Gift Guide: The Best Watches for Dad and Grandpa

There is someone on every holiday shopping list who feels virtually impossible to shop for. Maybe it’s the dad who has everything, the grandfather who loves hard-to-find collectibles, or the brother who’s after the latest tech finds. No matter what his interests, a luxury wristwatch is the perfect gift for anyone on your list.

Upscale, elegant timepieces are timeless gifts that can be passed down for generations to come. And when you find a watch that perfectly encapsulates the personality of the one you’re giving it to, you know you have a knockout gift on your hands. Let’s explore our top picks for this year’s holiday shopping season for all of the men on your list.

Every holiday shopping list has a sports fan on it – but no matter his favorite team, he probably already has a closet full of memorabilia. Let’s be honest: No 21st-century man needs another Knicks t-shirt or Yankees hat. So instead of gifting him team merch that will soon disappear into his closet with more of the same, choose an innovative timepiece that reflects his love for high performance athleticism.

Richard Mille watches are perfect for the sports enthusiast or athlete on your list. The RM 11-03 pictured above, for instance, was created in collaboration with McLaren Automotive and showcases new-age technology and innovative features that the watch world can’t stop raving about. It fuses the best of Formula 1 technology with top-tier luxury. The Carbont TPT and black quartz case gives this timepiece unmatched durability – plus, the skeletonized dial gives the wearer a peek into the inner workings of this mechanical marvel.

Does he prefer golf, tennis, or cycling to Formula 1 motorsports? Don’t worry – Richard Mille has countless collaborations with athletes from numerous different fields. For the dad or grandpa who hits eighteen holes every weekend, Richard Mille’s collaboration with golfing legend Bubba Watson would be a gift he can only dream of.

Shopping for the cinephile on your list this holiday season? Whether the men in your life prefer Sean Connery or Pierce Brosnan to represent everyone’s favorite British spy, they are sure to love a watch inspired by the classic adventures of James Bond. Throughout the franchise, Bond has been known to wear several different watches – but there’s simply no better choice than the one mentioned in the original James Bond book series by author Ian Fleming.

Fleming wrote that his titular secret agent wore a hefty Rolex Submariner – and in the early Bond films starring Sean Connery, that’s exactly what the character wore. In Dr. No, From Russia With Love, and Goldfinger, you’ll see Connery sporting an all-black Rolex Submariner, like the one pictured here:

A fun fact about the iconic James Bond Submariner? It lacks the date window at the 3 o’clock position, which many modern models do offer. In other words, make sure you choose the perfect authentic “no date” Submariner when you present him with this Rolex – he’ll feel like 007 himself when he straps it onto his wrist.

There is someone in every family who loves all things classic, vintage, and eternally chic. Whether you are shopping for your father, brother, grandpa, or husband, there is nothing like gifting him a watch that exudes artistry and tradition from every angle. The watch in question? We’re talking about the Patek Philippe Calatrava, a striking timepiece that has been worn by icons like John F. Kennedy, Joe DiMaggio, and even artist Pablo Picasso himself.

The Patek Philippe brand was founded way back in 1839 in Geneva, Switzerland – and in the nearly two centuries since then, the company has been at the forefront of heritage timepieces that appeal to individuals of the greatest stature on Earth. Some other notable individuals who have worn Patek Philippe watches include Pope Pius IX, Marie Curie, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Albert, Tsar Alexander II, Albert Einstein, and Princess Diana.

For anyone on your list who would love to be included in that iconic group of Patek Philippe enthusiasts, the Patek Philippe Calatrava is the perfect gift. The watch premiered in 1936, and as we near its centurion anniversary, its refined aesthetic and incredibly precise timekeeping deserve to be celebrated. This watch showcases a versatile 37 mm case crafted from pristine 18K rose gold, index hour markers, and a date display at the 3 o’clock position. The brown leather strap makes it easy to dress up or down, depending on the occasion.

Giving holiday gifts to the ones you love is one of many ways that you show your care and appreciation for the people that mean the most to you. And what better way to show that you love and value someone than by giving them a watch that will sparkle on their wrist for years to come. Every piece from renowned, heritage watchmaker Patek Philippe is heirloom worthy – but this diamond-set beauty certainly takes the cake.

This Patek Philippe Nautilus watch shows off the classic sports-watch profile that the brand premiered in the 1970s. But now, the timepiece has gotten an update on its stainless steel origins, offering an entirely iced-out look with a whopping 1,675 diamonds set on the dial, bezel, and bracelet. This priceless timepiece is one for the ages, and it is a gift he will never forget.

For the one on your list who loves to be at the forefront of the latest trends, look no further than the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 watch, which the brand unveiled at SIHH in 2019. While naysayers initially questioned the aesthetic of this groundbreaking piece, the past five years have proven that the Code 11.59 collection isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

With a Code 11.59 watch, he will have the opportunity to show his taste and class by displaying a timepiece from a top-tier heritage brand like Audemars Piguet. However, instead of sticking to the classic Royal Oak line (one of Gerald Genta’s iconic 70s silhouettes), he’ll get the chance to shake it up with this more unexpected, round watch that is sure to turn heads.

This Code 11.59 timepiece features a sizable 41 mm case crafted from 18K rose gold. The captivating smoke-lacquered blue dial is a unique and eye-catching feature and is perfectly complemented by a mix of Arabic numeral and index hour markers. The leather bracelet makes it versatile enough for casual or formalwear, and the warm tones offset the blue hues in a way that can only be described as magical.

Any frequent flier on your list needs a watch that can stand the test of time – and the trials and travails of navigating TSA, busy airport lounges, and overnight flights to the very heart of paradise. While dual timezone watches might be relatively common now, it’s only fair to go back to the original creator of the GMT complication as our favorite travel watch: Rolex, of course.

The GMT complication was introduced by Rolex in 1954 and since then has become a staple of the horological world. Rolex’s GMT-Master II line is home to some of the most iconic watches of our generation. Let’s be honest: He already has a neck pillow, top-tier luggage, and a passport cover. So get your favorite world traveler what he really needs: a luxury watch to cherish.

The classic Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi” edition is the watch people normally think of when they imagine this iconic Rolex line – but here, we have chosen an upgraded version of the classic that is perhaps even more memorable than its predecessor. Like the “Pepsi” watch, this timepiece has a blue-and-red dual toned GMT bezel. However, it swaps out the stainless steel construction for coveted 18K white gold and adds an element of interest with an unusual white meteorite dial.

Wondering where to get your hands on this season’s hottest gifts? At Avi & Co., we are here to help. In our vast selection, you will discover timepieces from top brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Richard Mille. Our experienced team will work with you to find the perfect piece for anyone on your shopping list.

We have three convenient locations in Miami, New York City, and Aspen – so what are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment with us now!