If you know me, you'd know I'm not the biggest fan of watches—especially those lacking any tech. But after working in the watch industry for over a decade, I've come to appreciate a few. What is the price range? It starts at $$ and goes all the way up to $$$$$. Sounds crazy, right? Some of these pieces are design marvels; a few are dream collector's items.
As a designer, watches were always just a way to check the time—until I heard someone say, 'It tells your time.' That shifted my perspective. So, this watch guide is for you if you're a designer like me or someone looking to gift a watch to a designer friend or family member. It's the perfect timepiece.
Watches that range from ₹10,000 ($120) to ₹30,00,000 ($35,000) might seem like a wide gap, but trust me—these are the kinds of watches your designer friend or family member would cherish forever. Some are more than just a timepiece; it's a piece of art, a legacy. A personalized gift makes all the difference, adding an exclusive touch that leaves a lasting impression. I've heard countless stories about watches being passed down through generations—the most iconic being Rolex, which is more of an investment than a watch.
Watchmaking brands have much more to offer if you're searching for that perfect gift and want to explore beyond just wristwatches. I've curated a complete collection to help you on your gift-buying for designers or maybe developers as well 🙂
WC.1 — Rolex, Cosmograph Daytona
Let’s begin with the crown jewel of timepieces—the elusive Rolex Daytona Panda dial. At 40mm, it’s not just a watch; it’s a statement of rarity and precision. Nearly impossible to get, gifting this masterpiece is a design marvel in itself. The Daytona stands as Rolex’s only chronograph in production today, where stainless steel variants with black or white dials reign supreme. Yet, this iconic piece is also sculpted in luxurious metals—yellow, white, rose gold, and platinum—each year unveiling new dial and strap combinations that blend innovation with timeless elegance.
WC.2 — Panerai, Luminor
I had heard a lot about this watch, and after spotting it on some well-known celebs and finally getting my hands on it, I was instantly hooked. The black dial and rubber strap combo make it stand out on your wrist, giving off that sleek vibe. The luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers add a cool, modern touch. Plus, it even comes with a secondary black rubber strap—perfect for switching things up from conference to party!
WC.3 — Tissot, PRX Powermatic 80
Tissot is a brand I’ve always admired for offering great value for money. I first spotted this watch on a senior editor at Ethos Watch Guide, and what caught my eye was the strap and that stunning blue colour. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with a clean dial, interchangeable quick-release bracelet, and up to 80 hours of power reserve, this watch is perfect for gifting or for those who love a slim, smooth watch with a cool ‘70s vibe. It’s designed for those who appreciate great design, blending modern features with a classic look. Built to keep up with your busy life, it’s a must-have.
WC.4 — Laurent Ferrier, Sport Auto Blue
When this brand entered the Indian market with Ethos, I noticed their photos while working on a creative, and that’s when I realized I’m really obsessed with blue watches. Laurent Ferrier, in particular, has some of the most unique blue shades. This watch, with its gradient blue opaline finish, looks amazing on the wrist. But let’s be honest, it’s not cheap! The 18k white gold case with green Super-LumiNova is impressive but could be hard on your wallet. I don’t want your bank balance to hit zero! 😄 The case is made of grade 5 titanium and is 41.5 mm in size. Laurent Ferrier took their usual Square case and gave it a softer bezel, adding a bold, tonneau-shaped middle case for a sharp look.
WC.5 — Hublot, Classic Fusion Chronograph
First, I saw this brand in football (or soccer, as it's known in the US) in 2013. This brand kept popping up in various places until it finally came to India. I thought, 'Oh, I know this brand!' Then, I worked on their India boutique creatives when Kevin Pietersen and the CEO launched their first boutique. After that, I saw this watch on many international celebrities like Kylian Mbappé, Dustin Johnson (also known as 'DJ'), and Novak Djokovic. They became the first watch brand to partner with the ICC (International Cricket Council), and many Indian cricket players like Rohit Sharma (a brand partner). If your designer friends love any sport, this watch is perfect for a sporty look, no matter what game you love.
WC.6 — Nomos Glashutte, Ahoi
This is a very neat and clean watch. The design, the typography on the dial, and the colors are all spot on. Even the price is reasonable. If you're looking for something ultra-thin with an automatic movement, great for diving, and equipped with a crown guard, this watch has it all. Designed in Berlin and carefully hand-polished, the NOMOS clasp shows off its simple elegance. The textile strap, custom-made for NOMOS Glashütte in France, feels comfortable on the wrist. Despite its elegant look, it's also perfect for swimming.
WC.7 — Omega, Speedmaster
The Speedmaster Moonwatch stands as one of the most exceptional timepieces globally, having been part of all six moon landings, showcasing the brand’s unwavering dedication to exploration and innovation. This watch is a masterpiece that will endure for generations. Crafted with a 42mm stainless steel case and a refined brushed bracelet, the Moonwatch is distinguished by sapphire crystal glass on its front and back. Inspired by the 4th generation Speedmaster worn on the lunar surface, its design features an asymmetrical case, a black dial adorned with the OMEGA logo, and a bezel with the distinctive "dot over 90." Driving its functions is the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861, overseeing the small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute recorder, 12-hour recorder, and primary chronograph.
WC.8 — Parmigiani, Tonda PF Micro-Rotor
Parmigiani Tonda is another brand I found interesting. I’ve tried many of their watches, and the Tonda collection is one of my favourites. The grey matt and guilloché dial with detailed patterns make the watch look amazing. Their 12 o'clock 'Pf' logo marker looks stunning. Though the price is higher, this watch should be on your list if you gift it to someone close.
WC.9 — Ressence, Type 3
I stumbled upon the Ressence brand while working on the TWG project. It caught my attention when the Ressence Type won the 'Horological Revelation Prize' at Geneva’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie in 2013. Ressence was also honoured with the Red Dot ‘Best of the Best’ award in 2024—the highest recognition in Product Design. Despite being a young brand, Ressence has created some truly remarkable watches. I love this model is unique design: a seamless edge-to-edge sapphire crystal on both sides and a pebble-like dial that comes in various colours. It has a more graphical, minimalist feel, almost like wearing a digital screen. Plus, it looks fantastic on both men's and women's wrists. The only downside is that setting the time can be tricky—you need to pay attention to the details. I prefer watches that are easy to set without needing a manual!
WC.10 — Tudor, Pelagos LHD
Getting your hands on a Rolex can be tough, but for both seasoned watch enthusiasts and newcomers, it’s common knowledge that Tudor is Rolex’s sister brand. Since its 2010 revival, Tudor has gained attention with standout collections like the Black Bay series. These watches are often regarded as strong alternatives to Rolex, offering their distinct style. Despite being under the same parent company, Tudor is independent, stylish, and innovative, drawing inspiration from vintage designs. Unlike Rolex, which uses its proprietary materials, many watch brands, including Tudor, use standard 316L stainless steel or source metals from third parties—one of the factors contributing to their more accessible price range.
WC.11 — Zenith, Chronomaster EP Original
Zenith is a brand I admire for its branding, and I follow them on Instagram religiously. If you're a designer, their feed is pure inspiration. The quality of their products shines through every image, and I find myself drawn to each one. One watch always stands out to me—the Chrono Master Sport. It's a stunning piece that is available in various colour options. I’m especially captivated by the tri-colour dial, pump-style pushers, and black ceramic bezel, all housed in a sleek 41mm case. My favourite version is crafted in 18k rose gold, featuring a white dial and an integrated black FKM rubber strap. This automatic watch is truly a must-have, and of course, with the gold detailing, it’s on the higher end of the price spectrum.
WC.12 — Bell & Ross, BR 05
I’m not sure this watch is for everyone, but Bell & Ross creates exceptional timepieces with great value for money. I’m obsessed with Skulls; this watch features a skull dial—can you imagine? This limited edition watch marks a daring new direction in design. Its avant-garde aesthetic pushes the iconic series into the future with an architectural look that makes the skull seem to float effortlessly inside the case. The transparent dial enhances this effect, highlighted only by 12 sleek baton indices. If you’re into techno music and hip-hop culture, this is the ultimate statement piece to gift yourself.
WC.13 — Favre Leuba, Deep Blue Revival
Favre Leuba is one of the oldest Swiss watch brands, back to 1737—crazy, right? I first discovered the brand when I had the chance to redesign its logo and branding, keeping a similar typeface style. That’s when I delved into their history, collections, and the story behind the Deep Blue series. Favre Leuba created the Deep Blue to mark the 60th anniversary of one of their most iconic dive watches. Originally launched in 1964 at the Swiss Watch Fair, the Deep Blue embodied the spirit of the 1950s and 60s. Its moderate size feels retro and substantial on the wrist, with a surprising level of comfort. The overall design is clean, with a subtle date aperture between four and five. At the same time, the vintage-inspired five-link bracelet, crafted from stainless steel, showcases meticulous construction for a perfect fit and fine detailing.
WC.14 — Ikepod, Megapod Walter HourGlass
Ikepod delivers another standout design powered by a Japanese movement. The hourglass-shaped hand makes a full rotation every minute, adding to the watch’s unique charm. This piece, designed by Alexandre Peraldi, showcases a truly innovative concept I love. It’s a one-of-a-kind watch, perfect for gifting to a designer or even treating yourself.
WC.15 — Casio, G-Shock
Are you a freelancer looking for an affordable watch that doesn’t compromise on style? Look no further than the Casio G-Shock! This timepiece is a favorite for everyone—from those just starting out to million-dollar earners. With its sleek black design and dynamic angles, it’s more than just a watch; it’s a bold statement accessory! Loved by the army and rugged watch enthusiasts, this beauty combines durability with flair—all for just $99! Casio, the reigning king of digital timekeeping, continues to celebrate analogue watches in the 21st century with their incredible collection. I highly recommend picking up the ten most popular G-Shock watches—you won’t regret it!
WC.16 — Apple Watch, Ultra II
Well, I must admit I’m biased in this case. While I appreciate all the watches I mentioned above, I love Apple Watches. I know they don't quite compare to the others. Still, after years of working in the industry, I've realized that many people, especially in India, wear watches more for show than their actual functionality. The Apple Watch best represents the true utility of a watch. To clarify, I am biased—I’ve been wearing my Apple Watch daily since 2013, while I only wear some other watches for special occasions. What I love about the Apple Watch is its versatility. I can make calls, listen to music at the gym without my phone, track my steps, and it pretty much does it all. This watch can make calls without being tethered to my phone. So, if fancy watches aren’t your thing and you prefer a tech-savvy option, I wholeheartedly recommend the Apple Watch. Go for it!
