Is there anything sweeter than finding that one person you want to spend the rest of your life with? Maybe so, if that special someone shares your passion for watches – that is perfect happiness, or almost. I’ve found that what’s even better than just sharing a passion for watches is actually sharing the watches themselves: searching for that perfect timepiece together, buying it, and taking turns wearing it. It’s a great way to make lasting memories. Plus, it makes for ample dinner conversation and a special feeling of connection on the days you get to don the shared timepiece.
Curious to try it for yourself? If so, I have a few bits of advice for you. First, set a few ground rules, e.g., “I won’t be angry with you if you accidentally slam the watch against a door frame – it could have just as easily been me!” Once those are laid out, the search for your first shared watch can begin. Who knows? You might even end up picking one of my five favorites.
Cartier Santos Medium
In 1904, Louis Cartier granted his friend Alberto Santos Dumont a wish: He gifted the famed aviator a watch that could be easily read while flying. And thus the first men’s wristwatch, the Cartier Santos, was born. The model remains an icon in the Cartier lineup to this day. The watch’s groundbreaking square design, iconic dial, and bezel fixed with screws have been left essentially untouched for more than a century.
The thing that has changed, however, is that women now regularly wear the model – and not just the delicate Santos Demoiselle. The classic 35-mm Cartier Santos is another great unisex option. With its integrated lugs and stainless steel bracelet, this watch may appear quite bulky at first glance, but if you mount the watch on a leather strap (which is included), it completely transforms the look. Not only does the watch seem much smaller and refined, but the leather strap also affords a much more vintage flair.
For me, the Cartier Santos isn’t just an icon that belongs in every robust watch collection, it’s a perfect watch to share: on a sporty steel bracelet for him and a retro leather strap for her. Thanks to the easy band changing system, switching up the look is a breeze.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface Steel
The Reverso Classic Monoface is the perfect example of Art Deco styling. The model was first introduced in the 1930s. Its reversible case allowed polo players to flip their watch over on the pitch, protecting it from strikes. The Reverso has been part of the renowned Swiss brand’s catalog ever since, appearing over the years in numerous different permutations and configurations.
One advantage of the Reverso Classic Monoface is that it makes an ideal watch for couples. With a length of 40.1 mm, it suits most men’s wrists, and at just 24.4 mm wide, it’s not too overbearing on women’s wrists. The design is clearly gender-neutral – who doesn’t love an elegant sunburst finish? The reverse side remains free for an engraving, to mark a special shared moment, if you so choose.
This watch comes with a wide selection of bands to choose from and, again, boasts a straightforward band changing system. There are few watches as versatile as the Reverso Classic Monoface. Whether you’re going for a classic, colorful, or sporty look, you can easily swap out the band for an entirely new feel. Another bonus: New bands make great birthday gifts, so you can stop racking your brain for the perfect present before the big day.
Rolex Datejust 36 mm
There really isn’t much to say about the Rolex Datejust except that it is an undisputed classic. Dress watch? Check. Sporty? Check. The iconic Cyclops lens and Jubilee bracelet are both eye-catching features, and the watch has no shortage of technical specs to lean back on. Every model is chronometer-certified and water-resistant to 100 meters (10 bar, 328 ft). Moreover, thanks to the large number of designs, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect watch for you.
The list of Datejust wearers through the years is likewise impressive: from the Dalai Lama to Christian Bale in the film American Psycho. The Datejust is simply a highly-coveted Rolex model that will never go out of style. Unfortunately, this means the model is not that easy to get your hands on and prices are on the rise. The perfect solution? Split the cost between two of you! With a diameter of 36 mm, it is the same size as many contemporary women’s watches and consistent with the original from 1945, which was designed for men. One thing is for sure, I never tire of seeing this timepiece on my own or my partner’s wrist.
IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar
In the 1980s, IWC created a true piece of watchmaking genius with the perpetual calendar. This complication depicts our Gregorian calendar extremely precisely, so much so that the date only has to be manually corrected once every 100 years and the moon phase just once every 577.7 years. This leaves you nothing to do but kick back and enjoy the watch in all its splendor. In addition to its technical perfection, the IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar is also visually stunning. Despite the numerous displays, the dial isn’t cluttered; in fact, it’s downright orderly, bordering on minimalist.
It is also remarkably simple to set the calendar, if necessary. Even simpler is to just wear the watch all the time – a task made easier by dividing the load between two. Thanks to its clear, classic design, this watch is perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re in jeans or a tux, the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar is a welcome addition. It also suits even the smallest wrists (like mine), giving an elegant, oversized finish to any outfit. It is prominent, but not obtrusive – a clear statement of your love for fine watchmaking. Go for it, ladies! And don’t shy away, gentlemen! There are few timepieces out there that combine highly-complex technology and great design better than the IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar.
Omega Seamaster Edizione Venezia
Every watch enthusiast knows Omega, but do they know about the Seamaster Boutique Editions? These watches are only available in select Omega boutiques in particular cities around the world, meaning they are still flying under the radar of many watch lovers. However, once you set your eyes on one, chances are you’ll fall in love. The timeless, minimalist design is so versatile, and the 39.5-mm case is the ideal size for every wrist. While it looks like a classic dress watch on most men, it gives off a distinctly vintage vibe when worn by women.
The Omega Seamaster Edizione Venezia is available in both stainless steel and Sedna gold, Omega’s proprietary rose gold alloy that is used exclusively in-house. Sedna gold has a very special reddish hue that complements every skin tone. Plus, unlike other rose gold alloys, Sedna gold won’t lose its red tone over time.
If you want a token from the city of love, then the Omega Seamaster Edizione Venezia is the right watch for you. The rose gold sheen and top-notch technology make it an ideal watch for life. May your love for your partner last as long – just be sure you don’t fight about who gets to wear this watch and when!
