Countdown to Valentine’s Day: Luxury Watch Gift Guide Part 1/3

The countdown to Valentine’s Day, one of the biggest gift-giving holidays of the year, has officially begun. Instead of sending that special someone in your life extravagant boxes of over-priced chocolates or long-stem red roses that will inevitably wilt, we propose giving them a luxury Valentine’s day gift that will really take their breath away. One that transcends time and is a much better investment than the usual go-to grandiose romantic gestures. I am, of course, talking about an exquisite luxury watch.

We’ve dug deep into the Luxury Bazaar vault to gather what we think are the best watches to give your beloved Valentine this year, compiled into a three-part series leading up to the big day and covering some of the industry’s top, most respected watch brands. Let’s dive right in.

Mid-Size Rolex Datejust

Our list starts with none other than the Rolex Datejust. Even if your significant other isn’t very familiar with luxury watches, they might recognize the Datejust, its enduring design codes, and that iconic date window at 3 o’clock. Often described as the quintessential dress watch, it has everything most people are searching for in a reliable dress watch – it’s waterproof, has the convenience of a self-winding mechanical movement, and looks outstanding during any occasion. Simply put, it’s an excellent all-rounder we think will make a practical addition to their collection.

Rolex introduced the Datejust in 1945 with a classic 36mm diameter. Since then, a seemingly infinite variety of iterations have been released, from understated stainless steel models to those dripping in diamonds. Not to mention, there is a case size to suit just about any wrist, ranging from 26mm all the way up to 41mm for women who prefer a watch with a bit more oomph. The 31mm (mid-size) Datejust first appeared in the early 1960’s, and it remains a classy choice today.

Reference 278275 takes the most remarkable Datejust features and puts them all on one truly glorious wristwatch. The President bracelet, exclusive to the Day-Date and a few women’s Datejust watches, is arguably one of the brand’s finest bracelet options. Add to the mix Everose (Rolex’s proprietary 18k rose gold), a slightly larger mid-size case, and a lovely diamond dial, and the result is a fashion-forward women’s Datejust that rivals anything you might find at the jewelry store.

Rolex Mid-Size Datejust Specs

Brand:	Rolex
Reference:	278275
Model:	Datejust 31
Case Material:	Everose Gold
Movement:	Automatic
Case Size:	31mm
Bracelet:	President/Concealed Folding Crownclasp
Market Price (Feb. 2024):	$39,950

Cartier Rotonde Mysterious

Cartier is synonymous with timeless luxury. Some of the celebrated watchmaker’s most successful offerings date as far back as the early 1900s and are still just as sought-after today by the modern collector. The brand has serious staying power and boasts a rather impressive selection of unique timepieces anyone would be proud to present to their soulmate. However, none is as awe-inspiring as this white gold Cartier decorated with delicate, high-quality diamonds. Sure, you can certainly buy a diamond bracelet instead, but why do that when you can adorn your loved one’s arm with a unique diamond-encrusted Cartier?

The Rotonde is home to some of Cartier’s most impressive and sophisticated complications, including the appropriately named Mysterious Hour ref. HPI00636.  The fascinating watch displays the time on a smaller, offset dial via tiny hour and minute hands that appear to float among a sea of glittering pavé diamonds. In true Cartier fashion, the ever-present chemin de fer minute track surrounds the dial, tastefully separating the mysterious complication from the larger diamond dial. Other noteworthy specs include a 42mm round case, a black leather strap with a diamond clasp, and reliable hand-wound movement.

More on Cartier:
How Cartier Changed Its Fate and Rose to the Top of the Luxury Watch World
The Best Entry Level Cartier Watches
A History of the Cartier Tank
Is Cartier Leading the Return of Small Watches for Men?
How to Sell a Cartier Watch

Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Hour Specs

Brand:	Cartier
Reference:	HPI00636
Model:	Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Hour
Case Material:	18k White Gold
Movement:	Manual Wind
Case Size:	42mm
Bracelet:	Leather/Diamond Deployant Clasp
Market Price (Feb. 2024):	$59,950

F.P. Journe Élégante

The next watch on our list has a clever motion detector and iconic silhouette The F.P. Journe Élégante is for the Valentine in your life who appreciates a luxury watch that effortlessly marries innovation with high style. The electro-mechanical movement automatically switches to sleep mode after 35 minutes of inactivity, stopping all movement on the dial to preserve energy. The hands jump back into position once the wearer straps the watch back onto their wrist. This fascinating concept allows up to 18 years of autonomy, depending on how often the watch is worn.

Outwardly, this watch is equally as impressive as the trailblazing movement. It boasts the famous Élégante flat tortue case shape, seamlessly integrated white rubber strap, and a lustrous Mother-of-Pearl dial to match. The motion etector is neatly tucked near the 4-hour marker, taking up very little real estate on the watch itself. This watch has immense wrist presence and wow factor.

Shop:
F.P. Journe Élégante
F.P. Journe Watches

F.P. Journe Élégante Specs

Brand:	F.P. Journe
Model:	Élégante
Case Material:	Titanium
Movement:	Quartz
Case Size:	40 x 35mm
Bracelet:	White Rubber/Deployant Clasp
Market Price (Feb. 2024):	$49,950

Omega Constellation

We’ve saved the best for last, the venerated Omega Constellation, which has been a cornerstone of the brand’s catalog since 1952 and celebrates decades of award-winning precision and trend-setting elegance. While the Constellation has gone through many design evolutions through the years, it is commonly characterized by a sleek integrated bracelet and famous claws – aka “Griffes” – on the bezel. Its diverse collection features different case sizes, metal finishes, and movements.

Luckily, you don’t have to sift through the countless options available on the market because we’ve hand-picked the best of the best for your sweetheart, the stainless steel and diamond model ref. 131.15.29.20.53.001. Diamond hour markers are set against aventurine glass to resemble constellations in the night sky. It also boasts a diamond-encrusted bezel for added sparkle and a Certified Master Chronometer self-winding movement in a flattering 29mm case. It’s refined, feminine, and practical.

Omega Constellation Specs

Brand:	Omega
Model:	Constellation
Reference:	131.15.29.20.53.001
Case Material:	Stainless Steel
Movement:	Automatic
Case Size:	29mm
Bracelet:	Stainless Steel/Butterfly Clasp w/ Comfort Setting
Retail Price (2024):	$12,400
Market Price (Feb. 2024):	$10,500

That’s a wrap on part one of our countdown of the ultimate luxury Valentine’s Day gift watches. We’ll show you more picks as the holiday approaches!

Continue reading:
Countdown to Valentine’s Day: Luxury Watch Gift Guide Part 2/3
Countdown to Valentine’s Day: Luxury Watch Gift Guide Part 3/3