It can be challenging to buy the modern man that perfect present. But if there’s one thing that is always appreciated, it’s a quality timepiece. A watch gift for a husband or boyfriend is a very special thing. Every time they look at the dial, they’re reminded of you. So how do you get such a personal present right?
We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the right watch gift for him. Whether he’s the sporty type, loves the outdoor life, or is a sophisticated urbanite who dresses to impress, there’s a watch that’s perfect. We’ll look at why watches are still relevant and an exceptional gift, as well as matching the timepiece to the man. We’ll examine what kind of timepieces are on offer in a wide range of price points.
We’ll also see what’s hot in 2024, how to pick a watch on a budget, and tips on choosing a watch that stays timeless for years to come. If you’ve been searching for inspiration on boyfriend watch gift ideas or a timepiece for a special man in your life, our guide will point you in the right direction.
Jewellery fashions come and go, but men’s watches always stay in vogue. So, what makes a watch such a great gift? Primarily, it’s something that we’re all looking for – a perfect combination of form and functionality. A beautiful timepiece is also incredibly practical and can be worn every day with any outfit. A quick glance tells you exactly what time it is and whether you’re early or late for that important meeting!
Men’s watches can also be intensely personal pieces of jewellery. The simple addition of an engraved message on the back casing means that there is always a connection between the gift giver and the receiver, no matter how far apart they are.
Watches are also incredibly sentimental items. While they may have a specific monetary value, they can also be priceless to an individual. A father’s watch, a grandfather’s military timepiece, or a watch handed on to a son—men’s watches can connect the generations and become part of a family’s story.
Luxury timepieces are also highly desirable items, with certain brands, such as Rolex, Cartier, or Tag Heuer, particularly aspirational.
It’s a special occasion, and you want to mark it with a memorable and unique gift. Why not make it a watch? A watch gift for a husband doesn’t have to be expensive, either. For example, an affordable smartwatch makes a fabulous birthday gift. Multi-functional and definitely one that tech heads will appreciate, smart devices are also often far more affordable than luxury watches from big-name brands.
For a wedding present, we go to the other end of the scale. A wedding gift is one that you need to think about carefully. What kind of man is the groom? What is his personal style – is he a sharp dresser or more laid-back? Does he love diving or hiking, or is he more at home at a red carpet or gala event? Luxury timepieces range in price from hundreds to thousands of pounds, so it’s essential to consider the recipient’s character before purchasing that high-end timepiece.
A watch as a Christmas present is always popular. And don’t think that just because someone already has a watch, they don’t appreciate receiving another one.
Our top tip: Add something a little extra to a Christmas watch gift for him by having a personalised message engraved on the back.
With so many different types of watches on offer it can be confusing to sift through the pros and cons of each. So let’s break it down into different watches and what kind of man they’re best suited to.
Sheer quality, elegance, and a lifetime guarantee epitomise classic timepieces. These watches use analogue faces (as opposed to digital watches) and are crafted from quality materials. Look for respected names such as Seiko, Omega, and Tag Heuer, as well as some more budget-friendly brands like Tissot.
The Tissot PRX is a fabulous choice that ticks all the right boxes as a classic timepiece without the high price you’d pay for a luxury version. Simple yet timelessly elegant, it’s a watch that can be worn all day, every day and is even sophisticated enough for a red-carpet event. This is a watch for any man who has a sense of style but also wants that everyday practicality.
Modern watches cover a broad spectrum of styles. But if you’re looking for a gift for a husband or boyfriend that’s a little bit different, modern takes on the classic timepiece are a great place to start. With the iconic analogue dial but with contemporary twists such as bold colourways, modern watches are superbly engineered and reliable but have a lighter, more frivolous side to them.
A prime example of a modern watch with a difference is the Certina DS Super PH1000M. It’s rugged and masculine, but that bright orange face gives it real character. Underneath, it has all the high-tech add-ons you could wish for, including a magnetic-field-resistant Nivachron™ balance spring.
It’s the go-to if you’re looking for husband or boyfriend watch gift ideas for the serious athlete. Whether it’s a £120 Timex® IRONMAN® Adrenaline Ana-Digi 46mm PU Strap Watch or a £3000 Breitling Endurance Pro X Iron Man, the committed athlete will appreciate the ruggedness and functionality of a quality sports timepiece. With these watches, the more you pay, the better the quality and while the Timex devices are outstanding for their price, a Breitling is a genuinely iconic timepiece that will last a lifetime.
Let’s bring things up to date with one of the most popular watches for men today—the smartwatch. Multi-functional, sleek, and highly desirable, smartwatches live up to their name with the ability to pair with your smartphone, act as a pedometer, track your sleep patterns, and so much more. These are great watches if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that’s feature-rich and good-looking, too.
At the top end are examples such as the Galaxy Watch Ultra, which has Bluetooth connectivity, personalised coaching features, and an aerospace-grade titanium casing. At the other end of the price spectrum are options like the Sekonda Motion Plus Silver Smart Watch, which may be a tenth of the price of the Galaxy but still offers a wealth of functions and features.
If you’re buying a once-in-a-lifestime gift for a husband, brother or son, the luxury watch is the way to go. These aren’t just timepieces – they’re heirlooms that can be passed down from father to son for generations. Of course, the classic Rolex Oyster, such as the Perpetual Date Yacht-Master, is truly iconic. But if you want something a little more ‘out of the box’, then a Breitling Chronomat Chronograph is just as desirable and a little more understated than a Rolex.
While you can spend thousands for a luxury timepiece, the majority of watch gifts for him will fall into the ‘midrange’ price bracket. So here are five of the most popular men’s watches that make the perfect gift for any occasion.
Citizen Men’s Chronograph Bracelet Watch – coming in at between £200 and £300, this rugged, technologically advanced chronograph is a classic choice for men. The Eco-Drive movement is a real bonus, eliminating the need for a battery as it’s powered by any form of natural light.
Tissot Men’s Seastar 1000 Chronograph Bracelet Watch—This beautiful and elegant watch from the T-Sport collection has a distinctive green dial and bevelled black ring. It is perfect for outdoors lovers and divers. Expect to pay around £560 for this quality timepiece.
Citizen Eco-Drive Military Blue Bracelet Watch – Another one from Citizen, this time at around £160. Smaller and lighter than the Chronograph, the Military Blue also features Eco-Drive technology and a distinctive midnight blue dial with luminescent hands.
Casio G-Shock Master Of G Mudmaster – A device for the ultimate mud runner, this Casio is as tough as they come. A mind-boggling selection of features and carbon fibre casing makes this smartwatch a perfect choice for outdoor lovers. Expect to pay around £300 for this legendary sports timepiece.
Seiko Men’s Prospex Sumo Automatic Divers Green Dial Bracelet Watch—This has to be the epitome of the ideal men’s watch—a diver’s watch that even someone who’s never strapped on a scuba tank would be happy to wear! Diver’s watches look the part, but this one is the real deal, too, as it’s water resistant up to 200m. The Brunswick green face gives it that semi-military appeal, too.
Smaller dials – For years, men’s watches were of the ‘bigger is better’ profile. Now, smaller dials are in vogue, with 36mm cases more popular than the larger 42mm or bigger options.
The Vintage look—Military-style watches are always popular as a watch gift for him. This year, the vintage look has hit its stride with watches like the beautifully detailed AVI-8 Spitfire Smith Automatic. This example captures that wonderfully retro vibe and is an affordable choice for a birthday or Christmas gift for him, too. Double up with the year’s trend for luminous dials with watches like the IWC Full Lume 41 Black Aces Pilot, although expect to pay around £6,000 for this particular high-end timepiece.
Colourful dials – Coloured dials are nothing new, but the trend for 2024 is rainbow dials or multi-coloured faces, such as the Diesel Men’s Griffed 42mm Rainbow Glass Watch. At around £200, this is an excellent choice for a younger recipient who loves a more on-trend look.
Giving a watch as a gift is pretty special, but there are ways to take it to the next level. The most obvious option is to engrave your timepiece with a very personal message from you. It could be an anniversary gift, a ‘landmark’ birthday message, or just something that means nothing to anyone else except you and the recipient. Engraving turns a simple watch, regardless of its cost, into something that will be treasured for a lifetime.
If you are going to have the watch case engraved, bear in mind that it will affect the watch’s resale value if the recipient wants to sell it.
Presentation is everything, so a beautiful or unique box is a must. For expensive luxury watches, it’s always important to include the ‘paperwork’ such as certificates of authenticity. This is all part of the watch’s provenance.
A quality timepiece is a substantial investment, so watch insurance is an additional gift to provide peace of mind for the recipient. At TH March, we understand how invested you are in your purchase and have the right kind of specialist watch insurance for you. Check out our information on our watch insurance page, or contact us today for more details and a no-obligation quote.