Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
It is funny to think how some purpose-built watches had their functionality change entirely as years and decades flew by. Jaeger-LeCoultre originally designed the Reverso’s now truly iconic (no exaggeration there) case to be worn by polo players. The original reversible case from 1931 could hence have its front crystal turned inside and its more durable steel back be outside, as in the heat of the matches watches would get struck with the sticks and literally shatter into pieces.
Today, the Reverso’s reverse side provides a most perfect canvas for personal engravings and messages that can be discreetly hidden away if the watch’s dial is on top – or shown off with a flick of the case. This romantic discretion in a huge and versatile collection helps the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso make for a great his-and-hers Valentine’s day gift. Click the link above for a great overview of the most important and latest Reverso novelties. Prices range from $4,500 to $39,000.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato
Girard-Perregaux has recently revived one of its ’70s classics, the Laureato, and did so by offering a wide range of color, case-size, and complication variants, making it easy (or more difficult?) to pick the right one. Case sizes start from a most feminine 34mm wide, and even these models can come in steel, gold, two-tone, on leather straps, or on bracelets. Other models available are 38mm or 42mm wide, with an equally high number of versions to choose from. There actually are few high-end watch collections around that would allow for creative his-and-hers matches, but here the two pieces could still have the same base design and yet sport different colors and materials, even. The smallest models come equipped with a quartz caliber, while the rest feature a Girard-Perregaux 3300 in-house movement. The 34mm Girard-Perregaux Laureato watch ranges from $8,800 (in steel, on strap, with diamonds) to $31,000 (in rose gold, on a bracelet, with diamonds). The 38mm in pink gold (Ref. 81005-52-132-52A) is priced at $34,400, the 42mm two-tone (Ref. 81010-26-232-26A) is $22,600, and the 42mm steel model (Ref. 81010-11-431-11A) is $11,000.
Tudor Heritage Black Bay
The vintage-inspired, timeless-looking and conservatively sized Tudor Heritage Black Bay may just be a great a choice for your significant other. I’m probably not alone in noticing that gifts, even carefully picked ones, often for a variety of reasons end up not seeing that much use. The Tudor Heritage Black Bay seems to be one of the safest bets in that sense, as its blend of clever design and excellent wearability render it a splendid watch to wear on pretty much any occasion – so long as you don’t match its textile strap to a more formal outfit. Put it on its leather strap or excellent steel bracelet and it will be a watch that’s a joy to wear (and see worn by your partner) for many years to come. The 41mm-wide men’s Tudor Heritage Black Bay has a few color options for the rotating diver-style bezel, in-house Tudor MT5602 movement, and is priced at $3,675 on the bracelet and $3,550 on the strap. Price for the smaller, 36mm-wide Tudor Heritage Black Bay 36 with sourced movement is $2,525 with a leather strap and $2,850 on a bracelet – either way, the camouflage nato strap seen above is included.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer
If the one closest to your heart leads a more active lifestyle, a watch that supplements that will make for a most thoughtful Valentine’s day gift. The TAG Heuer Aquaracer has been around for ages now and always stood out as a sporty, modern, and competitively priced “sports activity watch.” Recently upgraded with a ceramic bezel over 41mm-wide steel or titanium cases, fresh colors and new dial patterns, the Aquaracer is definitely worth considering if you want to gift a watch that will stand the tests of a more active lifestyle. Prices for the steel models are $2,400 on the nylon straps and US$2,550 on a steel bracelet. Available only on the nylon straps, price is $3,000 each for the black titanium models. There is also a new 43mm quartz version to be on the market for around $1,600 soon. The ladies’ TAG Heuer Aquaracer in 32mm with diamond indices and a pearl dial costs $2,150 and price goes up considerably if you want to go for the diamond-set bezel.
Ulysse Nardin Marine
Swiss Ulysse Nardin is a thoroughly modern watchmaker, that like many other traditional brands, has a storied history to pull from when it comes to design inspirations for today’s watches. Marine Chronometers were very accurate ship clocks crucial naval navigation. Ulysse Nardin once produced them and today the Marine collection’s case and dials celebrate such historical instruments. This is typified by distinctive, legible hands and typically Roman or Arabic numeral hour markers. Below 12 o’clock is a power reserve indicator and above 6 o’clock is a subsidiary seconds dial. Ulysse Nardin arguably produces the finest examples of these retro-modern designs for both men and women. The Ulysse Nardin Marine Lady models come in a variety of materials and decorative options in a 39mm wide case, while the men’s versions come in cases which are 41mm – 45mm wide. They offer an attractive blend of classic as well as sport design cues. Prices for the men’s Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer models start at around $10,000. Prices for the Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer ladies’ watches that come exclusively in precious metals start at around $28,000.
Bulgari Bulgari
The Bulgari Bulgari is a quintessentially Bulgari design – and not just because it has the brand’s name twice on the bezel. It is full with fascinating subtle aesthetic elements, like the three-dimensionally curved case profile and bezel, combined with the straight, angular lugs. It is a watch that brings with it a certain retro vibe while also managing to stay perfectly relevant today and tomorrow. For men Bulgari produces a range of Bulgari Bulgari watches in 41mm or 39mm wide case, while women get more options such as this 33mm wide two-tone Bulgari Bulgari. Both on a bracelet or A range of colorful straps. Bulgari Bulgari makes a unique statement that’s more powerful than your typical “go-to” gifts. A special Italian design from an Italian brand… perhaps for that one special person who has that Italian energy. Price for Bulgari Bulgari Blue as see is $7,250 on the steel bracelet and $8,900 for the women’s two-tone steel and 18ct pink gold model.
Casio G-Shock
This is more of a general recommendation than one for specific models. Casio G-Shock watches are endlessly varied, stylish, playful, tough, and unpretentious. And anyway, it’s not like everyone can be doing Rolexes for Valentines each year. While Casio does offer pairs of watches specifically as his-and-hers sets, there is enough variety and versatility among G-Shocks that we encourage you to try mixing and matching for yourself. For every masculine and macho model, there is often a colorful, youthful, or more feminine G-Shock too. Baby G, of course, is Casio’s specifically feminine version of G-Shock, but as light and comfortable as G-Shocks are, it is not uncommon to see women wearing large men’s models. Baby G watches also unfortunately often lack features we appreciate on men’s G-Shock watches such as Tough Solar, but if the style matches the wearer’s tastes, it is an easy and affordable way to go, with prices ranging from under $100 to over $1,000. A Casio G-Shock will be a cute, fun, and youthful option for Valentine’s Day.
Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar
For the active couple, why not a pair of Tissot T-Touches? We would be remiss to recommend Tissot T-Touch watches, but not specifically the solar-powered versions. Solar charging negates any worry about the quartz battery’s life, and these watches offer a range of useful functionality (read our linked-to review for more details), displayed in clever ways, and all controlled by pressing on the sapphire crystal over the dial. The men’s Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar watch is a chunky 45mm wide and has a price of $1,150, while the ladies’ model is 38mm with a price of $995, and you can’t go wrong with a mother-of-pearl dial.
Chanel J12
This should easily please a lot of women because the Chanel J12 in white ceramic has been one of the most popular and successful (and copied) ladies’ watches ever. It helped popularize the use of ceramic in watches, and it is still a great design. The matte black or gray models should be sufficiently masculine and offer mechanical options as well for guys who can get past the feminine association the Chanel J12 can be seen to carry. The Chanel J12, if you couldn’t tell, is a dive watch with a rotating bezel and 200m of water-resistance – and that ceramic just plain won’t scratch – though it would be hard to call it a tool watch. The 42mm men’s model shown above in matte black ceramic has a price of $6,250, and the glossy white ceramic model has a price $5,400, and is 38mm wide – both use the Swiss automatic ETA 2892.
Tiffany CT60
The Tiffany CT60 watch collection offers models for both men and women with a bit of personality. With options of colors, materials, and movements, the basic three-hand model running on a Swiss Sellita SW300 automatic movement in the men’s version is 40mm wide, while the women’s model is a petite 34mm. One cool service that Tiffany offers for their CT60 collection – and this is particularly nice as a gift – is a customization option. See our pictures and report here on having a Tiffany CT60 watch personalized. Prices start at $4,750 for the standard production 40mm three-hand model for men on a strap, and the basic 34mm ladies’ model is $4,250. Prices go up from there for bracelet options, different movements (such as chronograph or GMT), diamonds, and of course, the personalization service. With diamonds on the bezel of the ladies’ model, price is $15,500.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
Here’s a safe, solid, and classy choice sure to satisfy the watch snob or the watch snob’s better half. Or the watch snob couple. The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Master Co-Axial watches have Omega’s well-regarded and attractive in-house Caliber 8500 Master Co-Axial movement and it’s on display through the exhibition caseback. The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is a will be handsome at 41.5mm in the men’s version or 34mm for women. Prices start at $5,900 for the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Master Co-Axial on a leather strap, and the 15,000 Gauss option adds antimagnetic protection and about $600 to the price. Ladies models in steel have Omega’s 8520 movement and start at about $7,600 as most have diamonds at least on the dial.