From Me, To Me: Meet the Stunning Watches I’m Gifting to Myself
Keep this between us: During the holiday season, I often shop more for myself than I do for others. Don’t get me wrong, I’m an excellent gift-giver, but I have no problem treating myself, too. We all deserve a little bit of luxury after a long year, and my wish list is quite lengthy. This year, I’ve made the executive decision to invest in high-quality, long-lasting jewelry, and Movado is my first pick. Specializing in luxe watches that naturally align with jewelry trends while maintaining a classic look, Movado is the gift that keeps on giving. And I’m not the only one who is indulging in fine jewelry this year—my fellow editor Kristen Nichols and two of my favorite content creators, Sarah Lanciano and Chandni Dave, have seamlessly added Movado pieces to their jewelry stacks this year, and I wanted all the details. In the spirit of giving, here are three chic ways to style the watches you can gift to loved ones, but secretly keep for yourself.
Kristen’s personal style: “I stick to a mix of timeless and elegant pieces. I value quality and craftsmanship over trends, so I prefer to collect items that were stylish 30 years ago and will look just as cool in another decade. I treat jewelry the same way.”
Kristen’s holiday gifting advice: “Of any holiday gift idea, jewelry—specifically a watch—is the most impactful and the most sentimental. It’s an investment-worthy item that can be worn every day and for many decades ahead. To make the gift even more personal, I recommend adding an engraving to the caseback, whether it’s a significant date, initials, or even a special message.”
Kristen’s editor POV: “This piece reminds me of a watch I’ve always admired of my mom’s—a gold and silver two-tone timepiece she has worn since the ’80s. It’s stood the test of time, and the combination of metals makes it the perfect choice for both casual and elegant occasions. The Movado Heritage 1917 brings classic design to this watch, reviving an Art Deco silhouette and elegantly pairing silver with gold. At $995, this is a great price point to tap into for a timeless design under $1000. While I think a watch worn solo on the wrist is very elegant, I also love experimenting with a wrist stack. I played into the tones of the watch by adding a silver tennis bracelet and a gold bangle.”
Movado
Heritage 1917 Watch
Sarah’s approach to jewelry styling: “Start small. Wearing too much can happen very quickly, so start by incorporating a piece or two into your daily wear. You may favor one metal type over the other, but don’t be afraid to mix your metals, either. Bracelets, watches, and earrings tend to be my personal go-tos for showing my personality through my accessories and jewelry. I don’t think people realize the power of a good accessory, especially a watch. The entire vibe of your outfit can shift with such a small addition. I also tend to wear a bit more jewelry during the holiday season—it feels more glamorous that way. More crystals and gold, because who doesn’t love the romanticized glamour of the holiday time?”
How Sarah’s treating herself for the holidays: “I wear my Movado museum bangle every single day, and it reminds me of my husband, who gifted it to me on our wedding day. It’s something I would’ve gifted myself too, as it’s the most beautiful connection between function and fashion. I think it’s the perfect treat for yourself, because we all deserve something special for ourselves during the holiday season too!”
Why Sarah’s investing in fine jewelry: “Movado is an absolutely timeless brand. My mother invested in her first Movado over 30 years ago, and it’s one of her proudest pieces that she owns. I think wearing my own Movado reminds me of her in a sense, too. It’s truly a brand that holds its reputation well and crafts stunning watches for daily wear or formal wear. I hope to continue to pass down my mother’s and my own Movado pieces to future generations, too.”
How Chandni’s changing her style for the holidays: “I tend to gravitate towards timeless pieces that feel intentional rather than trend-driven. Jewelry for me is always the finishing touch that makes me feel confident in my look. During the holidays, I lean into richer textures and love to mix and match my jewelry. It’s a subtle way to elevate my everyday style while keeping it true to who I am.”
Chandni’s gifting pro-tip: “I always think the best gifts are those that become a part of people’s everyday routine. A beautiful timepiece like a watch feels especially meaningful because it marks moments in time, both literally and emotionally. The Movado Heritage 1917 watch is a perfect example. It stood out to me instantly because of its clean, vintage-inspired design. It’s modern, yet nostalgic. It’s the kind of piece that transcends seasons and trends, making it the perfect gift for someone who appreciates classic craftsmanship and quiet luxury. This year, I’m gifting myself the reminder to slow down and appreciate the moment—and the watch feels like a perfect symbol of that.”
Chandni’s styling hack: “Start with one anchor piece that feels personal, like a watch, and then build around it. For this look, I styled the watch with my existing stack and a neutral outfit. Mixing metals or layering delicate pieces can add dimension, but I always think simplicity creates the strongest statement.”
Movado
Heritage 1917 Watch
