The holiday season brings with it a host of beloved traditions. You’ve got a tree to decorate, lights to hang (unless you saved yourself the trouble by leaving them up all year), and dozens of gifts to purchase and wrap. Maybe you’re one of those people who begins Christmas shopping in August (less crowds, right?). Or maybe you’re that wait-till-the-last-minute-and-see-what’s-left-on-the-shelves kind of Christmas shopper. No judgment here.
By now, you’ve probably found that some people are ridiculously easy to shop for. Give Grandma a framed family photo or Uncle Carl some fishing bait, and they’ll be thrilled. And then there’s that one family member who makes Christmas shopping an existential crisis. Their tastes are so…unique. You can’t just pick up any old gift from the “For Him” section of your department store. No, you need a showstopper. Something that will make him light up when he opens it. A winner.
Lucky for you, you know he’s quite the watch fanatic–or connoisseur, as he likes to call it. That might just be your ticket. But what kinds of gifts would a watch enthusiast appreciate? Well, there’s always a new watch (you really can never have too many). Or, you could opt for a watch-related accessory.
In this article, we’ll cover the ins and outs of picking out the perfect watch for your loved one and fill you in on some of our favorite watch accessories. So, put that holiday shopping anxiety to rest. We’ve got you covered.
How to Choose the Right Watch
Finding the perfect gift watch isn’t always as easy as scanning the department store display case. If you really want to wow the watch-wearer in your life, you’ll want to put some thought into it. Here are some tips for helping you find a watch they’ll love for life:
Consider Their Style
Everyone’s got their own unique style. A watch is an accessory that, if carefully considered, can take that style to the next level. For those who can most often be seen in a classy work suit, consider a classic gold, silver, or stainless steel quartz automatic watch. If they’ve got an appreciation for tradition, a vintage analog timepiece may be the answer. Individuals with an eye for modern fashion might enjoy a rad square-face watch, while those most comfortable in their gym attire would likely love a digital sports watch.
Consider Their Lifestyle
Along with style, you’ll also want to consider your giftee’s lifestyle. Every watch is designed with a specific purpose in mind and can host different features depending on the type. For example, a sports watch with heart rate tracking and a lap counter would be a good choice for someone who likes to stay active. A high-end watch with dual time zones would be the perfect fit for someone crushing the corporate game. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with a sports watch for the guy who’s a regular at the gym.
Do Your Research
Now that you’ve narrowed it down to style and lifestyle, it’s time to do some research. Look for trusted brands with good reviews, and be sure to check the reviews for the product itself, as well. You’ll also want to look into what kind of warranty the watch might come with. Most come with a one-year limited warranty, but some reputable watchmakers offer two-year warranties for that extra peace of mind.
Personalization
If you want to give a unique, one-of-a-kind gift, try adding a personal touch. Some watch and jewelry stores offer engraving so that you can inscribe a personal, heart-felt message on the underside of the watch. If your loved one serves or has served in the military, consider getting a watch that boasts the emblem of their military branch. Or, if they’re a die-hard sports fan, look for watches that proudly bear the mark of their favorite team. That way, there will be no confusion about who they’ll be rooting for on game day.
Watch Accessories
If your loved one already has a healthy watch collection or you’re looking for a gift that won’t break the bank, consider opting for an accessory that every watch enthusiast is sure to adore. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Watch display case
- New watch band
- Automatic winder
- Watch cleaning kit
- Watch repair kit
- Watch stand
- Travel case
- Desk clock
- Watch artwork
- A Man and His Watch (Book)
- The Watch, Thoroughly Revised (Book)
- Trivial Pursuit: Fine Watchmaking Edition
Sometimes, finding the perfect Christmas gift for that hard-to-shop-for loved one can be a real challenge. You want a gift that is meaningful so they know just how much they mean to you. Rest assured that if your loved one appreciates the finer things in life (and by finer things, we mean watches), these gift ideas are sure to be a hit.