Stop Buying Watches as Gifts… for the Most Part: And My Top Five Watch Gifting Ideas for Valentine’s Day
Photo by Frank Antzoulis
Warning! A scolding is coming, but if you stay, I’ll reward you with My Top Five Watch Gifting Ideas for Valentine’s Day.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, I feel it’s essential to put this out in the open: not everyone wants a watch. **Gasp!** I know, but it’s important for us to get this through our thick noggins, that some people don’t see the point in spending hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars on watches. I find this urgent because, with Valentine’s Day and other holidays, we receive those inevitable emails flooding our inbox from all the watch shops and brands that we follow about watches that would make perfect gifts for the occasion. And while they’re not explicitly telling you to “go out and buy some tchotchkes that you like for others,” those of us absorbed by a hobby can easily be influenced into doing just that. As for folks that don’t like watches, there’s some such argument that you’re paying for something unnecessary and blah, blah, blah… or maybe they don’t like the idea of wearing something on their wrists. Whatever the reason, it’s valid, and they don’t want a watch. So, please don’t buy them a watch just because it’s what you like.
This piece of advice is for anyone with a hobby or an obsession. It’s not cool to try and force your hobby down someone’s throat if they show no interest. Be an individual, and a thoughtful one at that. When it comes to your friends and loved ones, pay attention to what they enjoy. I know… this is some revolutionary shit I’m sharing, but you wouldn’t believe how many people I know who are watch collectors or hobbyists of various kinds, and they desperately want to share their passions with uninterested folks in their lives so they have someone to information dump on. This Valentine’s Day, and for every future gift-giving moment, I want you to look in the mirror and say, “I won’t buy a watch for someone who doesn’t give a shit.” Say it until it sinks in.
Photo by Chris Antzoulis - Two watches I’ve received as gifts from loved ones.
I’m not trying to be judgmental or throw shade at anyone; I’ve been guilty of this in the past. Once, I bought a guitar I liked for an ex who mentioned in passing, after attending one of my shows, that she wished she knew how to play. I let lofty ideas of “wouldn’t it be cool if my girlfriend and I could play together” influence me into taking an offhand comment and using it to fill an ideal picture I concocted; I could’ve easily taught her on one of my own guitars if she had been serious. Needless to say, when we eventually broke up, I had an extra guitar in my collection that reminded me of what an oblivious asshat I was.
I learned that, at best, this indicated I wasn’t putting in the appropriate amount of effort toward someone I supposedly cared about. At worst, it could be seen as a form of manipulation or control over them. You might think this is harsh, but intention matters in gift-giving. When the giver aims to use the gift to control or influence someone's behavior, actions, or decisions—often expecting something in return (even if that something is sharing in your hobby)—rather than giving purely out of genuine kindness or appreciation, it’s unacceptable. However, it’s okay not to share every interest with a close friend or partner and to have your own hobbies while also supporting the interests of your loved ones.
But Chris, what if there are people in my life who genuinely want a watch? They often ask you about watches; maybe they've even borrowed one before, or perhaps you’ve seen them browsing for one. Well, in that case, **cracks knuckles**, it’s time to rock and roll.
My Top Five Watch Gifting Ideas for Valentine’s Day
Photo by Chris Antzoulis - Seiko Speedtimer (SFJ001)
These first two suggestions are for the newbies to the hobby that might be in your life.
1. Seiko: Everyone should experience a Seiko at least once, and the wonderful thing about Seiko is that, regardless of who in your life is interested in watches, there’s a piece in Seiko’s collection that will suit them perfectly. Are they sporty? Get them a Seiko Prospex Diver. Do they prefer dressier styles? Buy them a Presage Cocktail Time. Would they enjoy something a little more technologically advanced—like solar power? Get them a Speedtimer.
2. Hamilton: It should come as no surprise to anyone who follows my watch journey that I would recommend Hamilton. This is typically the slightly pricier option for a newbie, compared to Seiko. I would choose this for someone who might appreciate an entry-level luxury watch or perhaps needs a timepiece for a special occasion. I gifted my best friend the Hamilton Murph for his wedding. The 38mm version can definitely serve as a dressier piece while also being a solid all-around choice. However, just like Seiko, Hamilton offers something for everyone. You can opt for a slightly more expensive option with the American Classic Intra Matic Chronograph, or add a touch of retro sci-fi with the PSR.
Photo by Chris Antzoulis - Hamilton Murph (42mm)
These two brands share a common trait: they are often featured in movies and television shows. If you know a film buff, plenty of options are available in these two catalogs. You can choose a Hamilton Murph from Interstellar, or, if someone wants to make more of a statement, a Hamilton Ventura from Men in Black. With Seiko, you can gift someone modern versions of the Seiko Arnie, featured in several 80s Arnold Schwarzenegger movies, or a Captain Willard from Apocalypse Now,
The following suggestions are aimed at the watch enthusiasts in your life. This is slightly more challenging because, as a hobbyist, you may have developed a specific taste that can be more difficult for others to identify in a new watch.
3. Micro/Independents: Consider exploring microbrands or independent brands. You’re more likely to discover something unique that isn’t already in someone’s collection. Additionally, you can often find well-made watches at more affordable prices, as they typically lack the brand caché that justifies a higher price tag.
Regardless of your budget, you can find something here. At around $500, I recommend the Brew - Retrograph. It comes in many varieties and colors, so there’s sure to be an aesthetic that will appeal to the person you’re shopping for.
If you start moving up to around $1000, I recommend considering the Christopher Ward - The Twelve. The Twelve also comes in various sizes, colors, and materials. It will suit those with larger wrists, as well as members of the itty bitty wrist committee.
Photo by Chris Antzoulis - Tim Mosso’s Garrick
If you got that dough to spend, you should consider Garrick Watchmakers. Starting around $5000-ish and up, you can get a watch made for someone that is truly unique and features plenty of hand-finishing craftsmanship. I don’t think you can beat the value for what you’re getting here.
4. The watch off your wrist: Sometimes, there’s nothing more meaningful to give to a loved one than something you own and cherish. You instantly create a memorable moment for both of you, as I believe nothing feels better than passing on something you cherished to someone you love. For the recipient, it is a small piece of your personal history that they can now carry with them.
Now for the real mushy one for a couple. (Keep in mind, this only works if both of you are obsessed with the hobby.)
5. Buy a pair of watches together: Establish a price limit, visit a boutique, and select pieces to buy for one another in that moment. Then, wear them out to dinner or an event afterward. My ideal romantic evening would be a pair of new timepieces, followed by the best burgers in town, and then out to an emo concert.
This list is over. Crank the Taking Back Sunday! Happy Valentine’s Day, nerds!
