5 Best Winter-Themed Automatic Watches to Own This Season
Choosing a Christmas-themed automatic watch shouldn't mean settling for a gimmick. While many brands rely on basic red and green colors, the best seasonal watches use specific textures and materials to reflect a winter aesthetic. These watches provide a way to acknowledge the holidays through high-quality engineering rather than temporary fashion trends.
The following five watches are selected for their mechanical reliability and their specific festive motifs. Each uses a high-caliber automatic movement, ensuring the watch remains a functional part of a collection long after the season ends.
Here are the top five Christmas-themed models to consider this year.
1. Grand Seiko Heritage "Snowflake" (Ref. SBGA211)
The Grand Seiko "Snowflake" is the gold standard for winter-themed horology. Its dial is a handcrafted tribute to the snow-covered Hotaka Mountains of Japan, featuring a unique brushed texture that mimics a fresh winter landscape.
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Movement: Spring Drive Caliber 9R65.
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Case Material: High-intensity titanium (30% lighter than steel).
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Key Feature: The blued steel seconds hand glides silently across the dial, mirroring the natural flow of time.
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Maintenance: Recommended 650 TPD (Bidirectional).
Link: https://www.berrysjewellers.co.uk/products/grand-seiko-heritage-snowflake-white-dial-watch-sbga211g
2. Seiko 5 Sports x Rowing Blazers "Candy Cane"
For a more literal take on holiday cheer, this limited edition collaboration features a "candy cane" striped seconds hand. It brings a playful, whimsical touch to the rugged "DressKX" silhouette, making it an ideal conversation starter for festive gatherings.
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Movement: Calibre 4R36 Automatic.
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Case Material: Stainless Steel.
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Key Feature: Festive striped seconds hand and colorful NATO strap options.
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Maintenance: 650–950 TPD (Bidirectional).
3. Seiko Presage Cocktail Time "Fuyugeshiki"
The "Fuyugeshiki" (translated as "Winter Scenery") is inspired by the crisp aesthetics of a winter cocktail. Often called the "Baby Snowflake," its dial features a delicate vertical pattern resembling frost-covered fields or fine brushwork.
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Movement: Calibre 4R35 or 4R57.
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Case Material: Stainless Steel.
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Key Feature: A crisp white textured dial and faceted hour markers that catch light like ice crystals.
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Maintenance: 650–950 TPD (Bidirectional).
4. Oris "Father Time" Limited Edition
While named after the weathervane at Lord’s Cricket Ground, the Oris "Father Time" resonates deeply with end-of-year traditions. The bronze case develops a warm patina over time, perfectly complementing the cozy, nostalgic atmosphere of the holidays.
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Movement: Oris Caliber 754.
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Case Material: Bronze.
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Key Feature: An engraved caseback featuring Father Time and the signature red crescent-tipped pointer date.
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Maintenance: 650–800 TPD (Bidirectional).
5. Hublot Big Bang Unico Winter Titanium Ceramic
For a high-fashion approach to the season, Hublot uses zirconium oxide ceramic and titanium to create a "frosted" look. This monochromatic masterpiece is designed to reflect the sharp clarity of mountain peaks and winter sports.
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Movement: In-house HUB1280 Unico (72-hour power reserve).
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Case Material: Titanium and White Ceramic.
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Key Feature: A bold, technical aesthetic inspired by luxury alpine chalets.
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Maintenance: 800 TPD (Bidirectional).
A Christmas-themed automatic watch is always a fun seasonal accessory. Whether you prefer the subtle elegance of the Grand Seiko "Snowflake" or the playful design of the Rowing Blazers Seiko 5, these timepieces capture the winter spirit in a way that endures long after the holidays.
