The Watch Collector’s Christmas List

Suggested by Giorgia Mondani: The Christmas shopping season has started and just like me, I imagine a lot of watch collectors have long wish lists this year. Here is mine, and I’ve been nice this year, thank you very much!

The ideal daily wear! With new year’s resolutions only weeks away, the GMT-Master II Ref. 116710 is the perfect companion for that extra bit of running, or traveling that are currently being scheduled for 2015! Rolex presented this reference in 2007, as an update of the GMT-Master line. The case has been re-modeled, using a crown with triple sealing device (the famous Triplock), while the 24 hour rotating bezel is now covered by a black ceramic disc with engraved numerals. The dial has larger indexes than in earlier models, and welcomes green highlights in the name and the 24-hour hand. Priced between $8,000 and $10,000

The crowd pleaser: TheSubmariner Ref. 116610LV is perfect for every occasion: It’s colorful, fashionable and, from my point of view, a fine collectable piece over the years. With a 40 mm case, its main characteristic is the green ceramic bezel and green gold dial. It’s amazing how the dial casts different colors with different light conditions, and it should sparkle under the Christmas tree! No batteries needed, so there will be no surprises once this toy is unboxed! This watch comes equipped with calibre 3135, a selfwinding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. The watch is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 300 metres (1,000 feet) and the unidirectional rotatable bezel is equipped with a CERACHROM insert. Priced between $8,000 and $10,000.

Sometimes, the biggest Christmas presents come in the smallest packages. And this year’s present from Patek Philippe is Ref. 5940G. Patek Philippe introduced the cushion-shaped model, with perpetual calendar, in 2012. Ref. 5940 was presented in yellow gold, and this year, the brand gave collectors something to smile about with a new material, white gold. It’s not the most iconic model from the brand, but that gives it reason to stand out. So if you want to make someone feel special this year, this Patek Philippe is a winner. Priced at $93,800.

This is my favorite Tudor watch. Produced in 2013, it is a reinterpretation of the 1973/74 release of the reference 7169 “Monte Carlo” model with the beautiful royal blue and a touch of orange and grey. Inspired by history, but completely redesigned, the dial now has three-dimensional hour markers with two beveled metallic edges defining an area filled with SuperLuminova for a stronger image and optimal legibility. It also features two counters located inside two blue trapezoidal shapes, one at 3 o’clock for the small seconds hand, and one at 9 o’clock for the famous 45-minute counter that marked the history of Tudor chronographs in the 1970’s. The new “Monte Carlo” is available on a steel bracelet and is also supplied with a blue and orange strap. Priced at $4,425.

Because no Christmas is complete without a bit of reading by the fire, here’s a complimentary gift idea for watch collectors who were lucky enough to add a new piece to their wrist. “Total Rolex,” is the latest book by Mondani Editore. Divided by type and in alphabetical order, this book is easy to consult and is the most complete and up-to-date work on Rolex, since it comprises all references. Available with a special 40% discount at Mondani Editore.

Photo Credit: Haute Time; Mondani Editore. For more information, please visit the official Mondani Editore website.