Christmas is a time for giving, but let's be honest, it's also a time for receiving. And there are few things nicer to receive in your stocking from Santa than a beautiful watch. With that in mind, we asked a few of the staff at Geckota which one of our own-brand watches they would most like to receive as a Christmas gift and why.
GECKOTA PIONEER AUTOMATIC WATCH BRUSHED VINTAGE GREEN DIAL
As someone relatively new to the world of watches, it was not easy to pick a choice as I am still working out what I like in a watch. Nevertheless, my eye was instantly drawn to the Pioneer Green Automatic. Its khaki hue and timeless design give it a vintage charm- making it an everyday style statement. The gold insert in the crown and matching accents in the hands and minute track complement the green dial and make this one of my favourite colour combinations.
GECKOTA PIONEER AURORA AUTOMATIC WATCH AQUA SUNBURST
One of my top picks from Geckota's collection has to be the Aurora Automatic model from their Pioneer range. I'd describe myself as someone with a vibrant personality who adores colours, which is why the aqua sunburst design resonates with me. Despite my wrist measuring 6.5 inches, the 42mm case, with its 45mm lug-to-lug dimension, sits comfortably and snugly on my wrist. Additionally, the presence of the dependable Seiko movement inside assures me that this watch will continue to faithfully keep time as I go about my daily routine for many years to come, or until I manage to save up for my grail watch - the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF GMT.
GECKOTA TOURBILLON HAND WOUND WATCH
Over the last year, I have learned so much about watches that it even surprised me! I can't remember when I didn't know what COSC meant or appreciated the technical capability of a tourbillion. And that's why I have picked the Geckota Tourbillon Hand Wound for my Christmas present. I love the multi-layered dial and gold/black combo, which looks so sophisticated. The Gen 2 Tourbillon is a genuine statement timepiece at a very competitive price, which will is a timeless choice, never looking dated. If I take a step back, I now realise that my choice means I am on a journey that has already left me wholly invested in the watch industry's wonders.
GECKOTA S-01 PHALANX SPECIAL OPERATIONS WATCH
OK, no surprise I am slightly biased here as I did co-design the Phalanx, but that doesn't detract from me appreciating, as a watch enthusiast, that it's a great tool watch which fits the one-stop-shop watch genre so well. The thought and care that went into designing our first and only tactical watch was significant – 2 years from first drawing to production. The result is a super durable watch that has been tested and given the green light by a Special Operations Unit. Oddly, I don't own a Gen 2 with the revised and improved full lume bezel, so that's why I would like to receive a one for Christmas. Whilst I love my Gen 1 Blackout the satin Intelligence model would be a great addition and is arguably more versatile - and that's why I would ask for one.
GECKOTA CHRONOTIMER CHRONOGRAPH WATCH CLASSIC PANDA
As a fan of cars, I am, by default, a fan of racing watches, so that's what initially drew me to the Bicompax Panda Chronotimer. For me, the best element is the classic colourway on a watch which has been a staple of the Geckota collection for so long. I remember the process of creating the range years ago, and it was the first Geckota watch I truly liked due to its size. Inspiration came from the most remarkable racing watches of the 1960s, which featured round subdials with a stopwatch function, 24-hour timer, and contrasting tachymeter. Although this is a thoroughly modern watch, we also wanted to take vintage elements from our previous models so this watch mirrors my career and time at Geckota – it's very special.
GECKOTA OCEAN-SCOUT DIVE WATCH - SIENNA BROWN
I have been heavily involved in developing and marketing the Ocean-Scout, so this is a very personal project. We have so many great variants but for me, we struck gold (literally) when we released the Sienna Brown Gold model only a few weeks ago. This model stands out with its Autumnal colours. I have always loved the classic 3,6,9 dial, which channels traditional exploration models, and this was the entire basis of the Ocean-Scout concept. The Sienna Brown is 38.5mm in diameter so it suits my smaller wrist, and the whole design is inspired by nature and suits my outlook on life. The intention for Ocean-Scout was to represent all parts of an amazing journey, and this new Gold model lets me do that – with added style!
