Editors' Top Watch Choices for the Holiday Season

Unwrapping Excellence: The Ultimate Holiday Watch Selections of 2025

Sean Lorentzen's Choice: The Timeless Allure of Jaeger-LeCoultre's Reverso

For Sean Lorentzen, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds in pink gold emerged as the undeniable favorite of 2025. He praises its exquisite aesthetic, noting that while it might not be the most revolutionary, its beauty is unparalleled. The combination of the iconic Reverso silhouette, a finely textured matte gold dial, a charming small seconds sub-dial, and particularly, the intricate pink gold Milanese bracelet, creates a masterpiece of design. The bracelet, crafted from 16 meters of meticulously woven and hand-soldered gold wire, offers not only visual splendor but also exceptional comfort, making it an ideal everyday luxury.

Ed Rhee's Ambitious Selection: Hublot's Sapphire Masterpieces

Ed Rhee, embracing a touch of extravagance, sets his sights on an entire collection: the Hublot Big Bang 20th Anniversary "Master of Sapphire" set. He justifies this choice by highlighting Hublot's unrivaled expertise in producing colored sapphire cases. The set comprises five distinct versions of the 44mm Big Bang, each powered by the MECA-10 movement and encased in vibrant sapphire in shades like Water Blue, Deep Blue, purple, transparent, and Neon Yellow SAXEM. Rhee's pick underscores the brand's innovative approach to materials and design, demonstrating that for some, more is indeed better when it comes to cutting-edge horology.

Ripley Sellers' Dream: Chopard's L.U.C Grand Strike Sonnerie

Ripley Sellers, free from budgetary constraints, yearns for the Chopard L.U.C Grand Strike. He acknowledges that chiming watches and skeletonized movements aren't always his preference, but the Grand Strike's technical prowess and visual artistry are simply irresistible. The open-worked dial is not merely decorative but serves as a window into its complex micro-mechanics. Moreover, its status as a COSC-certified chronometer, rather than just a prototype, assures real-world functionality. This piece stands as a testament to Chopard's enduring legacy as a significant force in high watchmaking, expertly blending intricate mechanics with practical reliability.

Jacob Van Buren's Practical Desire: The Refined Tudor Ranger 36mm

Jacob Van Buren expresses a straightforward desire for the Tudor Ranger in its new 36mm size. He appreciates its downsized proportions, which he believes enhance its wearability and versatility. Despite identifying as a "vintage nut" and an "Explorer fanatic," he finds the new Ranger incredibly compelling. His preference for the black dial on a bracelet reflects a classic and understated taste, emphasizing the watch's balanced design and practical appeal. For Van Buren, this iteration of the Ranger represents a perfect blend of heritage and contemporary wearability.

Ariel Adams' Appreciation: The Excellence of German Watchmaking

Ariel Adams reveals a profound admiration for German watchmaking, particularly after spending considerable time with brands ranging from entry-level to high-luxury. He values the German focus on quality, functionality, durability, and craftsmanship, which resonate deeply with his own principles. His ultimate holiday wish is for a high-end, exquisitely hand-decorated mechanical timepiece from esteemed German manufacturers like A. Lange & Sohne or Glashütte Original, particularly those from the town of Glashütte. This choice underscores a respect for the precision engineering and artistic decoration synonymous with German horology.

David Bredan's High-Frequency Favorite: Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 SL Cadence 8HF

David Bredan's ideal holiday watch is the Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 SL Cadence 8HF. He seeks a timepiece that is both practical for daily wear and technologically advanced. He highlights the watch's "bonkers" engineering, such as its ceramized titanium movement plates, which contribute to its feather-light feel. Beyond the technical specifications, it was the distinctive, rapid, and perfectly synchronized 8Hz ticking sound that truly captivated him, cementing his affection for this unique high-frequency marvel. This choice reflects a desire for innovation and a deep appreciation for the subtle yet profound details in watchmaking.

Mike Razak's Robust Choice: The Enduring Appeal of the Tudor Pelagos Ultra

Mike Razak, despite his inherent pickiness, would gladly welcome the Tudor Pelagos Ultra under his tree. Having tried the watch on multiple occasions, he admits to being on the verge of acquiring it himself. He acknowledges that while he doesn't "need" such a robust tool watch, its absence represents a gap in his collection. He praises its exceptional wearability, even at 43mm, and firmly believes that the Pelagos series stands as Tudor's finest offering. His choice speaks to a desire for a durable, high-performance timepiece that combines functionality with impressive design.