The 2024 WatchTime (Non-Watch) Holiday Gift Guide
With the holiday season here, the joy of gift-giving now takes center stage. And while the temptation to add another timepiece to your or your loved ones' collections might be ever-present, it’s worth exploring a universe of accessories that complement the world of horology. A subscription to WatchTime Magazine remains a perennial favorite, but over the past year, we’ve also come across a variety of standout non-watch products. Some are designed to enhance your collection, others boast the craftsmanship of esteemed maisons, and a few are simply irresistibly cool— even if they’re not strictly watch-related.
For this year’s holiday guide, our team has curated a handpicked selection of luxurious and practical items to inspire your gifting. Enjoy!
TAG Heuer Line Titanium Sunglasses
Zen Love, Senior Editor
Lord knows, we watch fiends don’t need more expensive hobbies. But ever since I had a macular edema caused by overwork a few years ago, I’ve often worn blue light-blocking computer glasses as well as sunglasses. I don’t even need corrective lenses, but I’ve started to appreciate glasses, and then a colleague who was a former optician further got me into looking at luxury eyewear. Glasses can be packed with many of the qualities we tend to appreciate in watches, so it doesn’t seem like too much of a departure when watchmakers get into the eyewear game.
TAG Heuer released its first sunglasses collection this year since 2016, and boy are they cool. Made by Thélios, a manufacturer also under TAG Heuer’s parent company LVMH, they’re sporty, technical and delightfully overengineered. The whole range is worth checking out, but one of the latest models is the Line Titanium. Glasses being lightweight is key, and these would be perfect options for the kinds of things you can wear all day, everyday.
Pricing is marked at $960.
To learn more, visit TAG Heuer, here.
Bulova Link Earrings
Dara Hinshaw, Managing Editor
While taking a look at women's watches on the Bulova website, I discovered these captivating hoop earrings, which are part of the brand's exclusive Link Collection. Elegant yet also perfect for everyday wear, these eye-catching "huggie-style" hoop earrings wrap around the earlobe with grace and comfort and are ideal for holiday gift giving. Their fascinating appearance, which seems organic with its curved, interconnected structure, is based on Bulova's historic tuning fork, which is used as their signature design element.
As shown, these Bulova Link Earrings are fashioned in 14k gold-plated sterling silver (BVE1020-YSNA) and have a hinged back closure. They are also available in a sterling-silver version (BVE 1020-WSNA).
Price: $195
To learn more, visit Bulova, here.
Grenson Douglas Triple Welt
Roger Ruegger, Editor-in-chief
I think it would be a wasted opportunity to not at least once mention that you can gift a WatchTime subscription, here.
On a more serious note, I'm a huge fan of Northampton-based shoemaker Grenson. While the company has been making shoes continuously since 1866, the brand name was born in 1913 by shortening the founder's name 'William Green' and 'Sons' to Grenson, which became one of the first trade names ever to be registered in the UK. My favorite is the Triple Welt (I just ordered my third pair), which became a bit of a signature collection of the brand, and also serves as a great example of the 'Goodyear welted' construction that Grenson, too, is famous for. The manufacturing process involves stitching a welt to the upper and insole of a shoe and was invented in England during the 1800’s, and, while it is a time consuming way of making shoes, means that the product potentially lasts longer than other types of shoes. According to the brand, it takes up to 8 weeks to make a pair of Grensons and involves well over 200 individual operations. Also, I find Grensons to be surprisingly comfortable.
Coincidentally, at the head of the company is Tim Little, who briefly happened to be my boss in 1995, before he decided to launch his eponymous footwear company (which I obviously knew), and ultimately took over Grenson in 2010 (which I didn't know until writing up this short paragraph). Small world.
Speaking of a small world: Grenson used to operate a store in New York, though nowadays there are only two retail locations in London. And if you're hesitant with ordering shoes online, which I have never had an issue with, the company also offers accessories, including wallets, belts, bags and even dog collars.
Pricing for the Douglas Triple Welt shoes is marked at $790.
To learn more, visit Grenson, here.
Cartier Trinity Earrings, Mini Model
Sara Orlando Seifert, Publisher
While I would love a new gold watch from big red, I would settle for these lovely Trinity earrings from Cartier that are very lowkey and would look great on my ear party. I love Cartier jewelry and have always appreciated the Trinity collection. These new mini hoops would be the perfect addition to my jewelry box.
Price: $1,670
To learn more, visit Cartier, here.
The Connoisseur's Guide to Fine Timepieces: European Watch Company
Daniela Pusch, Head of Editorial, WatchTime Germany
For watch lovers, the allure of horology extends beyond wearing timepieces – it’s about immersing themselves in the art, history, and innovation of fine watchmaking. A thoughtfully curated coffee table book about watches and brands makes an exceptional gift, offering a blend of education, inspiration, and visual delight. One standout recommendation is The Connoisseur’s Guide to Fine Timepieces. This book captures the tradition and craftsmanship of the through a stunning collection of over 150 exceptional timepieces. From intricate complications and iconic designs to rare vintage treasures and avant-garde innovations, the guide covers a broad spectrum of horological artistry, featuring both major watchmakers and independent artisans.
With detailed insights into each watch’s history and innovation, the book not only highlights the timeless appeal of fine watchmaking but also celebrates the European Watch Company’s enduring legacy as a source for collectors and enthusiasts. Books like these serve as both decorative and intellectual treasures, inviting readers to explore the intricate world of timepieces while elevating any space with their presence. They are more than gifts – they are gateways to the fascinating universe of watches.
Pricing is marked at $205.
To learn more, visit Assouline, here.
Omega Aqua Cufflinks
Martin Green, Editor-at-Large
My first venture into the world of luxury watches was an Omega Seamaster Professional, and it is safe to say that this collection could always count on my warm attention. Matching such a sporty watch with cufflinks might not be a natural match to many, but if James Bond gets away with it, I probably will as well. The contrast between a good suit and a sportive watch has always had a mysterious appeal to me, and what better to wear your Seamaster with matching Omega cufflinks?
The brand has quite an extensive collection of cufflinks, even some made in collaboration with the 007 franchise. My choice would be the Omega Aqua. These stainless steel cufflinks resemble the shape of the Seamaster bezel and are set with a mother-of-pearl disc. Omega's famed Seahorse is engraved in the mother-of-pearl disc as a subtle nod to the legacy of dive watches. Further details include the engraved Omega logo on the twist bars. When worn, they elegantly complement your outfit but also indicate that your lifestyle is more active than your suit might indicate.
Price: $470
To learn more, visit Omega, here.
Vulcain TWA Flight Center Desk Clock
Sabine Zwettler, Contributor
For design enthusiasts or anyone who appreciates architectural and historical landmarks, the TWA Flight Center Desk Clock is a thoughtful gift. It is inspired by the historic Vulcain clock that kept time in the TWA Terminal at New York's JFK Airport shortly after it opened in 1962. Fully restored in 2019, the TWA Flight Center has been reborn as the luxurious TWA Hotel, keeping the grandeur and legacy of this terminal alive. The historic clock was also carefully preserved, ensuring that it remains a central feature of the hotel's architectural splendor.
This fall, Vulcain unveiled a reinterpretation in the form of a desk clock, faithfully reproducing the original with a 316L stainless steel case and an iridescent, warm light gray finish. Measuring 12.6 cm in height and 8.3 cm in diameter, this compact version is designed to fit on a desk or table, bringing a touch of the Jet Age to contemporary interiors. However, unlike the original hanging clock with its three dials facing outwards, this tabletop version has its dials facing in the opposite direction. Enhanced by a sunray finish, each dial displays a different time zone, as the clock is powered by three Ronda 712 quartz movements. A great feature for globetrotters and professionals working across time zones.
Pricing is marked at $1,300.
To learn more, visit Vulcain, here.
19th& WatchPad
Caleb Anderson, Contributor
As with many years, 2024 was no exception in terms of the many watch-related products and paraphernalia that saw their way to the market. Among these, possibly the most memorable I encountered was a product from 19th& dubbed the WatchPad. The product is somewhat self-explanatory in its name, being a thin piece of square-ish padding you apply to your laptop, with the goal of reducing any friction between the watch or bracelet on your wrist and the computer itself.
Niche? Yes, extremely. But useful? Also yes. It resolves a peculiar nuisance that is plenty common among the watch wearing masses, and in a small but significant way elevates both the acts of wearing a watch and of typing on your laptop. Add to this that the product itself is, by the watch world's standards, very affordable, and you have a novel accessory that's perfect as a gift for anyone engaged in this particular.
The brand is having a sale right now, with pricing beginning at about $25 for two small pads for smaller laptops and for just about $26 for two large pads for larger ones. Outside the sale, pricing is marked between $33 and $35.
To learn more, visit 19th&, here.
Happy gifting from all of us here at WatchTime!
To learn more about gifting a subscription of WatchTime Magazine, click here.
