The Best Watches to Gift for the Holidays
Citizen Watch Group & SHARP
In the mind-bogglingly vast universe of holiday gifts for men, one category stands out year after year: the classic wristwatch. Sure, you can see the time on your phone, and a smartwatch can measure your sleep cycles and send you message alerts, but an old-school timepiece has something neither of these 21st-century gadgets can touch: style. Unlike wearing a screen on your wrist (or nothing at all) a man’s watch provides a unique opportunity to express his personality, interests, and tastes. Here are a few of our favourites just in time for the holidays.
For The Adventure Seeker: Citizen Promaster Land U822
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If his wardrobe is heavy on rugged technical outerwear and he’s got enough high-end camping gear to lead an attempt on Denali, he’ll surely appreciate the Promaster Land’s combination of toughness and technology. With a world-time display, a case that’s water-resistant to 200m, and a light-powered Eco-Drive movement, it’s ready for any adventure. ($995)
For The Tech Enthusiast: Citizen Satellite Wave X
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Citizen is renowned for its industry-leading innovation in Super Titanium cases, light-powered Eco-Drive movements, and satellite timekeeping, and this watch combines all of these strengths into one sleek package. In addition to its cosmos-inspired dial, the Satellite Wave X offers a satellite GPS timekeeping system with the world’s fastest reception speed (it can update in just three seconds) and a 27-city world time display. ($1,995)
For The Enthusiast: Citizen Tsuyosa
Citizen Tsuyosa
Citizen Tsuyosa
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Watch enthusiasts’ tastes vary widely, but most will agree that the Citizen Tsuyosa is among the best watches in the under $1,000 category hands-down (pun very much intended.) Better still, with a dozen models to choose from in a range of colours, metals, and dial variations, including several new small second models, there’s a Tsuyosa to suit any style. (From $595)
For The Extreme Skier and Snowboarder: Alpina Alpiner Extreme Skeleton Automatic
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This Swiss brand has been around since the mid-1800s and has been focused on making the world’s best sports watches since the early 20th century. The Alpiner Extreme Skeleton is the latest example of their prowess, with a beefy case and a cutaway “skeleton” dial that reveals the Swiss-made automatic movement inside. ($3,595)
For The World Traveler: Frederique Constant Manufacture Worldtimer
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One of the most alluring things about analog watches is their ability to perform complicated tasks like displaying the correct time in 24 major cities using a complex system of wheels, springs, and gears. That’s what this piece offers, making it the perfect accessory for anyone who knows their way around the Airport’s business class lounge. ($6,295)
For The Historian: Accutron Astronaut
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The only thing better than a nice-looking watch is one with an equally interesting backstory. The Accutron scores on both counts with its retro-inspired look and a legacy of being worn by CIA spy plane pilots on high-altitude test flights in the 1960s. ($4,500)
For The Car Buff: Bulova Racer
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The 1960s and 1970s weren’t just a golden age of motorsports, they were also a golden era for motorsports watches. Earn the approval of any die-hard petrolhead with this 1960s-inspired chronograph, complete with a tachymetre scale bezel (used for timing race cars as they zip around a track) and a sporty perforated leather strap. ($795)
