You seemed to enjoy our recommendations from last year, so we decided to share our Top 5 Christmas presents you can gift to watch collectors. Again this 2020 holiday season!
5. Watchmaking Tools
Whether you’re an expert with your hands, or a purely theoretical learner, do not despair, as there’s plenty of room for all to learn a new skill – especially if you have the right book… (read on!)
Screwdrivers, case-openers, and spring-bar tools are the perfect starter instruments for those who have a “do it yourself” spirit. There’s nothing better than knowing you’re mastering a trade, but beware – that’s not always the case.
The most important thing to do before buying watchmaking tools is to read up about them; pay a visit to your closest watchmaking parts/supply shop (even your local watchmaker will do!), and take advantage of the expertise that is offered to you. Not only will you possibly be helping out a local, self-owned business, but you will also be developing your own passion, and perhaps even those of your friends. I always go back to a phrase which my grandmother told me: “chi più spende, meno spende” – meaning that he who spends more upfront will likely have bought something that’s been built to last, and will avoid perhaps even more costly consequences down the road.
4. Bespoke Leather Items
Let’s tell it how it is: a leather strap is of fundamental importance in an overall timepiece: it can either make or break its whole aesthetic.
Therefore, why leave your watch (or, if you’re buying, those of your friends) on a beat-up faux leather strap? We’re in Italy, after all: home to some of the world’s best leather tradespeople.
This has been a difficult year for all of us, no doubt, but it has taken a devastating toll on the retail industry, particularly small, self-employed businesses. So, get out of your house (but wear a mask, please!) and pop over to your nearest artisan: get yourselves acquainted, and give another life to your watch or those of your friends.
Don’t despair if you can’t find a strictly watch-strap-maker, for those are actually few and far between: head over to leather-workers, shoemakers, handbag shops, or any business which specialises in leather, really, and ask. Any artisan worth their salt will know how to either provide for your needs, or will point you in the right direction if not.
3. A Vintage Watch
This one is especially for your “fashion-watch” loving friends. No Daniel ****** (redacted), no Toy Watches… there is hope!
Instead of talking down on them for “not owning a proper watch” (which, unfortunately, a few people do), introduce them to this wonderful world, by gifting them a “proper” watch of their own! Again, in a Covid-safe manner, head on over to your watchmaker, watch dealer, or even a second-hand sale, and keep your eyes pealed for a timepiece which has a story to tell…. even if it’s an old Swatch with a missing battery!
And when you’re wrapping this tremendous present, add a little note to it, and tell that story, spread that “spark” which may ignite their passion for watches, too. Who knows? You just might get yourself a fellow watch enthusiast in return!
2. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Cufflinks
There are 3 things which are certain in life: death, taxes, and a painfully long waiting list for a Royal Oak. There is, however, an alternative method to get that octagonal Audemars Piguet grail on your wrist – and no less stylishly.
The mere sight of an “AP” marked box underneath the Christmas Tree is enough to get anyone’s heart beating faster, and, well, who wouldn’t want a pair of tapisserie-textured cufflinks in the first place?
As cliché as it may seem to some, I think these are sort of “mini-masterpieces”, wouldn’t you agree? They perfectly encapsulate the famously fascinating dial and finishings of the Royal Oak, in a much more peculiar format.
After all, aren’t cufflinks considered the ideal gift for men?
1. “Orologeria – A Theoretical & Practical Guide on how to Repair and Maintain your Watch“
We’ve save the best for last: here’s our favourite Christmas Gift Idea for watch enthusiasts and collectors.
If you weren’t a winner of our IWS quiz, you can already make it yours (or someone else’s) this Christmas!
This is the perfect book to get oneself into the “technical” side of watches, and it’s printed by one of the most respected publishers for these kinds of works (Hoepli). The author – Davide Munaretto – is a well known watch enthusiast, who had the privilege of finding himself in like-minded circles, surrounded by those who were truly passionate about horology.
We mentioned this book a couple of weeks ago on our Instagram Stories, and our stance is unchanged: this is, without a doubt, the best present you could give a watch enthusiast this Christmas.
You can get your copy here!
-Translated by Patrick R.
