It’s Time For #HolidayColors: Embracing Seasonal-Tinted Watches And Gear From Maurice De Mauriac, Nike, Grand Seiko, Oris, And More

After a hiatus, I’m stoked to kick off a new series of Hashtag stories, where I put on my style-centric glasses and pick a matchy-matchy group of watches, gear, sneakers, and accessories. If there’s a need for a disclaimer, it’s here: there is no incentive from brands here, nor have they been notified of any inclusion in this #holidaycolors feature.

Yes, the holiday season is here, with Thanksgiving and Christmas in quick succession. Some countries are already experiencing snow-filled streets, as we are here in Norway. I’m all for leaning into the spirit with the festive colors of red and green. From bright dials and Nike sneakers to bracelets and a watch roll, here are my top #holidaycolors for you to enjoy or even consider as another gift list (yes, I’ll have the motorbike; don’t tell my wife…).

Maurice de Mauriac L1 Red Lightning

“Red but not retro” is the name of the game for Maurice de Mauriac’s cool Red Lightning. Kicking off the #holidaycolors picks, this intense watch is searingly red thanks to an unusual tinted crystal, and is one of a series of 80. Designed by Fabian Schwaerzler, this gray DLC piece is intensely interesting and wholly refreshing. The pared-down, modern design works perfectly with the minimal white rubber strap, and I love seeing more new watches without a hint of retro love.

As a brand, Maurice de Mauriac is on point with this limited L1. With a 100m depth rating, it’s a perfect daily driver, and it will also be a great conversation starter with looks like these. This sweet-fitting 39mm case has a 46.6mm lug-to-lug, and I must say, it looks snazzy on Nacho’s wrist alongside his white knit sweater. Powered by the G100 caliber from La Joux-Perret with a sapphire exhibition case back, it’s available from MDM for CHF 3,900.

Nike Air Max Plus 3

I used to be a Puma guy and impervious to the hype of Nike, but this year, I’ve changed. From none to three pairs, I’ve been charmed by the choice of colors and styles. For his #holidaycolors story, I’ve gone all out on red and recommend these wild-looking Air Maxes. With the well-known comfort of their Tuned Air technology, these scintillating red kicks will cheer up the dullest day. And wouldn’t you say they go rather well with the future-cool look of the Maurice de Mauriac L1 Red Lightning? Get them for €189.99 at Nike.com.

Grand Seiko SBGJ273 “Yuka Momiji”

I enjoy this rounder take on Grand Seiko’s style, and the combo of Hi-Beat and an intuitive GMT function is tempting. That’s especially true when it comes with this vertically striated deep red dial. We saw a similar dial a few years back, but it suits the rounder SBGJ273 case with its medium 39.5mm diameter. And what’s more, for me, the touch of gold on the GMT hand and logo works like a charm with the deep red gloss. It might be a watch in the Elegance line, but with Grand Seiko’s sturdy build quality, it’s a great daily driver. Sure, the 3ATM water resistance is on the low side, but you wouldn’t wear something as dressy as this on an extreme adventure, right? This “Yuka Momiji” has a price of €7,600.

Bright #holidaycolors with Kompsós and Baxter + Baxter bracelets

Call me vain (I know you will), but men can wear jewelry these days. Watches don’t count unless it’s your purchase argument in a heated debate with your wife and her massive jewelry box. I’m not very keen on stacking stone or metal bracelets with watches on the same wrist as they will scratch the case and take attention away from your grail. But if you must, look at the braided fabric bracelets from Kompsós, including the mix packs. They offer great quality at decent prices, though this braided red Antibes bracelet is on the more expensive side (£59.99) due to its solid sterling silver clasp.

If luscious green is your color, why not try these 6mm green tiger’s eye beads with a sterling silver center cube? Baxter + Baxter offers great quality and a useful choice of four handmade sizes. This one is also a damn fine Christmas gift for a special someone. Gemstone markings are all different, so each bracelet will be unique, and yes, as a vain man, I do have a fair few of these. But I have no shame, and their quality is outstanding. Get one for £42 from Baxter + Baxter.

Charles Simon x seconde/seconde/ watch roll

Laughing at oneself is difficult for some, but if your choice of wristwear is a solid gold Day-Date with a deliciously green dial, why not? I’ve already mentioned the high-quality grail storage from Charles Simon in my additions to our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide, but this seemed like too much fun not to mention. Artist and collaborative genius seconde/seconde/ has joined forces with Canadian brand Charles Simon for this tongue-in-cheek storage and exhibition roll. It’s beautifully made (and IYKYK) for whichever watch you store or flaunt. Plus, it has a perfect dash of five-star humor for the watch-loving niche. Perhaps you were the lucky bidder for the one-off 18K gold G-Shock that went under the hammer for US$400,050. That would be my choice; a Rollie is no prerequisite. This watch roll is available from Charles Simon for US$450.

Oris ProPilot GMT

I was about to go down the deliciously burgundy but fairly predictable route of the bronze Big Crown with an oxblood dial, similar to our Fratelloris. But something about the sumptuous, deep fumé red dial of the recently released ProPilot GMT has me hooked. The two big, blunt tool hands provide laser-like visibility on the dial thanks to the generous lume. And their black base works together with the seconds and GMT hands to give it a stealthy vibe I’m all about. The case has an unusual gray PVD finish (similar to the Maurice de Mauriac L1’s DLC), giving a strong tool vibe to the tech-grooved bezel. At 41.5mm in diameter, it’s not small, but it is a tough take on the pilot’s genre. With an unusually rich cherry fumé dial and a GMT movement based on the Sellita SW330-1, this ProPilot might be well worth its €2,900 retail price.

Triumph Motorcycles Speed Twin 900 in Sapphire Green

The last entry on this #holidaycolors list is a mean dark green machine. Who can resist the retro goodness of a brand-new Triumph Speed Twin 900? This modern classic is available starting from £9,395. Now, if only I could convince my wife to let me buy one… I know the ProPilot is a pilot’s watch, but I’d wager that it’s also the perfect wristwear for a road-borne pilot on two wheels. For the countries with drier winters, what’s better than a simple, no-frills motorbike with a just-enough 64.1 horsepower from the tried and trusted 900cc engine? It’s perfect for that last-minute Christmas shopping run, right? Learn more and check the price in your country on the Triumph Motorcycles website.

So, what do you think, Fratelli? Have these #holidaycolors got you in the festive spirit, or are you holding on for a better 2024? Let us know in the comments, and let them be festive.