Controversial opinion: summer is overrated. At least, if you live anywhere where the cultural expectation is nostalgic hot summers, but the reality is perennial flooding interspersed with unbearable heat waves. And every two years the national football (soccer!) team will play keepy-uppy with your emotions. Winter is far superior. ’Tis the season, after all – you have better festivals, such as Thanksgiving, and the holidays aren’t far away. While the weather isn’t always peachy, it’s definitely interesting. It’s the best season sartorially, as well: layering comes into its own, but you’re not so cocooned in outerwear that you can’t show off a few choice pieces.

What does this have to do with watches? Not much, except that there are many online lists of jazzy summer watches and none of sophisticated, tonal, earthy winter ones and anyone believing, correctly, that it is the superior season deserves a watch to match. So, here are four watches to impress at festive parties and rustic ski chalets alike.

Yes, this sandy, combat-ready ceramic spin on the classic pilot’s chronograph is inspired by and dedicated to the Mojave Desert – a kind of geographical expansion of IWC Schaffhausen’s long-standing association with the Top Gun fighter pilot school in Nevada. But it would also fit perfectly on a hike through New England forests, striding down the Appalachian trail in a Belstaff waxed jacket and one of those excellent Canada Goose bucket hats.

Less about embracing the wild outdoors, this Cartier is all about the evocative connections brought forth from its wonderfully warm dial. It’s log fires and spiced drinks on your wrist – think long afternoons relaxing in a ski chalet. The Santos is one of those designs that can be quite formal, but in this colour, is more naturally dressed down. Ideal for informal festive dos and hosting at home.

On the other hand, if you are looking for something to perfect your party look, Vacheron Constantin’s elegant 18-karat pink gold watch is the ultimate finishing touch. This versatile timepiece pays tribute to the spirit of travel, making it the star of your winter sun wardrobe, too. Simply switch between the leather and rubber straps, depending on whether the agenda calls for an afternoon of sightseeing or dinner at the buzziest new restaurant in town.