Season’s Greetings! Christmas is here! In this special article, I will recommend 5 presents for the horologist.
1) Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar
The “MUT” houses the Caliber 868, a self-winding ultra-thin modular perpetual calendar with 336 parts and 46 jewels, that is only 4.72mm thick. Noticeable is its 4 digit year display and an understated calm symmetry of the dial.
Also known as the MUT, this is an ideal gift for a purist. Cased at 39 mm, with thickness only at 9.9 mm, the watch not only features an incredible movement, but also great value. It retails at S$26,600.
2) A. Lange & Sohne: Datograph Auf/Ab in Platinum
This watch needs no further introduction. It is probably one of the best if not the best chronograph made today. The Datograph is the essence of achievement without the fanfare of flamboyance. It is the choice piece of a gentleman who knows his watches and knows the way of life. It retails at S$105900. Deployant’s Peter Chong covers this piece in greater detail in: The Lange Datograph Auf/Ab.
The Lange Datograph up/down. A bastion of fine watchmaking and a highly collectible piece of haute horology.
3) Grand Seiko Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 GMT
Now that we have a perpetual calendar and a chronograph, the third on the list is this Grand Seiko. Armed with a GMT function, it is a consummate travel companion unlike any other. The subtlety of its excellence is a quiet reflection of the wearer’s exquisite taste and appreciation of fine watches. The standard models retails for €6700 (~S$11000) and the green dial limited edition €7050 (~S$11500). More pictures and comparisons are available in Grand Seiko Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 GMT.
Completely functional, yet beautiful all the same, the Grand Seiko Hi-Beat is an embodiment of Seiko’s legacy in watch making.
4) Namiki Falcon Fountain Pen
Apart from watches, some other accessories and instruments make brilliant gifts. This gift is highly suitable for the avid pen lover or a sensible man who still appreciates the beauty of handwriting. The Namiki Falcon Fountain Pen is fairly priced at USD$180 (~S$250), and offers a flexible 14k gold nib for a great writing experience.
The Namiki Falcon is a well balanced medium sized pen cased in resin. The flexible nib is highly versatile and great for thickness variation in strokes.
5) Pocket Square from Vanda Fine Clothing
A Pocket Square is a staple in a gentleman’s wardrobe. A good pocket square is one which is hand rolled and sewn, and uses a good quality fabric. In fact, there is a pocket square artisan right here in Singapore. So what could be a better gift than to get a good square and support local talent, both at the same time. The pocket square shown below retails at S$60.
A highly versatile accessory that adds colour even to the most boring person. Featured here is the ‘Chili Red Leaf Print’, in 100% silk twill from Italy with hand rolled edges.
So here’s my 5 picks. What do you think? Feel free to let me know what’s on your wishlist. Cheers to a merry jolly Christmas!
