What better way to celebrate the festive season, than to give your WIS (watch idiot savant) partner, friend or family member a watch related gift for Christmas.
The following items are sometimes an afterthought for us WIS, so what better way to show them you care than by giving a gift they always wanted but never realised they needed.
This list is just a bit of fun and not too expensive. Consider it a reference for some ideas but not to be considered a direct replacement for a timepiece you were already going to buy the WIS person in your life.
1. A Watch Stand
This is something us enthusiasts don’t really think about but given this item can keep our timepiece elevated for viewing at night (lume permitting) then it’s a good idea and another way of engaging with our watches without being on the wrist.
£19.73
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0874JKDWH/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_fabt1_yPuVFbJF5EA0C
2. Book : A Man and His Watch
Information is key while being well informed and educated keeps us one step ahead of the not so well informed. A popular book for us enthusiasts that any watch enthusiast young or old would appreciate having under the tree this Christmas.
£18.95
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Man-His-Watch-Matthew-Hranek/dp/1579657141
3. A Watch Box
Storage of our timepieces is often overlooked and with busy lives it’s often the grab and go policy that works for most. The sock drawer is usually the first place to keep our watches safe, however consider the watch case instead. These come in all different shapes and sizes depending on how many you have or want will depend on what size watch case you need. Be careful though however as a 10 piece watch box, with the recipient only having two watches already, is an invitation to fill the other 8 slots with more.
£29.20
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07K1C18LX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_lSuVFbBNK8HSE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
4. The G-SHOCK
A much loved watch for its aesthetic appearance, the Casioak is a watch any WIS would be happy to receive as a gift as it breaks those barriers that even the toughest automatic stalwart have built up. The surprise crossover success from 2019 continues its march into 2020 and beyond.
£99.99
https://g-shock.co.uk/ga-2100-1aer
5. ZEISS Microfibre Cloth
We all like to keep our watches looking pristine and shiny, often the first thing we do is use the nearest thing to hand usually a t-shirt or a cuff to give our watch a quick buff to rid it of those pesky fingerprints and marks. However, consider a lint free cleaning cloth for a more professional approach that doesn’t streak and start by looking here.
£9.99
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00YWA8EF2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_oUuVFbSY0DF91?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
6. Cape Cod Polishing Cloth
Ever decreasing watches, in this case a polishing cloth that will eventually reduce your watches diameter if used incorrectly over time. The Cape Cod cleaning cloth is a fantastic item to have, however this is not for taking out deep scratches, but to lightly polish and I mean lightly, give your watch a buff/polish removing yearly wear and that dull haze that unpolished steel gains after being slid under your cuff hundreds of times per day.
£5.45
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07F2JRM39/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_oVuVFb9JH8S4P
7. Illuminated Magnifier
Who doesn’t like looking at their timepieces, isn’t that the whole point? A jeweller’s loupe is something rarely thought of but can give you an enhanced appreciation of one’s timepieces and other peoples for that matter. Viewer discretion advised upon viewing said timepieces though as with a loupe you may end up seeing something untoward that cannot be unseen later.
£11.95
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MWZQ38V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_RWuVFbQH9BVQZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
8. Gorilla Pod Mobile Tripod
The WIS that doesn’t take photos of their timepieces is surely missing out. Nothing beats taking that impromptu photo with our phones when the setting and light is just right and taking that killer shot requires a steady hand, or you could just use a tripod for that rock solid shot.
£14.95
https://joby.com/uk-en/gorillapod-mobile-mini-black-green-jb01519-0ww/
9. Seiko Presage Watch
Sometimes the simplest of things are what make us WIS happy, in this case the Seiko Presage Cocktail can be appreciated on yours or anyone else’s wrist. The dial on this piece is the standout feature bringing a smile to the face of even the most stern watch idiot savant.
10. Q-Timex Watch
The Q Timex reissue from last year was hard to get when it came to market but fortunately now it is readily available and in a variety of colours, styles and finishes. It will also save the wearer requiring arm waxing for the foreseeable future.
11. Seiko SRP Watch
A daily beater that will look great on any wrist, though this isn’t for someone who chases pheasants out of shrubbery. But a watch that will serve well for years to won’t break the bank.
£228
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seiko-SRPD63K1-SEIKO-Sports-Auto/dp/B07Y53F3L4
12. Watch Demagnetiser
A time will come for any mechanical watch owner where one of their watches will become magnetised, and instead of a trip to the local watchmakers all you need is a tenner and a visit to eBay. It really is that simple, check out many of the countless YouTube videos on the subject to find out how to use it too.
Thanks for reading my list and if you want to check out what I’m up to then follow me on Instagram at @educating_cellita
Thanks!
Chris Bettany