Gift ideas: Six great watches as gifts this Christmas

Christmas is around the corner once again! For this festive season, we have decided to start a little early, with a series of watches that one might want to consider as gift ideas for their friends and loved ones.

Our selection today will focus on the masses – with modest pricing as the main criteria today. While it is certainly nice to receive a nice five-figure digit watch for Christmas, we also do have to understand that it is actually not that feasible. Unless, of course, it is for a very special someone on a rather special occasion.

With that out of the way, here are some of the watches that you might want to consider as a gift, for watch enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike.

Swatch Sistem51

Similar to past years, we begin the article with the Swatch Sistem51.

The Sistem51, in our opinion, is perhaps one of the best ways to introduce friends and family to the world of mechanical watches – especially if they are not watch enthusiasts (yet!). Swatches are pretty fun watches, with a myriad of colours and designs to suit the taste and preferences of different individuals – and we are certain that there is surely something for everyone.

Prices of the Sistem51 begin at S$223, and these watches are a great introductory piece to anyone who has yet to own a mechanical timepiece.

Depancel Serie-A Stradale

Next, we have a racing-inspired timepiece from Depancel. Cue the Serie-A Stradale.

The 39mm timepiece is a novelty of the French-based microbrand, in which it aims to offer collectors watches with an injection of automotive theme. One of the more interesting things about the Serie-A Stradale is its movement, in which the watch is fitted with Seiko’s VK64. This is a “meca-quartz” movement, where it combines the precision of a quartz movement, with the beauty of traditional watchmaking in the form of an automatic chronograph module.

The watch is priced at €395 (approximately S$565), and it is offered with a lifetime warranty. For motoring enthusiasts, this is perhaps a great gift idea – perhaps second only to automotive-related gifts.

Citizen Kuroshio ’64

In the world of modestly priced watches, there are no shortage of options from the usual suspects, such as Orient or Seiko. We reckon Citizen also offers a compelling option, especially with the Kuroshio ’64.

Based on the Parawater, the 41mm Kuroshio ’64 pays tribute to one of the brand’s earliest water resistant watches. There are many cues from the vintage iteration, such as the arrowhead hour markers, dauphine hands, and domed sapphire crystal. The watch is simple, but well-executed with minute details such as a textured dial, and a sleek-looking case that features both matte and polished surfaces.

The Kuroshio ’64 is priced at around S$583, and we reckon it is a great gift especially for someone who is looking to start building a watch collection. At the same time, we also believe that this is a lovely watch that most enthusiasts will also appreciate.

Orient Bambino Automatic

Continuing with the theme of dressier watches, we have another excellent proposition: Orient Bambino Automatic.

Orient is a well-known watch manufacturer in Japan, and collectors from Asia will certainly recognise this brand for its simple and well-designed timepieces. The Bambino is one of the watches in its collection, featuring a classic three-hand design with an additional date function. It is also fitted with an automatic movement, and has a decent power reserve of around 40 hours.

Sized at 38.4mm, the Bambino is certainly a superb timepiece for a gentleman. It is priced at €275 (approximately S$395), and frankly, this is perhaps one of the best options around at this price point.

Casio G-SHOCK GA-B2100 “CasiOak”

It is not every day that a digital watch attracts the attention of watch collectors, but the Casio G-SHOCK GA-B2100 (picture above courtesy of Casio) – also dubbed the “CasiOak” – is quite special indeed.

Launched in 2019, the CasiOak caught the attention of watch enthusiasts as it has an octagon bezel that is similar to the famous Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. However, the CasiOak is not just all about the looks. This is a well-made and robust timepiece, with a host of useful functions that G-Shock watches are known for. In addition, the watch also features Bluetooth® connectivity and a solar charging system.

Even though we are proponents of mechanical watches, we do think that everyone should own a G-Shock watch. These are great watches for outdoor activities and travelling, and at S$239, it is the perfect timepiece for someone who is sporty and active.

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is a timepiece that has been regularly featured by us since its inception in 2021, and it is not a surprise. After all, we reckon this is perhaps one of the best novelties in the scene last year.

The 40mm timepiece is one that ticks most of the right boxes. It features a great design, with a solid integrated bracelet, and a brilliant self-winding movement with an autonomy of 80 hours – all these at a price point of S$950. What more can you ask for?

Regardless if your friend or a loved one is a watch enthusiast or otherwise, the PRX Powermatic 80 is surely a great piece that has a place in any watch collection.

Concluding Thoughts

Even though we have effectively narrowed our options to watches below S$1,000, there are still many great timepieces to consider at this price point. Indeed, watch collecting does not necessarily need to be an exclusive and expensive hobby. In fact, there are still many wonderful pieces that have a modest price tag as well.

We hope that today’s article has provided our readers with some watch-related gift ideas for their friends and loved ones. It is indeed a joy and privilege to be able to share one’s hobby with others, and there is something truly special about that.