Holiday Gift Guide 2024: The 10 Best Luxury Watches for Men

Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is a watch…

We know how busy the holiday season can be, with all of the cooking and decorating, making plans with friends and family, and shopping for all of those special people on your list. Whether you’re buying gifts for your watch aficionado grandpa, fashionable brother, or even just treating yourself, we have a variety of timepieces that will wow as soon as they leave the box.

Here are the 10 best luxury watches that every man will adore...

Richard Mille RM 030

Richard Mille’s RM 030 was unveiled in 2011 after four years of research and development. An automatic watch with a declutching rotor, it prevents the buildup of harmful debris inside the winding barrel. This impeccable RM was constructed using analytical engineering methods used in Formula 1 racing car designs.

Richard Mille aimed for peak design when he created the RM 030. This exclusive design makes it possible to speed up the winding process or slow it down depending on the owner’s activity level and environment. The titanium, tonneau shaped 50 mm case is assembled with a fixed, rose gold bezel, 20 grade-5 titanium spline screws, and a water resistance of 196 feet. This timepiece is equipped with the RMAR1 calibre with a 55-hour power reserve.

The transparent dial is perfect for that person who appreciates the finer things in life, especially the craftsmanship and technology that goes into a Richard Mille watch. With the limited edition aspect of the collection, anyone who receives this gift will feel exclusive while wearing it. It’s also a wonderful gift for that adventurous person on the go; they can go skiing and swimming in the same week, and their RM 030 will still glisten as it did the moment it first wrapped around their wrist.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was born in 1972 when the Swiss watch industry was facing an existential threat. There was great competition from Japanese brands who started to create quartz timepieces, and Swiss masons specialized in costly mechanical luxury watches. With customers on the lookout for an accessory they could wear all day no matter the occasion or condition, AP’s agent at the time saw an opportunity.

The Royal Oak is Audemars Piguet’s best-known and most-collected line. This particular Royal Oak model boasts an 18K rose gold case, a silver index dial with the brand’s classic tapisserie pattern, and a versatile 41 mm size that makes it perfect for any man on your list. Complete with water resistance up to 50 meters (165 feet) and a 60-hour power reserve, this watch is sure to be his next favorite accessory.

Throw in a lovely scarf and new boots, and that special someone will be the best dressed man this holiday season. Not only does this collection have an excellent power reserve, but it’s also produced with a high degree of accuracy and superior finish. With its octagonal bezel, Tapisserie dial, and 8 hexagonal screws, the Royal Oak is rightfully a modern icon.

The Audemars Piguet reference #26331OR is one of our favorite Royal Oak models. The series upgraded from its traditional stainless steel construction to a timeless design with the addition of the leather strap. The brand also increased the watch’s thickness from 9.8 mm to 10.4 mm. About 40,000 Royal Oaks are produced each year; between the Royal Oak, Offshore and Concept, there are about 180 references.

This Royal Oak boasts an 18K rose gold 41 mm case, assembled with a fixed, rose gold bezel, a screw-locked crown, and a water resistance of 165 feet. This timepiece is powered by the self-winding 2385 caliber with a 40-hour power reserve. The iconic Royal Oak is a handsome, masculine, and quality gift. Its eye-catching design will enthuse all classic Audemars Piguet fans. An upgrade for your father, father-in-law, or stepdad, this luxury AP will make anyone feel like a million bucks.

With the rounded octagonal shape of its bezel and its horizontally embossed dial, the Patek Philippe Nautilus has personified the elegant sports watch since 1976. With the success of Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak, Patek knew it was time to develop an exclusive sports watch of their own. Luckily for the company, Gerald Genta (the designer of the Royal Oak himself) jumped in at the opportunity to design for Patek Philippe. Genta was inspired by the shape of a porthole; the octagonal bezel is secured by four lateral screws to ensure water resistance.

The Patek Philippe Nautilus reference #5990 is one of the top luxury watches to invest in for the years to come. Many consider the octagonal case and horizontally embossed dial one of the most coveted designs in the horology world. The stainless steel 40 mm case is assembled with a smooth, stainless steel bezel and a water resistance of 330 feet.

The beautiful blue-black dial is ideal for the winter; it matches everything from a long peacoat and cashmere scarf to a three-piece suit. The target of the Nautilus collection was represented by dynamic business managers of the new generations, making this model a great investment for the businessman looking to upgrade his wardrobe.

Patek Philippe Nautilus 7118/1450R-001, Haute Joaillerie

60,000 Nautilus timepieces are produced each year. When the collection was first released in 1976, each watch cost $3,100 – and since then, they have only increased in value. The exquisite pave diamond set showcased on this Patek Philippe Nautilus Haute Joaillerie edition displays a whopping 2,553 diamonds. The rose gold 35 mm case is assembled with a gem set, rose gold bezel, and a water resistance of 98 feet. This timepiece is powered by the self-winding 324 S caliber with a 45-hour power reserve.

For the person on your Christmas list who has everything, a factory-set diamond Patek Philippe Nautilus watch would be a massive surprise. No matter how the men in your life plan to celebrate the New Year, make sure they do it in style. Imagine wearing a sharp, jet-black suit, and pulling back the sleeve to reveal such elegance. You’ll be giving a loved one all the luck they need in the coming new year.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G-010, 18K white gold

Launched in 1997, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut is still as modern, sporty, and unexpected as ever. Its rounded case is inspired by the Nautilus, and its ‘tropical’ strap is ultra-resistant to salt water and UV radiation. Considered especially versatile, its unconventional rubber strap, vibrant colors, and porthole shape are what excited the public.

Introduced in 2019, the white gold 42 mm case is assembled with a fixed, white gold bezel, and a water resistance of 394 feet. This Aquanaut is powered by the self-winding 324 S C calibre with a 45-hour power reserve. From 1998 to 2006, Patek transitioned to more traditional production methods and materials, moving from tritium to superluminova (aluminate-based non-radioactive and nontoxic afterglow pigments). This helped with preserving the color overtime, veering toward green rather than white. As of 1998, the Aquanaut is now offered in a wider range of metals and bracelet options.

If you’re looking to gift a watch to a younger member of the family, look no further. This olive green Aquanaut is an adventurous design for the winter season. The rich color will be the life of an ugly Christmas sweater or holiday party. A fun keepsake for someone traveling to a tropical location to escape the frigid snow, the lively green will make them feel like summer came early.

Rolex Submariner 116610LV, “Hulk”

In 1953, the Submariner was the first diving watch with a water resistance of 330 feet. This achievement surpassed the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, the Oyster, from 1926. The Submariner was introduced to help divers and their underwater escapades. Its chromalight display ensures visibility in dark environments. Hour markers are also featured in different shapes to prevent any confusion underwater. The 60-minute graduation allows divers to monitor diving time and decompression stops in a safe way. The scratch-proof case and protection against ultraviolet rays and chlorinated water are what made the Submariner the ultimate tool for deep-sea exploration.

One of the top five best-selling Submariner models and top luxury watches for men to invest in is the “Hulk”, named for its green bezel and dial as a nod to Marvel’s giant hero. Both the Rolex Submariner “Hulk” (which is now discontinued) and the original 50th Anniversary green dial Submariner are considered some of the rarest and most valuable timepieces Rolex has to offer.

As the Submariner is instantly recognizable, it’s a fantastic present for the outgoing person in the friend group or a family member hoping to spruce up their business attire. The stainless steel 40 mm case is assembled with a unidirectional, ceramic bezel, a screw-down winding crown, and a date window at the 3 o’clock hour mark. This Submariner runs on the self-winding 3135 calibre with a 48-hour power reserve. With a water resistance of 300 feet, the Hulk is perfect for a diver or water sport enthusiast.

Another timeless Rolex is the always trendy Day-Date. The Day-Date, which was originally launched in 1956, was the first self-winding, waterproof chronometer to indicate the day of the week spelled out. These watches have been released with day-of-the-week displays in 26 different languages, including Latin, Arabic, Hebrew, and Japanese.

The Rolex brand’s universal balance between elegance and technical excellence is what continues to make this collection thrive. Platinum adds further weight to the renowned Day-Date, as the material is harder to manufacture and work with. The contemporary 40 mm case is assembled with a fluted bezel, twinlock crown, and cyclops magnifying lens. This revolutionary timepiece is powered by the self-winding 3255 caliber with a 70-hour power reserve.

The beautiful ice blue is ideal for the man in your life who has exemplary taste. With the sharp presence of the dial, this platinum watch and its iconic presidential bracelet remain distinctive symbols of Rolex. This breathtaking Rolex Day-Date would also be a great milestone birthday present for someone whose birthday might get overshadowed by the holidays. Not only does this luxury watch stand out from the celebrations of the season, but it will also be a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual #126000, steel, yellow index dial

A top Rolex investment is the Oyster Perpetual, which debuted in 1950. Known for their vibrant colors, waterproof Oyster case, and exceptional chronometric precision, these watches have become an instant classic. In 1960, the Perpetual grew in case size, as the movements weren’t patented by Rolex. To fit the bigger case, a deeper caseback called the “Bubbleback” was created.

The name “Perpetual” refers to the perpetually winding rotor inside of every Rolex watch; therefore, all Rolexes say “Oyster Perpetual” instead of “Automatic.” This watch offers a stainless steel 36 mm case, assembled with a smooth, stainless steel bezel and a water resistance of 330 feet. Powered by the 3230 caliber, this Oyster Perpetual has a 70-hour power reserve. This caliber was developed and manufactured by Rolex and offers resistance to shocks and magnetic fields.

With its useful day-to-day functions, the Perpetual is considered universal and timeless. It embodies timeless form and function, firmly rooted in the pioneering origins of Rolex. The stainless steel model is ideal for someone with a bubbly and kind personality, sense of style, and sense of self. While yellow is the most popular of the Perpetual dials, these luxury watches are also available in shades of forest green, sky blue, and coral red.

Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi” Edition

Launched in 1955, the GMT-Master was designed to show the time in two different zones for airline pilots crisscrossing the globe. The Concorde was the first supersonic passenger airliner in the 1960s to perform its final test flights while both the British and French pilots were wearing GMT-Masters. This collection became the official watch of several airlines, including Pan Am. With the success of the GMT, the GMT-Master II was introduced in 1982.

The Rolex GMT-Master II was designed for the man whose work and play span different time zones. The stainless steel 40 mm case is assembled with a screw-down winding crown, and the watch offers a water resistance of 330 feet. Enclosed in the case is the self-winding 3285 caliber with a 70-hour power reserve.

The Pepsi is available in the oyster or jubilee bracelet, so there are two wonderful options for the man who appreciates the history of Rolex. The 3285 calibre, entirely developed by Rolex, allows travelers to adjust their local time without affecting the 24-hour hand. This allows travelers to easily read their local time as well as the time back home. It has a new movement for easy use, and its combination of functionality and recognizable two-color bezel is an excellent surprise for a frequent world traveler.

Shop accessories for your luxury watches at Avi & Co.

At Avi & Co., we have timepieces for everyone on your list, no matter their age or personality. Whether you’re shopping for a new or experienced collector, we make the gift-giving season easy. Our knowledgeable sales team will work with you until you feel comfortable and ready to purchase your investment.

We hope this holiday gift guide finds you well. No matter the occasion, we can’t wait to help you make someone’s holiday wish come true!

Schedule your appointment to visit us at one of our three locations (New York City, Miami, or Aspen, Colorado) today!