Life at the intersection of art and play.
By Stephen Watson & Justin Arroyo
Watch lovers can agree, the groundwork for a lifetime of watch collecting often begins during childhood. From exchanging Pokémon cards to discovering what makes a favorite toy operate, one thing leads to another—which often leads to a collection of wristwatches. Watches always make the perfect gift, taking on enormous sentimental value as terrific tokens of love or appreciation. Tie all these things together, and you get modern-day timepieces that pull at our heartstrings in the most unexpected ways.
Taking their inspiration from the games we play, these magical watches can evoke casino-style gaming to a nostalgia for Atari 8-bit invaders from space. Combined with some of the best and most luxe playthings of the season, these whimsically sentimental toys and gadgets are entirely unapologetic—and almost as fun as opening presents this holiday season.
Remember, it is always better to give than receive.
Or so they say.
Hautlence Labyrinth 01
$12,200; hautlence.com
(Clockwise, from top left):
Michele Varian Wood Typography Blocks, $88; michelevarian.com + Hermès Rocking Horse, $2,600; hermes.com + Ralph Lauren Carbon Fiber Domino Set, $695; ralphlauren.com + Michele Varian Calm Rolling Marble Maze Game Puzzle, $38; michelevarian.com
Christophe Claret Poker Texas Hold’em
$168,000; christopheclaret.com
Romain Jerome Space Invaders 40 Pop
$12,950; romainjerome.ch
(Clockwise, from top left):
Tiffany & Co Yo-Yo, $300; tiffany.com + Louis Vuitton Ping-Pong Set, $2,210; louisvuitton.com + LEGO Laser Pegs T-REX Building Set, $60; barneys.com + Xbox One, $499; microsoft.com
Asprey English Saddle Leather Backgammon Board
$3,400; asprey.com
Franck Muller Cintrée Curvex Roulette
$39,800; franckmuller.com