After an extraordinary year, giving your loved one an exceptional watch will be appreciated time after time. But how do you go about choosing the perfect timepiece to suit their style? Arfan Mohammed, the co-founder of The Watch Exchange London, explains the main elements to consider.

History
Vintage watches are very much in vogue. For that extra personal touch, why not find a watch made in the same year that your special someone achieved a milestone in their romantic, personal or professional life? This will attach an extra layer of significance which resonates for years to come.

Vintage watches carry various aesthetics that don’t exist on modern watches. One of the best examples of this is a 1969 first generation Rolex Daytona which features numerous subtle and unique nuances. Its slim metal bezel, pump-style pushers, riveted steel bracelet and off-white aged dial all combine to create a unique look that the modern Daytona cannot emulate.

Sensuous Shapes
It’s important to consider how a particular shape might look and feel on the wrist. Angular timepieces may appeal to someone with a more dominant personality than a watch with gentle slopes and a round case. Men typically wear wider watches while women usually prefer longer, more slender timepieces.

Cartier is a brand famous for its excellent use of shape to create watches that appeal to all genders. For example, the unisex 2007 Cartier Roadster has a long tonneau case that traditionally appeals to women; however tonneau cases are becoming increasingly popular with men thanks to brands like Franck Muller, Richard Mille and more.

Material Matters
It’s essential to consider the pros and cons of how the look aligns with the style of the person you’re buying for. From steel, ceramic and titanium to all of the various precious metals out there, there are a lot of choices. Think about the environments in which your loved one will wear the watch and which would be most appropriate.

For example, a rose gold dress watch such as the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar makes sense as a purchase for someone that already has a daily wearer and wants a crown jewel in their collection for special occasions. On the contrary, if your loved one doesn’t have a watch or would like one to wear every day, a two-tone Rolex Datejust or stainless-steel Rolex Submariner would work well for both men and ladies.

Final details
Size, dial and levels of bling are very personal, but we would advise matching the dial colour to the tones and shades your loved one usually wears. A refined and astute person might appreciate classic Roman numerals, whereas Arabic numbers may appeal to a sporty individual. In the end, only you can know which details will create a perfect match this Christmas.

For more information on The Watch Exchange London and to get in contact with Arfan Mohammed, visit www.watchexchangelondon.co.uk.

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