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His & hers watches are the anniversary gift that lets you justify adding a new piece to your collection His & hers watches are the anniversary gift that lets you justify adding a new piece to your collection

His & hers watches are the anniversary gift that lets you justify adding a new piece to your collection

Thor Svaboe

When it comes to a significant anniversary, a diamond ring is always a welcome gift that’ll make her positively swoon with gratitude for a day or two. But why not invest in a matching set of watches? “His and hers” might conjure up slightly naff images, but the reality can actually prove to be a genuine win-win. Not only will you ensure your partner has something nice for their wrist that reminds you both of that special day, it’s also a cunning way to justify a new addition to your collection that you can enjoy with each new wristroll. Here are some options to consider.

Longines HydroConquest

On a premium-economy budget, you can’t get more of a classic diver than the strong lines of the Longines HydroConquest series. With a broad-shouldered case design and a 41mm case for him, you can’t go wrong with that gorgeous dark navy sunray dial. While channelling some well-known design cues from sports watch icons, it still has very much its own identity. The classic Longines design protocol has long swoopy lugs in the recipe, so the 41mm might be the best medium-sized choice, with a beautiful ergonomic curve they make the HydroConquest sit beautifully on the wrist. While the bracelet feels solid enough for more adventures than either of you are ever likely to muster in several lifetimes, the polished centre section has a more dressy vibe to it. Tip of the day would be to also buy the super-comfortable patterned rubber strap in a matching blue for more casual days.

hydroconquestFor her, you’ll find the same intricate details in a strong 39mm case because, let’s face it chaps, a lot of women like wearing larger watches these days. It still comes with that delightful blue sunray dial, plus the addition of the delightful pop of a red seconds hand tip. Both of these blue beauties come with the toughness of a 300m depth rating, so start looking for that matching set of scuba gear while you’re at it.  Price $2400 AUD for him, $1850 AUD for her

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm x 2

What better way to celebrate that 10-year wedding anniversary than matching Rolex Oyster Perpetuals? Perpetual happiness is what you married her for, after all? To find a colour that easily catches your eye is a doddle in the year Rolex finally remembered that they had a mad spell in the ’70s with the legendary Stella dials. Me, I’m suggesting the 36mm in the freshest, most brilliant light blue you can imagine. And yes, why Tiffany hasn’t already announced co-branded versions of this in a tone so close to their own, God only knows. From the perfectly shaped, bevelled and polished indices to the almost insanity-inducing balanced proportions of the case, this is it.

Here’s my cheeky twist: I had on a 36mm watch two days ago and marvelled at the lightness and comfort. Times are a-changing, so buy two of the same size. Why not a 34mm for her instead? Because this is a perfect (here comes that dreadful ’80s term) unisex size, and when you get some minor dints on yours, swap it for hers (she’ll never know). Price: $7850 AUD

Rado Captain Cook 

We know very well how perfect the vintage vibes of the Captain Cook are, through many stories last year, such as this by Nick Kenyon. Vintage skin divers are enjoying a surge of popularity in 2020, and with its popping dial colours and timeless ’60s details, the Captain Cook series sure ticks our boxes.

I’d happily have one of these on my wrist to celebrate an anniversary and probably opt for the 42mm automatic, while still feeling the occasional urge to borrow her 37mm It’s a limited-edition piece with a hand-sewn leather strap and a deep chocolate sunray dial, matched by cream lumed indices and the skin diver toughness of the large arrow and sword hands. Let’s hope her size is still available, as they’re only producing 1962 (yes, the year of inception) in this limited series. Even in this small size you still get the immense power reserve of 80 hours in the strong ETA-based movement.  Price: $3060 AUD for her, and $3400 AUD for him

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

royal oak

Nothing says comfortable, slim classic haute horlogerie quite like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. The 41mm 15500 is good enough to not only be your anniversary watch, but the mythical “forever watch”, the one that you’ll actually cherish long enough to get a few hairlines on, keep it serviced and pass onto the next generation. The automatic movement is as exquisite as it is reliable, while the bracelet and case is the most angular of the iconic integrated bracelet group of luxury sports watches, with the bold octagon bezel leading the eye onto that tapisserie dial. Whether in a classic black or the eye-catching dark blue, the machined perfectionist pattern is begging to be examined through a loupe. With a distinctly svelte 10.4mm thickness and the drape of the decisively striated brush on the steel bracelet, you will struggle to replace it on the wrist. It’s that comfortable.

For her present, I propose the even more svelte 33mm reference, in a scarcely believable 7mm thickness due to its Swiss quartz movement. If you think she might miss the beauty of bridges, balance wheel pirouettes and Côtes de Genève, splash out on the solid gold version, I dare you. Price (steel): 33mm quartz $13,400 US, 41mm automatic $19,200 AUD 

Nomos Ahoi Atlantik

The slightly more quirky Bauhaus design choice is the Nomos Ahoi, a casual, sporty series with slim and minimalist round cases, but tough angular crown guards as a welcome contrast. The dials are large, supremely legible and with the crispest printing to grace a German dial. In a world of super-reflective bevels and striated brushwork, the language of the Nomos series is understated and quiet, but thoroughly refreshing in its graphic and colourful language. Graphic as in the thick-papered expensive inlay of a design magazine with embossed print.

While minimal as a design statement, it’s maximal when it comes to the manufacture movement and superlative German quality of everything from the feeling of winding the crown to the simple but exquisite polish on the elegant round case. A dark Atlantik model in their beguiling dark midnight blue at 40.3mm for him, and the ultra fresh white Ahoi Neomatik in 36.3mm for her. Both offer their own inimitable maritime chic: his the more dressy reference with gold print and hands. What ties them together is the fresh turqouise lume on the hands, and that bright pop of orange on the small seconds pointer.  Price $5330 AUD for her and $5300 AUD for him