The truly amazing Team ABTW Vacation 2014 Illusion Solution Santa Anti Present Guidebook View Gifting Experiment.

Trying to find a last-minute gift guide to help you choose a watch for a buddy 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 from this 12 months, and inform you what we think you need to buy. We feel that is not really entirely practical and rarely helpful in real life. Instead, we decided it might 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 available), real individuals (with fantasy money), watch "gifting" exchange, and see what the results are. Our hope will be supply anecdotal understanding of the idea process, some knowledge about watches (and gifting), and perhaps some entertainment. We've all been there. We would like to talk about with a family member the same joy we knowledge for a watch we love. We want that person to feel that good about something which we additionally love and then share that feeling 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 in general. The task here, then, will be select something that has a decent shot at attaining watch connection bliss. We thought we'd conduct an experiment. Watches are subtle and evoke an emotional response; selecting a watch to wear is definitely a personal experience. So, choosing one for someone else naturally introduces brand new amounts of complexity and possible problems. In the long run, is it simply a 50/50 hit-or-miss coin-toss-crap-shoot, or even though you know them well, could you really make sure you are giving them something they're going to truly enjoy? Let's discover off! I put every aBlogtoWatch team member's name into a huge fluffy Santa hat (okay, a randomizer I found online), and randomly drew names to pair each team member with another for whom they would anonymously choose a view from 2014. we then informed each person who these people were "shopping" for, and provided them a deadline to select a "gift" and write about why they chose that watch for the person. we then informed each recipient exactly what their watch had been, and gave them a deadline to create about their "gift." And hilarity ensued. At the time of publication, no one knows the identification of their Secret Santa, nor the reasons behind their Santa's choice. I'm on-the-fence about whether bribery is an option, but more often than not, I'll be using these Secret Santa identities with me to my grave. Will it end up being a group-building experience? Or will it drive us further aside than our house lands have currently flung us? So here it is, in no particular order, the unvarnished truth. Many choices were perfect hits. Various other circumstances, it would appear that great watches are maybe not gifted, these are typically re-gifted. 1. Zenith El Primero: Original 1969 I picked the Zenith El Primero Original 1969. While the normal choice for James would be a vintage watch, we are sticking to more current fare so I think the El Primero Original 1969 is just right. If, just like me, you check analogshift.com everyday, you'll realize that James likes steel sport watches (frequently chronographs) with notable movements, timeless appeal and a splash of color (who doesn't?). The Zenith El Primero Original 1969 offers all of that and much more. Rocking a legendary Zenith El Primero 400 automatic chronograph movement that works at a silky smooth 36,000 vph, the initial 1969 has the chops to back up its serious yet sporting look. As an extra nod to James' vintage tastes, I've decided on the initial 1969 version that features both a 38 mm instance as well as the classic Zenith tri-color dial. It may not be vintage, but I believe it is the next best thing. It appears my reputation as ABTW’s resident "vintage guy" is well known amongst my colleagues! Although we readily take pleasure in the opportunities to have fun with interesting brand new timepieces, the majority of timepieces within my personal collection are from the past. Fortunately for me personally, there are several great modern watches in the market that not just take their design cues from historical designs, but are truly reissues associated with originals – as evidenced because of the sublime Zenith El Primero Original 1969 presented in my opinion this present year by my Secret Santa. Originally launched in – you guessed it – 1969, the first El Primero (reference A386) was one of the 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 on the subsidiary registers, the world’s first El Primero has gone on to become 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 dimensions and dial design of this ’69 model. Zenith is, in my experience, probably the most misinterpreted contemporary manufactures, while offering 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 truly fantastic alternative I’d be proud to have and wear. 2. Omega Seamaster 300 Co-Axial We chose the Omega Seamaster 300 for Kenny because his analog tastes mirror my own; we value history, form-follows-function design, and our belongings are a real expression of our preferences. As a man whom prefers three pedals to two, and mechanical movements with analog displays to quart electronic, I thought that Kenny would value the heritage-inspired design associated with Seamaster 300, a properly modernized form of the storied professional diver from Omega. In addition to its killer vintage looks, the Seamaster 300 functions a wide range of contemporary design elements, including the ceramic outer bezel together with brilliant Co-Axial movement – features I believe would impress to Kenny’s equal interest in modern technical gadgetry and horology. I was pleasantly amazed that the Omega Seamster 300 Co-Axial was chosen in my situation since it is my personal favorite watch that Omega released this current year. The vintage-inspired design is just fantastic, and then there's a cool Master Co-Axial movement which is highly anti-magnetic and uses silicon components to improve timekeeping and reliability. As well as course there is the beautifully crafted bracelet that has a micro-adjustment feature. All in all, I think the Seamaster Co-Axial is actually great watch 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 think it will be the coolest launch from the German powerhouse this current year. Not only does it look great, it also has many really nifty features, such to be able to use the back of the watch to inform which part of the world is receiving light. I think these are qualities he would appreciate in a watch. The Lange Terraluna is a wonderful pick that We have liked for many reasons: to put it simply, it possibly is considered the most complicated watch ever made by among the greatest brands in high-end watchmaking. Chances are I'd wear it "inside out" with the motion and therefore fantastic moon phase facing up. 4. 1987 Rolex Day Date, Blue Tiffany Dial Victor is a father of two, and all that hard work definitely deserves a solid gold Rolex Day Date! I chose this specific watch (shown) from a more recent auction as it appears to be great on a NATO band (that I think Victor prefers) and the Tiffany dial is a neat anomaly in Rolex history. It's got substance and magnificence, without being showy or vulgar. Respect the classics, guy. The Rolex Day-Date is the height of Rolex, plus 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 greatest and do not give a damn." I had never prior to considered myself a gold-watch-person, but seeing this combination, I would gladly wear this daily. As a go-go-80s guy, this is certainly awesome. Awesome into the maximum. 5. Romain Jerome Batman-DNA Watch Why I opted this Romain Jerome Batman-DNA for Patrick Kansa: because underneath the veneer for the family-man-tech-geek-watch-nerd in fact lies the superhero that defends his hometown of Gotham (i.e., Chicago)... Seriously, this really is a man, coming from a tech background, who likes his problems rendered impeccably, but who wants to fly beneath the radar. As Batman is known for his radar manipulation, what far better to match his rubber underwear? And truly, 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 only a few that surprised - in a few ways, I am pretty predictable. If you have a look at my author bio, you'll see right in there that I am an avowed Bat-fan. So, when word emerged for the reason that it could be the Romain Jerome Batman DNA watch as my selection, I took it in gleeful stride. To be sure, it can have been a much cooler watch had there been some real "DNA" from a Batmobile into the mix, however it appears that was not when you look at the cards. As far as Batsymbol watches go, this one is pretty sweet. The dial itself calls to mind the "broken skyline" that has been utilized in movie promotions, therefore the appearance associated with watch as soon as the luminant is going is simple cool (though, again, the fanboy in me wonders if a yellow tinted lume will never have been much more appropriate). That all said, should one of these somehow actually land to my wrist (and I have always been fairly certain that won't be occurring), it would be truly valued. At minimum, until it got locked away in a secure awaiting the time to begin investing in educational costs for the kids! As this is 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 initially informed I would personally be selecting a watch for Mark, this is actually the only view that came to mind. we chose this view for Mark Carson since there is something about it we thought would invoke fond nostalgia for whatever he had been doing in the '70s, due to the fact original is so iconic (not saying I have always been of sufficient age to remember this, that is anonymous, right?). we personally love the updated look and cool geek-out factor this watch presents and when I see it, it does remind me for the look of his own watches he makes. My very first idea was "just what have the elves put into Santa's pipe?" Why would St. Nick have chosen a quartz watch for me personally of all of the people? Then I had to step as well as look at the knowledge associated with gift. After all, We have enough mechanical watches (of my personal design), so really how frequently do we dare get caught wearing someone else's mechanical watch? But quartz is another matter. All of us have some, and often these are typically nonetheless the watch of choice. For instance, until recently, my "go to the movies watch" was a back-lit quartz piece. If you need a grab and go watch, quartz is difficult to beat. And some features (timers, alarms, compass, temperature, etc.) can only be found on quartz watches (or mechanical ones starting at well above my pay grade). Generally there is always a place for some quartz watches in my view field. Back once I was a youthful guy during the early 70s, the view brands commonly known were Timex and Bulova. I experienced also heard about Omega and Longines, but that was about this. And Bulova was considered a Cadillac, to Timex being the Chevy of the view world. we recall seeing the tuning fork Accutron on television. Bulova had done a beneficial job of creating a buzz (pun meant) around the Accutron. It was large technology, precise, and very cool. Not your father's watch! I wanted one, simple as that. After a while, At long last decided to go to a jewelry store to get one, but the salesman told me personally that there was this even newer, much more accurate watch which utilized a quartz crystal. We wondered why anyone would place a rock (OK, mineral) in a watch and how that would do anything useful. The tuning fork, I could type of understand. I ended up with the quartz view, using it on faith that this was even newer tech. But I always considered the initial Accutron a lost love. Fast forward too many years, and I are now able to have my dessert and eat it too. The brand new Bulova Accutron II Spaceview has exactly the same visual appeal while the original Spaceview however with a Precisionist movement you can be proud to put on. With a sweeping moments hand, uber-accuracy, while the retro high-tech look of this 70s, what's not to ever love? I'm with Ariel, as he reviewed the Accutron II for the reason that my personal favorite reference is the one using the gold toned face and brown leather strap. Complete retro, yet a classic combination. In addition to situation shape reminds me associated with the rotor of a Mazda rotary engine - which was also high tech engineering all over same time as the original Accutron. The best gifts are the ones you do not expect, but are pleasantly surprised and pleased to get. So, thanks Santa, you know me better than I'm sure myself sometimes. 7. ​Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Days Titanio I opted the Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Days Titanio watch for Zen, since 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 thus, the 8 day power reserve ensures winding just once a week. I got the Panerai Luminor Marina 8 times Titanio (PAM 00564) from my Secret Santa, and it also is uncannily close to a bull's attention in my situation. In fact, it was only in the past couple days that I experienced identified a very comparable Panerai Luminor Marina as one I wanted to get attempt on. He knows whenever I'm sleeping, awake, and is monitoring my online lookups? Anyway, well done, Secret Santa! While not a budget choice for most 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 wide range of personalities, lifestyles, and styles of gown. While as a gift choice, it will not seem to say anything about me individually, that versatility is famously part of Panerai's character and allure. There are numerous small differences among Panerai designs, but I particularly like the Luminor cases, crown guards, and their 300 meter water resistance. The PAM 00564 may more be a safe choice, because titanium renders what exactly is a big and chunky (44mm broad) case lighter and much more wearable. Thank you, Secret Santa, for judging us 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 get the guy who writes the book from the world's most expensive watches when cost is no item? It ends up, you forget about cost entirely. Simply because you can afford everything doesn't mean something exorbitant is the best choice. we considered several things I knew he would like, but in the end, settled on this Heuer 2447 utilizing the Silver dial and black sub dials. It's tasteful, it's an ageless design, and it's really something which TAG Heuer probably ought to remake with as couple of changes as possible, if they had a sense of their history. Ariel appreciates a watch's good heritage as well as any of us, and while he generally shies away from vintage pursuits, it is among the best pre-TAG purchase Heuers. Ariel need to have the finest, and that's the thing I chose for him. A vintage Heuer Carrera? What a fascinating option for me. It is not something I would personally have actively sought away myself but I am actually satisfied with this choice, since it is something I've always desired. I even recall writing that, in my experience, the design of the initial circa 1963 Carrera 2447 was something that the TAG Heuer of these days should remake. Actually, they type of did, because of the TAG Heuer Carrera CH80, but it turns out that for a few business reasons TAG Heuer decided to place a hold on the creation of the CH80 movements - that have a tri-compax chronograph layout quite similar to that associated with 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 had the luck of talking with Jack Heuer, who had been responsible for the original release of the Carrera collection when you look at the 1960s. Under his leadership, Heuer was part of the quickly evolving and extremely competitive chronograph watch market that dedicated to the world of car racing. Jack stated he wanted the Carrera to be simple, but also modern. The angular lines on the Carrera situation remain intact today - a testament into the treatment put into the appearance and feel of this view over 50 years ago. Even though the initial Carrera has a manually wound movement and case this is certainly smaller compared to I like, it offers an appearance and heritage who has survived well today. The attractive yet no-nonsense look does define plenty of my watch style, and I also can't help but feel that allure of this timepiece's story. Whoever chose this for me personally is telling me that they understand my tastes, and also is apparently offering a subdued hint that despite my fascination with wild timepieces, I look best when wearing something classic with a very good story behind it. So kudos to them! I usually did just like me "panda-dial watches." 9. Artya Son Of Sound Black To start with, once I was handed Matt's name, I happened to be at a little bit of a loss. He is the most recent person in our regular contributors, so I was not really that familiar with 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 noise this current year, the die was cast - a guitar-inspired watch for the musically-inclined view fan. I am hoping this really is simply a cruel and uncommon joke! I think I am being stereotyped due to the reality that I write on music for a living for Rolling Stone, New York days, etc., and occasionally have actually a music-themed tale in ABTW such as this TW Steel piece and this IWC brand ambassador interview. Personally, I find this ArtyA watch a monstrosity. There are a few clever details - the tuning-pegs-as-crown is sort of inspired, I admit, and bizarrely I types of like the Union Jack model - and clearly the finishing is carefully and loving crafted. However, the movement is a great one (7750), but nothing special (maybe because We reviewed a 7750-based watch, the Vulcain Aviator Instrument, I am getting stereotyped. Worst of all, actually, 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 reason why Mick Jagger likes classic Heuers and dive watches, Aloe Blacc reps IWC, and Miles Davis wore Breitlings). It's like "hey, guy, I write on NOMOS, too, remember?" I tend actually towards the timeless in my choices. Well, okay, I have a yen for '70s styling more than most - case in point, this Omega Bullhead - however, if I became going to put a music-themed novelty timepiece on my Christmas list, it can ultimately be something more subtle with its symbolism, and refined and sophisticated in its design, like the sublime Oris John Coltrane. Actually, you are able to look forward to my post on the Oris John Coltrane in coming days/weeks - proof that fantasies really do come true! If I was likely to invest the $20,000 or so that the ArtyA asks on something else, my shopping bag would end up more like this: an Omega Dark Side of this 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 only rock-and-roll... 10. Van Cleef & Arpels Butterfly Symphony Poetic Complications I chose this view in an effort to pique the interest of a wide range of facets of Kristin’s personality and tastes (as far as I'm sure them… I really could be way off here). I don’t think that Kristin requires the ultimate in practicality from a watch and would value the mixture of artistry and craftsmanship within the Van Cleef & Arpels. To not have her Watch Nerd card revoked, the double-retrograde movement should satisfy any mechanical desires. The Butterfly Symphony Poetic Complications certainly isn’t most people’s idea of an everyday view, but could certainly improve a unique occasion with design to spare. I'm a big fan for the double-retrograde movement and to have butterflies included thoughtfully into that play, well, I believe I have to explain. I'm a fan of a lot of masculine watches and movements because of my work here for over 5 years, and I also would wear many of them myself in a heartbeat. Most women's watches with lots of diamonds are not really my thing, just because We feel those pieces usually rely so greatly from the diamonds for 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 a few exceptions, however they have to have something different really cool going for them in my situation to get an actual rush from it. I like watches. I'm an engineer. And, I am a woman with an extensive artistic background and inclinations. Cajoling those actions into harmony for a view, I can't always escape the diamonds, since this is a reality of what exactly is produced when it comes to luxury women's market. One illustration of a view ladled with diamonds I really loved from this 12 months, however, is the Patek Philippe 4968 Diamond Ribbon Ladies Watch (I recently like to take in it). My personal favorite women's watch with this year is the Christophe Claret Margot Watch, more when it comes to motion, as compared to message as I've never really hinged my total happiness or even the result of my life on whether he loves me or not, but I suppose it can be a fun game to relax and play often times - I would personally want to customize the messages when it comes to complication. But let's you will need to come full circle here... If I had to choose a favorite view with this year, it can hands-down be a Van Cleef & Arpels, the jaw-dropping Midnight Planetarium Poetic Complication Watch. Not merely does it talk to my space, science, engineering and watch geekiness, however it is freaking breathtaking. I do not also care you need to figure away how exactly to tell the time, as that fact lends itself to an over-the-top complexity this is certainly thrilling for me. I saw it and almost cried. Missing Uranus, Neptune, and (sigh) Pluto, forgiven. So, while only a few Van Cleef & Arpels watches actually touch or move me, there are a couple that really do. The Butterfly Symphony is one of them. Why? Turns out, it's not for the stereotypical reasons that ladies and girls are drawn to butterflies. It's for a reason I'm maybe not sure the real Santa Claus could guess. I was raised in south-central Kentucky, where there are numerous caves. I became 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 garden, about the dimensions of my adult fist, for which you could lower a 50-foot garden hose down and never see it again. Next to this perpetually collapsing backyard and bordering a large, menacing forest, was a giant, seemingly endless briar patch (I became convinced it was the only Brer Rabbit begged not to ever be thrown into). Briar spots have thistles, and thistles have crazy-looking, fragrant, colorful flowers. During the night, there were bats EVERYWHERE, rushing up through the holes in the ground, screeching and flying around when you look at the backyard, right outside my window. I became so paralyzed with fear, we often would not rest until one hour or more before dawn. After the sun rose, the bats retreated and slowly, the butterflies advanced until there were butterflies EVERYWHERE, fluttering all over thistles bursting with color when you look at the golden, rising sun, and spilling into the backyard, filling it right up to my screen. At five-years-old, I thought that one thing of a magical metamorphosis took place while I slept - that each and every dawn, bats became butterflies. Whenever I first saw this watch, I thought 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 truly reminded me of this. I really wish to thank my key Santa, since this was the greatest "present" I've had in a long time. 11. Tissot T-Touch Professional w-Titanium Bracelet I pick the Tissot T-Touch Expert with the titanium bracelet. It should do well for his passion for tech and motorsports. I do value variety into the watches that I actually very own and I can’t state that We have every other quite like the Tissot T-Touch Expert. Not that I’m a mechanical snob or purist by any stretch of the imagination, though my passions typically follow those lines, so something similar to this wouldn’t necessarily be back at my radar. However, I am also a bit of a techy and surely appreciate what’s taking place in Tissot’s successful T-Touch line. I don’t think I would purchase the T-Touch Professional for myself but would probably ensure that is stays around if gifted for me. 12. Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date - Blue Dial Matt is a designer, makes his very own watch straps, pocket squares, and other accessories, and then he is known to have a unique approach to style. It could be intimidating to choose a watch for a person for this profile, as choosing a watch for someone else is difficult to start with. However, when choosing a gift, one inevitably decides something he himself likes. So according to Matt's stated predilection for watches with a '70s aesthetic and apparent leaning toward classic designs, we chose one that more-or-less fit that description among watches that we myself like a lot. A square-cased view such as this Glashütte Original could be looked at a risky option, in which he would be very likely to place one of his very own straps upon it anyway, but I am hoping he likes it just as much as I do. Even though this is (or "would be," rather) a rather 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 am not a fan of this watch. It's the strap and lug situation, along with something different I can't quite identify that puts me down... Agh! I am talking about, I would totally know the idea was there, and heck, it's a thoroughly logical choice! But no, I'd need to find an approach to quietly turn this into a 1980s Heuer Lemania Silverstone. Because of this, I really could honour the idea of the gift, but still enjoy searching down at my wrist. I'd also have to hope my key Santa never notices, and I'd probably barf-cry nervously each morning for four weeks before ABTW meetings. 13. Grand Seiko SBGE015 Initially of all of the, I occur to have some insider information that James is a major Seiko and Grand Seiko fan, but I'm not sure he would think to put $7,000 into one. If he did, it can certainly be something similar to the Grand Seiko SBGE015, with its lightweight titanium instance and somewhat showy gold-tone hour markers and hands. What watch lover can resist the reliability and precision of a Spring Drive movement as well as the detailed excellence of Grand Seiko products. The dial is extremely legible and classy, even though the utility of the watch is one thing James will have the ability to appreciate for quite some time to come. Although the Grand Seiko SBGE015 is undoubtedly a lovely watch, I believe I've got to call this one a minor miss. This is actually the boutique form of the SBGE001 and it is differentiated because of the use of gold markers and hands and, for my wrist, I believe the standard version is a cleaner look. Also, at 43.5 mm the SBGE015 is huge and is the biggest watch during my humble stable. Having not experienced one out of person, I'm not sure exactly how it can suit my wrist, but I assume so it would feel large. Grand Seiko is first-rate when it comes to quality, technology, and completing, and I also do love a GMT, and so I can start to see the reasoning behind my key Santa's choice. While it may not be my first choice, or even my first choose for a Grand Seiko, the SBGE015 is a hell of a view, and I'm flattered that someone in the ABTW team thought I deserved something so nice. 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 from 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 was in fact a quartz movement, even encrusted in diamonds, I would personally have been utterly disappointed. Needless to say, I do love a diamond or two, and thus, was quite pleased to notice the 12 diamond markers. So far as the dependability goes, well, my life is quite hectic at the best - commuting, working, etc., I always appear to be racing the clock, and questioning the speed from which time rushes by; nevertheless, because of the Omega Constellation I am able to relax knowing - because of its chronometer certification - that my gift keeps perfect time. Featuring its truly beautiful and stylish gold and steel combo, I'm able to wear this watch just about anywhere. I must add that the Omega Co-Axial movement has held my admiration as long as I will remember and to be "gifted" a timepiece of such caliber is truly an honor. 15. F.P. Journe Chronomètre Optimum we chose this watch for John because because I believe it is technically impressive and interesting, and however it does not seem like a robot turd - even though the Rebellion T1000 came as a close second as my choose (maybe next year...) This F.P. Journe is very elegant but would also make for a good daily use - perhaps something one 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 a person is classic and complex as well. It appears to be like something which could have emerge from a French watchmaker's shop in 1799. 16. Omega Aqua Terra 15'000 Gauss For 2014, one watch grew on me more than any other individuals. And this watch was not really released in 2014 but when you look at the previous 12 months; it is the Omega Aqua Terra >15'000 Gauss, the so-called Omega 'bumblebee.' It inherits this nickname because of the black and yellow stripped seconds hand which is meant to represent a hazard/caution yellow tape line, but mostly to remind us that this will be a special watch with a new technology that is bound to shake the watch industry. At $6,600, this watch is certainly not expensive into the scheme of rates of current mechanical watches from Omega or its competitors. However, we still would select it given that view to buy for two reasons. First, as an engineer, it speaks in my opinion as it represents the present epitome of watchmaking technology in past times decade. This is because simple: it's the first truly anti-magnetic view (others merely were resistant to small magnets). Plus, the distinctive bumblebee seconds hand gives it a unique style that matches its purpose. 2nd, Omega made good on its promise to start releasing the core technology into the Aqua Terra >15,000 guass in all its lines using the Master-Co-Axial moniker. These double reasons simply make this Aqua Terra one of the few watches that I believe will likely be talked about 10, 20, or 30 years from now, like we today talk about the Rolex Milgauss or perhaps the IWC Ingenieur or perhaps the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. These luxury watches for women (this guy) 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 through the cap of Harry Hanukkah or even the pasta bowl associated with the Great Flying Spaghetti Monster. Whatever holiday you embrace, we wish you the best for the vacations from our family members to yours. Happy Holidays!