Gift O’Clock

Hey there,

Ever faced a sudden rush of “I-need-a-gift” panic? Yeah, me too. Thankfully, I’ve already done the wristwork for you. In today’s issue, you’ll find my handpicked guide to watches at every price point—ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or any spontaneous “just because” moment.

Plus, we’re exploring the fascinating tale behind Marlon Brando’s bezel-free Rolex, along with your weekly dose of horological trivia.

Thanks, as always, for your patience, support, and excellent taste in newsletters. Now, let’s get ticking….

Fatih

🕒 The Movement*

* The numbers above represent trends in the secondhand watch market. The "Price" column shows the average secondhand price for the top 30 watches—source: Watch Charts.

⏱️ First Tick

GHOST A MINUTE!

With the 29.01 'Midnight', Ming debuts a ghostly black take on its worldtimer.

FRENCH KISS

The French Serica dive watch looks just like the French Navy.

SHIP HAPPENS

Here's the new flagship and first minute repeater reference in Vacheron's Overseas line.

BANK ON IT!

This watch might look magical and desirable, but it's literally impossible to get.

⌚ Beyond the Dial

Watches for Every Budget

With the holidays creeping up faster than you can say "complication," I figured you might appreciate some friendly wristwear advice. Here's a carefully curated (and panic-free) list at every price point—because great taste shouldn't mean instant bankruptcy:

• Under $200: Timex Q Reissue: Retro vibes, affordable chic, and enough character to spark compliments—your wallet will thank you.

• Under $500: Bulova x Frank Lloyd Wright Ennis House: Architectural inspiration meets wristwatch—perfect for your artsy friend who appreciates "form following function."

• Under $1,000: Furlan Marri Rosso Grigio Mechaquartz Chronograph: You can get vintage inspiration with modern precision without breaking the bank. Who says style can't be practical?

• Under $3,000: Shinola Canfield Speedway: A dose of American spirit with just the right dash of motorsport cool—ideal wristwear to upgrade your casual Friday.

• Under $5,000: Tudor Black Bay 58: Classic Rolex DNA without the Rolex headache. A watch that says "forever" without whispering "bankruptcy."

• Under $10,000: Grand Seiko Snowflake: Japanese artistry meets Swiss-level precision. It's like wearing poetry on your wrist—cool, calm, and impeccably accurate.

• Under $15,000: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute: Flip, protect, and admire it. The horological equivalent of having two faces (in a good way).

• Under $25,000: IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 (Rose Gold): Every glance at your wrist becomes an event with sporty sophistication and a green dial. It's like flying first class everywhere.

Tell me if you pick one of these—I'll feel personally responsible for the compliments you'll get (and maybe just a tiny bit jealous).

🕰️ Back in Time

Marlon Brando's Rolex GMT-Master from Apocalypse Now wasn't just a watch—it was Hollywood history strapped to a wrist. Despite Francis Ford Coppola's protests, Brando refused to remove his Rolex while shooting the famously chaotic film. Keeping it simple (or stubborn? ), Brando popped off the iconic "Pepsi" bezel, carved his name crudely into the back, and kept filming.

After decades of mystery, his daughter Petra sold the watch for nearly $2 million at auction. Recently, it again made headlines, fetching over $5 million, though legal drama has paused the sale—proving that Brando's watch is never boring even off-screen.

📖 Horolography

The rotating ring surrounding your watch's dial. Usually used for timing dives, races, or pizza deliveries, bezels are functional (showing specific data, like elapsed time) or purely decorative—except when you're Marlon Brando. We can't all be Hollywood legends, but at least our watches are intact.

⏰ The Final Tick

And just like that, we’ve made it through another week. Huge thanks for spreading the word and growing our little community. As always, your feedback and sharing mean the world. Keep sharing, keep sending your feedback, and know that each new subscriber genuinely makes my day.

Here’s wishing you a weekend as satisfying as hearing your automatic watch wind smoothly.

Stay timely,

Fatih Taskiran
Founder & Chief Daydreamer at The Core