Watches & Pencils #44 – Selecting A Christmas Watch: My Four Picks
There it is again, some will say ‘the most wonderful time of the year’. It is time to relax, sit back, eat and maybe even watch a classic movie like the Grinch or Home Alone. And, of course, wear your most precious watch.
I have it a long thought, but I realized I don’t have a typical ‘Christmas’ watch. Yet. However, I decided to write down some ‘specifications’ that my perfect watch for Christmas should have.
The Perfect Christmas Watch
As written above, I don’t have a watch that would really suit Christmas, but it should at least match one or more of the following requirements:
- Gold
- Classy
- Classic / heritage accents
- Simple
- Modest size
I selected some watches that were featured in 2018 here on Fratello and that check one or more from the above features:
My Classic Choice: Rolex Turn-O-Graph Datejust
Micheal talked about this watch in July of this year. An 18-carat gold Rolex with a modest diameter (36mm). This Rolex is a perfect fit and suits Christmas very well. It has a unique gold bezel and dressy looks. Match it with a dark brown or burgundy leather strap and you’re ready for Christmas.
Rolex 1625 Turn-o-Graph
My sporty choice: Tudor Black Bay SG Champagne Dial
Christmas and dinners, they go hand in hand. Style-wise it’s often a mix between classy and casual. And that’s exactly why this Tudor could be a good pick. A two-tone watch to complete your looks. Elegant and yet sporty. The champagne coloured dial with gilt highlights on the dial complete the package. Compared to the Rolex it is slightly bigger, but still checks the box ‘modest size’ with 41mm.
Tudor Black Bay S&G witch champagne colored dial
My extravagant choice: Patek Philippe 5270P – Salmon Dial
During Christmas, it’s time to wear more extravagant watches. Solid gold, or, if you don’t like gold, watches with different coloured dials. For example, this Patek with its salmon dial. It matches perfectly with the typical Christmas colours like dark green or deep red. This platinum variant measures 41mm in diameter. It has a beautiful movement (with 3+ complications) which can be seen through the exhibition case back. Definitely a conversational piece during the Christmas dinners with family and friends. To top it off: Christmas 2100 or so you need to set the date (it’s a perpetual calendar). This version is only available with a leather strap, but there is also a rose gold version with a gold bracelet.
Patek Philippe 5270P
The beautiful movement
My affordable yet cool choice: Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph
As Balazs mentioned in his review of this Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph: “Surely it is a watch you might not be able to wear with shorts and a tank top on your holiday.” No, but during Christmas, this might be the watch to strap on. It has so many classic details like the bevelled lugs and the vintage Tissot logo. With 39,5mm in diameter, it also checks the ‘size’ box. For €1380 you get a lot of bang for the buck, including an ETA 2894-2 chronograph movement. The rotor and movement are nicely decorated and make the look for Christmas complete.
Tissot Heritage 1948 Chronograph
Time to say goodbye to 2018
I hope you enjoyed this guide, this year and the released episodes of Watches and Pencils. Although my private situation sometimes caused some time management issues (I moved to a new home, job hopping) I kept creating episodes. And, I will continue to do so in 2019 🙂 I wish you all the best, have a great Christmas!
PS Do you have more tips about selecting/buying a Christmas watch? Tips for new episodes of Watches and Pencils or cartoons? Please feel free to leave your comments below.
