In celebration of Valentine's Day, the Hodinkee editorial team participated in a gift exchange, where each member was tasked with selecting a watch or watch-related present for a colleague, operating under a notional budget of $1,000. This collaborative exercise resulted in a diverse collection of gifts, ranging from classic timepieces and stylish accessories to more idiosyncratic choices like a trampoline, each reflecting the giver's understanding of the recipient's personal style and interests. The selections reveal the team's camaraderie and varied passions, demonstrating how personal connections can influence gift-giving in unexpected and delightful ways.
James Stacey, in a thoughtful gesture, chose a C.P. Company jacket for Shota Akiyoshi. Stacey, recognizing Akiyoshi's affinity for streetwear and tech-inspired design, sought out a unique outerwear piece featuring a watch window on the sleeve. This particular jacket, a 2018 collaboration between Adidas and C.P. Company, is a rare find on the resale market, priced just under the $1,000 limit. Akiyoshi's positive reaction underscores the success of Stacey's meticulous selection, appreciating the clever and playful integration of watch-related elements within a stylish garment.
TanTan Wang, in turn, offered a decidedly practical yet humorous gift to David Aujero, the Head of Video. Building on a previous year's gift of a clapboard, Wang opted for a collection of G-Shock 5600-shaped ring watches. His rationale was that these fully functional G-Shocks could be worn on fingers, allowing Aujero to easily check the time while operating a camera, bypassing the inconvenience of wristwatches in such scenarios. This imaginative gift highlights Wang's creative approach to problem-solving within the $1,000 budget, providing multiple color options for Aujero's convenience.
Tim Jeffreys, demonstrating his keen eye for detail, gifted Andy Hoffman a Suunto Vertical 2 watch. Aware of Hoffman's passion for skiing and cycling in the Swiss Alps, Jeffreys chose a technical watch designed for outdoor activities. The Suunto Vertical 2's GPS capabilities and built-in flashlight cater to backcountry adventures, while its versatility makes it suitable for cycling. This practical and functional choice reflects Jeffreys's understanding of Hoffman's active lifestyle and his desire to provide a truly useful tool.
Andy Hoffman, though having only a digital acquaintance with video editor and producer Max Rosen, embarked on a journalistic endeavor to uncover Rosen's interests. Discovering Rosen's cinephilia, Hoffman opted for a Montblanc Rouge et Noir pen with a Snake Clip, a piece featured in one of Rosen's favorite films, "The Phoenican Scheme." This elegant writing instrument, priced within the budget, symbolizes a blend of cinematic appreciation and sophisticated style, intended to inspire Rosen's future screenwriting endeavors or note-taking.
Mark Kauzlarich, recognizing Tim Jeffreys's sartorial elegance and a preference for classic timepieces, selected a Baltic MR watch. He noted Jeffreys's trusty vintage Rolex and suggested the Baltic as a versatile addition, offering a microrotor movement and Breguet numerals for a touch of class. The blue dial, contrasting Jeffreys's daily Rolex silver dial, provides a distinct yet equally dressy option. To further enhance its classic appeal, Kauzlarich included a straight-end link beads-of-rice bracelet, acknowledging Jeffreys's affinity for blue and his willingness to embrace new routines.
Malaika Crawford's gift to Mark Kauzlarich was a 1995 Swatch Pop pocket watch. Aware of Kauzlarich's well-known affection for pocket watches, Crawford aimed to broaden his collection with a piece that represented a different facet of horological culture—one emphasizing design, humor, and accessibility. The bold and playful nature of the Swatch Pop reimagines the formal object of a pocket watch, challenging conventional notions. Its Valentine's-adjacent color scheme subtly reinforced the theme, making it a thoughtful and meaningful addition to Kauzlarich's expanding interest in pocket timepieces.
Finally, Max Rosen, as the newest team member, drew upon his observations of TanTan Wang's energetic personality. Despite the "watch-related" brief, Rosen chose a large trampoline for Wang, envisioning it as a perfect outlet for Wang's vibrant energy, perhaps even for his spontaneous dance routines. While acknowledging the logistical challenges of owning a trampoline in New York City, Rosen's playful and slightly unconventional gift reflects a desire to bring joy and a unique experience to his colleague, embracing an element of fun that transcends strict adherence to the theme.
This Valentine's Day exchange highlights the thoughtful and creative spirit of the Hodinkee editorial team, showcasing their diverse personal tastes and the warm camaraderie that binds them. From sophisticated timepieces and stylish accessories to a playful trampoline, each gift was a unique expression of appreciation, reflecting individual interests and shared humor.