Cover New watch releases to gift this Christmas 2024 (Photo: stylised by Jaira Lalicon)
New watch releases to gift this Christmas 2024 (Photo: stylised by Jaira Lalicon)
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From adventurous souls to the fashionable set, find the ideal watch gift for your loved ones here
I have, on few to many occasions, queried watch enthusiasts on their favourites in their collection of timepieces—a question I almost always liken to choosing a favourite child. Though some will ponder or hesitate before responding, one of the most common answers is undoubtedly a timepiece gifted.
Suddenly, little else matters. More than the brand, the price tag, or the rarity of the model, a gifted watch is imbued with lasting sentimentality because of the reasons behind the gesture—whether for practicality, style, or both. It becomes a constant companion that is cherished for years and can even be passed down to loved ones in the future.
Christmas is right around the corner, and if you’re still pegging down presents for someone special, consider giving them something as timeless (excuse the wordplay) as a timepiece. We’ve curated this list of unique, new releases to help you narrow your search for the perfect one.
For modern adventurers
Above Tudor Black Bay 58
Tudor Black Bay 58
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Tudor’s distinctive “Born to Dare” has long fanned the interests of bold explorers. Give the gift of effortless cool with the famous Black Bay Fifty-Eight model, featuring for the first time a bronze bracelet and new clasp with a rapid adjustment system.
The dial and bezel of this classic watch feature a rich, new colour palette based on the pleasurable match that is brown and bronze, while “snowflake” hands—a hallmark of Tudor divers’ watches—with grade-A Swiss phosphorescent Super-LumiNova coating deliver excellent legibility. It is equipped with the Manufacture Calibre MT5400, which displays hour, minute, and second functions and offers a 70-hour power reserve.
For the scholarly gentleman
With its distinctive green dial, brown leather strap, and multi-piece case in naturally patinating bronze, the handsome 80th-anniversary edition of the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date looks straight out of a retro catalogue. Perfect for the man whose style and company never get old, this latest take on a signature design (first introduced in 1938) is a watch that begets affection.
See also: Trending: Reviving iconic watch designs from the past
Available in 40mm, this timepiece is all bronze except for the steel screw-down caseback protected by mineral glass. Through this transparent back, you can admire the intricate workings of the Oris 754 movement, highlighted by its striking red rotor and offering a 38-hour power reserve.
For someone who’s never met a shade of black they didn’t like
Above IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW371625)
IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Chronograph (Ref. IW371625)
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Well, black is touted as fashion’s favourite colour for good reason. It’s sophisticated, powerful, and flattering for nearly everyone. The same can be said for IWC Schaffhausen’s signature Portugieser Chronograph, which has debuted an intricately crafted Obsidian dial with gold-plated appliques and a black alligator leather strap to match.
With exceptional optical depth, the star dial is achieved after a meticulous process comprising 60 individual steps at the Swiss manufacture. The in-house 69355 calibre, a mechanical chronograph movement, completes this ingenious feat in engineering and becomes a testament to the watchmaker’s renowned robustness and longevity.
For the one with a keen eye for detail
Purple dials have taken the horology world by storm lately. Grand Seiko adds to the trend with its new limited-edition model, SBGJ285, an Asia-Pacific exclusive with only 180 pieces up for grabs. Like much of the Japanese watchmaker’s creations, the beauty of this stunning timepiece lies in the details of its dial, inspired by the symbolic and delicate beauty of the wisteria flower—called “Fuji” in Japanese.
The downward-facing blossoms are often likened to a person bowing, representing a warm welcome and a humble spirit. Anyone who appreciates those little sentiments is bound to indulge in this as a thoughtful present. The watch is powered by the Hi-Beat 36000 GMT Calibre 9S86, renowned for its precision and updated with a GMT function to also allow tracking time in two time zones at once.
See also: Plant a tree with every purchase of Seiko’s new limited-edition watch
For the trendsetter
Perfect for fans of slender and smaller cases, Philip Stein’s Evolution Mini is an everyday watch for the on-the-go woman. Sporting a diamond pave bezel with sapphire crystal, this timepiece comes with a versatile range of interchangeable straps in bright colours and classic shades.
Beyond its fashion-forward appeal, Philip Stein underscores its identity as an international well-being brand. Each model in this collection is equipped with its innovative and patented Natural Frequency Technology, which claims to reduce perceived stress, promote better sleep, and enhance overall wellness.
For the high jewellery connoisseur
Who could resist the enchanting hue of Tiffany Blue? The American jeweller has announced a new HardWear by Tiffany timepiece, featuring a lustrous dial evocative of crushed diamonds and the collection’s signature gauge links. The bezel is just as sparkling with its 48 round brilliant diamonds, while the sapphire-glass crystal recalls the unique shape of the legendary Tiffany Diamond.
Perfect alone or stacked with Tiffany HardWear bracelets, it is sure to help its wearer make a dazzling statement.
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Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.
