For those just starting their watch collection, and for those with an array of watches already in their lineup, Seiko continues to present the best gift watches on the market.
Here's what we looked for when curating the selections below:
- Variation in colorways and bracelet/strap options. When you're browsing for a gift watch, offering the wearer a customizable fit is key.
- Price variation, even within a collection itself. For example, you'll read about the Presage line-up and find that you've got a range from $400-$2000. Again, versatility is everything when it comes to finding the right gift.
- Practical wearability. There are tons of cool, colorful, interesting watches on the market, but you want to find a good combination of personal preference, comfort, and ease of use.
- Proven to last. One of the reasons our team loves the Seiko collection is how durable the watches are, how much heritage is brought into each watch design, and how timeless the styles are.
The SSK GMT
Let's kick it off with the top favorite:
Introduced in 2022, the modern Seiko SSK model took the watch world by storm and became an instant classic. Designed to have a sleek, urban feel with the functions and tools of a true GMT, the watch was met with high demand due to it's aesthetic and it's unbeatable price point.
Coming in under $500 across the collection, the SSK line up is our always-recommended go to for a gift watch. Despite the 42mm diameter size, the SSK has a light feel and fits a 6.5" wrist as smoothly as it does an 8.5", so whether you're celebrating a highschool graduation or a retirement party, the SSK will fit both occasions with ease.
- Currently available in 6 colorways
- 42.5mm Diameter, 13.6 Thickness, 46.0mm length
- Part of the Seiko Core Lineup
- $475 on each
- Available for Online Purchase
The Do-It-All Dive Watch
We've seen a lot of watches over the years get 5 minutes of fame after being spotted on a celebrity, or being a hot new release, or an elusive hard-to-land piece.
That's not the story of the Seiko SPB143 though. Hailed as "THE watch" by Seiko enthusiasts and watch collectors alike, the 143 entered the "best of" watch conversation and never left.
Introduced as a re-interpretation of Seiko's first 1965 Dive watch, the 143 has become a landmark watch, with a depth capacity of 200 meters, a neutral dial/bezel color combination, and a 70 hour power reserve.
We find it quickly becomes your go-to travel watch, as you can take it seamlessly from the boat to the plane to the mountains. That also means it's an excellent gift.
When the category is watches you can wear doing absolutely anything, the 143 hits every mark.
- Seiko Dive watches are not only certified, but tested in real life; worn by deepsea divers and underwater photographers, the Seiko collection has proven it's durability in strides.
- The collection ranges from 39mm and up
- Pricing begins around $500, making it a versatile gift range
- Neutral, colorful, textured, storied; each dial was inspired by real life experiences.
The Perfect Event Watch
Special occasions call for memorable timepieces, and the Seiko Presage collection is an easy go-to when you're looking for a commemorative gift for your loved one.
Presented with a wide variety of bracelet styles, strap options, dial colors, fits, and functions, the Presage is made to fit personal preferences while providing a comfortable, customizable fit.
Our staff recommendation? The newly released Seiko Presage, featuring a dial inspired by the Edo Period in Japanese history, evoking a silk textured dial and a stainless steel 7 link bracelet.
Available in 3 dial colors and coming in at a neutral fitting 40mm, this is an easy yes for your special occasion.
- The most versatile price line in the Seiko collection, with Presage models starting at $450
- Endless options for dial colors and watch sizes, including women's sizes
- Easily change out your stainless steel to a leather or fabric strap
Diamonds and Details
What feels more celebratory than a diamond-studded watch with storybook-like dials? Is there a more classic gift to unwrap?
We had to include the Seiko Diamonds collection for a few reasons - the watches are not only beautiful, they're fantastic price-points. They also feature all natural, hand-set diamonds and finishes that give each watch an effortless feel.
We see a large variety in the styles available in the Diamonds line up. The brand new SUR592 checks all the boxes when you're going for a special occasion piece for someone special. With a Mother-of-Pearl dial and 73 natural diamonds on the bezel, the fully gold-tone 592 makes an excellent gift. It also comes in under $1000!
Honorary Staff Choice: the SSC911
Why we love the SSC911:
41mm with a comfortably designed case and a sleek aesthetic, the 911 has all the bells and whistles of a much more expensive watch, but comes in at just $700, perfect as a gift or one of those watches you end up snagging for your own collection!
It features a tachymeter, sturdy stainless steel bracelet, and a brilliant sunray finish dial with chronograph functions.
Another reason we love the 911?
It's solar powered, meaning you aren't bringing it in every year for a battery change. At full power, the SSC911 has a 6 month power reserve. It's also 100 meters water resistant with a sapphire crytal.
