The 3 Best Last-Minute Watch Gifts for Men

1. Nordgreen Pioneer

Check Price

Nordgreen is a familiar name at Next Luxury. We’ve previously riffed some thoughts on their Fall collection from this year, which revolves around the concept of the tactile relationship you have with your everyday items and the experiences that come from that unique type of relationship.

With that kind of intention and thought put into their collections, you already know that you have that “conversation piece” angle checked off for your gifting needs. I always try to find a fun fact or two to go along with a gift. I find it makes the receiver feel extra cool to have a few one-liners they can pull out of their pocket to tell to future admirers of their timepiece.

As a general look into Nordgreen, the company came together back in 2017 in an effort to bring traditional Scandinavian watchmaking into the eyes and onto the wrists of today’s consumer, matched in tradition with modern and understated design features that favor functionality over flashiness. All in all, a great place to start sifting through their collections for your average watch wearer, whether it’s you or a loved one this season.

One of Nordgreen’s tried and true silhouettes that comes with high recommendation is their classic Pioneer model – a crowd-pleasing timepiece that Nordgreen describes as a “minimalist take on a chronograph.” Without saying much else, this is a big green flag for the person on your list with an affinity for things classic or vintage. Additionally, Nordgreen’s Pioneer is a part of the previously mentioned concept of mixing texture and memory together for a tactile experience.

When you dive into the details, you’ll quickly find the inspiration for the Pioneer comes from technical devices we’ve seen throughout the years. Despite the layered functionality of the piece, no corners are cut in ensuring that the composition and design of the watch face remains simple and uncluttered. My personal favorite element of the Pioneer is the extra attention to detail in the domed sapphire glass on the dial. Both an element of security for the dial as well as an element of depth, it protects the Japanese quartz movement inside that keeps the piece moving.

Available in both Charcoal Black and a sophisticated Ash Grey, the package comes with multiple options for the band. Brown leather is my preference, but you can make the call between brown leather, black leather, and gunmetal links depending on your mood or what the situation calls for.

Nordgreen is offering an additional 15% off their already discounted bundles with code NEXTLUXURY.

2. Shinola Runwell

Check Price

If you’ve spent any time in the watch world, Shinola is definitely a name that has crossed your radar (if not held a place in your collection). As a brand, Shinola has long rested its laurels on American manufacturing and its footprint in Americana heritage style. Shinola comes with a solid reputation and a long historical track record, which comes along with a price tag. These factors make Shinola a top contender for a gift that commemorates a special occasion, milestone, or perhaps for someone extra special. 

While it’s really difficult to land on a favorite when you consider their expansive collection over their long history, I’ve done my best to pick one that would suit my tastes this holiday season, especially for use in more formal situations that one might come in touch with in high frequency during this most wonderful time of the year.

I have long had my eyes on the variety of options in the Runwell series, coming in at just under $600 for any of the colors and makes, this is one of Shinola’s more accessible options that works equally well in a casual or formal setting. For me, I’m about the contrast of the leather strap against the white or green faces. What’s best for you? Black? Bold in blue? The choice is yours.

3. Oris Artelier Complication

Check Price

Man, it’s hard to talk about watches without bringing up Oris, a legendary fixture in the world of timekeeping for well over 100 years. I recently attended the same event as Oris and they brought their 30-foot Airstream trailer decked out inside with just about every watch face you could dare to dream up. Exclusively making mechanical watches, the precision required to manufacture such pieces significantly affects the price of your timepiece.

For the sake of inclusion, however, I have to note my love for the Artelier Complication, one version of their Artelier collection. Truly a heritage heirloom piece, the design screams agelessness while also exuding heritage in a way that only our grandparents knew how. Anyone got a spare $2,500 kicking around?