In Good Times

The Best Luxury Watches For The Ultimate Wedding Gift Exchange

Everybody knows that planning a wedding is a lot of work. There are so many things to think about, arranging and re-arranging seating charts, picking the perfect flowers, finding the venue, the list goes on. Invariably, that means that choosing a thoughtful and meaningful gift to give your spouse-to-be on the wedding day often gets left to the last minute. Or worse still, forgotten altogether. Here at Watches of Switzerland we think that’s downright unacceptable. That’s why we’ve put together this list of some of our favourite “couples” watches. Choose a pair from the same brand or feel free to mix and match as you see fit. One thing is for sure, each luxury watch shown here will become a much worn and cherished memento of your special day.

Cartier

Santos de Cartier

The Santos de Cartier is an enduring classic, prized for its distinctive shape and understated yet masculine aesthetic. The original design dates back to 1904, when Louis Cartier created one of the first wrist-worn watches for his friend and Brazilian aviation pioneer, Alberto Santos-Dumont. Recently updated, the Santos is today considered a design icon. From the riveted bezel to the black stylised Roman numerals standing out in contrast against the all-white dial, marking the hours with a stylistic flourish. Each model also now comes equipped with Cartier’s “QuickSwitch” system, allowing for the easy changing of straps and bracelets without the need for tools. Available in your choice of metals, with a complimentary second strap included.

Ballon Bleu de Cartier

The Ballon Bleu de Cartier is one of the most popular of the newer Cartier designs. Introduced relatively recently (in 2006), it has quickly established itself as a modern classic and can be seen adorning the wrists of some of the world’s most stylish and successful men and women. The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, is rarely photographed without hers on, and Candice Swanepoel and Sofia Vergara are also self-confessed fans. A key reason for the Ballon Bleu’s popularity is its smooth case, which is shaped like a perfectly-formed pebble. The design renders the watch both elegant and comfortable to wear. The sapphire cabochon crown is protected by an integrated crown guard, while the classic dial layout features a modern twist to accommodate the interrupted bezel.

Breguet

Breguet Classique 5157

As its name suggests, the Classique collection channels the classic Breguet aesthetic to create exceptionally refined watches for the modern gentleman. The Classique 5157 is a prime example. Presented in an extra-thin white gold case measuring 38mm in diameter and just 5.4mm thick, its silvered gold dial has been hand-engraved on a rose engine to create an eye-catching hobnail pattern. A time-only piece, the hours and minutes are indicated centrally by Breguet’s trademark blued steel hands, with elegant Roman numerals serving as the hour markers. The automatic movement within is made in-house by Breguet and features an inverted straight-line lever escapement and silicon balance spring.

Breguet Reine De Naples 8928

Available in 18k rose or white gold and with multiple strap and dial variations, the diamond-set Breguet Reine De Naples 8928 is the perfect choice for the lady who has everything. Directly inspired by the original models created by Abraham Louis Breguet for the Queen of Naples in the early 19th-century, the Reine De Naples collection is celebrated for its distinct ovoid-shaped cases and opulent femininity. The dial, in natural white mother-of-pearl, is available with either Roman or Arabic numerals and is framed by a bezel, dial flange and lug set with 139 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.255 ct). The crown is set with a briolette diamond (approx. 0.26 ct). Eye-catching yet elegant, this beautiful watch will satisfy even the most demanding bride.

A. Lange & Söhne

Saxonia Thin

For the ultimate in understated style, look no further than the Saxonia Thin. The brand’s thinnest watch to date, the 39mm round case (available in white or pink gold) stands a mere 5.9mm high. Removing all distraction, this classic piece focuses on the essential functions of a mechanical timepiece: the display of hours and minutes. Despite its minimalist design however, the Saxonia Thin is still very eye-catching on the wrist thanks to its well-organised dial architecture and long baton appliques in solid gold. Inside is the wafer-thin Calibre L093.1, an in-house manual wind movement measuring 2.9mm thick. Impressively, it still offers 72 hours of power reserve when fully wound.

Saxonia

The Saxonia was one of the four watches that debuted in A. Lange & Söhne’s first collection in 1994, following the re-founding of the brand. Subtle refinements over the last 25 years have made this model a mainstay in the collection and earned it the worthy status of icon. Presented here in a slightly smaller 35mm white gold case, the solid silver dial has been coated with a natural mother of pearl finish and boasts hands and baton appliques in white gold. Visible through the sapphire caseback is the beautifully finished Calibre L941.1. This manually wound movement is decorated using traditional German techniques and offers a 45-hour power reserve when fully wound.

Vacheron Constantin

Patrimony Self-Winding 40mm

If the “tradition” aspect of the gift exchange is important to you and your partner, then Vacheron Constantin will surely emerge as the clear front-runner. Founded in the mid-eighteenth century, Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest watchmakers in the world and is, in fact, the oldest watch manufacturer still in continuous operation. This isn’t just a luxury watch brand that understands tradition. It IS Tradition. And what better way to exemplify that than with matching Patrimony Self-Winding models. Offered in a perfectly sculpted 40mm round case hewn from 18k pink gold, the clean dial displays the time and date only. Triangular-shaped markers at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock subtly evoke the Maltese cross, the company’s official logo since 1877.

Patrimony Self-Winding 36mm

Almost identical to the larger version above, the Patrimony self-Winding for the bride comes in a slightly reduced 36mm case paired with a striking purple Mississippiensis alligator leather strap. Inside both models is the automatic Caliber 2450 Q6, manufactured completely in-house by Vacheron Constantin and stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva. A guarantee of origin (mechanical movement, assembly and regulation in the Canton of Geneva), quality of workmanship, durability and exceptional savoir-faire, the Hallmark of Geneva sets the standard of excellence for high-end Geneva watch brands.