Best gift watches under $1,000, featuring some bona fide classics and big micro players
Borna BošnjakWe continue our exploration of some of the best watches of the year, still focusing on value and not compromising on cool factor, and picking them from the NOW Magazine Issue 9 Buying Guide, just for you. You can find our favourite picks under US$500, under US$5,000, under US$10,000, and under US$50,000, just in case you needed a bit more inspiration.
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38
If you’ve ever searched for a great starter watch, chances are the Khaki Field Mechanical came up. A mainstay in any kind of field or affordable list, the model has enjoyed impressive success, and for good reason. It’s equipped with a great entry-level movement courtesy of the Swatch Group’s power, and combines excellent wearability with historical, military significance. And, it just looks cool, with this new blue colourway another valid variant. Price: US$595, available from the T+T Shop
Bulova Classic Jet Star
If you’re not opposed to quartz watches, but just seem to be ticked off by the movement of the seconds hand, Bulova’s 262kHz quartz movements is the answer. The Classic Jet Star is looking to compete amongst the go-anywhere-do-anything crowd, taking inspiration from the brand’s archives and rendering them in a contemporary package. The HPQ Precisionist movement drives the seconds hand at 16 times per second for an ultra-smooth sweep. Price: US$595
G-Shock GM-B2100GD CasiOak
It may have taken Casio several years to catch up to the modding community, but if you want an authentic metal-cased CasiOak experience then the new Full-Metal in yellow-gold is going to give you all of the digital bling you could ever dream of. The release of the GD-9A variant of the GM-B2100 collection comes after stainless-steel and rose-gold finishes, and continues to offer an octagonal case design that isn’t just a Royal Oak copy. Price: US$600
Baltic x Time+Tide Hermétique Night Mode
Baltic, one of the biggest microbrands in the world, and Time+Tide have joined forces to release a field watch that accelerates into contemporary tastes with an on-trend 37mm case size and an all-black aesthetic. The Baltic x Time+Tide Hermétique Night Mode would be among the darkest and most dapper field watches we’ve ever seen, and something we’re really proud to share with the world as part of our 10th anniversary celebrations. Price: US$800, available exclusively from T+T Discovery Studios (for our UK readers too)
Citizen Tsuki-yomi A-T
Who actually needs to know the phases of the moon? While it might just be cool to watch nerds, there are plenty of real reasons why the lunar phase is important. Fishing and farming operations still take the moon’s guidance into account, and it can play a key role in various spiritual practices. The Tsuki-yomi A-T redefines the need of moonphase watches by introducing atomic clock synchronisation and crisp displays. Price: US$850
Ocean To Orbit Lhotse
Based in Melbourne, Australia, Ocean To Orbit is the brainchild of David Dewitt and Siddhartha Kazami, two ex-car designers who swapped penning the new Ford Ranger Raptor to obsessing over the width of polished chamfers and the minutiae of clasp logo engravings. As you may have guessed, the watch gets its name from the fourth-tallest mountain in the world, with its sights set on being a truly compelling go anywhere do anything (GADA) piece. Price: US$895
Studio Underd0g 02Series Field
It’s often said that sequels are rarely better than the original, and that’s exactly the challenge that Studio Underd0g faced. Resplendent in four cheekily named colourways, Richard Benc and co were inspired by a brief of the British Ministry of Defence. Now, whether the MoD would ever put the 02Series Field into service or not is a different question thanks to their full lume dials, but that’s exactly why we love them. Price: US$900, available from T+T Discovery Studios