Watch Guides

The 10 Best Watches For Christmas To Gift Men In 2023

TL;DR

Wondering which watch to give as a gift for Christmas? Our experts have reviewed 1000s of watches to create this perfect gift list.

Looking for an amazing gift for the man in your life for the festive season? 

Then skip the agony of searching forever for your holiday gift.

Studies show that men prefer watches instead of receiving traditional pieces of jewelry like rings and bracelets.

We’ve already shown you our top picks for watch gifts for your husband in our previous post. 

But because the holiday season is approaching again, we decided to create a list of the perfect timepieces men would appreciate as a gift.

Adding these jaw-dropping watches to his watch box will elevate his overall watch collection from beginner to legendary. 

Moreover, these can be perfectly paired with the NATO watch straps to level up the watch wearing experience.

As a spoiler, the best overall Christmas watch gift for men is the Oris Artelier for its design, quality, and affordable price. But we can dive into our review later.

So, if you want to get the most unforgettable watch gift, continue reading our detailed review below!

Here is a table summarizing the top watches recommended for Christmas in 2023. If you want more details on what our experts think about a specific watch, keep reading along!

Watches For ChristmasPrice Range
#1. Oris ArtelierUnder $1,000
#2. Apple Watch UltraUnder $1,000
#3. Tissot PRX Powermatic 80Under $1,000
#4. Victorinox AllianceUnder $500
#5. Rolex ExplorerUnder $10,000
#6. Longines ConquestUnder $1,000
#7. Seiko ClassicUnder $200
#8. Tag Heuer Formula 1Under $2,000
#9. Tudor Black Bay Chrono ChronographUnder $10,000
#10. Omega Seamaster AutomaticUnder $5,000

How To Choose The Right Watch – Key Factors Men Rely On

Planning to surprise a man with an unforgettable wristwatch this Christmas season but need help knowing where to begin? If so, here are some tips on how to pick the ideal gifts for your special guy!

Reason

It’s important to keep in mind that not all men have the same preferences when it comes to receiving gifts. 

It’s essential to understand whether he is sentimental or practical before selecting a watch that would meet his needs and desires.

Knowing the difference between these two personality types can help you choose the ideal watch for them.

If the man is more sentimental and prefers thoughtful gifts, any wristwatch will be a cherished present as long as it comes from you. 

However, if he is a more practical type of guy, he may prefer a high-quality and functional watch.

Brand

Another helpful tip is to know his preferred watch brand. 

This can narrow down the options and help you decide on the best timepiece for him, making your life a bit easier.

If he prefers wearing high-end luxury watches, we suggest you pick a watch model from some of the best Swiss watchmaking brands, like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and others. 

If the brand doesn’t matter to your guy, then you can explore other affordable watches with a more budget-friendly price tag.

Comfort

Comfort is one of the primary factors men consider when choosing the best watches for themselves. 

Especially if they plan to wear them for extended periods during their busy days in their office or on a casual day of leisure.

So, if you want to surprise him with a good timepiece he would surely love, always consider this factor.

Size

Like comfort, the size of the timepiece is also a crucial factor to consider. 

In fact, it goes hand-in-hand with comfort. 

Wearing a watch that is either too loose or too tight on the wrist could cause discomfort and potentially disrupt his concentration at work or during activities he enjoys.

Price

Of course, the price of the watch and how much money you can spend should always be considered too. 

While you want to find the perfect timepiece, it’s also important to find a balance between quality and affordability. 

When setting your budget, consider the value that the watch provides. 

A well-crafted and reliable timepiece is not just a wrist accessory; it’s an investment that can last for years and even decades.

Watch Vocabulary You Should Know

Before we show our Christmas watch guide, we think you should know some watch lingo that will be used in our list. So here is a quick cheat sheet to help you understand watch features better.

Automatic Watch

An automatic watch, also known as a self-winding watch, is a timepiece that winds itself through the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist.

Bezel

A bezel is a ring or outer edge that surrounds and secures the watch crystal or the dial of a watch.

Chronograph

Chronograph watches are a type of timepiece enhanced with a stopwatch function. 

Usually, you can use the chronograph function by using the push buttons that can be found beside the crown.

Dial

The dial or also known as the watch face. It is the part that actually displays the time. 

Watch dials can come in several colors, designs, and marker combinations that differ based on the watch model.

Diver’s Watch

A diver’s watch refers to a timepiece with water-resistant features and the ability to resist underwater pressure up to 200 meters deep. 

This water-resistant watch is equipped with gaskets to prevent water infiltration and protect the watch’s mechanical movement.

GMT

An abbreviation for Greenwich Mean Time. It also refers to a watch that displays two different time zones simultaneously.

Mechanical Watch

A mechanical watch has a traditional movement that is not powered by a battery. The mainspring of these watches requires regular winding for it to work proficiently.

Movement

Also called caliber, the term movement refers to the entire mechanism of a timepiece that makes it work to indicate the time.

Power Reserve

The power reserve is a term used to describe the number of available power stored in the watch mainspring. Some mechanical watches have a power reserve indicator to show the remaining energy left in the watch movement.

Quartz

A watch with quartz movement uses battery-powered mechanisms to accurately tell the time of the day. Watches like this are considerably less expensive compared to mechanical watches.

Winding

Winding is the mechanism by which the tension spring is tightened to keep the watch properly functioning.

Best Watches For Christmas – Our Detailed List

Here’s the detailed version of the best watches for Christmas shortlist:

#10. Omega Seamaster Automatic

Check Current Price | Price Under $5,000

Watches For Christmas
  • Dimensions: 42mm diameter, 13mm thickness
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Water resistance: 300m
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Crystal: Sapphire

Our Experience With Omega Seamaster Automatic

First on our list is the Omega Seamaster Automatic. 

One of the trendiest luxury watches available, this tough and stylish diver watch will surely make your guy one of the happiest men if you ever decide to surprise him with this.

This watch has a 42mm stainless steel case paired with a blue rubber bracelet.

Its dial features a pattern inspired by sea waves, evoking the adventurous spirit of the open ocean. 

The Omega Seamaster also has a luminous rhodium-plated skeleton hour and minute hands and dot hour markers to give its wearer maximum legibility any time of the day.

This professional diving watch is powered by Omega’s automatic caliber 8800 with an approximate power reserve of 55 hours.


#9. Tudor Black Bay Chrono Chronograph

Check Current Price | Price Under $10,000

Watches For Christmas
  • Dimensions: 41mm diameter, 15mm thickness
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Water resistance: 200m
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Crystal: Sapphire

Our Experience With Tudor Black Bay Chrono Chronograph

If the man you want to gift loves highly functional watches, then the Tudor Black Bay Chrono Chronograph is one of the models we would love to recommend.

Elegant yet sporty, this versatile professional watch will be a good choice in formal or casual settings.

The Tudor Black Bay Chronograph showcases a brushed stainless steel case with a screw-down crown and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that protects its elegant silver-white dial.

Powered by a Swiss automatic movement, it has several functions, which include a tachymeter scale, power reserve indicator, and chronograph functions, alongside its hours, minutes, and seconds timekeeping feature.


#8. Tag Heuer Formula 1

Check Current Price | Price Under $2,000

Watches For Christmas
  • Dimensions: 43mm diameter, 12mm thickness
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Water resistance: 200m
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Crystal: Sapphire

Our Experience With Tag Heuer Formula 1

Another wristwatch that will surely elevate a man’s collection into a world-class watch collection is the Tag Heuer Formula 1. 

This tool watch showcases a masculine anthracite gray dial inspired by the long tradition of the brand of supporting the best car race series in the world, Formula 1. 

This men’s watch is powered by the robust TAG Heuer automatic Caliber 5 movement and loaded with professional-level timekeeping functionality.

Additionally, the Tag Heuer Formula 1 also has an unscratchable black ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel that protects from abrasions and ensures longevity, making it an ideal choice for those who lead an active lifestyle.


#7. Seiko Classic

Check Current Price | Price Under $200

Watches For Christmas
  • Dimensions: 40.2mm diameter, 8.4mm thickness
  • Case Material: Titanium
  • Water resistance: 100m
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Crystal: Sapphire

Our Experience With Seiko Classic

Looking for a sophisticated watch that would not break the bank but still offers exceptional quality and style? 

If that is the case, then the Seiko Classic is an outstanding watch gift to give.

This Seiko model boasts a 40mm titanium case and an ultra-slim profile, measuring only 8.4mm in thickness. 

It also has a simple yet classy blue dial, perfect for men who love to live a crisp and minimalist lifestyle.

The watch is paired with a titanium bracelet with a three-fold clasp and a push-button release for easier bracelet removal and adjustment. 

As we said, this Seiko Classic is one of the most budget-friendly timepieces your guy will use as his everyday watch choice. 

With its quality and style, Seiko Classic’s are the best watches under $200. 


#6. Longines Conquest

Check Current Price | Price Under $1,000

Watches For Christmas
  • Dimensions: 41mm diameter, 13mm thickness
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Water resistance: 300m
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Crystal: Sapphire

Our Experience With Longines Conquest

Longines is a Swiss watchmaking brand known for creating affordable yet luxurious-looking timepieces for men and women. And one of them is the Longines Conquest.

A fusion between classic design and modern craftsmanship, this watch model will help you easily stand out from the crowd.

It showcases a clean-looking white dial with silver-tone hands and hour markers that is powered by a highly accurate Swiss quartz movement.

But what makes the Longines Conquest special is its versatility. 

Whether you’re attending a formal event, a business meeting, or simply wanting a night out with friends, this watch can effortlessly complement a man’s overall attire, style, and personality.


#5. Rolex Explorer

Check Current Price | Price Under $10,000

Watches For Christmas
  • Dimensions: 36mm diameter, 12mm thickness
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Water resistance: 100m
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Crystal: Sapphire

Our Experience With Rolex Explorer

Next is the Rolex Explorer, a luxury timepiece made for the bravest adventurers of the world.

Tough and durable, this watch is known to withstand the harshest conditions, making it an ideal modern watch companion for those who want to explore the most challenging place in the world.

Featuring a 36mm stainless steel case and an easy-to-read black dial, the Rolex Explorer is powered by COSC-certified in-house automatic movement to give its wearer the ultimate precision and reliability in his life adventures.

This is a Christmas watch gift no man could refuse, and you won’t be surprised if he becomes the envy of his peers and king of his own adventures.


#4. Victorinox Alliance

Check Current Price | Price Under $500

Watches For Christmas
  • Dimensions: 44mm diameter, 11mm thickness
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Water resistance: 100m
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Crystal: Sapphire

Our Experience With Victorinox Alliance

While it may not be as well-known as Rolex Datejust or Patek Philippe Nautilus, this Swiss-made Victorinox Alliance watch is unparalleled in quality and can compete in terms of design.

With this watch, you can be sure that this model perfectly embodies the essence of the Victorinox Swiss Army brand, known for its unbeatable durability, functionality, and reliability that you can count on anytime and anywhere.

It showcases a mixture of classic and modern design that can be seen on its 44mm watch case, bezel with tachymetric scale, and contemporary-styled blue dial.

Moreover, it is run by an exceptionally accurate quartz movement with a water resistance feature of up to 100 meters.

And the best part here is that the Victorinox Alliance is available at a very budget-friendly price that most people can afford.


#3. Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

Check Current Price | Price Under $1,000

Watches For Christmas
  • Dimensions: 40mm diameter, 10.9mm thickness
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Water resistance: 100m
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Crystal: Sapphire

Our Experience With Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

If you’re looking for a slim, smooth watch with a modern and minimal feel, look no further than the PRX Powermatic 80.

Versatile and reliable, we’ve already featured this timepiece as one of the best watches for doctors because of its refined, easy-to-read blue dial with luminous hands, hour markers, and a date window.

It is run by a Swiss automatic caliber with a patented Nivachron balance spring for enhanced precision while boasting an incredible 80 hours of power reserve.

It also comes with a stainless steel interchangeable quick-release bracelet, so you can swap it with a leather or NATO strap, depending on your preferred fashion.

You can buy this men’s watch for less than $750, making it an excellent budget-friendly gift.


#2. Apple Watch Ultra

Check Current Price | Price Under $1,000

Watches For Christmas
  • Dimensions: 49mm diameter, 14mm thickness
  • Case Material: Titanium
  • Water resistance: 100m
  • Crystal: Sapphire

Our Experience With Apple Watch Ultra

Besides the conventional wristwatches above, a smartwatch is also one of the ideal gifts you can give as a Christmas present to a man. 

That is why the next watch on the list is the Apple Watch Ultra, the newest addition to the Apple Watch series.

This multi-functional Apple Watch showcases customizable watch faces with digital fitness tracking and heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and general health tracking features, making it a practical timepiece for modern gents.

And like other Apple watches, you can even answer phone calls, read messages, and integrate with thousands of apps online using this smartwatch.

It also has a water-resistance feature of up to 100 meters, so you don’t have to worry about using it while swimming or during water-related activities.


#1. Oris Artelier

Check Current Price | Price Under $1,000

Watches For Christmas
  • Dimensions: 40mm diameter, 10.7mm thickness
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Water resistance: 50m
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Crystal: Sapphire

Our Experience With Oris Artelier

And for our top pick for the best watch gift for men during the festive season, here is the Oris Artelier.

The Oris Artelier watch features a 40mm case and a comfortable stainless steel bracelet. It also showcases an exhibition case back, which gives you an excellent view of its Swiss automatic movement with 38 hours of power reserve.

It may not be made of rose gold or other precious metals. But its stainless steel case has proven to be a testament to durability and refinement.

Moreover, it boasts a sophisticated guilloche blue dial with a date window on its 6 o’clock position and highly luminous hands and indices.

Besides its stunning design and exceptional robustness, this watch is a top entry-level watch choice. 

The Oris Artelier is beautiful, durable, and can help you save money, making it a great choice as a watch gift on Christmas day.

Watches For Christmas – FAQ

Is a watch a good gift for Christmas?

Yes, a watch can be a fantastic gift for the Christmas season. Watches are versatile presents that can suit a wide range of recipients and occasions.

What does a watch symbolize as a gift?

A watch serves as a daily reminder of the thoughtful person who presented it to you, making it a meaningful gift that men will certainly love to have.

Can you give an Apple Watch for Christmas?

Yes, an Apple watch is one of the best watch gifts. In fact, it was one of the best-selling watch present every holiday season.

Watches For Christmas – Summary

And that’s it! We’re done!

These are the top ten watches for Christmas to give men for the upcoming holiday season. With this list, we hope that we have helped you to choose the perfect watch model to give to the special man in your life.

Again, our top pick for the best watch gifts for men this Christmas is the Oris Artelier due to its versatility, reliability, and affordability.

And to have a short recap, here are ten of the best watches for Christmas to gift men in 2023:

#1. Oris Artelier

#2. Apple Watch Ultra

#3. Tissot PRX Powermatic 80

#4. Victorinox Alliance

#5. Rolex Explorer

#6. Longines Conquest

#7. Seiko Classic

#8. Tag Heuer Formula 1

#9. Tudor Black Bay Chrono Chronograph

#10. Omega Seamaster Automatic

And if you have questions, comments, and suggestions, please feel free to leave us a comment below.

Ethan Hunt is the executive editor of BowTiedLife.com, a luxury lifestyle website. With a background in education, he has a keen interest in educating readers on the finer things in life, particularly in the realm of fashion and luxury style. His love for these topics has led him to pursue a career in editorial work and he continues to share his knowledge with readers around the world.


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