It is that time of the year again, when hearts are filled with joy. One great way to shorten that gift list is to give gift baskets. It is a unique solution because it can be a hit with casual recipients or close, personal friends. It is the time to rejoice and the time to cherish. It is the time to give and the time to share. It is holiday time.

If you are new to this whole idea of gift baskets and want to take the short route, explore online shops that specialize in this. And what better way is there to rejoice and cherish than to give gifts to friends and loved ones.

When you do this it’s good to remember a few important things order early. For moms or for dads, for kids or for grandparents, holiday gift baskets will double the joy of the celebration. The other tip is just as important avoid disappointment. For friends or for co-workers or for the whole family if it’s a vendor you are unfamiliar with, contact them to confirm that the basket will contain the items listed on their site.

If the recipient doesn’t care for some of the items, they can always serve them at a party. Holiday gift baskets can say it like nothing else can. Every holiday brings a special flavor, a special mood. Depending on your budget you could include gift certificates to a coffeehouse or pastry shop. There are little things, little joys associated with each holiday.

Other items you might include could be a box of note cards or a small book of quotes. And there is a special gift basket for each holiday that can bring out the essence of the season. For close friends you probably have a good idea of what they would enjoy. A fall harvest gift basket is filled with chocolate covered dried fruits, roasted nuts and dried fruit and cookies. Gourmet food items like fruits, chocolates and cheeses are all time favorites. It is so redolent of all the aromas of the season and will bring back sweet memories.

A basket of fresh flowers or sweet smelling fruits will be well received on any holiday. Such things like a ball cap with an inscription, or a pair of tickets to an event, or box of note cards that fit’s the theme. A picnic gift basket or a movie gift basket with videos, popcorn and drinks can be a wonderful way for loved ones to enjoy a holiday. If you are talented in the kitchen, homemade goods could be a good fit, mixed with exotic fruits, cheeses or sweets to give a well rounded theme. Just get into the holiday mood and select the perfect gift basket and carefully pick each gift to go in the basket. If you decide to include some of your own creations be sure they are nicely packaged.

Lately, there’s been a lot of buzz about custom Rolex components crafted by artisan jewelers, and a lot of that buzz is about custom Rolex bezels. Discriminating men and women commission jewelers to create custom bezels to increase the value of their Rolex watches; to display their senses of style and individuality, and to make bold fashion statements.

The most visible feature of a Rolex is the dial. However, the component that inspires the eye to linger on this legendary timepiece is undoubtedly the bezel. A Rolex bezel’s primary function is a practical one: securing the crystal in place and protecting it from damage by accidental contact. The bezel’s second function is ornamental. However, according to passionate Rolex owners, the bezel is essential: it allows them to personalize their Rolexes in ways that are as unique as the owners themselves.

If you’ve been thinking about having your Rolex bezel customized, you’ve likely conducted some research online to see what other Rolex owners have done with the bezels on their watches. It makes sense to do research, as you can get ideas and weigh your options. You can also view the workmanship and attention to detail required to craft a customized bezel for the world’s most respected and admired watch brand.

Bezel Materials

Let’s begin exploring your bezel options by considering the composition of the bezel. The bezel material will secure any gemstones that you have chosen, enhance their appearance, and add beauty and value to your Rolex.

The most popular choices are 18-karat white and yellow gold. Aesthetically, gold is hard to beat; its natural warmth and luster have been treasured for centuries. Gold grows in value over time and flatters any precious or semi-precious gems that the owner has chosen for jewelry. As a matter of practicality, gold is a logical choice; its malleability allows it to be fashioned into an infinite variety of shapes. Its ability to hold gems in place has also been proven over and over again.

Next in popularity is platinum, which also has quite a few desirable properties for watch bezels. Platinum is very resistant to wear, corrosion, and tarnishing; has a unique luster, and is also very reliable for securing gems in place. Platinum has long been associated with exclusivity and wealth, and people who choose platinum Rolex bezels tend to be fiercely independent individuals who ignore the fashion trends that wax and wane.

A relative newcomer to the custom Rolex bezel scene (but one that is slowly growing in popularity) is ceramic. Ceramic isn’t ideal for those who want to set gems in their Rolex bezel, as it cannot reliably secure them. However, when buffed to a high gloss and engraved, ceramic can be inlaid with gold or another precious metal. This creates a unique and clean look with scratch-proof durability.

Bezel Gems

Your options for types and combinations of gems are limitless. As in most high-end luxury jewelry, diamonds reign supreme among Rolex owners. Many prefer a bezel adorned with diamonds all the way around. Others choose diamond accents at the three, six, nine, and twelve o’clock positions set alongside colored gemstones for contrast.

Following diamonds in popularity are rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. Each gem type has its own natural beauty and allure. Gem cut options are endless, too; however, most Rolex customers prefer traditional cuts, including brilliant, emerald, baguette, and square cuts.

Reputable Bezel Jewelers

Now that you’ve conducted research on your custom Rolex bezel, you’ll need to find a jeweler who has the skills to craft and install one for you. Customizing Rolex bezels and other components is a hot trade right now, with no end in sight. Many jewelers are catering to exclusive clientele by specializing in this field. However, it will be very important that you exercise the same care when choosing your jeweler that you employed when choosing the material and gems for your bezel.

Look for a jeweler with a long and proven history in crafting custom Rolex bezels and other components, as well as certified memberships in professional jeweler organizations. More importantly, look for a jeweler who listens intently to what you want in a custom bezel, who answers any questions you may have, and who can show you a variety of finished bezels so that you may examine the quality of his or her work.

Take your time, weigh your options, and remember that customizing the bezel on your Rolex is as much fun as wearing the finished product!

There has long been an association between the makers of world-class precision racing cars and the makers of world-class precision watches. It’s a natural correlation, as both parties rely on complex mechanisms to compete and succeed in their fields. Since the performance of racing cars is often measured in hundredths or even thousandths of a second, the livelihoods of racing car owners, drivers, and crews are largely dependent on the ability to quickly and easily mark and track very small increments of time.

As always, demand drives innovation, and the makers of Breitling and TAG Heuer watches have built their reputations by making superb chronographs and by responding to the needs of professionals in the racing industry.

Breitling Watches Inspired by Bentley Racing Cars

Bentley’s association with Breitling goes back quite a few years, and it has been mutually beneficial for both parties. In the early years, Bentley concentrated on making racing engines. Race tracks allowed them to push an engine to its limit, which in turn allowed them to continually refine production. As Bentley engines broke speed thresholds and other innovators hoped to keep up, the need for precision chronographs rose. Breitling responded by creating a series of Bentley-inspired watch models.

Bentley Motors Series

This series includes a variety of models available in steel or yellow gold, which feature glare-proof cambered sapphire crystals; 38 jewels, 30-second, 15-minute, and 6-hour totalizers; variable tachometers; self-winding capabilities, and a great deal more. Models in the Bentley Motors Series include:

The Bentley Motors T-The Motors T series of racing watches comes available in satin-brushed or high polished finishes that show off the distinctive dials.

The Bentley 6.75-Inspired by the Bentley 6.75-liter engine, the biggest engine Bentley has produced so far, each model in this line features subtle but sophisticated variations on the 6.75 theme.

The Bentley GT-This model sports a bi-directional rotating bezel; water resistance to 330 feet; three sub-dials, and the distinctive Bentley series knurled bezel.

The Bentley GT Racing-The cambered sapphire crystal on the GT Racing model is protected by a bi-directional, rotating slide rule bezel for tracking lap times. The distinctive Bentley ‘Flying B’ over the day/date adds panache.

The Bentley GMT-The GMT has been called a ‘wrist sculpture’ because of its larger size and its striking, red-gold finish option. It features an ingenious, multiple time-zone display for distance racing, and is a favorite of collectors.

The Bentley Mulliner Tourbillon-The Mulliner Tourbillon is a very limited edition Breitling Bentley racing watch with one large sub-dial and two smaller sub-dials. This watch is highly prized by serious collectors and comes with a steep asking price if they can find one.

TAG Heuer Watches Inspired by Racing Cars

TAG Heuer watches draw their names and inspiration not from a car manufacturer, but from the tracks where racing cars compete (with one exception: the TAG Heuer Formula 1 Series). Each series sports a unique look and dial layout, and most are available in both men’s and women’s styles. Long a favorite of drivers and crewmen alike, TAG Heuer racing watches provide the practical functions that race car professionals need combined with the sleek, classic styling that has always been a TAG Heuer hallmark. Models in this line include:

The Le Mans Centigraph-This watch was the pioneer of the 1/1000th of a second timing system inspired by the legendary 24-hour race. Steve McQueen wore one in the 1970 namesake movie that made this model iconic.

The Carrera Chronograph-Named after the grueling and challenging Carrera Panamericana Mexico race, this model was worn by most Formula 1 drivers in the 70s, and early models are coveted by serious collectors.

The Formula 1 Chronotimer-The Formula 1 features an innovative consecutive times register as well as elapsed and total time chronograph functions and a bold bezel with large notches for easy calibration.

The Monaco-The world’s first square-cased chronograph, the Monaco, was launched in 1969. Its unique look created a sensation among racing professionals and fans alike.

The Monza-The TAG Heuer Monza has a look all its own, with its distinctive ‘cushion shape’ and three sub-dials in different shapes for tracking time trials. The numbers on the face are quite bold, making the Monza a practical choice for distance-race drivers who need to be able to mark the time at a glance.

Please bear in mind that these race car-inspired watches from Breitling and TAG Heuer are broad representations. Almost all of them have several sub-models within each model, and in most cases, it takes a collector’s eye and experience to note the subtle differences. Both watch manufacturers have gone to great lengths to design and craft these superb watches for practicality and style. As far as professional race car drivers, crewmen, and collectors are concerned, these watches belong in the winner’s circle.