Gift Guide For The Watch Collector

Windup Watch Shop

Nov 30, 2025

The collector can be difficult to shop for — after all, no one knows what they’re after better than they do. Whether it’s vintage references of their favorite brands or a particular series of co-branded dials, no one loves it quite like they do. In this edition of the Gift Guide, we’re highlighting our favorite picks for the watch collector in your life, items guaranteed to upgrade their collection in ways they never expected.

Gift Recommendation For The Collector

The Classic DTU Reborn

Founded in New York City by three Romanian-American brothers in 1921, BENRUS has been making history for more than a century. The DTU Collection is BENRUS’ homage to the MIL-W-3818B standard, a military-spec field watch produced by the brand from 1964 to 1969 for the US military. The DTU-2A/P edition pays tribute to its namesake, painstakingly recreating the 34mm sandblasted steel case issued to US soldiers in Vietnam. BENRUS has subtly upgraded its performance by upping the water resistance to 100m and adding a screw-down crown. The DTU-2A/P is powered by a Swiss-made ETA 2671. An automatic caliber, it features 25 jewels, hacking, hand winding, a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour, and a power reserve of at least 42 hours.

A 36mm GMT from Nivada's past

The revived Antarctic GMT features a brushed 36mm cushion-shaped stainless steel case true to the 1970s original. This simple design is radically accented by the Antarctic GMT's twin crowns, based on the original EPSA Super-Compressor case, though the reissue does not use this technology. The GMT scale is rendered through an internal rotating bezel operated by the top crown. Its dual-tone black and yellow scale is true to the past, offering a unique splash of color. The Antarctic GMT is available in black and tropical dial variants, the latter a limited edition of just 99 pieces, and is paired with a matching brown leather racing strap that oozes vintage charm. Underneath the Antarctic's engraved Penguin caseback is a Soprod C125, a Swiss-made automatic caliber featuring an independent 24-hour hand “caller” GMT complication, date, 25 jewels, hacking, hand winding, a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour, and a power reserve of at least 42 hours.

A reinterpretation of early 20th-century multi-scale chronographs

The Meister Telemeter is a reinterpretation of early 20th-century multi-scale chronographs. As the name suggests, you’ll find an elegantly printed telemeter scale in red around the perimeter of the watch, as well as a tachymeter, which can be used to measure the distance of an event (such as lightning) via light and sound with the chronograph. The 40.8mm watch the just radiates class with its vintage detailing and incredible finishing. The massively domed, brushed metal dial on this watch will turn heads and start many conversations.Inside of the Meister Telemeter is the J880.3 Caliber. This Swiss-made automatic movement is based on the ETA 2892 with a Dubois Depraz 2030 chronograph module, which features 45-jewels,hand-winding, 40hr power reserve, a frequency of 28,800bph and hacking (the second hand stops when the crown is pulled out).

One of the Rarest and Most Desirable Leathers

Shell cordovan is one of the rarest and most desirable leathers in the world. Produced from a layer of material located just over a horse’s hip, the result is a strong yet supple leather that does not crease. After a six-month tanning process, it develops a unique, rugged, rippling patina unlike anything else. Due to its strength, the straps can be made thin — these are just 2mm thick. Combined with color-matched stitching, the result is a robust and elegant strap, tapering down to a refined 16mm at the buckle to ensure comfort during wear on everything from a vintage dress watch to a scratched-up tool watch.

Fits 4 Watches up to 45mm in Diameter Each

The TimeKeeper 4 Ultragrid Nylon wristwatch case is a great travel companion for watch collectors and enthusiasts. Made from scratch in Rickshaw's San Francisco factory and proudly bearing the "Made in USA" label, the TimeKeeper 4 features four pockets, each accommodating watches up to 45mm in diameter. The super-soft Royal Plush lining prevents scratches, while foam padding on both exterior faces offers excellent impact protection. To ensure that watch crystals are not facing one another, simply insert the watches at opposite ends.

An alarm clock for Seiko dive watch fans, now with a rotating bezel

As longtime Seiko fans, we couldn’t resist the Mai alarm clocks. Styled to look like a Seiko dive watch, with luminous paint to match, they are fun, small, and simply cool. The perfect addition to your Turtle, or 007, or Tuna, or Samurai… I could go on. Every time you look up at your bedside table, or next to your monitor on your desk, you’re going to smile at what you see. Best of all, they are also solid alarm clocks. Utilizing both flashing lights and bold beep, they will be sure to get you out of bed.

A full carbon fiber writing experience

At just 0.90 ounces, it’s light enough to carry daily but heavy enough to feel substantial in the hand. Every pen is fitted with a titanium pocket clip engraved by laser, and it ships with an upgraded Schmidt EasyFlow 9000M cartridge for a smooth, fast-drying writing experience right out of the box. The updated construction includes beveled threading and internal threaded housing (ITH) for improved fit, eliminating the need for an o-ring seal.This is a limited production item, built in a private machine lab using rare carbon stock acquired through a government contract. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Whether you’re jotting field notes or signing important documents, the Carbon Fiber Embassy Pen delivers reliable, rugged performance in a package unlike anything else on the market.

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