When the holidays come around the darkness of the shortened days are not only fought with lights and decorations, but also with a lot of green and red. From ugly sweaters to elegant table settings; for a few weeks do these colors rule supreme. For those looking for something around their wrist to complement all this are here four suggestion, which also make very nice gifts for under the tree;

Overcoming adversity is one of the main ingredients that makes hip-hop such a highly popular genre. Many of the leading artists worked their way up from very modest beginnings, using their considerable talents to translate their struggles and experiences into music that inspires millions. They gave a voice to people who had none, and are a shining example that faith and hard work can make dreams come true. As they realized their own dreams, they also gained the ability to build impressive watch collections. Many of hip-hop's finest have shown that they have bold taste in watches, and combine this with a great understanding of quality and heritage, as the following four artists show:

Two or three hands that tell the time, sometimes with a date complication added to the mix; the majority of the watches produced these days follow this format. Nearly every brand has multiple models that follow this concept in their collection, which makes standing out, or even going a step further and making a mark on the industry, is challenging. The following four watches did, however, just that in 2019:

Also in 2019, the tourbillon ruled supreme as one of the most popular complications in Haute Horlogerie. Throughout the year, many new interpretations of the tourbillon where launched. Somewhere completely new creations, while other varieties of watches that we are already familiar with. The following four were for us among the hottest ones introduced in 2019;

It is still interesting to see that the development of certain mechanical complications doesn't stop. A great example of this is the chronograph, where brands continue to find new ways to take it to the next level. 2019 was a year in which chronographs broke records and celebrated anniversaries, as it has been 50 years since the very first automatic chronographs hit the market. So no wonder that 2019 was a great year for chronographs.

The moon has always had a great attraction to humankind. So when the first clocks where developed, displaying the moon phase was among the first complications that where added. It went the same with the pocket watch, and even on the wristwatch, the moon phase indicator made an early entrance. The majority of these watches utilize a disc on which two moons are displayed and which is shown behind a window on the dial. But some watches are different and show the heavenly body closest to earth in its three-dimensional fashion.

Watches that can display more than one timezone remain popular. This is not so surprising as we not only travel more and more, but as the world becomes more interconnected, we also deal more frequently with people and businesses located in other parts of the world. Next to its practical use do watches that display more than one timezone often also have a dynamic look to them, one that almost entices you to go out and explore new worlds. The following four watches do just that, and are for us among the hottest GMT watches launched this year;

Even in today's time, with high-tech carbon composites and exotic alloys ruling supreme, there is still that undeniable appeal of 18 karat gold. It can be rather discreet when you opt for white gold, more outgoing in the warm tones of rose gold, or an instant classic when you go for yellow gold. Gold pleases its owner with more than just its visual splendor. It is also the heft of this material that makes you know that you are wearing something special. This is especially true with watches that not only feature a case made of this material but a bracelet as well. The following four watches go all in, as they show off the beauty that you get when you go for only gold;

Nature is often a source of inspiration for how we design things. Especially in jewelry, are there many objects whose shape is inspired by animals, flowers, or the world below sea level. In watches, it is usually animals that inspire designers to create something unique, like the following four watches;

Halloween is here again, and that means that it is time to don yourself in your scariest outfit and celebrate. Details often make the difference between a good outfit and a great one. Watches hardly ever play a role in Halloween costumes, but that doesn't mean that there aren't any watches that couldn't play the part. These four watches would fit right in during the holiday, but will also be the rest of the year a 'skeleton' you gladly have available in your closet.

Diamonds on a ladies' watch are not a necessity, but in most cases, they do add something special. Even when only a few are used, their fire and scintillation make such a watch, especially in certain light conditions, truly stand out. While some diamond set ladies watches take on the mantra, the more, the merrier, others are more restrained in their approach. Here are for of those watches that are truly fit for a dame

Next to being ultra-light and very strong is carbon visually a very cool material. It can be processed in a variety of different ways, each with an appearance of its own. In watchmaking, the advantages that this material offers where recognized at a very early stage by quite a few watchmakers. It is utilized primarily in sports watches, as this type of watches makes the most out of the benefits that carbon offers over steel and even titanium. Next to that do they also utilize carbon as an important visual element of the design. That this can result in very tempting watches is proven by the following four watches;

Most mechanical watches emit a sound of some sort. Some tick modestly, yet others quite noticeably. This is not really on purpose, but more the way that they are constructed. There is, however, a category of watches that are designed to make a sound. Some chime the time, others have an audible alarm, but all are without exception fitted with a beautiful and complex movement, such as the following four watches.

Becoming a 'gold standard' in the world of watches is something that only a few models will ever achieve. In a twist of irony have many of them accomplished this by being made not from this precious metal. However, that doesn't mean that even those don't look good in gold. Over the years have these four models proved their staying power and became the ones to which all the others are measured.

Black is a color that is nearly always appropriate to wear. Also in watchmaking does it have a dominant position, especially when it comes to dials and straps. Black cases were for a long time a rarity. At the beginning of the last century, some brands, like Cartier, for example, experimented with bakelite cases. These watches were scarce then, and even more so now. Later on, new technologies such as PVD-coatings made it that more watches with black cases entered the market. Today there are several materials which a brand can utilize to create a black watch case. Next to the traditional PVD-coating, are there now coatings made from 'Diamond-Like Carbon,' which are more resistant to wear. Next to coatings did also a whole new generation of materials emerged. Ceramic was one of the first to make its entrance, but now even carbon, in various forms, is being used to craft watch cases. Their popularity is increasing, and for a good reason, because no matter what black-colored material is selected, it often results in watches that are true dark delights!

When it comes to watches, we tend to focus on the movement and its complications. While this is indeed often the reason why we buy a particular watch, a good bracelet, when it is of course fitted with one, can also have a substantial impact on how we enjoy it in day to day life. It should not only firmly yet comfortably secure the watch on our wrist, but it should also match its style. Designing and creating such a bracelet is not an easy task, yet these four brands nailed it.