What are you hoping Santa will bring you this year? If your family members are already busy asking you what you'd like for Christmas, figuring out what to put on the list can be a challenge. More socks? A barbecue tool set? You might gravitate towards attempting to make strictly practical selections, bypassing the things you might really want. Why not put something on your list that's not only practical, but can thrill and please you at the same time? 

Whether you're already a lover of watches or you're just beginning to find your interest in timepieces, a wristwatch can be the perfect addition to your list this year. Both a slick accessory and a useful tool for everyday life, watches are eminently enjoyable gifts to receive — so which ones should go on your list? Here are five ideas that will leave you with a smile on Christmas morning. 

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean

One look at the Omega Seamaster might leave you wondering, "Where have I seen this watch before?" The answer is Bond — James Bond. Famously worn by the fictional spy of the silver screen, the Seamaster is no gimmick. The Planet Ocean carries on the tradition of not only being excellent timepieces for the active man, but honors its pedigree, too: it is waterproof down to 600 meters, or nearly 2000 feet. For divers and aficionados alike, the Planet Ocean is an excellent option to consider as you make your list. 

Breitling Chronomat

Whether you prefer the visual aesthetic of watches with chronometers or you simply need to be certain you can tell the time in every manner possible, the Breitling Chronomat is the watch you want this holiday season. With bold and versatile band and strap designs meant for everyone from the businessman to the athlete, many Chronomats even include a tachymeter intended for estimating speed of travel. Whether you prefer a more classic design or one of the sleek new models, it's tough to go wrong here.

Patek Philippe Twenty-4

What about watches with a more feminine approach to design? The Twenty-4 by Patek Philippe stuns right from the start with its multitude of diamonds set around the watch. Combined with an uncomplicated yet entirely sophisticated dial with slender hands, the Twenty-4 represents some of the best in women's watch design worldwide. This line even includes slimmer, rectangular watches perfect for pairing with evening-wear and making a clear statement.

Rolex President

Made famous after President Lyndon Johnson was spotted sporting one of these Rolexes in the White House, the President remains a popular option among Rolex's many flagship products. Also known as the "Day-Date" Rolex, this model features the classic magnified date window, and also includes a special dial indicating the day. A classic, prestigious watch, yellow gold is the most common option, though you will find Day-Dates that feature other materials, including platinum. For an elegant choice, the President is hard to match.

Cartier Ballon Bleu

Certainly one of the most unique watches on this list, the Ballon Bleu exemplifies its name: the unique balloon-shape of the watch dial itself and the subtle blue hues of the watch hands make it stand out. The unique placement of the watch crown on the top of the dial, bulging the 3 o'clock position inward, creates an uncommon visual impression that will always catch the eye. Backed by the experience and history of quality of French jeweler Cartier, a Ballon Bleu might be the perfect thing to ask for this year. 

Which of these five do you like best? Representing a broad selection from across the watchmaking industry, any one of them would make a fine addition to your collection — or to serve as the founding piece in one. Whatever you choose, consider your options carefully and think about what you like best. When Christmas morning arrives, who knows? Maybe you'll unwrap a package to be greeted by a timely surprise. 
 

Perhaps you want to trade your luxury watch for a more current style, or maybe you want to put a little extra money in your pocket. Whatever the reason, selling or trading in your luxury watch is always an option. The watch market is a vibrant one, full of passionate collectors and resourceful people looking for good deals. A luxury watch in good condition—especially one from an iconic brand—will fetch plenty of interest. If you are going to sell or trade, though, make sure you follow these seven steps to ensure a successful transaction.

1.    Gather your watch’s box and papers

A watch will always be worth more with the original box it came in, plus the certificate of authenticity. Ideally, you will still have these items and will be able to retrieve them as you prepare to sell your watch. Typically, a watch will go for 20 to 50 percent less on the secondhand market without the box and papers.

2.    Determine the exact model and reference number

Nowadays, when so much buying, selling, and trading of luxury watches happens online, it’s crucial to know exactly what make, model, and reference number your watch is. If you still have the box and authenticity certificate, you won’t have much issue learning this information. You might also just know it instinctively. Either way, having these details will make the next few steps of the process much easier.

3.    Do your homework

Hop online and start doing some research on your used watch. The luxury watch market is a big, popular niche, so there are lots of resources out there that can tell you about the history of your watch, its current demand on the secondhand market, and a ballpark resale value. Do note, however, that resale prices for different watches can vary dramatically, especially if auctions are involved. Don’t expect that your watch will match the highest recorded resale value for a similar timepiece.

4.    Consider an appraisal

Doing online research can give you a general price range to expect for your watch but getting a professional appraisal will yield much more exact information. Many factors can impact a watch’s value, from its condition to the complications it has. An expert appraiser can navigate all these factors to give you a smart resale price to target.

5.    Write up a description

You need a detailed watch description to go along with your online listing. This description is your chance to highlight the details that make your watch valuable, including complications, features, rarity, and other miscellaneous trivia. It’s also your chance to be honest about condition. If there’s any damage to the watch and you try to hide it, you could find yourself in a legal scuffle with any potential buyers. Use your description to sell your watch, but don’t stretch the truth.

6.    Snap a few photos

Ultimately, photos are what is going to sell your watch. They let buyers or traders see the timepiece, assess its condition, and verify that it is what you have promised. Most buyers will be automatically suspicious of your listing if you don’t include many photos. You need at least one shot of the watch from every angle. These photos need to be clear, high-resolution shots—preferably professionally taken. Blurry cell phone photos won’t do. Include photos of the box and papers, if you have them.

7.    List it!

You’re just about ready to list your watch! Don’t just put it on eBay. Instead, list it on a watch-focused marketplace like Crown & Caliber or The Watchbox. Every marketplace has slightly different rules and processes, so pick the one that seems like the best bet for you and then follow their instructions to finalize the listing.
 

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And another thing - stop feed my car keys to the dogs.