Best gift watches under $1,000
Borna BošnjakWe continue our exploration of some of the best watches of the year, still focusing on value and not compromising on cool factor. picking them from the NOW Magazine Buying Guide, just for you. You can find our favourite picks under US$500, under US$5,000, under US$10,000, and under US$50,000, just in case you needed a bit more inspiration.
Bulova Classic Jet Star
If you’re not opposed to quartz watches, but just seem to be ticked off by the movement of the seconds hand, Bulova’s 262kHz quartz movements is the answer. The Classic Jet Star is looking to compete amongst the go-anywhere-do-anything crowd, taking inspiration from the brand’s archives and rendering them in a contemporary package. The HPQ Precisionist movement drives the seconds hand at 16 times per second for an ultra-smooth sweep. Price: A$950, US$595
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Irori Moments
The cocktail watch Cocktail Time has been around for more than a decade, born from a collaboration with Ishigaki Shinobu, one of the world’s most renown mixologists. In collaboration with Lark, an Australian whisky distillery, Seiko has created a new model exclusive for the Australasian market, getting its name from a bespoke cocktail inspired by the irori, a traditional Japanese sunken hearth used for heating, cooking, and as a family gathering spot. Price: A$950
G-Shock GM-B2100GD CasiOak
It may have taken Casio several years to catch up to the modding community, but if you want an authentic metal-cased CasiOak experience then the new Full-Metal in yellow-gold is going to give you all of the digital bling you could ever dream of. The release of the GD-9A variant of the GM-B2100 collection comes after stainless-steel and rose-gold finishes, and continues to offer an octagonal case design that isn’t just a Royal Oak copy. Price: A$1,199, US$600
Baltic Hermétique Tourer
French independent Baltic are branching out into the territory of field watches with the Hermétique Tourer, with unmistakable hallmarks of mid-century design such as the stepped case and hidden crown. With a slim 10.8mm profile, 150 metres of water resistance, and the high-beat Miyota 9039 calibre to back it up, the Baltic Hermétique is aiming not just for the microbrand field watch crown, but is looking to beat established players, too. Price: A$1,050 from the Time+Tide Shop
Tissot Heritage 1938 Automatic COSC
Tissot has been riding the PRX wave in recent years, making it easy to overlook other great releases from the value proposition-oriented brand. The Heritage 1938, part of the Tissot Heritage collection, is one such release, with impressive specifications and even more impressive build, all in a handsome package inspired by the brand’s back catalogue. The leather strap quality is also seriously stepped up, something that often fell short with the brand’s offerings at this price. Price: A$1,325, US$825