The truly great Workforce ABTW Getaway 2014 Dream Magic formula Santa Anti Reward Information Enjoy Giving Try.

Trying to find a last-minute gift help guide to help you choose a watch for a friend or loved one? Then keep on walkin', 'cause this ain't that. There are watches and "gifts" in this article, but this isn't a "gift guide" where we just explain to you some watch stars with this 12 months, and inform you what we believe you really need to buy. We feel that's not really entirely practical and rarely helpful in real life. Instead, we decided it could be fun to accomplish a "Fantasy" Secret Santa this current year, along with our team members, and do a real-life, real-watches (meaning relatively accessible), real men and women (with fantasy money), watch "gifting" exchange, to see what the results are. Our hope is to offer anecdotal understanding of the thought procedure, some wisdom about watches (and gifting), and perhaps some entertainment. We've all been there. We want to share with a loved one exactly the same pleasure we knowledge for a watch we love. We want that person to feel that good about something that we additionally love and then share that feeling together with them as a positive bond. It's the feeling we want to give, more as compared to "thing" itself. That seems to drive most sincere gift-giving as a whole. The challenge here, then, will be choose something that has a great shot at attaining watch bonding bliss. We thought we'd conduct an experiment. Watches are subtle and evoke a difficult response; selecting a view to put on is certainly a personal experience. So, choosing one for someone else naturally introduces brand new amounts of complexity and prospective pitfalls. In the long run, will it be simply a 50/50 hit-or-miss coin-toss-crap-shoot, or even if you understand them well, is it possible to really make sure you will be providing them with something they will certainly really enjoy? Let's find out! I put every aBlogtoWatch team member's name into a big fluffy Santa cap (okay, a randomizer I discovered online), and randomly received names to pair each team member with another for whom they would anonymously choose a view from 2014. We then informed each person who they were "shopping" for, and provided them a deadline to choose a "gift" and talk about why they chose that watch for that person. we then informed each recipient exactly what their watch had been, and gave them a deadline to write about their "gift." And hilarity ensued. During the time of publication, no one knows the identity of the key Santa, nor the reason why behind their Santa's choice. I'm on-the-fence about whether bribery is an option, but in most cases, I'll be using these Secret Santa identities beside me to my grave. Will it prove to be a group-building experience? Or will it drive us further aside than our home lands have actually currently flung us? So right here it is, in no particular purchase, the unvarnished truth. Many choices had been perfect hits. Various other circumstances, it would appear that great watches are perhaps not gifted, these are generally re-gifted. 1. Zenith El Primero: Original 1969 I selected the Zenith El Primero Original 1969. As the normal option for James would be a vintage watch, our company is sticking to more current fare so I believe the El Primero Original 1969 is just right. If, like me, you check analogshift.com everyday, you'll realize that James likes metal sport watches (often chronographs) with notable movements, timeless appeal and a splash of color (who doesn't?). The Zenith El Primero Original 1969 offers all that and much more. Rocking a legendary Zenith El Primero 400 automatic chronograph movement that runs at a silky smooth 36,000 vph, the Original 1969 has the chops to back up its serious yet sporting look. As an additional nod to James' vintage tastes, I've decided on the initial 1969 version that features both a 38 mm case plus the classic Zenith tri-color dial. May possibly not be vintage, but I believe it is the next best thing. It seems my reputation as ABTW’s resident "vintage guy" is well known amongst my peers! Although We easily take pleasure in the opportunities to have fun with interesting new timepieces, the bulk of timepieces in my individual collection come from the last. Fortunately in my situation, there are many great contemporary watches on the market that not just take their design cues from historical models, but are truly reissues of the originals – as evidenced by the sublime Zenith El Primero Original 1969 presented for me this present year by my Secret Santa. Initially launched in – you guessed it – 1969, the first El Primero (reference A386) was one of several world’s first automatic chronographs, and arguably the most advanced. Featuring a hi-beat motion with 36,000 vph and a stunning tri-color layout regarding the subsidiary registers, the world’s first El Primero features gone on to be a truly collectible timepiece, and it is the historical basis for an entire line of contemporary chronographs for Zenith. In my opinion, this modern version is every bit as excellent due to the fact true original of nearly five decades ago, and features exactly the same case proportions and dial design associated with the ’69 model. Zenith is, in my opinion, one of the most misinterpreted contemporary manufactures, and provides a superlative product for a relatively meager sum. A386s can be pretty difficult to come by (think me, I’ve seemed), together with Original 1969 is a really great alternative I’d be proud to own and wear. 2. Omega Seamaster 300 Co-Axial we decided to go with the Omega Seamaster 300 for Kenny because his analog tastes mirror my personal; we value history, form-follows-function design, and our belongings are a true representation of your preferences. As a guy who prefers three pedals to two, and mechanical movements with analog displays to quart digital, I thought that Kenny would appreciate the heritage-inspired design of this Seamaster 300, an adequately modernized type of the storied professional diver from Omega. In addition to its killer vintage looks, the Seamaster 300 features a wide range of contemporary design elements, including the ceramic outer bezel while the brilliant Co-Axial movement – features I think would attract to Kenny’s equal interest in modern technical gadgetry and horology. I was pleasantly surprised that the Omega Seamster 300 Co-Axial was chosen for me since it is my personal favorite watch that Omega released this present year. The vintage-inspired design is simply fantastic, and then there's a cool Master Co-Axial movement which is extremely anti-magnetic and uses silicon components to improve timekeeping and reliability. And of course there is a beautifully crafted bracelet which has a micro-adjustment feature. On the whole, I believe the Seamaster Co-Axial is really great view and I’m really thrilled to receive it as a gift. 3. A. Lange & Sohne Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar "Terraluna" I chose the A.Lange & Sohne Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar for David because I believe it will be the coolest launch through the German powerhouse this year. Not only does it look great, it also has some really nifty features, such as being able to utilize the back of the watch to inform which an element of the world is receiving light. I believe these are qualities he would appreciate in a watch. The Lange Terraluna is a delightful pick that I have liked for many reasons: putting it simple, it possibly is one of complicated watch ever produced by one of many best brands in high-end watchmaking. Odds are I'd wear it "inside out" using the movement and that great moon phase facing up. 4. 1987 Rolex Day Date, Blue Tiffany Dial Victor is a father of two, and all sorts of that hard work definitely deserves a solid silver Rolex Day Date! I chose this certain watch (shown) from a more recent auction as it seems great on a NATO strap (which I think Victor prefers) while the Tiffany dial is a neat anomaly in Rolex history. It's got substance and magnificence, without getting showy or vulgar. Respect the classics, man. The Rolex Day-Date is the height of Rolex, as well as the Tiffany & Co. dial is the height of all Day-Dates. On a NATO rather than solid gold bracelet, it changes from ostentatious to whispering, "I'm wearing the best and don't give a damn." I had never before considered myself a silver-watch-person, but seeing this combination, I would happily wear this daily. As a go-go-80s guy, it is awesome. Awesome to the maximum. 5. Romain Jerome Batman-DNA Watch Why I opted for this Romain Jerome Batman-DNA for Patrick Kansa: because under the veneer of this family-man-tech-geek-watch-nerd in fact lies the superhero that defends his hometown of Gotham (i.e., Chicago)... Seriously, this is a guy, coming from a tech background, whom likes his problems rendered impeccably, but who likes to fly beneath the radar. As Batman is renowned for his radar manipulation, exactly what far better to match his rubber underwear? And actually, this watch touches the boy in all of us while still proving adult, elegant, and horologically insane. Whenever I got word of what my present selection was, I frankly was not all the that surprised - in some ways, I am pretty predictable. If you have a glance at my writer bio, you will see right in there that I'm an avowed Bat-fan. So, whenever word came for the reason that it could be the Romain Jerome Batman DNA watch as my choice, I took it in gleeful stride. To be sure, it would have been a much cooler watch had there been some actual "DNA" from a Batmobile when you look at the mix, but it appears that has been not within the cards. As far as Batsymbol watches go, this a person is pretty sweet. The dial itself calls to mind the "broken skyline" that was used in movie promotions, while the appearance associated with watch when the luminant is certainly going is plain cool (though, again, the fanboy in me wonders if a yellow tinted lume would not have been more appropriate). That all said, should one of these somehow actually land on my wrist (and I am fairly certain that won't be taking place), it could be truly appreciated. At minimum, until it got locked away in a secure awaiting the time to begin paying for educational costs when it comes to kids! As this is perhaps all make-believe, however, I will say this – the individual who made this selection was spot-on. 6. Bulova Accutron II Spaceview Watch Whenever I was first informed I would personally be choosing a watch for Mark, this is basically the only view that came to mind. we chose this view for Mark Carson since there is one thing about it I felt would invoke fond nostalgia for whatever he had been doing when you look at the '70s, because the initial is really so iconic (not saying I am old enough to remember this, this will be anonymous, right?). We personally love the updated look and cool geek-out factor this watch presents as soon as I see it, it does remind me associated with look of his own watches he makes. My very first thought was "just what have actually the elves place into Santa's pipeline?" Why would St. Nick have chosen a quartz watch in my situation of all people? Then I had to step back and think about the knowledge for the gift. Most likely, We have enough mechanical watches (of my personal design), so really how frequently do We dare get caught using somebody else's mechanical watch? But quartz is another matter. All of us have actually some, and often these are generally nevertheless the view of choice. For instance, until recently, my "go to the films watch" was a back-lit quartz piece. If you want a grab and go watch, quartz is difficult to beat. And some functions (timers, alarms, compass, temperature, etc.) can simply be located on quartz watches (or mechanical ones starting at well above my pay grade). So there is always a location for some quartz watches during my watch box. Back once I had been a young guy during the early 70s, the view brands commonly understood were Timex and Bulova. I experienced also heard of Omega and Longines, but that was about it. And Bulova had been considered a Cadillac, to Timex being the Chevy regarding the watch world. we recall seeing the tuning fork Accutron on television. Bulova had done a beneficial job of creating a buzz (pun meant) all over Accutron. It had been large technology, accurate, and extremely cool. Not your father's watch! I needed one, simple as that. After a while, At long last went to a jewelry shop to get one, however the salesman told me that there was this even newer, more accurate watch which utilized a quartz crystal. we wondered why anyone would put a rock (OK, mineral) in a watch and exactly how that would do just about anything useful. The tuning fork, I really could kind of understand. I ended up because of the quartz watch, using it on faith that this was also newer tech. But I usually considered the initial Accutron a lost love. Fast forward too many years, and I also can now have my dessert and eat it too. The latest Bulova Accutron II Spaceview features exactly the same visual appeal because the original Spaceview but with a Precisionist movement you can be proud to wear. With a sweeping seconds hand, uber-accuracy, plus the retro high-tech look associated with the 70s, what's never to love? I'm with Ariel, as he reviewed the Accutron II for the reason that my personal favorite reference is the one with the gold toned face and brown leather strap. Complete retro, yet a classic combination. Together with situation shape reminds me for the rotor of a Mazda rotary engine - that was additionally high tech engineering around the same time once the original Accutron. The best gifts are the ones you don't expect, but they are happily surprised and happy to receive. So, thanks Santa, you know me much better than I know myself sometimes. 7. ​Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Days Titanio I picked the Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Days Titanio watch for Zen, as it is a really cool, stylish, and versatile watch. Since Zen is our copy editor, we felt that a watch with a strong dial sporting really clear luminescent indices is essential when it comes to beating night time deadlines. In addition, copy editing can be quite time-consuming, and so, the 8 day energy reserve ensures winding just once a week. I got the Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Days Titanio (PAM 00564) from my Secret Santa, and it is uncannily close to a bull's eye for me personally. In fact, it was only in past times couple times that I experienced identified a tremendously comparable Panerai Luminor Marina as one I needed to go try on. He understands whenever I'm sleeping, awake, and it is monitoring my online lookups? Anyway, nicely done, Key Santa! While not a budget option for many people, a Panerai is, perhaps, a safe choice as a guy's gift, as they are masculine, classic, and seem to match (or enhance!) a number of personalities, lifestyles, and designs of dress. While as a gift choice, it doesn't seem to say anything about me myself, that versatility is famously part of Panerai's character and allure. There are many small differences among Panerai designs, but I particularly just like the Luminor cases, crown guards, and their 300 meter water resistance. The PAM 00564 may further be a safe choice, because titanium renders what is a big and chunky (44mm wide) case lighter and much more wearable. Thank you, Secret Santa, for judging me to have been good this year! 8. Heuer Carrera 2447 SN I spent lots of time thinking as to what watch to get for Ariel. What do you really get the man whom writes the book on the world's most expensive watches whenever cost is no item? It turns out, you forget about cost totally. Just because you can afford everything does not mean something exorbitant is the right choice. We considered several things I knew he would like, but in the long run, settled about this Heuer 2447 with all the Silver dial and black sub dials. It's tasteful, it's a timeless design, and it's really something that TAG Heuer probably ought to remake with as couple of changes as you possibly can, if they had a sense of their heritage. Ariel appreciates a watch's good heritage along with any of us, and while he usually shies away from vintage pursuits, that is one of the best pre-TAG acquisition Heuers. Ariel need to have the best, and that is what I selected for him. A vintage Heuer Carrera? What an interesting selection for me. It's not something I would personally have actively sought off myself but I'm in fact pleased with this choice, as it's something I've always wanted. I even recall writing that, in my opinion, the design of this initial circa 1963 Carrera 2447 was something that the TAG Heuer of today should remake. Actually, they type of did, using the TAG Heuer Carrera CH80, but it ends up that for a few business reasons TAG Heuer decided to put a hang on the creation of the CH80 movements - which have a tri-compax chronograph layout very similar to that associated with the movement within the 1960s Carrera 2447 designs. I am not a vintage watch kinda guy, but pieces like this look modern even today - so would I wear it? I experienced the luck of speaking to Jack Heuer, who had been accountable for the initial release of the Carrera collection in the 1960s. Under his leadership, Heuer was an element of the quickly evolving and very competitive chronograph watch market that dedicated to the field of auto racing. Jack stated he wanted the Carrera to be easy, but also modern. The angular lines on the Carrera situation stay intact today - a testament to your treatment put into the look and feel associated with the watch over 50 years back. Even though the initial Carrera has a manually wound movement and case that is smaller than I prefer, it provides an appearance and heritage which has had survived well today. The attractive yet no-nonsense look does determine a lot of my view flavor, and I also can't help but feel that allure associated with timepiece's story. Whoever chose this for me is informing me that they understand my preferences, and also appears to be offering a refined hint that despite my fascination with wild timepieces, I look best when wearing something classic with an excellent story behind it. Therefore kudos to them! I usually did anything like me "panda-dial watches." 9. Artya Son Of Sound Black To start with, when I was handed Matt's name, I was at a bit of a loss. He is the newest member of our regular contributors, thus I was not really that familiar as to what he might like. The one saving grace was that he is a well-known music writer, thus I knew that was the way to take. With Artya releasing the all-black Son of Sound this year, the die was cast - the guitar-inspired watch for the musically-inclined view fan. I'm hoping this is simply a cruel and unusual laugh! I think I am being stereotyped as a result of the reality that I write about music for a living for Rolling Stone, New York days, etc., and occasionally have a music-themed story in ABTW like this TW Steel piece and this IWC brand ambassador interview. Personally, I find this ArtyA view a monstrosity. There are clever details - the tuning-pegs-as-crown is variety of inspired, I admit, and bizarrely I variety of just like the Union Jack model - and clearly the finishing is carefully and loving crafted. However, the movement is a good one (7750), but nothing special (maybe because I reviewed a 7750-based watch, the Vulcain Aviator Instrument, I'm getting stereotyped. Worst of all of the, really, are the visual clichés abounding here, signifying the musical link – musical notes, f-holes, ersatz anarchy symbol re-purposed, Macca-esque Hoftner bass-shaped case etc.- which anybody who actually is into music would abhor (there's a good reason why Mick Jagger likes classic Heuers and plunge watches, Aloe Blacc reps IWC, and Miles Davis wore Breitlings). It's like "hey, guy, I talk about NOMOS, too, remember?" I tend actually to the timeless in my choices. Well, okay, We have a yen for '70s styling more than most - case in point, this Omega Bullhead - but if I happened to be likely to place a music-themed novelty timepiece on my Christmas list, it would ultimately be something more subtle in its symbolism, and refined and sophisticated in its design, just like the sublime Oris John Coltrane. Actually, you can look forward to my article on the Oris John Coltrane in coming days/weeks - proof that desires really do become a reality! If I became likely to invest the $20,000 or more that the ArtyA asks on something else, my shopping case would end up a lot more like this: an Omega Dark Side for the Moon, the Oris John Coltrane, the Nomos Zürich Weltzeit nachtblau, and a Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Diver - well, give and take a modern Ploprof or Milgauss... Hey, it's just rock and roll... 10. Van Cleef & Arpels Butterfly Symphony Poetic Complications I chose this watch in an attempt to pique the interest of a wide range of facets of Kristin’s character and tastes (so far as I'm sure them… I could be way off here). we don’t believe that Kristin requires the ultimate in practicality from a watch and would value the combination of artistry and craftsmanship into the Van Cleef & Arpels. Not to have her Watch Nerd card revoked, the double-retrograde movement should satisfy any mechanical wishes. The Butterfly Symphony Poetic Complications certainly isn’t most people’s idea of an everyday watch, but could certainly enhance an unique occasion with design to spare. I'm a huge fan associated with double-retrograde movement and also to have butterflies included thoughtfully into that play, well, I believe I need to explain. I'm a fan of so many masculine watches and movements because of my work right here for over five years, and I also would put on many of them myself in a heartbeat. Many women's watches with lots of diamonds are not actually my thing, only because We feel those pieces usually rely so heavily on the diamonds with regards to their appeal and I also find that to be superfluous filler. I'd rather sport an URWERK as a daily wear than choose a shallow, diamondy mother of pearl piece. There are some exceptions, however they need to have something different truly cool going for them in my situation to get a genuine rush out of it. I like watches. I'm an engineer. And, I'm a woman with an extensive artistic background and inclinations. Cajoling those things into harmony for a view, I can't always escape the diamonds, as this is a reality of what exactly is produced for the luxury women's market. One example of a watch ladled with diamonds I actually loved from this 12 months, however, is the Patek Philippe 4968 Diamond Ribbon Ladies Watch (I just like to take in it). My favorite women's watch with this year is the Christophe Claret Margot Watch, more when it comes to movement, than the message as I've never ever really hinged my total happiness or the outcome of my entire life on whether he loves me or otherwise not, but I suppose it can be an enjoyable game to try out often times - I would personally wish to personalize the messages when it comes to complication. But let's try to come full circle here... If I experienced to choose a favorite view from this year, it would hands-down be a Van Cleef & Arpels, the jaw-dropping Midnight Planetarium Poetic Complication Watch. Not only does it speak to my room, science, engineering and watch geekiness, however it is freaking gorgeous. I don't even care you need to figure out how to tell the time, as that fact lends it self to an over-the-top complexity this is certainly thrilling in my situation. I saw it and almost cried. Missing Uranus, Neptune, and (sigh) Pluto, forgiven. So, while not all Van Cleef & Arpels watches in fact touch or move me, there are a couple that actually do. The Butterfly Symphony is regarded as them. Why? Turns out, it's not for the stereotypical reasons that women and girls are drawn to butterflies. It's for a reason I'm perhaps not sure the real Santa Claus could guess. I grew up in south-central Kentucky, where there are numerous caves. I was about five whenever we lived in crushing poverty (my dad was a teacher) in a rotting house along with a cave - there were many, many holes into the backyard, about the size of my person fist, for which you could lower a 50-foot garden hose down and do not see it again. Next to this perpetually collapsing backyard and bordering a big, menacing forest, was a giant, seemingly endless briar patch (I happened to be convinced it was the only Brer Rabbit begged not to be thrown into). Briar spots have thistles, and thistles have crazy-looking, fragrant, colorful flowers. At night, there were bats EVERYWHERE, rushing up through the holes into the ground, screeching and traveling around when you look at the garden, appropriate outside my window. I happened to be so paralyzed with fear, I often would not rest until one hour or so before dawn. After the sun rose, the bats retreated and slowly, the butterflies advanced until there were butterflies EVERYWHERE, fluttering around the thistles bursting with color when you look at the golden, rising sun, and spilling into the garden, filling it right up to my screen. At five-years-old, We thought that one thing of a magical metamorphosis took place while I slept - that every dawn, bats became butterflies. When I first saw this watch, I believed the peace that the sight of those advancing butterflies brought me from very long ago, wash over me. For some reason I can't guess, other butterfly pieces have never actually reminded me of that. I really like to thank my key Santa, since this was the greatest "present" I've had in quite a few years. 11. Tissot T-Touch Expert w-Titanium Bracelet I choose the Tissot T-Touch Expert with all the titanium bracelet. It must do well for his love of tech and motorsports. I do appreciate variety within the watches that I individually own and I can’t say that I have every other quite like the Tissot T-Touch Expert. Not too I’m a mechanical snob or purist by any stretch of the imagination, though my interests typically follow those lines, so something like this wouldn’t necessarily be to my radar. However, I am additionally a little bit of a techy and undoubtedly appreciate what’s going on in Tissot’s successful T-Touch line. I don’t think I would personally purchase the T-Touch Professional for myself but would likely ensure that it stays around if gifted in my opinion. 12. Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date - Blue Dial Matt is a designer, makes his own watch straps, pocket squares, and other accessories, in which he is known to have a unique approach to style. It might be intimidating to select a watch for a person of the profile, as choosing a watch for somebody else is difficult to begin with. However, when choosing a gift, one inevitably chooses something he himself likes. So based on Matt's stated predilection for watches with a '70s aesthetic and obvious leaning toward classic designs, I chose one that more-or-less fit that description among watches that I myself like a lot. A square-cased view like this Glashütte Original could be considered a risky option, and then he would be expected to put one of his own straps upon it anyway, but I really hope he likes it just as much as I really do. Although this is (or "would be," rather) a tremendously generous present, it would make for quite an awkward real-life situation. I like seventies watches, square/Jedi cases and German design sensibilities, but I'm not a fan for this watch. It's the band and lug situation, along with something different I can't quite identify that puts me off... Agh! After all, I would totally understand the thought was there, and heck, it's a completely logical option! But no, I'd have to find an approach to quietly turn this into a 1980s Heuer Lemania Silverstone. Because of this, I could honour the thought of the gift, yet still enjoy looking down at my wrist. I'd also need to hope my Secret Santa never notices, and I'd probably barf-cry nervously each morning for 30 days before ABTW meetings. 13. Grand Seiko SBGE015 First of all of the, I occur to have some insider information that James is a significant Seiko and Grand Seiko fan, but I'm not sure he would think to place $7,000 into one. If he did, it would certainly be something similar to the Grand Seiko SBGE015, using its lightweight titanium case and slightly showy gold-tone hour markers and hands. What watch lover can resist the reliability and precision of a Spring Drive movement therefore the detailed excellence of Grand Seiko products. The dial is extremely legible and classy, although the utility for the watch is one thing James will be able to appreciate for quite some time to come. As the Grand Seiko SBGE015 is undoubtedly a lovely view, I believe I've got to call this one a small miss. This is basically the boutique form of the SBGE001 and is differentiated by the utilization of gold markers and fingers and, for my wrist, I believe the standard version is a cleaner look. Additionally, at 43.5 mm the SBGE015 is big and would be the largest view in my humble stable. Having not experienced one out of person, I'm not sure how it would suit my wrist, but I assume so it would feel large. Grand Seiko is first-rate with regards to quality, technology, and completing, and I also do love a GMT, and so I can see the reasoning behind my key Santa's choice. While may possibly not be my first choice, or also my first pick for a Grand Seiko, the SBGE015 is a hell of a watch, and I'm flattered that someone in the ABTW team thought I deserved something so good. 14. Omega Constellation Co-Axial 35 mm Omega makes beautiful tool watches. The Constellation line is elegant, streamlined and striking and it'll last a lengthy, few years. We have an innovative new old stock Constellation through the 1960s that still runs. It's am amazing line. Thank you for "gifting" me a mechanical watch and an Omega Co-Axial, no less - for if it had been a quartz movement, even encrusted in diamonds, I would personally have been utterly dissatisfied. Of course, I really do love a diamond or two, and thus, was quite thrilled to notice the 12 diamond markers. As far as the reliability goes, well, my life is quite hectic at the best - commuting, working, etc., I usually appear to be racing the clock, and questioning the speed at which time rushes by; however, utilizing the Omega Constellation I could relax knowing - thanks to its chronometer certification - that my gift keeps perfect time. Along with its actually beautiful and elegant silver and steel combo, I'm able to wear this watch just about anyplace. we must add that the Omega Co-Axial movement has held my admiration as long as I could remember and to be "gifted" a timepiece of these caliber is truly an honor. 15. F.P. Journe Chronomètre Optimum I chose this watch for John because because I believe it is technically impressive and interesting, and however it does not look like a robot turd - even though the Rebellion T1000 arrived as a close 2nd as my pick (maybe next year...) This F.P. Journe is really elegant but would also make for a good daily use - perhaps one thing a person wouldn't kick out of bed for eating crackers. F.P Journe is my favorite watch company, bar none. It's married to tradition but looks like something from outer space. I'd take some of their watches, but this one is classic and complex as well. It appears to be like something which may have emerge from a French watchmaker's shop in 1799. 16. Omega Aqua Terra 15'000 Gauss For 2014, one view grew on me more than any others. And this watch was not really released in 2014 but into the previous year; it's the Omega Aqua Terra >15'000 Gauss, the so-called Omega 'bumblebee.' It inherits this nickname due to the black and yellow stripped moments hand which is meant to represent a hazard/caution yellow tape line, but mostly to remind us that this is an unique view with a new technology this is certainly bound to shake the view industry. At $6,600, this view is certainly not expensive into the scheme of costs of recent mechanical watches from Omega or its competitors. Nevertheless, we still would choose it while the watch to buy for two reasons. Initially, as an engineer, it speaks to me as it represents the current epitome of watchmaking technology in the past decade. The reason is simple: it is the first really anti-magnetic view (others merely were resistant to little magnets). Plus, the distinctive bumblebee moments hand gives it a unique style that matches its purpose. 2nd, Omega made good on its promise to start releasing the core technology when you look at the Aqua Terra >15,000 guass in all its lines making use of the Master-Co-Axial moniker. These twin reasons simply make this Aqua Terra one of many few watches that I think will likely be talked about 10, 20, or three decades from now, like we today discuss the Rolex Milgauss or perhaps the IWC Ingenieur or even the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. These swiss watches brands transcended the times, as performs this one from Omega. Not every one of our team celebrates Christmas, and these names could just like easily have been drawn from the cap of Harry Hanukkah or even the pasta bowl for the Great Flying Spaghetti Monster. Whatever holiday you embrace, we want you the best for the holidays from our household to yours. Happy Holidays!