Gift-giving season is here and if you’re still stuck on what to give to that special person on your list, look no further than a luxury watch. Precious yet practical, impressive in the moment yet built to last a lifetime, a luxury watch offers the whole package. Life's too short for boring presents so choose one that’ll bring a smile to their face long after the wrapping paper is gone. From classic favorites to modern icons, here are the best luxury watch gifts to give this holiday season for him, her, or yes, even yourself.
Luxury Watches Under $15,000 for Him
Longines Heritage Classic Limited Edition For HODINKEE $3,299
A handsome vintage-inspired watch, the Longines Heritage Classic Limited Edition for Hodinkee offers retro charm without the hassle of maintaining an old timepiece. The beautifully designed sector-style dial houses blue center hands and a subdial at 6 o’clock. The set includes both a steel bracelet and a brown leather strap for two distinct ways to wear the watch.
Cartier Tank Solo XL $6,199
With its rose gold rectangular case, black leather strap, and silvered dial with black Roman numerals, the Cartier Tank Solo XL makes the perfect dress watch to accompany any formal wear. Along with the trio of time-telling hands at the center of the dial, there’s also a subtle date window at 6 o’clock for added practicality.
Rolex Datejust 16233 $7,799
Within the world of luxury watches, few pieces are as recognizable as a two-tone gold and steel Rolex Datejust – particularly one with Roman numerals, a fluted bezel, and a five-link Jubilee bracelet. The Datejust is a model that’s been around since 1945 and just like a bottle of fine wine, the collection just gets better with age.
Omega Speedmaster The 1957 Trilogy $10,999
Arguably one of the most famous watches ever made, the Omega Speedmaster became affectionately known as the Moonwatch when astronaut Buzz Aldrin wore it as he took his steps on the Moon in 1969. This Omega Speedmaster “The 1957 Trilogy” special edition is a re-issue of the very first model, complete with an almost identical case, dial, and bracelet.
Rolex Submariner $11,499
The Rolex Submariner is the high-end diving watch that all other diving watches are held up against – it doesn’t get better than this. This particular Submariner is a modern interpretation of the inaugural model, featuring a steel case, steel bracelet, ceramic diving bezel, and black dial with only a trio of time-telling hands at the center.
Patek Philippe Calatrava $14,999
Featuring a slim and restrained white gold case, an intricate hobnail pattern bezel, an understated white dial, and made by one of the most renowned high-end watchmakers in existence, the Patek Philippe Calatrava timepiece is for those who appreciate quiet luxury.
Luxury Watches Under $15,000 for Her
Cartier Tank Francaise $3,799
One of the must-have women’s watches, the Cartier Tank Française comes in various flavors but one of the most memorable is the two-tone variation that combines cool stainless steel with warm yellow gold. In true Cartier fashion, there’s a blue cabochon-cut stone set into the winding crown that matches the blue sword-shaped hands on the dial.
Rolex Lady-Datejust $5,399
The perfect everyday luxury watch that offers a touch of glam, this petite Rolex Lady-Datejust combines a steel case, white gold fluted bezel, and steel five-link bracelet beautifully. Plus, the dial shines even brighter with ten diamonds that serve as hour markers.
Bvlgari Serpenti $8,299
For the fashion-forward person on your gift list, there’s the iconic Bulgari Serpenti watch, which as its name suggests, takes its unforgettable form from a snake. There are countless variations of the Bulgari Serpenti watch including this very modern approach crafted from black ceramic and rose gold.
Cartier Tortue $11,999
Another famous animal-inspired timepiece is the Cartier Tortue, which sports a tortoise shell-shaped case. This stunning version pairs a lavish diamond-set rose gold case with an elegant burgundy satin strap, and the timepiece stays secure on the wrist via a rose gold buckle.
Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra $14,999
The four-leaf clover of the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra is one of the most recognizable shapes in fine jewelry, and it’s just as striking in watch form. From far it looks like a fabulous yellow gold, black onyx, and mother-of-pearl Alhambra bracelet but look a little closer and you’ll spot the watch dial on the largest clover.
Luxury Watches Over $15,000 for Him
Rolex Daytona $18,999
Coveted and collectible, the sporty Daytona has been Rolex’s flagship chronograph for 60 years with no signs of slowing down. A two-tone steel and yellow gold Daytona chronograph is often bestowed upon the winners of the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race — thankfully, you can also buy one for someone special without having to get behind the wheel of a racecar.
Cartier Santos Skeleton $28,999
The Santos Skeleton watch is an ultra-contemporary take on a Cartier watch that was developed over a century ago for pioneering aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. The open-worked dial inside the steel case offers a view of the movement that powers the watch while the full steel bracelet can be easily swapped out for another strap thanks to the simple-to-use interchangeable system.
Rolex Day-Date President $28,999
Officially called the Day-Date but better known as the Rolex President, this is the statement watch for those who’ve made it. Among all the precious metal options available, the classic choice is one in full yellow gold with a matching champagne-colored dial.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak $33,999
Born in the 1970s, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak established a whole new timepiece genre: the ultra-luxurious sports watch. Fast-forward five decades and the Royal Oak — characterized by its eight-sided bezel, integrated bracelet, and hobnail-patterned dial — has remained at the top of the now-crowded space, often imitated but never replicated.
Patek Philippe Chronograph 5170 $54,999
A Patek Philippe complication is the holy grail for many serious watch collectors and the Chronograph 5170 is a fantastic example of why that is. Grand, elegant, and with a touch of vintage charm, this white gold Patek Philippe dress chronograph is home to a pulsation scale, which was a feature once used by doctors to measure a patient’s heartbeat.
Luxury Watches Over $15,000 for Her
Cartier Baignoire $16,999
Named after the French word for “bathtub,” the oval shape of the Cartier Baignoire is what gives this luxury women’s watch its distinctive style. This lavish iteration includes a diamond-set white gold case paired with a beautifully carved white gold bracelet.
Rolex Datejust $44,999
A full gold Rolex watch with a matching gold President bracelet is one of those enduring classics that will never go out of style. For a modern spin, don’t miss this glorious rose gold Rolex Datejust with a rich chocolate brown dial. In addition to the diamond-set bezel, there’s also the dash of diamonds on the Roman numeral “VI” on the dial for some added sparkle.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph $44,999
In the watch space, no one does sporty yet ultra-luxurious quite like Audemars Piguet. An example of this appealing approach is the ladies’ Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph, which marries utilitarian steel, opulent diamonds, and casual rubber to great effect. Plus, the coordinating blue dial and strap add a subtle dash of color.
Patek Philippe Ladies’ Nautilus $89,999
Say the words “hype watch” and one of the first names that comes to mind is the Patek Philippe Nautilus – shoppers are willing to wait years and spend hefty sums for the privilege to own one. Yes, this exceedingly popular luxury watch is worth the hype, and the ladies’ versions, such as this rose gold beauty, are especially stylish thanks to their signature wave-patterned dial.
Time is running out to get your holiday gifts, so don’t delay any longer. Browse Phigora’s selection of pre-owned luxury watches to find the perfect gift that’ll bring them joy for decades to come.
