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The Feldmar Watch Gift Guide: Winter 2024

The official Feldmar Gift Guide is here!🎁 For winter 2024, we’ve made our list of the top timepieces in the store that make great gifts for you and yours. Whether for a budding collector, or a seasoned veteran, we’ve picked the best of the best to curate the perfect collection. Which one catches your eye?

Collection Starters: Watches Under $2,500

Seiko Prospex  “62MAS”

Seiko is known for its iconic case shapes and none is more recognizable than the “62MAS.” Angular and designed to minimize the space between the case and flat-end straps, it takes on a cohesive look that’s stood the test of time. First featured on Seiko’s first dive watch in 1965, the “62MAS” case has since appeared on some of the brand’s most popular and collectible watches.

Oris Big Crown Pointer Date

The Big Crown Pointer Date is beloved for many reasons, but a big one is right there in the name! The uncommon pointer date complication is a fun and distinctive way of indicating the date, bringing upscale value to a watch that won’t break the bank. Plus, over many years of the BCPD, there are plenty of dial colors to choose from, plus case sizes and materials from steel to bronze and beyond!

Tissot T-Classic PRX Powermatic 80

Arguably, no watch has established itself so quickly in the minds of collectors as the PRX. Re-introduced in 2020, the 1970’s design has greatly resonated with fans. In a short time, the PRX line has exploded in size, now available in many case sizes, colors, and even quartz and automatic versions. With that, you’re sure to find the right one for your wrist! In particular, the automatic version has been a hit thanks to Tissot’s “Powermatic 80” movement, so-called because of its staggering 80-hour power reserve.

Hamilton Khaki Field

Like the PRX, the Khaki collection from Hamilton is another expansive (but not expensive!) pick. Over the years, the Khaki Field has arrived as a standout thanks to robust build quality, clear timetelling, and great strap options. Regarded as a “strap monster”, it looks great on just about any material or color, from leather to rubber, to nylon! While dial colors are more limited than the PRX, the Khaki Field comes in sizes from 36mm all the way up to 42mm with a big range of variants.

NOMOS Club Campus

Fans looking to pick up an in-house caliber for under $2k need look no further than NOMOS! The Club Campus is an easy choice, thanks to fun colors and thin construction that make these watches eminently wearble. We might be biased, but the “California” style dial is a unique feature too!

Adventure-Ready Watches Under $3,000

Luminox Bear Grylls Mountain Series 

Part of the Mountain Series crafted in collaboration with world-famous survival expert Bear Grylls, this is a watch as rugged as its namesake. With a lightweight Carbonox™ case and a matching bi-directional rotating bezel, screw-in crown and sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, Bear Grylls watches from Luminox are designed to stand up to a beating. Helpful too are 200M of water-resistance plus Luminox’s famous Tritium gas-tube technology that makes telling the time in the dark a cinch.

Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Diver Automatic

Zodiac’s Super Sea Wolf collection has become a legend in its own time. Known for daring colors and experimental designs, the collection has played host to everything from stone-crafted dials to special commemorations with partners like eBay and more! One thing they all have in common: reliability and utility in the field. As dive watches, the Super Sea Wolf is never afraid of a little water and with endless sizes, designs, and colors to choose from, they represent the perfect entry-point for watch collectors looking for their first Swiss-made automatic.

Bulova Archive Series Lunar Pilot

As many watch enthusiasts know, on August 2, 1971, a Bulova chronograph was worn on the moon. The modern Lunar Pilot harkens back to that iconic moment, with an updated design that features an exclusive high-precision quartz movement for precision timing. The Lunar Pilot chronograph has the same stainless steel case shape as the original Bulova chronograph, with thin chronograph pushers and a crown featuring the Bulova tuning fork logo positioned at 3:00 o’clock. And with Bulova extending the collection in recent years to accomodate new colors and sizes, it’s the perfect time to start exploring the “other moon watch.”

Garmin Marq Aviator Gen 2

Wherever your adventures take you—boarding area to high-altitude cockpits, or just the conference room—the Marq Aviator Gen 2 is an essential companion. Crafted of grade-5 titanium with a crystal-clear domed sapphire lens, and stunning responsive touchscreen, this is a purpose-built luxury modern tool watch. There are simple too many complications to mention, but pilots in need of deep integration with Garmin avionics will find the NEXRAD, fatigue calculators, altimeter, and GPS essential backups for their next flight.

Casio G-Shock MT-G Watches

When it comes to tough style, nobody does it like G-Shock. In particular, the MT-G series has been the home of watches that live up to the brand’s focus on toughness, while incorporating the best materials and craftsmanship Japan has to offer. With names like “Solar Flare” and “Poison Dart Frog”, the MT-G collection has some serious personality that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Complications include 27 time zones, alarm, countdown timer, shock resistance, stopwatch, and Triple G Resist (shock resistance, centrifugal force resistance, vibration resistance).

 

Timeless Classics: Iconic Watches Under $10,000

Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch

There are watches with impeccable pedigrees, but few can match the Speedmaster Moonwatch—the celebrated chronograph has been a part of all six moon landings. The current version of the “Speedy” is impressively unchanged from the original with a 42mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal glass on the front as well as on the case bac and is presented on a polished-brushed bracelet. Includes an asymmetrical case, black step dial with applied Omega logo, and the famous dot over 90 on an anodised aluminum bezel ring. Robust, timeless, and totally wearable, this is the watch that blends history and horology, making it a standby for watch fans worldwide.

Omega Seamaster 300M

Another Omega that’s a must for every collector, is the Seamaster 300M. Water resistant to 300 meters as the name suggests, it’s a truly legendary professional dive watch, and today’s collection has been updated with Omega’s revolutionary innovation and design. This 42mm model features a stainless steel case with a blue ceramic bezel with white enamel diving scale. The dial is also polished blue ceramic with laser-engraved waves and skeleton hands. Raised indexes are rhodium-plated and filled with white Super-LumiNova. The conical helium escape valve gives it an iconical design.

Breitling Navitimer Chronograph

The Navitimer has taken on a life of its own as the world’s foremost pilots watch. Designed with aviation in mind, the now-famous slide rule bezel can help calculate anything from fuel burn, to time en route, to percentages. One famous modern application? Calculating tips at restaurants! With a little practice, the endlessly applicable features make this one a sure-fire partner. And like every Breitling watch, the Navitimer has a story to tell—this one starts in 1952, when Willy Breitling developed a wrist-worn chronograph with a circular slide rule for pilots to perform all necessary flight calculations. More than 70 years later, this model is graced with the Navitimer’s most classic features, enhanced with modern technological refinements. Stainless steel case with bidirectional slide rule bezel, screwed-in sapphire crystal case back, and dual glare proof cambered sapphire crystal.

IWC Portugieser Chronograph

Portugieser watches stand out not just for their engineering, but their striking looks! With a distinctive design that bridges dressy and functional, these timepieces easily fill the gap many collections have, that of a more elegant watch that’s ready for more formal occasions. The Portugieser Chronograph has a column-wheel movement that ensures an accurate and unstrained first push when the chronograph is started.

TAG Heuer Monaco

Instantly recognizable, the TAG Heuer Monaco easily earns iconic status. Seen on the wrist of everybody from Max Verstappen to Walter White, its sleek 39mm square stainless steel case is polished and fine brushed, with an elegant domed crystal. The fine details of this watch pairs with a bright central chrono seconds hand that takes on new life in every iteration both classic and modern!

Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 39mm Steel

Some attribute the now-iconic Black Bay diver as the beginning of the current case sizing preferences that have gripped collectors. With a comfortable 39mm case diameter, the Black Bay 58 is at home on many different wrists while brilliant Swiss quality and specs make it an adventure-ready watch that’s at home beneath the waves or in the boardroom.

The Tudor Black Bay 58 is the end result of 60+ years of diving history—strength, reliability, precision, rugged individuality, and a bold design aesthetic. The stainless steel case has a unidirectional rotating bezel with black anodised aluminum disc, screw-down crown, and a domed dial and crystal. It’s movement is a highly accurate and COSC certified with a “weekend-proof” power reserve.

Grand Seiko Snowflake

One of Grand Seiko’s best-known, most beloved timepieces, the Heritage SBGA211 has been nicknamed the Snowflake for its unique dial that evokes the look of freshly fallen, lightly windswept snow. Likewise, the high-intensity titanium case feels as light as a snowflake. The dual-curved sapphire crystal features anti-reflective coating on the inner surface. This modern classic is powered by the revolutionary  Spring Drive movement, Grand Seiko’s high-precision mechanical movement that’s regulated by a quartz-crystal.

Zenith Defy Revival A3691

Looking to step things up? Zenith watches (as the name implies) represent the pinnacle of watchmaking. Famous for introducing the world’s first mechanical chronograph movement, the brand has established itself as a brand for those in-the-know. The DEFY Revival is a faithful reproduction of one of the first DEFY wristwatch with a colored dial. Crafted in a robust octagonal stainless steel case with 14-sided bezel and paired with a deep red gradient-effect dial and steel ladder bracelet. It’s powered by the ELITE 670 automatic manufacture (in house) movement.

 

Collection Capstones: Iconic Watches Over $10,000

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

Regarded as the “first dive watch” the Fifty Fathoms from Blancpain is more than a museum piece. Those with one of these luxury divers in their collections say its a clear connection to the history of watchmaking as it is a functional tool. Regularly updated and available in a variety of sizes ranging from svelte to stupendous, the Fifty Fathoms lineup has enough variety to satisfy almost any savant. New for 2024, Blancpain has shrunken the Fifty Fathoms to 42mm. The new titanium case features a unidirectional sapphire bezel with sapphire case back, with a blue or black dial available on bracelet, rubber, or fabric strap.

Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Sport Chronograph

The TONDA PF SPORT Collection was unveiled in 2024, and you can see here how serene natural beauty is perfectly mirrored in the hues of Milano Blue, Arctic Grey, and London Grey. Each chronograph is meticulously crafted to blend elegance with sport, epitomizing minimalist luxury that speaks to both form and function.

Ulysse Nardin Diver X Skeleton Azure

No upscale collection is complete without a Ulysse Nardin timepiece. Known for its avant-garde style and boundary-pushing engineering, UN watches encapsulate the innovation that has kept watchmaking alive through the modern era. For UN, even something as simple as a three-hand timepiece becomes an exercise in design with the Diver X Skeleton Azure where bright colors and bold lines blend together.

Feldmar’s Pre-owned Rolex Showcase

One of the most recognizable brands – not just in watchmaking, but in general – Rolex has established itself as synonymous with esteem and luxury. With a well-guarded reputation for quality, Rolex has maintained a position at the top of the watch game for decades, despite it’s relatively short history. Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex has produced some of the most iconic designs including the Daytona, Datejust, and GMT-Master II. At any given time, one (or all!) of these can be found in Feldmar’s pre-owned showcase, which is the perfect place to round out your collection with that missing capstone piece! And know that all our pre-owned watches have undergone thorough inspection and come with the Feldmar Guarantee of Authenticity, backed by over 100 years of experience.

Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm

In a world dominated by Royal Oaks and Nautiluses (Nautili?), enter the GP Laureato! With a design largely unchanged since 1975, the Laureato conveys a deep sense of familiarity with the realm of watches. Recognized by enthusiasts thanks to its octagonal bezel and clous-de-Paris dial, this is a timepiece that will remain a cornerstone of your high-end collection for years to come.

Breguet Tradition Quantieme Retrograde 7597

A Breguet is a must-have for most refined collections. With designs that are unlike like anything else on the market, Breguet Traditions occupy a special place in the constellation of haute horology. In particular, the Quantieme Retrograde, with its flyback date feature, provides a complication that’s rarely found and even more rarely perfected. Snapping from “31” to “1” at midnight on the last day of the month (worth staying up to watch!), this piece is a symphony in white gold.

Top 5 Holiday Watches for Women

Chopard Happy Sport 

In 1993 Chopard became the first maison to combine steel and diamonds, and their creativity and boldness are on dazzling display in this extraordinary timepiece, where playful, free-spinning sun, moon, and stars adorned with diamonds dance between two sapphire crystals, against a stunning blue guilloché dial. The 36mm stainless steel case is sized perfectly for a lady’s wrist, and a blue alligator leather strap completes the stylish look.

Hermes Huere H

There are many iconic ladies watches, but few make as bold an impression as the Hermes Heure H. It starts with the 21mm steel H-shaped case that frames a patterned white dial with uniquely proportioned Arabic numerals. The quartz movement is a marvel of precision. An interchangeable double wrap-around natural Barenia calfskin strap is an elegant accompaniment.

BVLGARI Serpenti Tubogas

Evoking both the sensual curves of a woman and the fluid shape of a serpent, this timepiece merges two of the most iconic symbols of Bvlgari design—the Serpenti Tubogas watch coils with a flexible and tubular litheness. Quartz movement, 35mm polished stainless steel curved case, stainless steel crown set with a cabochon cut pink rubellite, opaline silver guilloché dial with hand-applied indexes, and of course, a single spiral stainless steel bracelet.

Longines Classic Elegance Mini Dolcevita

The idea of slipping a ’54 convertible (light blue) under the tree is patently absurd. Much more reasonable is stashing Longines’s new 21.5mm Mini Dolcevita under the lower bows of the Christmas tree (or Hannukah bush). Stainless steel case and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with several layers of anti-reflective coating on both sides. The silver flinque dial features painted Roman numerals and blued steel hands.

Iconoclasts: Unique Watches for Any Budget

Accutron Spaceview Evolution Electrostatic Spaceview Evolution

Welcome to the future of horology, with this true design evolution of the original Accutron Spaceview 2020. It utilizes the same iconic and distinctive case, while featuring an updated orientation of the movement by 30 degrees for an entirely new and unique look. The all-new, proprietary Accutron next-generation electrostatic energy movement is powered on your wrist by a range of motion. With a silver grey open-work dial and sumptuous blue alligator strap.

Ressence Type 8 C

Ressence’s mantra—simplicity is the ultimate sophistication—can be seen in every brilliant design detail and every thoughtful decision made by their watchmakers. The revolutionary ROCS (Ressence Orbital Convex System) is self winding, vibrating 28,800 times per hour. 42.9mm polished/saturated grade 5 titanium case with domed sapphire crystals. Matt cobalt blue grade 5 titanium convex dial running on a jewel ball bearing with eccentric satellites rolling on jewel ball bearings and engraved indications filled with 100% blue grade A Super-LumiNova.

Chronoswiss Flying Regulator Night and Day Midnight

Discover the elegance of the Flying Regulator Night and Day Midnight. This timepiece is a celebration of the nocturnal with a 41mm stainless steel case with onion crown, polished bezel with partial knurling and curved, screw-down case back with satin finish, and sapphire crystal. The deep, dark blue hand-guilloché dial reflects the cosmic ballet, with 3-D day/night display and skeletonized small seconds, Feuille shape hands, polished and rhodium-plated hands, and Super-LumiNova hands. Available in a limited edition of 50 pieces.

Angelus Chronodate Titanium White

The Chronodate Titanium White pays tribute to the famous chronograph calibre Angelus first presented 80 years ago and is available in a limited edition of just 25 pieces. The aesthetics are inspired by both historic Angelus references and the sleek, openworked lines of its more recent pieces. This timepiece features a modular 42.5mm titanium case, with a bicompax automatic chronograph movement encircled by a peripheral date in reference to the original model.

Hamilton Ventura Quartz 

Released in a limited edition of just 130 pieces, the Ventura Quartz Gold features the iconic triangular shaped case crafted in 14K yellow gold with engraved case back and sapphire crystal. The black dial has distinctive yellow gold toned hour markers and yellow gold toned hands. The quartz movement is exquisitely accurate, and the black cow leather strap is a beautiful addition.

Best Accessories:

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Roberto Coin Jewelry

Roberto Coin is located in the city of Vicenza, Italy, also known as the City of Gold, which seems exquisitely appropriate. Their elegant and timeless collection of Italian handmade necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, pendants, and bangles are brought to life by renowned jewelry artisans using only the finest in precious gems and metals. Discover what unfettered style, creativity, innovation, and quality, brings to the world of fine jewelry.

Zealande Straps

Zealande’s vulcanized FKM rubber watch straps are probably the most comfortable watch straps in the world, endowed with flexibility and a unique touch. Designed specially for lovers of Rolex®, Tudor®, Omega®, Tag Heuer®, and Seiko® timepieces, Zealande straps are available in a wide range of vibrant and deep colors. Zealande is a high-quality French brand that combines comfort and elegance for the most demanding watch lovers to dress their wrist.

Everest Bands

For practically every modern Rolex ever made, there is a corresponding Everest watch strap. Made in Switzerland, Everest Horology products are known for innovation and creativity, producing straps that perfectly complement Rolex’s quality, fit, and finish. Everest bands are fashioned of vulcanized rubber or Italian vegetable tanned leather in a multitude of colors to match every personality and style, meticulously crafted with a curved end so that they effortlessly attach to the Rolex watch case.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Feldmar!

About The Author: Tom Roth

author

Born in Washington state, Tom developed an interest in photography during college at University of San Diego. There, he got started in music journalism, interviewing artists and taking photos at concerts. A life-long tinkerer and collector, it wasn’t long before Tom became fascinated with fountain pens and watches.

Those interests collided in November 2020 when Tom started at Feldmar Watch Company where he lives out every watch geek’s dream: photographing and writing about timepieces. When he’s not tinkering with his watch collection, Tom can be found traveling, biting his nails while watching PNW sports teams, and taking flying lessons.

Read more from Tom Roth

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