5 of the Best Watches to Show Off This Holiday Season

 

Be prepared to drool over our exclusive shortlist featuring the Rolex Air King 2022 and the highly sought after Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

As everyone winds down for Christmas and makes that last minute rush down the aisles, it’s time to pause for a minute. Whether looking to buy a watch or searching for that prized timepiece to add to your collection, we bring you good tidings of luxury and style.

Chestnuts may be roasting on an open fire and the Christmas turkey is all ready to baste. But have you decided what you are going to adorn your wrist with? Luxury watches can be a minefield. All that searching, so little time (literally!) and oh so many brands. 

Whether a brilliant Blancpain is on your Christmas wish list or you're keen to buy a Tag Heuer, let’s take a look at some of the best men’s watches this holiday season.

 

5. Patek Philippe Calatrava

Source: Patek Philippe

 

 

Watch geeks are very familiar with the impact Patek Philippe has had on the industry. 

One of very few independent watchmakers remaining, they represent nothing but the finest levels of production. Since 1839, this family run manufacturer has been fine tuning Swiss watchmaking down to a fine art. 

Oozing elegance, the Calatrava is considered one of the ultimate dress watches. Available in rose gold, yellow gold and white gold, their iconic calibres with proven 24/7 accuracy tick all the horological boxes.

Measuring 39mm in diameter, you really cannot put a foot wrong with these Bauhaus inspired round wristwatches. During the 1930’s, its groundbreaking design lends itself to current watch values. The Calatrava makes for an excellent investment as they generally increase in price over a period of time. 

Timeless, sophisticated and charming means this model will be the talk of the Christmas table.

 

4. Grand Seiko ‘Skyflake’

Source: Grand Seiko

 

 

Step into the Chronicles of Narnia with this very festive and wintry looking Grand Seiko ‘Skyflake’.

With the Artic Blast sweeping the UK this timepiece will stop people in their tracks. The mood matches this spectacular icy blue dial reflecting the chilly location of its Shinshu design studio in Japan. It really is poetry in motion.

Ideal as an everyday watch or for that fancy Christmas party, it belongs to Seiko’s Elegance Collection offering many benefits. First up is the melange of arctic silver, pale blue and navy on the dial that evokes Shinshu to its fullest.

Measuring 40mm in diameter, the jagged snow-like texture is a thing of pure aesthetic beauty. Then there’s the Zaratsu polished lugs, 30 jewels, 72 hour power reserve and Spring Drive calibre. Classic in form with silver Roman numerals and a bold blue seconds hand made from steel shows off the dial beautifully.

Made from stainless steel, admire the see through movement via the caseback on your wrist. A genuine hot contender, time lords can check out the brand new Grand Seiko SBGX353 Skyflake. Launched in December 2022, it offers a 34mm case, diamond cut markers and a 9F quartz calibre.

 

3. Rolex 2022 ‘Air-King’

Source: CoolMaterial.com

 

 

Could this watch potentially be the King of Kings?

Increasing the case diameter by 1 mm might not be anything to write about. But it certainly is when you feast your eyes on our next luxury watch challenger. Step forward the 2022 ‘Air King’. 

As part of this year’s lineup Rolex have released not just the Air King but the Day-Date 40, GMT-Master II, Yacht-Master 40, Yacht-Master 42 and Datejust 31. A true symbol of the skies, this timepiece evokes the deep connection between the brand and aviation during the 30’s, 

Priced at more than £13,000, you’ll be flying high in no time with your new addition thanks to a few small tweaks. The 3230 calibre is now inside, while there’s a 70 hour power reserve and new crown guards. Since 2016, prominent 3, 6 and 9 hour markers have been a distinctive feature of the Air King.

Yet, the devil is in the details. The seconds hand in that instantaneously recognisable green is a true symbol of this Swiss giant’s representative colours. Watch lovers will like the zero is now sitting proudly alongside the once former single 5 digit where the minute's scale is positioned.

Crystal anti-reflective coating and luminescent properties on the 3,6,9 and 12 hour markers ensure this new generation watch remains ahead of the game.

 

2. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

Source: Xupes Journal

 

 

If you can get your hands on one, the Royal Oak series from AP is a real head turner. And vintage Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches are even more respected among watch circles.

Synonymous thanks to its distinctive octagonal bezel design and “Tapisserie” dial , this timepiece screams luxury, refinement and elegance. 

It was the epitome of luxury back in the 70’s when the so-called Winter of Discontent hit the UK with strikes and rising living costs. Oh, wait that sounds familiar!

Mind you, AP’s legacy has stood the test of time, half a century after it revolutionised the industry. As 70’s as David Bowie and cherry bon bons, it’s made from tip to toe in stainless steel. 

Launched back in 1972, The Royal Oak is an enduring player in the watch world and was the first one of a kind sports watch. While many were sceptical of its aesthetics, its critics were answered soon enough.

Instantly recognizable among the watch community, The Royal Oak has surpassed expectations and is currently one of the most collectable models among watch aficionados.

 

1. Tudor Heritage Black Bay

Source: TheRake.com

 

 

One of the ultimate diving watches, The Tudor Heritage Black Bay is a match for any top brand in the luxury watch sector. 

Although Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf introduced Tudor as a cheaper sub-brand with identical reliability, it has still put down a significant marker. Taking inspiration from the vintage Rolex Submariner, you will still find top notch quality within Rolex’s sister brand.

Watch collectors will be delighted to hear that some Tudor models maintain their prices such as the Black Bay GMT 79830RB or Black Bay Fifty-Eight 79030n. Feel suave and debonair in this vintage number that’s certainly an excellent addition to any watch collection.

Conclusion: Already received your Christmas bonus? Want to buy a Tudor watch or buy an Audemars Piguet in time for the holiday season? Then contact ChronoHunter here.

With more than 700 five star reviews on Trustpilot, we are your number one source for buying a watch and selling a watch.

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Further Reading: Patek Philippe Calatrava Review

                         Chronicles: Tudor Black Bay Harrods Edition

 

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