As a watch specialist, we regularly get the question whether a watch is a suitable gift for a certain occasion such as a marriage. Now we think of course that a watch is always possible, but in some situations and in some cultures giving a watch is less appropriate. That is why we tell in this blog what the do’s and don’ts are around 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 present, and even more fun for a special birthday! Think of the 18th birthday, for a ‘quincenera’, or with a ’21 dinner ‘.
Pension: Watch is the traditional gift
A (bag) watch is a gift that is traditionally served by the employer when an employee retires after a long employment. This tradition is under pressure in the current bonus culture, but a watch is still a popular gift in retirement. The watch then symbolizes the long relationship between the giver and receiver and forms a lasting memory of this special event. Certainly when the watch is engraved with the date of retirement.
Marriage: watch gift for the witnesses
Although according to the etiquette it is not done to wear a (striking) watch on your own wedding day, giving a watch – for example to the witnesses – is increasingly popular. Something that bridal couples also do more often is to give each other a (engraved) watch as a reminder of the wedding day, for example at an anniversary.
Graduation: your first adult watch
Saving before the final exam or graduation is an important milestone in your life. To mark this step to the independent life, it is very common for fathers to come and choose a first adult men’s watch with their son. Mothers and daughters also find their way to our stores for a graduation gift more and more often.
Communion and Vormel: Children’s watches
On the occasion of Holy Communion or Vormel, religious objects such as a rosary or a personalized Bible are often given as a gift. For those who want to give a more neutral gift, a children’s watch is a suitable gift that is traditionally often given.
Eid al-Fitr: New watch with new clothing
At the end of Ramadan buy and family members often give new clothes to look tip-top when visiting family and friends. A nice watch should not be missing.
Better no 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 expiring time and death or breaking a relationship. The word clock is pronounced in Mandarin as ‘Zhong’, which also means ‘the end’. Also in India there is superstition that the donation of a watch brings both giver and receiver an accident.
Watch Gifts at HOOGE.NL
Are you looking for a watch to give to someone as a gift? Then also read our blog with tips for finding the perfect watch, or use our gift finder that lets you find the ideal watch gift step-by-step.
Do you want to have the gift packed? Then check it with your order and we ensure that your gift looks festive.