Bond’s Best: Six Iconic Christmas Gifts
As the holiday season approaches, London comes alive with the spirit of Christmas. There are, of course, gifts, and then there are gifts – pieces that have iconic status and will definitely deliver a wow factor. When it comes to finding these, there’s no better place to head to than Bond Street. Here are some suggestions for that very special note to Santa…
Patek Philippe: The Nautilus
Since its introduction in 1976, Patek Philippe’s Nautilus has been a symbol of debonair charm due to its distinctive rounded octagonal bezel, innovative porthole case and luminescent blue opaline dial. A true masterpiece of craftsmanship, the watch’s steel case and water-resistant design ensures it will be treasured for years to come. Whether you’re gifting the model in steel, rose gold, white gold or a two-tone combination, the look is so distinctive that you’ll be delivering a head-turner.
Nautilus, £25,720, Patek Philippe, 16 New Bond Street, W1S 3SU. Shop here.
Hermès: The Birkin 35
In the world of luxury gifts, the Birkin bag stands out as an extraordinary choice, bridging the gap between practicality and opulence. It also tells a story of class and creativity, all wrapped in the allure of legendary British fashion icon, singer and actor Jane Birkin. The classic bag, meticulously crafted from exquisite heritage leather, is designed to age gracefully, gaining a beautiful patina over time and ensuring that the gift will be loved for many more Christmases to come.
Birkin 35, £POA, Hermès, 155 New Bond Street, W1S 2UA. Shop here.
Burberry: The Trench Coat
The Long Kensington Heritage Trench Coat is a Christmas gift that embodies enduring style and quality. Crafted in Yorkshire, the trench boasts the famed Burberry check lining, and symbolises expert British artistry and sophistication. The double-breasted button closure delivers protection form the weather, and the whole package combines polished taste, functionality and comfort. It’s the perfect winter wardrobe addition.
Long Kensington Heritage Trench Coat, £1,890, Burberry, 21-23 New Bond Street, W1S 2RE. Shop here.
Cartier: The Tank Américaine
The Tank Américaine watch from Cartier is the epitome of timeless elegance and mechanical precision. The original Tank timepieces were created by Louis Cartier in 1917; the model was named after the World War I military machine that also inspired its looks. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this horological masterpiece has an octagonal crown set with a sapphire for a regal touch, a silvered flinqué dial, and blued-steel sword-shaped hands adding a dash of refinement. Complementing the watch’s grandeur is a brown alligator-skin strap. With a water resistance of approximately 30m, it seamlessly blends form and function. Gifting this Cartier watch is not just a gesture, it’s a statement.
Tank Américaine watch, £14,800, Cartier, 175-177 New Bond Street, W1S 4RN. Shop here.
Smythson: The 2024 Diary
This is an easy win. Functionality never goes out of style when it comes to Christmas gifts and Smythson’s 2024 diary is a polished and practical present that will go down a treat with your loved ones. Encased in luxurious crocodile-embossed Mara leather, it has a vertical week-to-view layout, gilt-edged featherweight paper, indexed monthly tabs for effortless organisation, a silk lining and a slip pocket. Planning your life has never looked more dignified.
2024 Portobello Weekly Vertical Diary in Mara, £250, Smythson, 131-132 New Bond Street, W1S 2TB. Shop here.
Chanel: The Tweed Suit
You can never go wrong with Chanel tweed. This gorgeous red suit, embossed with gold button detailing, makes for the perfect winter outfit, whether you’re heading into the office or an after-work cocktail party. Coco Chanel revolutionised womenswear back in the 1920s by making it comfortable and introducing a sporty spirit. Her combination of elegance and comfort has been a hallmark of the brand ever since, and chimes perfectly with today’s contemporary wardrobe requirements.
Iridescent Tweed Jacket, £6,160. Shop here. Iridescent Tweed Skirt, £2,990. Shop here. Chanel, 158-159 New Bond Street, W1S 2UB