Ok, folks. Get those credit cards out because the holidays are roaring up on us, and I’ll bet you haven’t bought a single gift. Is the season ruined? Will your loved ones offer tepid thanks as they open the boxes of sad trinkets you bought from the convenience store at the last minute? No, not while Santa Bum is here. I’ve been busy scoping out presents for everyone on your list. They are perfect, assuming, of course, that they share my very particular tastes. The Time Bum gets no compensation or kickbacks for these items; I just think they are cool and want to share them with the world.
The Southern Reach Series by Jeff VanderMeer (Paperback, $11-18 ea.)
When Jeff VanderMeer published Annihilation ten years ago, he introduced a mesmerizing tale of a reality-altering anomaly in a remote coastal community and the secretive agency that studies it. If you saw Alex Garland’s excellent 2018 movie, you need to put it out of your head as his adaptation shares little more than the title and basic premise with the novels. Annihilation, Authority, and Acceptance probe the mysteries of “Area X” through the eyes of a small cast of characters, each of whom we learn intimately. VanderMeer creates a creeping sense of unease that is at once fascinating and deeply unnerving. The fourth book, Absolution, was just published on October 22.
For gifting, get the Tenth Anniversary editions with the trippy cover art by Pablo Declan. Find your retailer of choice at jeffvandermeer.com.
The Cure: Songs Of A Lost World ($15.99-$42.99)
It’s been 16 years since The Cure released new music, and it was well worth the wait. Songs Of A Lost World is a tight, eight-song album that marries the band’s haunting, sweeping sound with poignant lyrics exploring mortality and impermanence. Fans will instantly recognize it as “Dark Cure”; there are no pop anthems here. Rather, the songs are measured, deliberate, and achingly beautiful. As an aging Gen-Xer living the madness of late 2024, I felt every word and every note of this album in my bones.
Sure, you can stream it, but that’s no way to give a gift. Order it on vinyl, CD, or cassette (cassette!) directly from thecure.com.
Breda Nocturne Time Rings ($150)
Why do I love these? I mean, they are huge and impractical but so delightfully funky! The Breda Nocturne Time Rings feature a 16mm watch case and a faceted crystal with a fully functional (quartz) watch on a tiny, expandable bracelet. They are not subtle, but the sight of these rings conjures images of 1977 when one might bump into Andy Warhol at Studio 54, and no one knew cocaine was bad for you. The Nocturne Time Rings are unisex and perfect for that person on your list with the right swagger to pull them off.
Sheffield Allsport Diver 1A Black ($198)
Every year, I try to list a watch that might pull a horologically curious neophyte into our crazy hobby. It needs to be appealing, practical, and inexpensive — just a little bit of bait to make the recipient say, “Oh, this is really cool! Tell me more about watches, you wise gift-giver.” The Sheffield Allsport Diver 1A Black fits the bill. As I mentioned here, it is a classic design from the newly resurrected Sheffield brand that has a Seiko NH35 automatic movement, 200M water resistance, a sapphire crystal, and bags of charm for a very reasonable price. It is in stock now at sheffieldwatches.com.
Standard H Targa Florio Jacket ($549)
If you have been to a major watch event in the past year or so, you have probably encountered Standard H. While they sell a nice variety of high-quality sportswear and accessories, one of my favorites is the Targa Florio. This slim-cut, double-breasted jacket features a cotton shell and was made for driving. It’s short enough that you won’t sit on it, and the gusseted sleeve design allows for easier movement as you carve the twisties in your sleek sports car or mighty dad wagon, as the case may be. The Targa Florio Jacket is effortlessly casual and offers the same practicality as a barn coat or trucker jacket but with a more tailored look. I give bonus points for the lining, which is inspired by the seat fabric of the original VW Golf GTI.
Camp Fieldtimer ($900)
Camp is a newcomer to the watch scene, and their debut model, the Fieldtimer (reviewed here), is a mighty impressive piece of work. With a 39mm case, a high-domed sapphire crystal, and clever typography, the Fieldtimer evokes an antique vibe while still looking entirely fresh. It runs a Swiss Sellita SW210-1, is water resistant to 100m, and has a hand-rubbed lacquer dial that is simply amazing, displaying a depth that makes every element appear to float. The watch-lovers on your list are sure to be impressed.
