Look, let’s be blunt. This year sucked. The world was already in turmoil when the Coronavirus came sauntering into our lives, settled in, and proceeded to make everything worse. Still, even 2020 had some bright spots, so if you have made it this far, celebrate that fact with something nice for your friends, family, or even yourself. You deserve it.
Without further ado, enjoy The Time Bum’s 2020 Holiday Gift Guide!
Solomon Straps, $65
Solomon Straps is the prêt-à-porter offshoot of bespoke strap maker Beckett Leather Goods. I reviewed one earlier this year and really liked it. These rugged-looking straps are cleanly constructed from Badalassi Carlo Tannery leather and offered in some fun color combinations. I’d suggest their brand new Winter 2020 collection. Personally, I’m drawn to varying pale blues of “Frozen Lake” (pictured), which would look amazing with a silver dial.
Harry’s Watch Accessories Leather Watch Pouches and Rolls, $27-220
I discovered Harry’s during my Rhodus Watches review. Their watch (which is quite lovely, by the way, but not yet available) comes in one of Harry’s Buttoned Watch Cases ($48). I was impressed with the weight and softness of the leather as well as the quality and details of its construction. You buy conventional rolls and pouches as well, but I’ve been smitten by the Large Leather Watch Roll with two buckled straps, a luggage-style handle, and anywhere from 6 to 18 pouches. Oh, and you can get it personalized too.
OLPR Leather Goods, Horween Dublin Desk Pad, $65-250
People who went to work in an office at the beginning of 2020 probably haven’t seen it for most of the year. Instead, they have been spending their entire workweek in their home offices. If someone on your gift list is in this situation, why not make that workspace a little nicer? OLPR makes a nice desk pad from top-quality Horween Dublin leather in five colors and four sizes. Do you like Horween on your watch strap? Then you’ll love a thick sheet of it on your desk. Incidentally, OLPR also makes watch straps.
Eliana Timekeeper, Twilight Glint Ladies’ Watch, $434-448
You didn’t think I’d have a gift list without watches, did you? Wome’s watches are not exactly common in the micro brand world but Sherrie Han has set out to change that with Eliana Timekeeper. The Twilight Glint is her debut model, featuring a Miyota automatic movement, open-heart dial, and display case back in an elegant 28mm case. The watch is available in polished steel and rose gold PVD cases, an onyx crown, and a Singularity Black dial adorned with four Swarovski crystals. I reviewed a gold model back in January, but the one I’d give would be the silver case with the smart gray linen dial.
Hemel Watches, HF Series Chronographs, $450
I’ve reviewed quite a few Hemel watches and the HF series chronographs might be my favorites. These Seiko MechaQuartz-powered pilot’s chronographs wear slightly smaller than their 42mm width might suggest while still maintaining a beefy, tool watch presence. Add a dose of jet-age nostalgia, 100m water resistance, and rivired Italian leather strap and you have watch that will make any afficiando smile. Hemel has six different versions in stock including the US Air Force Association Special Edition, and you even have a choice of bezels so you are sure to find the perfect HF gift. My suggestions? The black Brabant or the Ivory HFT20. ⬩
