The year is 2019, and some traditional ways are deemed obsolete. Ladies, that means holding open your own doors and maybe buying your own flowers once in a while. But in appreciation of the man in your life, gift him a timepiece that speaks volumes of his personality. What’s his strongest appeal? We’ve compiled a gift guide for six different personalities, from the funny man to the sports buff. And if he seems like he has an all-rounded persona, he has you to thank for building his watch collection.
For the Rebel with a Cause
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Black Ceramic Perpetual Calendar
Two words: Jim Stark. The aesthetic is classic cars, greaser jackets and chain smoking cigarettes. Today’s modern equivalent? Probably just a little less pouf in the hair and more signet rings on your fingers. Pair up his punk aesthetic with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Black Ceramic Perpetual Calendar. It speaks stealth, it’s cool, and breaks all the rules. It’s full-bodied zirconium oxide ceramic, which means it is more than four times harder than steel, and the obsidian body is elegantly finished with a brushed look. We also awarded this the Best Men’s Design in our 2017 Revolution Awards, so you can definitely take our word for it.
For the Workaholic
Patek Philippe Nautilus Perpetual Calendar 5740/1G
We don’t discount our partners who are married to their work. After all, the Mark Cubans and Joël Robuchons of the world didn’t get to where they are drinking negronis and sitting on jet skis. He’s well deserved of a timepiece from the greats, and to match that calibre we look to Patek Philippe. We chose a perpetual calendar because if he lives life accordingly to schedule, he needs to know when it hits the weekend at some point. Also, when this QP came out last year, it stirred up quite a storm, quickly earning a reputation as a holy grail must-have. It’s a new face for the Nautilus (first QP in the collection) but bears all the signature traits like the ribbed dial and brushed and polished surfaces.
For the Best Friend
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch
They say high school sweethearts make the best couples, because when you know someone for that long, you get to marry your best friend. Everyone has a “Duckie” in their lives, where like in Pretty in Pink, he sits through your emotional episodes with bad boyfriend breakups and always has the right antidote at the ready. And if you don’t end up romantically together, either way you definitely have someone who loves you to the moon and back. And there’s no better fit than Omega’s Speedmaster Moonwatch to commemorate that friendship. For that tropical-inspired patina, we’re offering the “Chocolate” Ref. 311.30.42.30.13.001 on our Shop. Some of the most sought-after watches are those that emulate the vintage charm of patina dials, making this one for keeps.
For the Rake
Cartier Santos two-tone
Nothing says classic elegance more than Cartier. The likes of Gordon Gekko brandishing a Santos in a pinstripe suit is what we’d call #ootdgoals. He’s a stylish powerhouse who works hard and plays hard. Cartier’s Santos lineup alone at this year’s SIHH was stellar with homage to the 1904 design, a chronograph version, and even large models with gradient blue faces. But if he hasn’t got one, we say go for the two-tone classic where the combination of gold and stainless steel plays favorably of its bracelet and case shape, which doesn’t happen for most watches out there.
For the Comedian
H. Moser & Cie Swiss Alp Small Seconds
The guys behind H. Moser & Cie are known to have a funny bone. Some would say radical even. They were the pranksters behind the Swiss Mad watch, a serious in-house powered calibre encased in real Swiss cheese, the notorious Frankenstein Homage injected with almost every big brand’s DNA, and this year’s Nature Watch, which had real moss, lichens and grass growing out of every nook and cranny. Alas, the aforementioned watches have been pièce uniques, banned or not for sale. But the spirit of Moser’s funny bone still lives on. If your partner enjoys playing the fool, the Apple watch-like case from their Swiss Alp collection should do the trick. Beautifully made, we adore the signature fumé dial in tantalising midnight blue and its simple yet legible configuration. The Small Seconds also comes in two versions in either 18k white gold or steel with black DLC treatment.
For the Wild Explorer
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner
It’s arguable that sports watches are a men’s staple, regardless if they exercise or not. While they’re designed as tool watches, their appeal lies in their functional versatility. Switching from gym to the office, to dinner events and a night of winding down at a speakeasy, a sports watch is a classic pairing. But where’d he get all that adrenaline? While we like to imagine that his body has an innate ability to stay fit, you don’t actually see him run off to weekend gym sessions while you’re sleeping in. Gift him a watch that’s able to improvise, adapt, and overcome the wild elements of the outdoors, no matter the terrain be it land, sky, sea or the comforts of his SUV. Go for something classic, like a black sub in stainless steel.
