Alongside eight days and nights of festivities with loved ones (whether virtually or in real life), why not make Hanukkah extra special this year by giving an exceptional gift that will last the lucky recipient for the rest of their life. Whether for your spouse, child, parent, dear friend, or anyone else at the top of your list, here are our favorite picks for the best luxury watches to give for Hanukkah that will add some extra shine to the joyful festival of lights.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Oyster Perpetual Key Details:
Sizes: 26mm, 31mm, 34mm, 36mm, 39mm, 41mm
Material: Stainless Steel
Bezel: Smooth
Dial: Time-Only
Bracelet: Oyster
Price: Starting at $2,695 (pre-owned)
The perfect pairing of Rolex’s water-resistant Oyster case and self-winding Perpetual movement, the Oyster Perpetual is the brand’s most understated offering in the best way possible. While there are vintage versions of the Oyster Perpetual in both solid gold and two-tone (steel and gold), modern editions are exclusively fashioned from 904L stainless steel. The combination of an uncluttered time-only dial and steel case and bracelet makes the Oyster Perpetual a fantastic everyday watch. Plus, given the varied dial colors and size options available, there’s no doubt a suitable Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch for anyone on your list.
Non-Rolex Alternative:
Alternatively, Rolex’s sibling company also offers a great option for an automatic time-only everyday watch in the form of the Tudor Black Bay collection, particularly the Black Bay 32, Black Bay 36, and Black Bay 41. In addition to the size variations, Tudor also provides the choice between full stainless steel and steel/gold cases – along with numerous bracelet and strap options.
Rolex Datejust
Datejust Key Details:
Sizes: 26mm, 28mm, 31mm, 36mm, 39mm, 41mm
Material: Stainless Steel, Two-Tone, Gold, Platinum
Bezel: Fluted, Smooth, Gem-set
Dial: Time and Date
Bracelet: Jubilee, Oyster, President
Price: Starting at $2,995 (pre-owned)
Characterized by a date window at 3 o’clock and a magnification lens called the Cyclops protruding from the crystal above, the Datejust has been a mainstay of the Rolex catalog for over seven decades. In that time, not only has the Datejust emerged as the quintessential Rolex watch but it has also expanded to become the brand’s most varied collection. Whether a petite Lady-Datejust, a classic Datejust 36, or a larger Datejust 41, the vast assortment of materials, bracelet types, and dial designs within the range means there are endless possible configurations available to suit a wide range of tastes and budgets. You can go minimalist with a full stainless steel Datejust with a light-colored dial and smooth bezel, maximalist with a solid gold Datejust embellished with diamonds and fitted with the iconic President bracelet, or classic with the perennial favorite two-tone Datejust with a gold fluted bezel and steel and gold Jubilee bracelet.
Non-Rolex Alternative:
On the other hand, the Omega Aqua Terra lineup is also home to an excellent selection of time and date luxury watches, which combine everyday elegance with a sporty touch. Similarly, Omega makes the Seamaster Aqua Terra in a range of sizes for both men and women, in addition to a seemingly endless list of material, dial styles, and bracelet types available.
Rolex Explorer
Explorer Key Details:
Sizes: 36mm, 39mm
Material: Stainless Steel
Bezel: Smooth
Dial: Time-Only
Bracelet: Oyster
Price: Starting at $6,895 (pre-owned)
For a sportier take on a daily watch, there’s the trusty Rolex Explorer. Introduced in 1953 in honor of the world’s first successful ascent of Mount Everest, the Explorer has remained in Rolex’s collection as the brand’s most discreet sports watch. The Explorer was initially equipped with a 36mm case but since 2010, it has grown to a noticeably larger 39mm case size. Regardless of the specific reference, however, all Explorer watches have steel cases, steel Oyster bracelets, and black dials with Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. Giving the gift of a Rolex Explorer means bestowing the recipient with a durable high-end watch that not only looks good with everything and anything but boasts an impressive history too.
Non-Rolex Alternative:
Breitling’s current catalog is also filled with heritage-inspired pieces, including the Aviator 8 models that draw design cues from the brand’s earliest pilot watches. With its steel 41mm case, a black dial punctuated with Arabic numerals and a pair of calendar windows, and knurled bezel, the handsome Aviator 8 Day & Date is a fantastic Breitling watch for everyday wear and use, representing a compelling blend of old and new.
Rolex Day-Date President
Day-Date Key Details:
Sizes: 36mm, 40mm, 41mm
Material: Gold, Platinum
Bezel: Fluted, Smooth, Gem-set
Dial: Time, Date, and Day
Bracelet: President, Oyster, Leather
Price: Starting at $6,895 on leather strap and $13,295 on gold bracelet (pre-owned)
With its precious metal construction, a duo of calendar windows on the dial, and the iconic semi-circular link bracelet, the Day-Date, a.k.a. the Rolex President, is the archetypal luxury watch. The most classic choice would be a full yellow gold Day-Date 36 with a fluted bezel, champagne dial, and President bracelet. However, there are other options too including the larger Day-Date II (41mm) and Day-Date 40 in addition to white gold, rose gold, and platinum models. While the President bracelet is often considered an indispensable component of the Day-Date’s enduring design, Rolex has equipped some models with sportier Oyster bracelets and classic leather straps as well. Whichever metal or style you choose, make no mistake that gifting a Rolex President watch is the ultimate sign of prestige.
Non-Rolex Alternative:
Perhaps not as widely recognized as the Rolex President yet incredibly respected among those in the know, the Patek Philippe Calatrava is the brand’s classic dress watch. Introduced in 1932, the Calatrava has undergone a handful of modifications over the decades but it has always remained true to its fundamental design, which includes a traditional round case in gold or platinum, a straightforward dial layout, and an elegant style.
Rolex Submariner
Submariner Key Details:
Sizes: 38mm (vintage only), 40mm, 41mm
Material: Steel, Gold, Two-Tone
Bezel: Rotating, 60-minute scale. Aluminum (discontinued), Ceramic
Dial: Time-Only, Time and Date
Bracelet: Oyster
Price: Starting at $8,195 (pre-owned)
There is no dive watch as beloved, coveted, and famous as the Rolex Submariner – and with looks like these, it’s easy to see why. For the person who appreciates the greatest hits of the watch world, the Rolex Submariner will be sure to please. Although the Submariner has a distinctive look – a round case, a rotating bezel with a 60-minute scale, and a dial with a mix of round, rectangular, and triangular hour markers – the collection is surprisingly varied. You can go old-school with a vintage time-only and crown guard-less Submariner, retro with a Submariner Date and aluminum bezel, or modern with a ceramic bezel-clad Submariner. Once you’ve decided on the era, there are also a variety of material options and colorways to comb through – not to mention deciding whether the brand new 41mm Submariner or the classic 40mm version is right for the soon-to-be owner.
Non-Rolex Alternative:
For a topnotch diver that won’t break the bank, look to the Oris Divers Sixty-Five, which would make an ideal gift for someone who loves a vintage aesthetic but appreciates modern materials and specifications. The domed crystals, creamy colored dial markings, and riveted style bracelets of the Divers Sixty-Five are all nods to the past whereas the durable automatic movement, the range of size options, and advanced materials all satisfy contemporary expectations.
Rolex Daytona
Cosmograph Daytona Key Details:
Sizes: 38mm (vintage only), 40mm
Material: Steel, Gold, Two-Tone, Platinum
Bezel: Tachymeter-Engraved Metal, Tachymeter-Engraved Ceramic, Gem-Set
Dial: Chronograph
Bracelet: Oyster, Oysterflex, Leather
Price: Starting at $13,995
Want to make a massive impression with your gift-giving skills this year? Then the Rolex Daytona may be right up your alley. As one of the most famous chronographs ever made, the Rolex Daytona has been on the must-have list of watch collectors, celebrities, and car enthusiasts for decades. This is the watch given as a prize to the winners of the most prestigious motorsports races as well as the record-holder for the most expensive Rolex ever sold at auction. Available in stainless steel, full gold, two-tone, or even platinum, the Daytona is always furnished with a tachymeter scale on the bezel (except for gem-set bezels), two chronograph pushers flanking the winding crown, and three registers on the dial. Irrespective of the Daytona style you choose, we guarantee it’ll make the receiver’s heartbeat as fast as a sports car engine.
Non-Rolex Alternative:
Another iconic chronograph to consider giving as a festive gift is the Omega Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch” – the very same model that accompanied Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins on the historic Apollo 11 Moon Landing mission. Featuring a steel 42mm case, black tachymeter bezel, a trio of subsidiary dials, the beloved Omega Speedmaster is a chronograph with a serious pedigree.
Rolex Pearlmaster
Pearlmaster Key Details:
Sizes: 29mm, 34mm, 39mm
Material: Gold, Platinum
Dial: Time and Date
Bracelet: Pearlmaster
Price: Starting at $15,495
Introduced in 1992, the Rolex Pearlmaster is the brand’s lineup of lavish jewelry watches. Similar to Rolex President watches, Pearlmaster watches are exclusively available in gold or platinum and they are named after a particular bracelet design. Featuring rounded links in a five-piece configuration, the Pearlmaster bracelet looks and wears very much like a piece of fine jewelry. Moreover, every Rolex Pearlmaster watch benefits from diamond embellishments, whether on the dial, bezel, bracelet, case, or all of the above. For those on your list that love high-end timepieces that sparkle, the Rolex Pearlmaster is a stunning choice.
Non-Rolex Alternative:
Another fabulous option for a luxurious jewelry watch are models from Cartier – particularly references from the Ballon Bleu collection. Featuring cases in white gold, you will find Cartier Ballon Bleu watches with gleaming bezels paved with two rows of diamonds. The dials remain classic Cartier with Roman numerals, blue sword-shaped hands, and an intricate guilloché pattern.
The Gift of a Luxury Watch
Regardless of the specific piece you choose, a fine Swiss watch is undeniably one of the best gifts you can ever give. It’s a thoughtful gesture that the receiver can enjoy every day and appreciate for life. Additionally, since watches are often passed down to the next generation, it can mark the start of a wonderful family heirloom for future kin to treasure.
