Recent grads will be hooked to their mobiles, tablets, and laptops for the rest of their life. But a watch is a ticket to disconnect. You can go off on your own, but know when to be back. Dads could use some unplugged time as well. Meanwhile, Father Time is undefeated, and seeing those seconds physically tick by on your wrist might remind you to really appreciate every moment you’ve got with your kids . That… and they just look plain good. Leave any additional suggestions for potential Father’s Day and Graduation watch gifts in the comments.
Hamilton Khaki Field in Black
or Silver – $386.55
A favorite of many. On the small side at 38mm in diameter. Sapphire crystal, exhibition caseback, and a 100m water resistance which will have the recipient wearing it everywhere except in deep water. Which hopefully as either a Father or a recent Graduate, they stay the heck out of (in the not so literal sense).
Tissot Le Locle Automatic – $395 and up
Just a hair under 40mm, so it’s a classic watch both in design and size. Textured dial. Swiss automatic movement. Sharp hands and roman numerals. Pretty much the definition of a dress watch. Lots of different case metals/bands to choose from once you start poking around. Some options on Amazon where they fulfill the purchase, but if you’re sketched out by 3rd party sellers (understandable), you can head to Lord and Taylor where 25% comes off the list price with the code FRIENDS.
Laco Type A Pilot Classic Automatic – $369.00
A clean and uncluttered pilot style watch. Nothing unnecessary. A well respected German brand that in this model uses a Miyota movement. Synthetic sapphire crystal, 50m water resistance rating, and a flieger (those rivets) strap. 42mm wears right in the sweet spot for many. Exhibition case back. Casual for sure, but casual with purpose.
Orient Vintage Automatic – $325.50 w/ SPRING2013
Another winner of a dress watch from Orient. Power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock, blue hands, and a cream or champagne dial. Certainly says “Dad” more than “Grad”. Also available with either a white or black dial if you prefer.
Griffin Founder Timepiece – $215 – $285 (out of stock)
Shades of a vintage Heuer? First spotted by the guys over at Cool Material (in a “sponsored” post of all things… just noticed that). Not in stock right now, but if they do happen to get more in they’re running a buy more / save more promotion, which would in theory drop the price to just above $200. But it does have an acetate case with a steel case back. Yep. Acetate. Miyota quartz. These look a LOT like a Triwa.
ESQ Movado Round Case Watch – $159.99
ESQ went through a bit of a design change lately. The Movado step down brand is now a little more… modern & bubbly? This is from the older line which has a much, much more classic look to it. They’re also now a bit hard to find. Quartz, but incredibly sharp. $160 from Overstock who’s always running some kind of sale.
Seiko Black
or Orange Monster
– $178 – $188
For the Dads who like to get dirty… and not just with Mommy after the little ones have been put to bed OH YEAH THAT’S RIGHT THAT’S HOW YOU GOT HERE JUNIOR. Anyway, like a Casio G-Shock, only automatic and much better looking. For the outdoorsy fellas. Beastly sized and can take a pounding.
Orient Bambino Automatic – $182.00 w/ SPRING2013
Obligatory. These are fantastic dress watches for the price. In-house automatic movement, a clean dial, and that slightly domed crystal gives it a bit of a vintage look.
Citizen BL5250 Eco-Drive Perpetual Calendar Chrono – $240.00
A busy as-all-get-out chronograph that runs on the sun. Too many functions and options to count. Instruction manual will have to be a must read, but it’s a looker. Full review over here.
Hugo Boss HB1005 Square Dial – $217.52
– $295
For the Dad who’s got Porsche tastes but lives on a Mazda budget. It’s a pretty shameless homage to the Tag Heurer Monaco series. The discounted price is at Amazon, although it’s not currently being sold or fulfilled by Amazon. Meanwhile, it is being sold through Nordstrom at the full price of $295 where it ships and returns free.
Anstead Oceanis – $399.00
A kickstarter success story. Weren’t these just going for $500? Looks like there’s been a nice price drop. Seiko NH36ª movement which hacks and has quick day/date functionality. This is a real, honest-to-goodness dive watch with a water resistance rating of 300m. Also comes with a silicone strap.
Citizen Eco Drive White Dial Chrono – $195.00
Certainly a step up from a timex that won’t break. Something that a recent grad will probably appreciate. Dressed up enough thanks to the white dial (wish they’d make one in silver) and the classic lines & arabic numerals. Can be worn just about anywhere with anything.
Your turn guys. Did you ever get a watch as a graduation present? Was it new, or, a family heirloom of some kind? Feel free to add additional suggestions for gift-appropriate watches in the comments.