It’s that time of year again! The holidays are here and I couldn’t be more excited or busy. So to help make things easier I’ve searched the watch internet to find gifts in all price ranges for the watch lover in your life. Without further ado the first Mainplate & Bridge holiday gift guide. Below you’ll find something for all watch lovers at any price range.
Hodinkee Black Spring Bar Tool
Every watch enthusiast needs a good spring bar tool. Most watch enthusiast changes straps as often as underwear so a good tool is important. Hodinkee is a brand you can trust so you know this is a capable well built strap tool. At this price point it’s a no brainer. $29
CARCASSONNE LIGHT TAN NUBUCK Watch Strap
Now that you go the right tool for the job you need a great strap to mix it up. A Collected Man has some gorgeous straps. I’m a big fan of this one in particular because of the versatility it can simultaneously dress a sports watch up and a dress watch down. Great watches deserve a great strap, this is it. $126
Well made accurate watch posters make for great home or office decor. This GMT example is my personal favorite but there are many other examples available. $24.62
This is such a well done book that all watch nerds can appreciate but it’s also a great way to get someone into watches. Better than any other book I’ve read on watches it conveys the emotional connection we have to our timepieces. It also helps with explaining to a spouse why you’re so crazy about watches. $20
Hamilton Electric Watch Repair Manual
For the tinkerer watch nerd, this vintage repair manual is not only a cool coffee table book but also provides a useful reference to fixing Hamilton watches. Hamilton electric watches are a bit of a niche within the already niche world of watches but for someone who loves working with their hands this book would be a great gift especially when paired with the next item on this list. $85
Hamilton Electric Pacer 505 Style Black Dial Watch
For the hipster watch guy. Hamilton had some amazing designs back in the day and this watch is no exception. If your someone who marches to the beat of your own drum this is a great watch to add to your collection. This is a great modern looking American watch that will get compliments from watch nerds and those who don’t know a Patek from a Timex. $995
Now for the big guns.
OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional Chronograph 42mm Hesalite Crystal On Bracelet.
Hodinkee says it best ” When all you want is a Moonwatch – and nothing else will do.” This watch is an almost exact copy of the watch that went to the moon. It’s close enough that it’s still certified by NASA for space flight. I would argue it is the single best value in modern watches. It’s got the story, the design, the versatility, it’s got everything. This could be anyone’s one watch done thought it more often acts as a gateway watch. For a watch that punches well above it’s weight class get the watch all levels of watch nerds love. $5,350
VACHERON CONSTANTIN TIME-ONLY 4217
For the serious watch aficionado who already has a moonwatch and needs something from the holy trinity. This is an elegant example of some of the best watch making on earth. Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest watchmakers still going and is also one of the most esteemed. This is the only dress watch anyone would ever need.$8,693
Mainplate & Bridge 