Is a watch a suitable gift for…?

As watch specialists, we are regularly asked whether a watch is a suitable gift for a specific occasion, such as a wedding. Now, of course, we believe that a watch is always a suitable gift, but in some situations and in some cultures, giving a watch is less appropriate. That is why in this blog we explain the do's and don'ts surrounding giving a watch as a gift.

Is a watch a suitable gift for

Birthday: a watch is always a nice gift

A watch is always a nice birthday gift, and even more so for a special birthday! Think of an 18th birthday, for a 'quincenera', or at a '21 dinner'.

Retirement: Watch is the traditional gift

A (pocket) watch is a gift that is traditionally given by the employer when an employee retires after a long period of employment. This tradition is under some pressure in the current bonus culture, but a watch is still a popular retirement gift. The watch then symbolizes the long relationship between the giver and receiver and forms a lasting memory of this special event. Especially when the watch is engraved with the date of retirement.

Wedding: watch gift for the best man and maid of honour

Although according to etiquette it is not done to wear a watch on your own wedding day, giving a watch - for example to the witnesses - is becoming increasingly popular. Something that bridal couples are increasingly doing is giving each other an (engraved) watch as a memento of the wedding day, for example on an anniversary.

Graduation: your first adult watch

Passing your final exam or graduation is an important milestone in your life. To mark this step towards independent life, it is very common for fathers to come to our shop with their son to pick their first adult gent’s watch. Mothers and daughters are also increasingly finding their way to our stores for a graduation gift.

Communion and confirmation: children's watches

On the occasion of Holy Communion or Confirmation, religious objects such as a rosary or a personalized Bible are often given as gifts. For those who want to give a more neutral gift, a children's watch is also traditionally a suitable gift to mark the occasion.

Eid al-Fitr: New watch with new clothes

At the end of Ramadan, family members often buy and give new clothes to look their best when visiting relatives and friends. A nice watch should not be missing.

Better not gift a watch for...

In some situations and cultures - especially in Asia - giving a watch is less common or even inappropriate. For example, giving sharp objects or a clock for Chinese New Year is seen as a symbol of the passage of time and death or the severance of a relationship. The word clock is pronounced 'Zhong' in Mandarin, which also means 'the end'. There is also a superstition in India that donating a watch brings bad luck to both the giver and the recipient.

Watch gifts at Watch.co.uk

Are you looking for a watch to give as a gift? Then read our blog with tips for finding the perfect watch, or use our Gift Finder that will step-by-step help you find the ideal watch gift.

Would you like to have the gift wrapped? Then tick it with your order and we will ensure that your gift looks festive.