Quick Picks: Dad’s Day Watch Deals

Guy’s like functionality, and a tie can’t tell the time (yes, your cell phone can, but that’s another debate).  With Father’s Day fast approaching, retailers have started to launch a few deals on watches worth mentioning:

• Macys – Extra 15% off select watches with the code SUMMER
• Amazon – free overnight shipping on select watches if you order by 3 pm Pacfic on 6/14
• Huckberry – just launched a watch deal with a brand that has quite the following (but know the shipping times will get these to your door well after Father’s Day, and it’s not truly a Dad’s Day deal.)

Quick Picks from each follow, with one bonus pick worth a real hard look at the end…
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Citizen Eco-Drive AU1040-08E – $119.00 w/ SUMMER ($175)

Balanced, clean, and no fussiness of any kind.  It’s Citizen’s entry level eco-drive that can pull plenty of duty in almost any situation.  40 mm in diameter, and ships free through Macy’s.  Going for $131.25 through Amazon with free overnight in case you need it soon.  Macy’s shipping can be a little slow.  A nice looking watch, but not a stunner.  Still hoping that Citizen, one day, brings back the silver dial/blue accent version of the AT0550 Chrono.  That watch is something else.

 

Braun Analog Black – $160 | Analog Date White – $210.00

Braun watches have a bit of a cult following.  Designs inspired by longtime Braun Design Head Dieter Rams, whose 10th principle of good design is: “Good design is as little design as possible”.  Cleaner than a nun’s whistle but still plenty eye catching and sharp.  Being sold through Huckberry, and while not on sale, you do get free shipping as well as a $30 Huckberry credit with the purchase of the analog black, and a $40 credit if you purchase the white.  Other styles are available with higher credit points.  Not bad.  You could always turn around and use that credit to buy your Dad some meat for Father’s Day.  I’m sure he’d compliment you on your new watch when you handed him the jerky.

 

Bulova 96A102 – $71.86

An all time favorite.  It’s extremely difficult not to like the way this Bulova reissue looks.  And the price is awesome.  The one drawback is the crystal is acrylic, so it’ll be awfully susceptible to scratches, but consider them extra character.  Free overnight shipping through Amazon.

 

Bulova 96B104 – $77.66

Lots of class, not a lot of thickness on the watch strap.  That’s the only drawback on this watch.  While not noticeable from above, the strap is awfully thin feeling on your wrist.  But that’s an easy fix.  Now with the one day shipping through Amazon.

 

Golana Swiss Aqua Pro 100 – $74.44

Wow this thing has been killed in the reviews.  So, be careful here.  For what it’s worth, my Golana Aqua Pro rubber strap is doing more than just fine.  The crown at 10 actually moves an interior bezel for time keeping.  200m water resistance, screw down crowns, different looking but not insane.  But read the reviews and know the return policy.  Free overnight shipping through amazon.

 

Citizen Eco Drive BV1085 – $161.25

A newer flight dial offering from Citizen.  Equipped with the eco-drive powertrain, a second reading sub-dial, and a nice textured crown.  42mm so it’s not some dainty thing.  Free overnight shipping through Amazon.

 

Timex Weekender Slip Thru Blue Band, Black Band, Red Band – $25 – $32

Through Amazon, so… yeah, these qualify for the free overnight shipping.  Might as well save the gas you would have burned driving to Target.

 

Invicta Pro Diver Automatic – $74.80

The very poor man’s Rolex.  200m water resistance, 40 mm case, Japanese Miyota movement.  After six hundred reviews (that’s… wow that’s a lot) it still gets 4 out of 5 stars.  Maybe a watch to play around with bands on.  Invicta is one of those brands that can make wildly obnoxious looking watches, and/or set a retail price that’s ridiculously high.  But they never go for full retail.  Quite the opposite.  Free overnight shipping through Amazon.

 

The Wildcard: Maratac Mid Automatic Pilot Watch – $195.00

Not through Amazon, Macys, or Huckberry but the steal of the bunch.  Not really on sale for Father’s Day, but it is in stock.  The larger, 46mm version of this watch caught fire awhile back and is currently out of stock.  This one is more of a mid to smaller size at 39mm.  Citizen made 21-jewel automatic movement that holds 40 hrs of power when not in use.  Sapphire domed crystal, comes with a watch strap, and has 20mm lugs.  Zero branding on this one since they say it’s made for government/law enforcement use.  10ATM/100M water resistance.  Hat tip to Dom and others who sent in a style tip about this one.