12 Worthy Watches for Grads or Dads – 2014

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.

 

Seiko 5 Automatic SNZG15 – $118

Not too big, not too tiny. Just right. Casual, but can pull plenty of duty. A great introduction to the afforable Seiko 5 movement as well as automatics in general. Comes on a nylon strap, matte 42mm case, and with a day & date window.

 

The Timex Duo: Simple Easy Reader – $65 | Flyback Chrono – $123.75

Same color scheme but two vastly different dials. Lighter brown leather strap & indices/hands with a black case & dial. Proof that black & brown (or tan) can absolutely go together. Both ship & return free through Nordstrom.

 

Bulova 96B104 – $90.00

All class. It’s a quartz, but it’s mega affordable, and won’t be going out of style anytime soon. Perfect for the recent grad, or the Dad who’s always dressed down but wants to pick it up a notch. UPDATE: Heads up. This is a pic of the old model, with the Bulova Tuning Fork logo at 12 o’clock (functionally speaking, the tuning fork = precursor to quartz). Current models do not have that fork logo at noon. Many thanks to Rob in the comments for the tip.

 

Seiko Solar “Compass” – $199.00

For the Dad or Grad that likes to keep it casual but gets outside quite a bit. A solar powered chronograph that’s got some beef. 41 mm case that wears a little bigger. Aviation inspired dial. Great pushers and other details. Rotating inner bezel makes it a little easier to use your watch as a compass. Sold by Jomashop at post time.

 

Orient “Vintage” Bambino – $182 w/ dappered30 (but sold out)

Boy. These things, in the silver cases… they’ve been sold out since what, the hot real estate market was beachfront property on Pannotia? (The market really hit the dumper once Pangaea sprouted up… tsk tsk). Review here. The option with the more contemporary styling is still a terrific choice.

 

Orient Mako – $131.49 or Mako XL – $163.72 ($290)

Speaking of Orient… their flagship diver, plus the extra beefy version are both going for awfully nice prices via Amazon right now. Direct through Amazon at post time as well (not just fulfilled). 41 mm case on the original, 44.5mm on the XL. Both have a 200m water resistance rating and in house movement. Full review of the standard here, and head here for the review of the XL.

 

Maratac GPT-1 – $219 ($349)

LARGE… and logo free. 46.2mm wide and 15mm high. Miyota automatic movement. 22mm width on the band. Now on sale for the low $200s through CountyComm and available with a conventionally styled crown if you so choose.

 

Citizen Eco-Drive Chronograph – $192.50

A big (43mm), mean, powered by the sun chronograph that has the potential to be his casual go-to for years to come. Unidirectional bezel around a mineral crystal.

 

Bulova Rectangular Case Automatic – $153.43

There’s just something about a rectangular case dress watch that oozes class. And $150 is an awfully low entry point for the look. Textured dial. Mineral crystal. Cutout at 7-8 o’clock.

 

Tissot T-Classic Carson Powermatic – low $400s

As classic and timeless as it gets. While watch cases have been getting bigger and bigger as of late (oh, just wait, we’ll get there), this one sticks to a more traditional 40mm in diameter. Automatic movement has an 80, yes, 80 hour power reserve. Barely off white dial sits under charcoal hands. Full review here.

 

Christopher Ward C5 Slimline – $550 | C65 Trident Classic – $685

Father’s Day is one of the few times of the year that Christopher Ward runs a promo code, and this time around, they’ve just released a couple of new designs that might trigger the ol’ salivary glands. The slimline is powered by a mechanical movement, has an exhibition caseback, and sits just 8.7 mm high. Meanwhile, their flagship Trident Dive watch line gets a bit more refined with the dressier C65 automatic Trident “Classic”.  UPDATE: The code DAD15 gets you 15% off non-pre-order watches, but both of these above are new styles and thus, pre-order only. Code does run through Sunday June 15th on other stuff though.

 

Hamilton Jazzmaster Maestro Chrono – $1000+

Incredibly versatile, and it better be at a grand plus. Bit of a beast at 45 mm in diameter and 15mm thick. But that larger case houses the awfully dependable Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement. Sapphire crystal over an incredibly well balanced dial. Hackable & hand wind-able. Crisp and responsive pushers, plus a decisive crown that clicks its way through day and date changes with an audible snap.

Your turn guys. Got any suggestions for the Dad or Grad watch recipient this year? Leave em’ in the comments below. Watch shown at top of post: The apparently out of production(?) Hamilton Khaki Chronograph.