The fantastic Crew ABTW Holiday 2013 Dream Solution Santa claus Anti Present Guidebook Enjoy Giving Try.

Hunting for a last-minute gift help 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 short article, but this isn't a "gift guide" where we just explain to you some watch stars from this 12 months, and tell you everything we believe you should buy. We feel that isn't really completely practical and rarely helpful in real life. Instead, we decided it might be fun to do a "Fantasy" Secret Santa this current year, along with our team members, and do an actual-life, real-watches (meaning relatively accessible), real people (with fantasy money), watch "gifting" exchange, to check out what the results are. Our hope is to provide anecdotal insight into 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 exactly the same joy we experience for a watch we love. We want that person to feel that good about something which we additionally love and then share that feeling together with them as a positive bond. It's the feeling we want to provide, more than the "thing" itself. That appears to drive most sincere gift-giving as a whole. The challenge here, then, is to select something that has a great shot at attaining watch connection bliss. We thought we'd conduct an experiment. Watches are subtle and evoke a difficult response; choosing a view to wear is a very personal experience. So, choosing one for someone else naturally introduces new levels of complexity and prospective problems. In the end, will it be just a 50/50 hit-or-miss coin-toss-crap-shoot, or even if you understand them well, can you really be sure that you will be providing them with something they're going to really enjoy? Let's discover out! I put every aBlogtoWatch team member's name into a big fluffy Santa cap (okay, a randomizer I found online), and randomly received names to pair each team member with another for whom they would anonymously choose a watch from 2014. I then informed each individual who these people were "shopping" for, and offered them a deadline to choose a "gift" and talk 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 that time of publication, no one knows the identification of the key 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 turn out to be a team-building experience? Or will it drive us further aside than our house lands have actually already flung us? So here it is, in no particular order, the unvarnished truth. Many choices had been perfect hits. Various other circumstances, it would appear that great watches are not gifted, these are generally re-gifted. 1. Zenith El Primero: Original 1969 I decided the Zenith El Primero Original 1969. While the normal option for James would be a vintage watch, our company is adhering to more current fare and 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 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 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 severe yet sporting look. As an additional nod to James' vintage tastes, I've decided on the Original 1969 version that features both a 38 mm situation while 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 readily enjoy the possibilities to have fun with interesting new timepieces, the bulk of timepieces within my individual collection are from the past. Fortunately for me personally, there are several great contemporary watches in the market that not just take their design cues from historical designs, but they are truly reissues of the originals – as evidenced by the sublime Zenith El Primero Original 1969 presented to me this present year by my Secret Santa. Initially launched in – you guessed it – 1969, the very first El Primero (guide A386) had been one of many world’s first automatic chronographs, and arguably the essential advanced. Featuring a hi-beat motion with 36,000 vph and a stunning tri-color layout in the subsidiary registers, the world’s first El Primero has gone on in order to become a truly collectible timepiece, and it is the historical foundation for an entire line of modern chronographs for Zenith. In my opinion, this modern version is every bit as excellent given that true original of nearly five decades ago, and features exactly the same case dimensions and dial design associated with the ’69 model. Zenith is, in my experience, one of the most misunderstood modern manufactures, and offers a superlative product for a relatively meager sum. A386s can be pretty hard to come by (believe me, I’ve seemed), together with Original 1969 is a really fantastic 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 possessions are a true expression of our tastes. As a man whom prefers three pedals to two, and mechanical movements with analog displays to quart digital, I felt that Kenny would value the heritage-inspired design for the 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 number of contemporary design elements, such as the ceramic outer bezel therefore the brilliant Co-Axial movement – features I believe would charm to Kenny’s equal interest in modern technical gadgetry and horology. I became pleasantly surprised that the Omega Seamster 300 Co-Axial was chosen in my situation because it is my personal favorite watch that Omega released this year. The vintage-inspired design is simply fantastic, and then there's a cool Master Co-Axial movement which is very anti-magnetic and utilizes silicon components to enhance timekeeping and reliability. As well as course there is the beautifully crafted bracelet which has a micro-adjustment feature. All in all, I believe the Seamaster Co-Axial is truly great watch and I’m really happy 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 this is the coolest release from the German powerhouse this year. Not merely does it look great, it also has many really nifty features, such as being able to utilize the rear of the watch to inform which part of the world is receiving light. I believe these are qualities he would appreciate in a watch. The Lange Terraluna is a wonderful pick that We have liked for a lot of reasons: putting it simple, it possibly is the most complicated watch ever made by one of many best brands in high-end watchmaking. Odds are I'd wear it "inside out" with all the movement and that terrific 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 an excellent silver Rolex Day Date! We chose this specific watch (shown) from a more recent auction as it looks great on a NATO band (which I think Victor prefers) and the Tiffany dial is a neat anomaly in Rolex history. It's got substance and magnificence, without having to be showy or vulgar. Respect the classics, guy. The Rolex Day-Date is the height of Rolex, and also the Tiffany & Co. dial is the height of all of the Day-Dates. On a NATO instead of solid gold bracelet, it changes from ostentatious to whispering, "I'm putting on the best and don't give a damn." I experienced never ever before considered myself a gold-watch-person, but seeing this combination, I would gladly wear this daily. As a go-go-80s guy, this is awesome. Awesome to your maximum. 5. Romain Jerome Batman-DNA Watch Why we opted for this Romain Jerome Batman-DNA for Patrick Kansa: because beneath 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, it 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 renowned 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 not all that surprised - in some ways, I'm pretty predictable. For those who have a look at my author bio, you will notice right in there that I am an avowed Bat-fan. So, whenever word emerged for the reason that it would be the Romain Jerome Batman DNA watch as my choice, I took it in gleeful stride. To make sure, it would have been a much cooler watch had there been some real "DNA" from a Batmobile into the mix, however it seems that has been not within the cards. So far as Batsymbol watches go, this a person is pretty sweet. The dial itself calls to mind the "broken skyline" which was utilized in movie promotions, additionally the appearance associated with watch when the luminant is going is plain cool (though, again, the fanboy in me wonders if a yellow tinted lume will never have been more appropriate). That all said, should one of these somehow in fact land back at my wrist (and I also have always been fairly certain that won't be happening), it could be truly valued. At least, until it got locked away in a safe awaiting enough time to begin paying for college tuition when it comes to kids! As this is all make-believe, though, I am going to say this – the person who made this selection was spot-on. 6. Bulova Accutron II Spaceview Watch Whenever I was first informed I would personally be selecting a watch for Mark, this is the only watch that came to mind. we chose this view for Mark Carson since there is something about this we believed would invoke fond nostalgia for whatever he was doing in the '70s, as the original is so iconic (not saying I have always been old enough to remember this, this will be anonymous, right?). I personally love the updated look and cool geek-out factor this watch presents and when I see it, it does remind me associated with look of his own watches he makes. My very first idea was "What have actually the elves place into Santa's pipeline?" Why would St. Nick have chosen a quartz watch for me personally of all people? Then I had to step as well as think about the wisdom for the present. After all, We have enough mechanical watches (of my personal design), so really how many times do I dare get caught using someone else's mechanical watch? But quartz is another matter. All of us have actually some, and often they are still the view of choice. For example, until recently, my "go towards 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, heat, etc.) is only able to be found on quartz watches (or mechanical ones beginning at well above my pay grade). Generally there is always a location for some quartz watches in my watch package. Back whenever I had been a youthful guy during the early 70s, the view brands commonly understood were Timex and Bulova. I experienced also heard about Omega and Longines, but that has been about this. And Bulova was considered a Cadillac, to Timex being the Chevy of the watch globe. we recall seeing the tuning fork Accutron on television. Bulova had done a good work of creating a buzz (pun meant) around the Accutron. It had been large technology, precise, and really cool. Not your father's watch! I wanted one, simple as that. After a while, I finally went to a jewelry shop to buy one, however the salesman told me that there was this even newer, much more accurate watch which utilized a quartz crystal. I 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 sort of understand. I ended up utilizing the quartz view, using it on faith that this was even newer technology. But I usually considered the initial Accutron a lost love. Fast forward too many decades, and I also are now able to have my cake and consume it too. The new Bulova Accutron II Spaceview has exactly the same aesthetic appeal once the original Spaceview however with a Precisionist movement you will be proud to wear. With a sweeping seconds hand, uber-accuracy, plus the retro high-tech look regarding the 70s, what's never to love? I'm with Ariel, as he reviewed the Accutron II in that my personal favorite reference would be the one with all the gold toned face and brown leather strap. Comprehensive retro, yet a classic combination. In addition to instance shape reminds me for the rotor of a Mazda rotary engine - that was additionally high tech engineering around the same time given that original Accutron. The best gifts are the ones you don't expect, but are happily surprised and happy to get. So, thanks Santa, you understand me better than I know myself often. 7. ​Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Days Titanio I opted for the Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Days Titanio watch for Zen, as it is a very cool, stylish, and versatile watch. Since Zen is our copy editor, we felt that a watch with a bold dial sporting really clear luminescent indices is a must when it comes to beating night time deadlines. In addition, copy modifying can be quite time-consuming, and so, the 8 day power reserve guarantees 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 for me. In reality, it was only in the past couple days that I experienced identified a very similar Panerai Luminor Marina as one I needed to get attempt on. He knows when 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, because they are masculine, classic, and seem to match (or enhance!) a wide range of personalities, lifestyles, and designs of gown. While as a gift choice, it does not appear to say anything about me individually, that versatility is famously part of Panerai's character and charm. There are numerous small differences among Panerai designs, but I particularly such as the Luminor situations, top guards, and their 300 meter water resistance. The PAM 00564 may more be a safe option, because titanium renders what is a big and chunky (44mm broad) case lighter and more wearable. Thank you, Secret Santa, for judging me to have been good this year! 8. Heuer Carrera 2447 SN I spent a lot of time thinking about what watch to get for Ariel. Just what do you really obtain the man who writes the book in the world's most expensive watches when cost is not a item? It ends up, you forget about cost totally. Just because you really can afford everything doesn't mean something exorbitant is the best choice. We considered several things I knew he would like, but in the long run, settled on this Heuer 2447 with the Silver dial and black sub dials. It's tasteful, it's a timeless design, and it's really something which TAG Heuer probably ought to remake with as couple of changes as you possibly can, when they had a feeling of their history. Ariel appreciates a watch's good heritage along with some of us, and while he generally shies away from vintage pursuits, this can be among the best pre-TAG purchase Heuers. Ariel should have the very best, and that's what I picked for him. A classic Heuer Carrera? What a fascinating selection for me. It is not something I would personally have actively sought away myself but I am in fact satisfied with this choice, since it is something I've always wanted. I even recall composing that, in my experience, the design of the initial circa 1963 Carrera 2447 was something that the TAG Heuer of today should remake. Actually, they kind of did, aided by the TAG Heuer Carrera CH80, however it turns out that for a few business reasons TAG Heuer decided to put a hang on the creation of the CH80 movements - that have a tri-compax chronograph layout quite similar to that associated with the movement when you look at the 1960s Carrera 2447 designs. I'm not a vintage watch kinda guy, but pieces such as this appearance modern even today - so would I wear it? I experienced the luck of talking with Jack Heuer, who was accountable for the initial release of the Carrera collection into the 1960s. Under his leadership, Heuer was an element of the quickly evolving and very competitive chronograph watch market that focused on the world of auto racing. Jack stated he wanted the Carrera to be simple, but additionally modern. The angular lines in the Carrera instance stay intact today - a testament to your treatment put into the appearance and feel regarding the view over 50 years back. Even though the original Carrera has a manually wound movement and case that is smaller than I like, it provides a look and heritage which has had survived well today. The attractive yet no-nonsense look does determine plenty of my view style, and I also can't help but feel that allure associated with timepiece's story. Whoever chose this for me personally is telling me which 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 tale behind it. So kudos to them! I always did anything like me "panda-dial watches." 9. Artya Son Of Sound Black To start with, when I was handed Matt's name, I became at a little bit of a loss. He is the most recent person in our regular contributors, and so I was not really that familiar with what he might like. The only saving grace was that he's a well-known music writer, and so I knew that has been the path to take. With Artya releasing the all-black Son of Sound this year, the die had been cast - a guitar-inspired watch when it comes to musically-inclined watch fan. I'm hoping it is simply a cruel and unusual laugh! I think I am being stereotyped because of the fact that I talk about music for a living for Rolling Stone, New York days, etc., and occasionally have actually a music-themed tale in ABTW like this TW Steel piece and this IWC brand ambassador interview. Personally, I find this ArtyA watch a monstrosity. There are some clever details - the tuning-pegs-as-crown is types 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 I reviewed a 7750-based watch, the Vulcain Aviator Instrument, I'm getting stereotyped. Worst of all of the, 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 anyone who really 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, dude, I talk about NOMOS, too, remember?" I tend actually towards the timeless within my choices. Well, okay, I have a yen for '70s styling more than most - situation in point, this Omega Bullhead - however if I was going to place a music-themed novelty timepiece back at my Christmas list, it can ultimately be something more subdued in its symbolism, and refined and sophisticated in its design, like the sublime Oris John Coltrane. Actually, you can easily look ahead to my post on the Oris John Coltrane in coming days/weeks - proof that goals really do become a reality! If I was going to invest the $20,000 or so that the ArtyA asks on something else, my shopping case 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 or take a modern Ploprof or Milgauss... Hey, it's just rock-and-roll... 10. Van Cleef & Arpels Butterfly Symphony Poetic Complications I chose this view in an effort to pique the interest of a number of facets of Kristin’s character and tastes (as far as I'm sure them… I really could be way off here). we don’t believe that Kristin requires the ultimate in practicality from a watch and would value the mixture of artistry and craftsmanship when you look at 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 watch, but could certainly improve an unique occasion with design to spare. I'm a big fan of this double-retrograde motion and also to have butterflies integrated thoughtfully into that play, well, I think I need to explain. I'm a fan of a lot of masculine watches and movements because of my work right here for more than five years, and I would put on many of them myself in a heartbeat. Many women's watches with lots of diamonds are not actually my thing, just because I feel those pieces generally rely therefore heavily regarding 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 have to have something different truly cool going for them for me personally to get a real rush from it. I love watches. I'm an engineer. And, I'm a female with an extensive artistic background and inclinations. Cajoling those things 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 example of a watch ladled with diamonds I actually loved from this year, however, is the Patek Philippe 4968 Diamond Ribbon Ladies Watch (I just would you like to consume it). My personal favorite women's watch from this year is the Christophe Claret Margot Watch, more for the movement, than the message as I've never ever really hinged my total happiness or the outcome of my life on whether he loves me or perhaps not, but I suppose it can be an enjoyable game to try out every so often - I would wish to modify 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 watch with this year, it can hands-down be a Van Cleef & Arpels, the jaw-dropping Midnight Planetarium Poetic Complication Watch. Not merely does it speak to my room, science, engineering and view geekiness, however it is freaking gorgeous. I do not also care that you have to figure off just how to inform the time, as that fact lends it self to an over-the-top complexity that is thrilling for me personally. I saw it and almost cried. Missing Uranus, Neptune, and (sigh) Pluto, forgiven. So, while only a few Van Cleef & Arpels watches really touch or move me, there are a couple that actually do. The Butterfly Symphony is one of them. Why? Turns out, it's not when it comes to stereotypical reasons that ladies and girls are drawn to butterflies. It's for a reason I'm maybe not certain the real Santa Claus could guess. I was raised in south-central Kentucky, where there are lots of caves. I became about five when we lived in crushing poverty (my dad was an instructor) in a rotting house on top of a cave - there were many, numerous holes within the garden, about the size of my person fist, in which you could reduce 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 happened to be convinced it was the one Brer Rabbit begged to not ever 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, right outside my window. I became so paralyzed with fear, we often did not rest until an hour or so before dawn. Following the sun rose, the bats retreated and slowly, the butterflies advanced until there were butterflies EVERYWHERE, fluttering around the thistles bursting with color into the golden, rising sun, and spilling into the yard, filling it right as much as my screen. At five-years-old, I thought that one thing of a magical metamorphosis were held while I slept - that each and every dawn, bats became butterflies. Once I first saw this watch, I believed the peace that the sight of these advancing butterflies brought me from long ago, wash over me. For some reason I can't guess, other butterfly pieces have never actually reminded me of this. I really want to thank my Secret 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 utilizing the titanium bracelet. It should do well for his passion for technology and motorsports. I do appreciate variety in the watches that I myself own and I can’t say that I have just about any quite such as the Tissot T-Touch Expert. Not that I’m a mechanical snob or purist by any stretch associated with imagination, though my interests typically follow those lines, so something similar to this wouldn’t necessarily be to my radar. However, we have always been also a bit of a techy and certainly appreciate what’s going on in Tissot’s successful T-Touch line. I don’t think I would personally purchase the T-Touch Expert for myself but would probably keep it 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 can be intimidating to choose a watch for a person for this profile, as choosing a watch for some other person is hard to begin with. However, when selecting a present, one inevitably decides something he himself likes. So based on Matt's stated predilection for watches with a '70s aesthetic and apparent leaning toward classic designs, I chose one which more-or-less fit that description among watches that we myself like a lot. A square-cased view like this Glashütte Original could be looked at a risky option, and he would be likely to put one of his own straps upon it anyhow, but I really hope he likes it just as much as I really do. Even though this is (or "would be," rather) a tremendously generous gift, it can make for quite an awkward real-life situation. I enjoy seventies watches, square/Jedi cases and German design sensibilities, but I am not an admirer of this watch. It is the strap 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 here, 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. That way, I really could honour the thought of the gift, yet still enjoy searching down at my wrist. I'd also need to hope my Secret Santa never notices, and I'd most likely barf-cry nervously each morning for a month before ABTW meetings. 13. Grand Seiko SBGE015 First 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 like the Grand Seiko SBGE015, using its lightweight titanium situation and somewhat showy gold-tone hour markers and hands. What watch lover can resist the dependability and accuracy of a Spring Drive movement in addition to detailed excellence of Grand Seiko products. The dial is extremely legible and classy, even though the energy for the watch is something James will be able to appreciate for a long time to come. Although the Grand Seiko SBGE015 is undoubtedly a lovely view, I believe I've got to call this one a slight miss. This is actually the boutique form of the SBGE001 and it is differentiated because of the use of gold markers and fingers and, for my wrist, I think the standard version is a cleaner look. Furthermore, at 43.5 mm the SBGE015 is big and is the largest view in my humble stable. Having not experienced one out of person, I'm not sure exactly how it can suit my wrist, but I assume that it would feel large. Grand Seiko is first-rate when it comes to quality, technology, and completing, and I 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 choose for a Grand Seiko, the SBGE015 is a hell of a view, and I'm flattered that someone on 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 will last a lengthy, long time. We have an innovative new old stock Constellation through the 1960s that still runs. It's am amazing line. Thanks 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 disappointed. Of course, I do love a diamond or two, and therefore, had been quite happy to notice the 12 diamond markers. As far as the dependability goes, well, my entire life is quite hectic at the best - commuting, working, etc., I always appear to be racing the clock, and questioning the speed at which time rushes by; however, utilizing the Omega Constellation I will relax knowing - thanks to its chronometer certification - that my present keeps perfect time. Along with its truly beautiful and stylish gold and steel combo, I am able to wear this watch just about anyplace. we must add that the Omega Co-Axial motion has held my admiration as long as I am able to remember and to be "gifted" a timepiece of these caliber is truly an honor. 15. F.P. Journe Chronomètre Optimum We chose this watch for John because because I think it is technically impressive and interesting, and yet it doesn't look like a robot turd - although the Rebellion T1000 came as a close 2nd as my choose (maybe next year...) This F.P. Journe is very elegant but would also make for a good daily wear - perhaps one thing someone wouldn't kick up out of bed for consuming 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 in addition. 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 watch grew on me more than any others. And this watch was not really released in 2014 but when you look at the previous 12 months; it's the Omega Aqua Terra >15'000 Gauss, the so-called Omega 'bumblebee.' It inherits this nickname because of the black and yellow stripped moments hand which is meant to represent a hazard/caution yellow tape line, but mainly to remind us that this might be a special watch with a new technology this is certainly bound to shake the watch industry. At $6,600, this view is not costly within the scheme of costs of recent mechanical watches from Omega or its competitors. However, We still would pick it due to the fact view to buy for two reasons. First, as an engineer, it speaks for me as it represents the present epitome of watchmaking technology in past times decade. This is because simple: it's the first really anti-magnetic watch (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 begin releasing the core technology into the Aqua Terra >15,000 guass in all its lines with the Master-Co-Axial moniker. These double reasons simply make this Aqua Terra one of several few watches that I believe will likely be talked about 10, 20, or three decades from now, like we today talk about the Rolex Milgauss or even the IWC Ingenieur or perhaps the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. These watches transcended the times, as performs this one from Omega. Not all of our team celebrates Christmas, and these names could just like easily have been drawn from the cap of Harry Hanukkah or perhaps the pasta bowl for the Great Flying Spaghetti Monster. Whatever holiday you embrace, we desire you the best for the holidays from our family to yours. Happy Holidays!