The Ultimate Holiday Buying Guide

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Hey Watch Nerds!

We are only a few weeks away! I wanted to do something new and compile a gift guide for the holidays.

Here’s what we have:

  • Why Gift a Watch

  • Buying Guide <$1000

  • Buying Guide >$1000

  • And More

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The Ultimate Gift Guide

In the spirit of the holiday season, we’re diving into the best timepieces to gift (or treat yourself to) this Christmas. From festive strap options to rugged everyday favorites, we’ve got you covered. Plus, check out some spicy hot takes, Q&A fun, and the ultimate guide to making a watch the perfect holiday surprise. Let’s dive in!

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🎁 Gift A Watch

Why Give A Watch

A watch is more than just a timekeeper—it’s the gift that says, “I actually put some thought into this,” without you having to overthink it. As December rolls around and the holiday pressure sets in, finding that perfect gift gets tricky. But you know what? A watch is the ultimate holiday hack.

A watch is personal but practical, stylish but functional. It’s like giving someone the gift of punctuality—a subtle nudge to be on time, but with class. Whether it’s a sleek dress watch for the office, a rugged diver for the adventurer, or a retro piece for the nostalgia lover, there’s something for everyone.

Watches also have a way of making you feel fancy, even if you’re just counting down the minutes until your next coffee break. Plus, every time they glance at their wrist, they’ll think of you, which is way better than a fruitcake that gets re-gifted or socks that end up lost in the laundry. (hits home…)

The best part? Watches come in all shapes, sizes, and price points, so you don’t have to sell your kidney to buy one.

So this December, go for a gift that’s fun, meaningful, and always a classic—a watch!

⌚️ Under $1000

Affordable And Good

These are some great watches that won’t break the bank. While I could recommend many more, I wanted to give you a few that I would personally buy and own. All pics are linked to the watches so you can buy them today!

Seiko Cocktail Time

Dress | Automatic | Date

📏= 40.5 mm
🌊= 50 m
💰️= $340

Bulova Hack Watch

Field | Automatic | N/A

📏= 38 mm
🌊= 30 m
💰️= $425

Seiko Prospex SRPE93

Dive | Automatic | Day, Date

📏= 45 mm
🌊= 200 m
💰️= $396

Certina Action Diver

Dive | Automatic | Date

📏= 38 mm
🌊= 300 m
💰️= $795

Hamilton Murph

Field | Automatic | N/A

📏= 38 mm
🌊= 100 m
💰️= $895

Tissot PRX Automatic

Everything | Automatic | Date

📏= 40 mm
🌊= 100 m
💰️= $725

Over $1,000

A Bit Pricier

These are some great watches that won’t break the bank. While I could recommend many more, I wanted to give you a few that I would personally buy and own. All pics are linked to the watches so you can buy them today!

Marathon GSAR

Dive | Automatic | Date

📏= 41 mm
🌊= 300 m
💰️= $1,620

MIDO Ocean Star GMT

Dive | Automatic | Date, GMT

📏= 44 mm
🌊= 200 m
💰️= $1,460

Tissot Gentleman

Dress | Automatic | Date, 18kt gold

📏= 40 mm
🌊= 100 m
💰️= $1,650

Hamilton Khaki Field

Field | Automatic | Field, Titanium

📏= 38 mm
🌊= 100 m
💰️= $1,245

MIDO Multifort TV

Field | Automatic | Date

📏= 40 mm
🌊= 100 m
💰️= $1,270

Certina Action Diver

Diver | Automatic | Date, Titanium

📏= 38 mm
🌊= 300 m
💰️= $1,050

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👋 Outta Time

Thanks for stopping by!

As we wrap up this holiday edition of Own The Watch, remember that a great watch is more than just a gift—it’s a lasting memory on the wrist. Whether you’re splurging on a luxury piece or keeping it simple with a festive strap, there's something special about giving (or receiving) the gift of time.

I hope you found your perfect pick, enjoyed the hot takes, and had some holiday fun along the way. Happy holidays, and here’s to ticking into the new year with style!

Random Fact About Ian: My go-to karaoke songs are usually from Green Day.

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Song of the Week 🎵 
Title: Merry Christmas… (link)
Artist: All Time Low
Album: Dirty Work
Year: 2011
My Playlist: Audio Angst (link)

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