Yes, my friends, it is time again for The Time Bum’s Holiday Gift Guide to help you find the perfect gifts for your family and friends, even if those who inexplicably don’t love watches.
Nobody pays me for doing this Guide. I only list the things that I like. This year, I have focused on gifts from the Washington, DC metro area. It’s The Time Bum’s home base, and an amazing place to live, work, or visit – like, for the District Time Show, on March 7-8, 2026 (hint, hint).
Enjoy!
Republic Restoratives
Since 2016, Republic Restoratives Distillery has produced a fine selection of spirits right here in Washington, DC. Just like many of our favorite microbrand watchmakers, they launched with a singular vision powered by crowdfunding, and have grown into a thriving enterprise that ships nationally. Republic Restoratives is woman-owned, queer-led, and fiercely political with products that celebrate and support progressive causes. For example, Dissent Gin ($79.99, 750ml) was inspired by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and a portion of each purchase goes to the National Network of Abortion Funds.
I’m a big fan of Madam Whiskey ($89, 750ml), a smoky-sweet blend of bourbon and rye commemorating the inauguration of Vice President Kamala Harris. Purpose Rye ($69, 750ml) is another standout, offering notes of fruit with a touch of spice. If you are not in the market for alcohol, check out their selection of swag, like the Free DC “Sandwich Guy” t-shirt ($28.00) or the Fascist Tears mug ($16.50). Unlike the liquor, these items are made to order and will take longer to arrive.
As of this writing, they are offering a 20% Patriot Discount for members of the military (current, former, and spouses), government employees, first responders, and teachers.
Jaeger-LeCoultre, The Ultimate Guide for the Collector by Zaf Basha
Zaf Basha is a respected vintage watch dealer based in Washington, DC, who has also applied his expertise to two outstanding reference books. I already recommended Vintage Military Watches when it was published in 2023. Today, I’ll add his updated and expanded edition of Jaeger-LeCoultre, The Ultimate Guide for the Collector ($95).
Even unopened, the book makes a statement. Its gold leaf page edges and red page marker mimic those of the famed JLC Geophysic Jubilee Box. Inside, Basha has catalogued these timepieces in exacting detail (photos, serial numbers, case makings, etc.) and has filled out the story by including period advertisements, exploded movement diagrams, and even patent applications. It’s a must for any serious JLC collector and a delight for anyone who appreciates watchmaking. You can read my complete review here and order the book now from classicwatch.com.
Coletta Collections
Are you looking for a gift with a modest price and tremendous meaning? Perhaps a gift that gives as much to the community as it does to its recipient? Then let me tell you about the Coletta Collections.
St. Coletta of Greater Washington is a nonprofit and (despite the name) nonsectarian school for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Student artisans handcraft all of their store’s products, and all proceeds go back to the programs. Here you will find original art and ornaments, as well as home and fashion accessories made from beaded and fused glass or hand-woven fabrics. I’m partial to items like the Tencel and cotton African Violet scarf pictured above ($80), but there is so much more. Shop now and get 20% off full-priced items for Black Friday.
Lesablier LS-04 Travelgraph
If you are looking for a watch from our nation’s capital, I highly recommend the Travelgraph LS-04 ($875) from DC’s own Lesabier Watches. You can read my full review here, but in short, the Travelgraph is a fabulous 40mm sport GMT powered by a Miyota 9075 and assembled in Maryland. I love its multi-faceted case, 1970s-style tapered dual-finish bracelet, and “flyer function” jumping independent hour setting, but its coolest feature is the 24-hour day/night disk. Where conventional GMTs would use a fourth hand to display a second time zone, Lesablier pairs the 24-hour disk with a world-timer city index to show every time zone. It’s an outstandingly clever and aesthetically clean complication. And at the top of that index, what is the city that represents the center of the world around which everything revolves? Why, Washington, DC, of course.
You can purchase one in Midnight, Smoked Ruby, or the Azzuro shown above at Lesablierwatches.com.
