As James Bond writer Ian Fleming once said, ‘’A gentleman’s choice of timepiece says as much about him as does his Saville Row suit’’, and he knew a thing or two about style, don’t you think?
That said, because watches do tend to be so personal, buying a gift for a watch loving friend or family member can be tough. Instead of letting time slip away pontificating on all things wrist-wearable, let’s keep things concise and cut to the chase; here are 5 IDEAL gifts to give someone who loves watches.
A WATCH WINDER
Watch winders are devices that keep automatic watches still running even when they’re not worn. There are various sizes depending on your collection size from single to multi watch winders. These winders help to ensure that the mechanism of your watch is kept lubricated and operating as it should. They also add an element of convenience since they ensure your watch is always ready to be worn without having to wind it or adjust the time and date.
If you’re looking for an authentic item with a longstanding tradition, a premium UK watch winder might be just what you’re looking for. Many established companies provide premium quality brands like WOLF, which have been around for many years now. Their watch winders are meticulously crafted by hand to run silently and smoothly for a lifetime and are a dream, especially for collectors.
A WATCH STAND
A watch on a stand…isn’t that just a clock? Well, no actually; it’s so much more than that. As any watch lover will know, your wearable timepiece isn’t purely functional. It’s a statement of intent, sophistication and poise, and as such, it makes perfect sense to display it when it’s not on your wrist.
Watch stands also serve a different purpose; to keep your timepiece safe and unscratched when you’re not wearing it.
A WATCH REPAIR KIT
No matter the worth of a watch, it’s a piece of jewellery and should receive the proper care and attention that such a title suggests. A good quality watch will even increase in value (unless it’s a fake of course) as time goes by, especially if you keep its inner and outer workings in top condition. Give your watch loving pal something that can keep their timepieces in tick-tock order.
A TRIP TO LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS IN SWITZERLAND
‘’La Chaux-de-Fonds may be considered to form a single watch manufactory” – Karl Marx.
If you’ve got the budget and a predisposition towards generosity, take your watch loving friend on a trip to La Chaux-de-Fonds in Switzerland, a city designed by watchmakers and unquestionably the epicentre of the watchmaking world. The small town of just 40,000 even hosts the Gaïa Prize, which acknowledges the work and personalities of watchmaking tradition.
As DW explains “This is where the heart of the Swiss clock and watchmaking industry has beaten for centuries”. Here, you can take a tour of various watchmaking factories, and take a glimpse into the astonishing intricacies of this age-old tradition. And if you bring back a souvenir or two…well, who’s to blame you?
Read: 5 IDEAL tips for choosing your next watch
WATCH INSPIRED JEWELLERY
Sure, in the right hands (or on the right wrists, rather) a watch is a piece of jewellery in itself. But if you’re looking to bestow more wearable bits on your loved one, then how about watch inspired jewellery? Watch necklaces, watch cufflinks, and watches worn on the breast pocket are all available, and look just the part. Watch overload? We think not!