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Our 2019 Black Friday Picks

For some, the holiday season starts in October on Halloween. For others, it’s not until the Thanksgiving holiday in November. Still, certain people don’t feel the holidays fully kick in until Black Friday – the biggest shopping day of the year. It’s the perfect time to start checking off items on your gift list, with special savings to boot. This year, we have three exciting offers no matter your budget. Take $300 off watches under $10,000, $500 off watches from $10,000 to $20,000, and an incredible $1,000 off watches over $20,000. Maybe you’re looking to splurge on a gift for that special someone. Perhaps you’re looking for a starter watch to kick off your son’s collection. Here, we’ve selected a few of our favorite models in each category to help you choose.

Under $10,000

Whether you’re a fan of automobiles or simply impeccable design, Breitling and Bentley are a classic pair. Since the two first teamed up back in 2002, they’ve created a number of handsome models. One such example is the Barnato Racing automatic chronograph that debuted in 2011. Drawing inspiration from the past and present, this model is the perfect balance of vintage and modern touches. You’ll see nods to Bentley’s 1930s racing team in the chronograph registers. Flip the watch over, and you’ll see a branded winding rotor reminiscent of the rims of the modern Continental GT through the exhibition caseback. With Breitling’s COSC-certified automatic 25B movement, this watch is just as performance driven as it is stylish.

Say you’ve always been a fan of the iconic red and blue “Pepsi” dial but didn’t want to make the investment in the Rolex GMT Master II. Look no further than the Tudor Heritage Black Bay GMT Pepsi. At 41mm, the model features a slightly larger design than its Rolex counterpart. Instead, it more closely reflects the proportions of the Black Bay collection. In addition, it showcases Tudor’s iconic snowflake hands. The Black Bay GMT Pepsi comes standard with a riveted stainless steel bracelet. Inside, you’ll find Tudor’s own COSC-certified Caliber MT5652 self-winding mechanical movement with a 70-hour power reserve.

Nomos has built a reputation on its distinctly minimalist, Bauhaus-inspired watches. They’re instantly recognizable for their clean lines, subtle color schemes, and simplicity. With the Orion Midnight, the brand elevates one of their quintessential models with a rich, deep blue dial. The classically proportioned 38mm watch gets a seconds subdial at the six-o’clock position. Each element features Nomos’ classic stick hour markers. In addition to the aesthetic upgrades, the model gets an all-new take on the brand’s Alpha movement. The Orion Midnight features the Nomos swing system with a new balance, balance spring, escape wheel, and pallet. You can see it all through the exhibition caseback.

$10,000 – $20,000

The Big Bang is the iconography of the Hublot brand. Spurred from the original vision of the brand’s founder and later executed by the legendary Jean-Claude Biver, the two have become synonymous. Since it first launched in 2005, the model has taken on a number of different iterations. This particular variation incorporates classic elements, like the brand’s trademark rubber strap. However, it also has some unique elements like a rose gold case with contrasting black carbon dial. Together, they make the perfect blend of classic and modern. Inside, you’ll find Hublot’s HUB44 self-winding mechanical movement with a 42-hour power reserve.

 

Channel your inner James Bond this holiday season with the OMEGA Seamaster Planet Ocean. With a striking rose gold and black design, you’ll feel as dapper as the iconic special agent with this model. However, the Seamaster Planet Ocean isn’t just looks – far from it. In fact, the Planet Ocean is a more robust take on the brand’s classic Seamaster. With a helium escape valve, this model is perfect for divers looking to reach great depths for prolonged periods. In short, the Seamaster Planet Ocean is the ideal balance of form and function.

If you’re a fan of Panerai and their classic Luminor line but want a modern twist, the 1950 Submersible 3 Days Carbotech is the model for you. Carbotech is a unique composite material created from thin sheets of carbon fiber. The process requires the carbon fiber to be compressed with Polyether Ether Ketone under strict temperature and pressure conditions. The result is a rich, black, lightweight material that’s durable and less corrosive than ceramic or titanium. In contrast to the modern aesthetic of the Carbotech, the design of the Luminor is distinctly retro. It stays true to the beloved 1950s models used by the Italian Navy.

Over $20,000

Rolex’s 18-karat yellow gold President is one of the most instantly recognizable models of all time. It’s not just a favorite among presidents like Johnson, Nixon, Ford, and Reagan. It’s become a staple of the most significant businessmen and entertainers, from Warren Buffet to Jay Z. However, for those who prefer the color silver to gold, the President also comes in an all-platinum variation. In contrast to the classic design, the model features a modern, 41mm platinum case with complimentary platinum bezel and bracelet. In lieu of hour markers, diamond accents add another touch of elegance to the dial. For a show-stopping gift this holiday season, consider this unique variation of the Rolex President.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is the original luxury sport watch. Part of its initial charm was its stainless steel construction. However, the brand has since leaned into the luxury aspect of the model with precious metals. The perfect example is this rich, warm 18-karat rose gold variation. Despite the upgraded bezel, case, and bracelet construction, the rest of the design remains true to essence of the Royal Oak. It features the memorable octgonal bezel, exposed hexagonal screws, and integrated bracelet. Inside, you’ll find Audemars Piguet’s Caliber 2385 self-winding mechanical movement with a 40-hour power reserve.

Patek Philippe gives their own twist on the luxury sport watch with the Aquanaut. Sticking with the classic stainless steel, the brand gives the model the foundation of a traditional sport watch. Still the most unique aspect of the Aquanaut is the strap. In this particular model, you’ll find a bold, orange composite band that nicely compliments the orange accents on the dial. These design elements are combined with Patek Philippe’s Caliber CH 28-520 C self-winding mechanical movement. It features a 21-karat gold rotor, which you can see in all its glory through the exhibition caseback. The result is truly the ultimate luxury sport watch.

Caitlyn Bazemore

Caitlyn is the founder of Grey Ghost, a New York City-based boutique content marketing agency with a passion for artists, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and startups. She believes in quality over quantity, creative thinking, and, above all, using language as powerful tool to build lasting connections.

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