. The only problem? He wants an Apple Watch…

So, I am wondering if an Apple Watch can do the job of an emotionally loaded timepiece that symbolizes eternity, love, belonging, and family? Imagine him in about 50 years, in 2080, giving his grandchild a rather exceptional present for a birthday: the Apple Watch he once got from his wife. The only thing is that all the features are outdated, the design is retro (at best) and his grandson doesn’t even know what the hell it is or why it doesn’t switch itself on when he tells it to.

Our grandson’s answer? “Um, thanks … I guess.”

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow

Of course, I had in mind a mechanical watch. Why? Mechanical watches are incredibly classy, they symbolize a certain stage in life where you have kind of made it, have found yourself (and perhaps even love), and they feel like they will be with you forever. They were the right choice yesterday, they are the right choice today, and they will be the right choice tomorrow. And also tomorrow’s tomorrow. Overmorrow’s overmorrow, for that matter — ad infinitum.

In my opinion, that makes a mechanical watch the perfect gift for someone you love! Now, let’s have a look at a few timepieces I myself couldn’t get enough of:

NOMOS Glasütte Lambda

The first watch I really liked was the NOMOS Glashütte Lambda in rosé gold, ref. 952. I love the slender hands in combination with the fine bezel, and particularly, the rose gold color is just magnificent. Is it just me or does this watch have a slightly “Christmassy” vibe? I also like that it comes from the same region in Germany where I met my husband — so it doesn’t just look great. It also tells a great story.

Then again, it is so classy that it might even be a little too classy. It’s going to be our 10th anniversary this year, not our 50th — so the watch should look the part, and a little youth and freshness wouldn’t hurt… Whether or not I should go as far as an Apple watch, however… How about:

Omega Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary

That’s why the Omega Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award” 50th Anniversary also made it on my list. The reason why is … ah, I mean, just look at this beauty! That’s why! The only adjustment I might have is that I would combine a cognac brown leather strap with the dark blue bezel. Yes, I am a sucker for the brown-blue combo (although that would be possible to achieve with the new Apple Watch Series 6, which comes in an aluminum blue case version too). The only other thing I’d change about Snoopy III? The price! It may well be worth it, but at close to five figures, this is at the top end of steel Speedmasters.

Sjöö Sandström Royal Steel Worldtimer LEET

Watch number three is an interesting one: the Sjöö Sandström Royal Steel Worldtimer LEET with its black dial and stainless-steel case has a completely different look. So, why this watch? As we live in Stockholm, I like the idea of giving my husband a Swedish timepiece to celebrate our shared adventure. Also, I find it clever that the model somewhat resembles the Apple Watch — black, steel, lume — but still is a mechanical watch. Nerdy, but classy.

Hands-on question: which watch to buy?

Obviously, this list is by no means exhaustive. But these are some of the watches I think you could give to your grandchildren without an odd reaction. And speaking of giving: these are also the watches I would like to borrow once in a while for myself; the same way you’d borrow boyfriend jeans or an oversized work shirt. These watches are timeless but will still tell the time 50 years from now. Better still, they will never go out of style.

…food for thought…

All romantic, theoretical thoughts aside, I am still not sure which watch to buy. A gift should please the one receiving it, after all. Knowing exactly that an Apple watch probably is the one this year but still getting a mechanical watch as a gift feels a lot like “mama knows best” — a label that I am absolutely not comfortable with. But then again… Speedmaster “Silver Snoopy Award”… Nomos Lambda … I’m just saying, it is food for thought…

One thing is for sure, though: if he’s been naughty, he is getting a Galaxy watch.

How do you feel about the Apple watch?

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Nerdy or Nice: Is An Apple Watch A Good Christmas Gift?

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WM
wmeyer57 says:

Dec 14, 2020 at 19:11

Dear Kristin,

a very personal and warmhearted writing. It should bring all those watch geeks out of their (mostly man’s) caves and let them -just a moment- think about what really counts in life. And that’s definitely a good thing! I’d appreciate finding more of your thoughts here on Fratello.

Reply
1. KA
  Kristin says:
  
  Dec 15, 2020 at 13:10
  
  Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! Have a wonderful Christmas time!
  
  Reply
steevedafeesh says:

Dec 14, 2020 at 20:10

I think it all depends on what your partner actually does enjoy. For instance, my wife is not big on watches (I am) but she appreciates them. I gifted her a simple Gucci watch that she really enjoys, but only wears on special occasions. However, the Apple Watch I gifted her, as well, she wears that thing daily and loves it. I understand the sentimental aspect, because I go for that too when purchasing a watch. But when a partner doesn’t have that viewpoint, I believe pairing an Apple Watch (which is what he wants) with a decent timepiece for special occasions is more than perfect.

Reply
1. KA
  Kristin says:
  
  Dec 15, 2020 at 13:13
  
  You are totally right: a gift is for the one receiving it. Everything else is some sort of lecture on how cool watches are. You outlined my strategy (timepiece for special occasion) pretty well 🙂
  
  Reply
sk
søren says:

Dec 15, 2020 at 06:31

To me this is a computer, not a watch.

Reply
1. KA
  Kristin says:
  
  Dec 15, 2020 at 13:14
  
  Agreed! It just happens to be worn on the wrist as well – like jacket and coat, right?
  
  Reply
RG
rgibson214 says:

Dec 15, 2020 at 06:51

Bought my eldest daughter an expensive watch to celebrate her earning her Series 7. She truly appreciates it, but only wears it on special occasions. Bought both daughters Apple watches last Christmas and all went silent as the girls unboxed, synched, and personalized. The Apple Watch rarely leaves their wrists.

Reply
1. KA
  Kristin says:
  
  Dec 15, 2020 at 13:16
  
  Thanks for this funny comment; I can vividly picture this situation! I am pretty sure that one day, a great watch will be appreciated!
  
  Reply
Karina says:

Dec 15, 2020 at 09:19

For sure Apple Watch features functions that are useful for wearer but for me it’s cool additional wearable tech not necessarily a watch we all know and love 😉

Reply
1. KA
  Kristin says:
  
  Dec 15, 2020 at 13:18
  
  Hi Karina, I totally agree. Apple Watches are practical but not necessarily sentimental 🙂
  
  Reply
MarcSchmitz says:

Dec 15, 2020 at 10:16

Quote: “A gift should please the one receiving it, after all. Knowing exactly that an Apple watch probably is the one this year but still getting a mechanical watch as a gift feels a lot like “mama knows best” — a label that I am absolutely not comfortable with.”

There, you answered it yourself.

I, for example, have a wish list on Amazon and my family know about it. But I never ever received one of the items, mainly books, as a present. Though wach and every year I am getting asked what I would like to have as a present for Christmas. Followed by the remark that it would be so hard to buy presents for me. Excuse me?!? Just get me one of the items listed on my wish list! Just once! There is a reason they are on it – for God’s sake!

Reply
1. KA
  Kristin says:
  
  Dec 15, 2020 at 13:21
  
  I am so sorry about your wishlist dilemma! And yes, you are right; in the end, it is better to focus on what a person wishes for. Good luck this year with getting the gifts you wanted! 🙂
  
  Reply
GB
GPBox says:

Dec 15, 2020 at 12:33

I would be annoyed if a loved one was fiscally irresponsible and purchased an Apple ‘Watch’ for me. I have no desire to own or wear a tech item designed for planned obsolescence (and I have no requirement for puerile ‘Apps’. Furthermore, it’s not socially responsible discarding these items every 6-12 months. The tech and watch industry are not the best practitioners of ethical material extraction and processing.

Reply
1. Rob says:
  
  Dec 15, 2020 at 13:08
  
  I think the point is that the Apple Watch is desired by the potential receiver. I’m sure there’s little chance of your loved ones buying you an Apple Watch if you’ve expressed your dislike of them already.
  
  Reply
2. KA
  Kristin says:
  
  Dec 15, 2020 at 13:27
  
  That’s an interesting thought, thank you. As Rob said, it was really about which gift to buy but by no means ignoring any preferences. However, focusing on sustainability is in fact very important, too. Which watches would you recommend instead so it’s not only a personal but also a sustainable gift?
  
  Reply
  1. GB
    GPBox says:
    
    Dec 15, 2020 at 13:59
    
    There are probably few (if any) ethical and sustainable watches that any of us would wear. I am aware of brands that raise awareness of ocean preservation (e.g., Blancpain Ocean Commitment and Panerai having straps made from recycled PET bottles), however, are these simply token efforts by the brands?
    
    Reply
    1. KA
      Kristin says:
      
      Dec 15, 2020 at 14:11
      
      Great, thanks for the recommendations. And good point; I don’t really know to which extend this is marketing and where true ethical commitment begins – time will tell. There is this article on Fratellowatches that might be interesting for you. Have a wonderful Christmas time!
      
      Reply
    2. MarcSchmitz says:
      
      Dec 16, 2020 at 16:14
      
      @GPBOX: In Germany you can discard old electric devices in designated containers for them to be recycled. There is one in our neighborhood. Alternatively you could drop them off at the local buyback center. If you just throw them in the regular trash can, then that is a problem.
      
      Reply
AndyB says:

Dec 15, 2020 at 12:35

It seems to me what you’re describing is a more symbolic gift than, let’s face it, most Christmas presents are. Christmas presents feel more “fun to see us through the winter” – the chocolate, the amusing socks, the ‘toys’ like consumer electronics. Perhaps save the watch idea for a bigger ‘life’ occasion – new child, wedding anniversary, etc.?

Reply
1. KA
  Kristin says:
  
  Dec 15, 2020 at 13:29
  
  Definitely, this is exactly the purpose of semi-useful gifts. Thanks for your input, I totally agree! 🙂
  
  Reply
  1. ls
    Lancej says:
    
    Dec 15, 2020 at 16:47
    
    Kristin ,
    Whatever you choose it will be a very thoughtful choice given each of the watches has a lovely story behind it . Your idea of blue Apple Watch and cognac leather band has me now searching the internet , I think you came up with a killer combo, and may have to put one under my own tree.
    
    Reply
    1. KA
      Kristin says:
      
      Dec 16, 2020 at 14:10
      
      Welcome to the brown-blue fan club! I’m glad I could inspire you to a great gift for yourself 😉
      
      Reply
TA
Aquinas says:

Dec 15, 2020 at 21:55

On one hand, it’s a beautiful image to hand down a watch to children in a few decades. On the other hand, depending on technological progress, it might be like receiving your great-grandfathers saddle and riding crop today…

Reply
1. KA
  Kristin says:
  
  Dec 16, 2020 at 14:07
  
  Exactly! Some items are only meaningful because there’s a certain memory attached to them. An “old” watch certainly isn’t a great gift just because it’s old.
  
  Reply
watchhunter-blog says:

Dec 16, 2020 at 18:10

Contrary to popular sentiment, the Apple watch has changed my watch collecting habits. I have a layer of top end mechanical collectibles, and I also had a lower tier of beater quartz watches. Even though I could mow the yard in my Tudor NorthFlag, I wouldn’t. I do care about resale value if I ever want to flip it. The lower-end beaters are all easily replaced with the Apple watch that can be sweated in, gotten wet and generally abused. If I break it, it is affordable enough to get another. As a tool watch, it outclasses most classic tool watches in some ways. It is not one-dimensional… it can be any type of time keeper you want plus a activity tracker and communicator device. Selling all those beaters can add up to enough money to buy a nice mechanical… So yes…. the Apple watch can be a very nice holiday present… but it depends on the opinion of the recipient.

Reply