Celebrate this year’s Father’s Day in style: Watch Advice presents 20 timepeices to make dad’s day!
Father’s Day is a very special occasion that comes around every year to celebrate the fathers and the father figures in our lives. They undoubtedly play an invaluable role in our life, and alongside the mothers in our life, they often shape who we may become in the future.
Father’s Day is only just a few weeks away, so we thought it would be the perfect time to release a Father’s Day Watches Gift Guide! Finding the perfect gift for that special father in your life can certainly feel challenging. However, you can’t go wrong with a timeless gift such as a watch! Whether that father in your life is a watch enthusiast veteran or appreciates a timepiece and the finer things in life, there is a watch out there for every dad.
Last week, we published a Father’s Day Gift Guide for those who prefer bling. This gift guide was aimed at dads who prefer a bit of bling on the wrist, with the guide mainly centred around precious gold and diamond watches. This list was one for the dads with more expensive tastes for the finer things in life.
Related Reading: Father’s Day Gift Guide For The Dad Who Prefers Bling!
In WatchAdvice’s 2024 Father’s Day Watches Gift Guide, we have carefully selected a list of watches to suit the many different states. What’s even better is that we have also selected this list to suit varying budgets, from the affordable entry-level luxury timepeices all the way to the “money isn’t an issue” budget! From the more classic styling to modern innovations, the timepeices on this curated list give a balance of function and fashion. We hope that this guide will help you to find the ideal timepiece to not only help celebrate Father’s Day but also as a token of appreciation for the father figures in your life that will last many, many years to come!
Watches Under $5,000 AUD
Seiko
Presage Cocktail Time GMT
This gift guide starts with the beautiful Seiko Presage Cocktail Time GMT. Released earlier this year, this particular version has a stunning gradient Champagne dial with a 3D sunburst effect. The dial is very aesthetically pleasing, with the styling of the GMT hand matching the elegant Arabic hour indices. The watch is perfect for the father who loves luxury and elegance. The added bonus is the GMT function, which makes it a great, affordable traveller timepiece!
Model Reference: SSK041
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $925
For More Information: www.seikowatches.com
Related Reading: REVIEW: Hands-On With The New Seiko Presage Cocktail Time GMT
Raymond Weil
Millesime Small Seconds
Raymond Weil is paving the way for a new legacy with the release of their Millesime collection. The Millesime Small Seconds comes in a variety of colours to suit different tastes. This particular grey version is quite the looker as well, with a white dial that has many different finishes. The details of the Raymond Weil Millesime Small Seconds are very well thought out, with varying finishes found throughout the dial and case; the watch packs a punch for what you pay!
Model Reference: 2930-STC-50011
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $3,600
For More Information: www.raymond-weil.com
Related Reading: REVIEW: Hands-On With The Raymond Weil Millesime
Seiko
Prospex Marine Master Ice Blue SJE099
One of my favourite Seiko releases this year is the Proxpex Marine Master with the Ice Blue dial. This timepiece is a modern re-interpretation of the brand’s first-ever 1965 divers timepiece. This is another timepiece where the minor details are what makes this watch great value for money. The mix of brushed and polished surfaces on the case, bracelet and even the dial makes this timepiece glisten beautifully. Add to that that this timepiece is a divers watch, and you have the perfect candidate for a watch that your father would love to wear on a daily basis!
Model Reference: SJE099
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $4,650
For More Information: www.seikowatches.com
Related Reading: REVIEW: Hands-On With The Seiko Prospex Marinemaster
Watches From ($5,000 To $10,000 AUD)
Baume & Mercier
Riviera (10770)
I’ve always admired the Baume & Mercier Riviera for its refined and stylistic design, and this latest 2024 version takes it up another notch. The Baume & Mercier Riviera is known for its signature design, whereby the dial has a transparent finish that allows a partial view of the movement. This transparency is also covered in a wave-like design, which is a reference to the Riviera model’s creative inspiration. This latest version of the Riviera now comes with a stunning green transparent dial, which is perfectly complemented by the gold hands and hour indices.
Model Reference: 10770
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $6,000
For More Information: www.baume-et-mercier.com
TAG Heuer
Aquaracer Pro 300m GMT Green Dial
This is the latest edition of TAG Heuer’s Aquaracer Collection. Released only a few short months ago, the Aquaracer Pro 300m GMT is available in two dial colours: blue or green. While the blue is beautiful in its own right, the green stands out, especially with the black night indicator on the bezel. The dial also has a wave pattern, a reference to it being a dive model, which I personally think stands out so well on the green dial! The added bonus of this timepiece is that not only is it a diver’s watch, but it’s also a traveller’s timepiece with the GMT function!
Model Reference: WBP5115.BA0013
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $6,100
For More Information: www.tagheuer.com
Related Reading: REVIEW: Hands-On With The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT
Rado
Captain Cook Blue Ceramic
Another great diver’s watch is Rado’s Captain Cook Blue Ceramic. Rado has released many different versions of the Captain Cook to appeal to a wide variety of tastes. Among these releases were some beautiful ceramic models, with this particular model chosen for this guide being the blue ceramic. As Matt from WatchAdvice put it, “It’s safe to say that this latest version of the Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton will leave a lasting impression in the hearts of watch lovers with its new deep, urban shade of late-night blue look.”
Related Reading: Introducing Rado’s New Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton – This Time In Blue!
Model Reference: R32153209
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $7,350
For More Information: www.rado.com
TAG Heuer
Carrera Glass Box Panda
I personally had the chance to wear this timepiece for a few weeks, and I absolutely loved it (keep an eye out for the review coming soon!). This timepiece was a no-brainer for this gift guide. The TAG Heuer Carrera Glass Box Panda comes with Carrera’s signature design styling with the sharp hour indices and hands, along with the sub-counters. However, besides the many different appealing details on this timepiece, what really drew me to this watch is the silver dial. It’s simply a beautifully finished dial that has a matte-like finish, which at different lighting angles turns into almost a cream-like colour!
Model Reference: CBS2216.BA0041
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $9,650
For More Information: www.tagheuer.com.au
Related Reading: TAG Heuer Adds New Carrera Glassbox Silver Panda To The Collection
Cartier
Santos Dumont Watch
Cartier’s Santos Dumont Watch gets an upgrade with a beautifully patterned dial. The watch’s signature square case has a dial decorated with square patterns of varying sizes. This design is then further enhanced by the iconic style of the Santos Dumont, with its screwed bezel design and the large Roman hour indices. The timepiece also has a great wrist presence, one that is easily recognisable as the Cartier Santos Dumont.
Model Reference: WSSA0046
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $9,850
For More Information: www.cartier.com
Watches From ($10,000 To $20,000 AUD)
Cartier
Santos De Cartier Brown Dial
The timeless design of the Cartier Santos De Cartier got an upgrade this year at Watches & Wonders, with the timepiece now featuring a large brown dial. The dial’s vintage-style brown gradient dial is certainly the main talking point of this timepiece. Its gradient finish comes alive at different lighting angles, especially in the sun. Again, the timepiece’s signature square case with its Roman house indices makes this timepiece easily recognisable as a Cartier, now even more noticeable with the stunning brown dial!
Model Reference: WSSA0064
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $12,600
For More Information: www.cartier.com
Related Reading: REVIEW: Hands-On With The Santos De Cartier
Hublot
Classic Fusion Essential Grey
The full grey look of Hublot’s Classic Fusion Essential Grey may not appeal to everyone. However, the fathers who prefer the monochromatic look will surely be happy to do this on the wrist. The silver-grey sunburst dial is complemented nicely, but the grade 5 titanium case has a mixed polished and brushed finish. What I also like about this timepiece is the rubber strap. At first glance, it looks like a steel mesh strap. However, the top layer is a fabric mesh strap, giving the look of a mesh strap while offering the comfort of a rubber strap!
Model Reference: 542.NX.5610.NR.HEC24
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $12,700
For More Information: www.hublot.com
Related Reading: INTRODUCING: Hublot Goes Grey For The Third Time With Their New Classic Fusion Essential Grey
Montblanc
1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen Limited Edition
One of my favourite Montblanc timepieces is the 1858 Geosphere. It’s cool enough to see the two hemispheres rotating once every 24 hours, and the brand has also made the timepiece as aesthetically pleasing as possible. Now, with the 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen Limited Edition released during this year’s Watches & Wonders, the timepiece is another aesthetic upgrade. Firstly the dial has a unique pattern thanks to the mixture of carbon fibre and CACO3. The side of the case shows an engraving of Mont Blanc mountain in luminous blue. The case is finished with a beautiful image of Mont Blanc Mountain as well. And this is just purely the aesthetics. The timepiece also has zero oxygen retained in the case, thanks to the brand’s innovative technologies!
Model Reference: 132300
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $14,800
For More Information: www.montblanc.com
Related Reading: Montblanc Introduces Brand-New Limited Edition 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen Timepiece.
Zenith
DEFY Extreme Diver
Zenith’s DEFY Extreme Diver is a diver’s watch with an aesthetic twist. The timepiece is designed to withstand extreme conditions (as the name suggests!), but Zenith has also given it a bold look with an orange minute track and orange-tipped seconds hand. Another cool feature on this timepiece is the black star-patterned dial, which is a nod to Zenith’s iconic star symbol.
Model Reference: 95.9600.3620/21.I300
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $17,500
For More Information: www.zenith-watches.com
Watches Under From ($20,000 To $40,000 AUD)
Zenith
DEFY Skyline Chronograph
Earlier this year, Zenith released the ever-popular DEFY Skyline in a chronograph version, giving this robust and rugged timepiece a sporty look. For the father figure in your life who loves sports and sports watches, this is a go-to timepiece! While the blue dial looks beautiful, this white dial version looks stunning as well, especially when paired with the green rubber strap. The timepiece is versatile thanks to the quick strap change system, allowing you to change the look of the watch to suit the occasion!
Model Reference: 03.9500.3600/51.I001
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $20,700
For More Information: www.zenith-watches.com
Related Reading: REVIEW: Hands-On With The New Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Polaris Geographic
I’ve recently had the chance to try on the Polaris Geographic for a couple of days (keep an eye out for the review coming soon!), and I must say I was quite impressed with this timepiece, not only for the functionality of the watch but also because of the aesthetics. While the dial has its only visual artistry going on with the various finishes, what I really liked was the polished finish on the case and “bezel”, which made this timepiece glimmer surprisingly well under different lighting angles.
Model Reference: Q9078640
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $25,900
For More Information: www.jaeger-lecoultre.com
Related Reading: INTRODUCING: The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Geographic (Live Pics)
IWC Schaffhausen
Portugieser 40mm
IWC Schaffhausen updated their Portugieser 40mm collection with new colours during this year’s Watches & Wonders reveal. My personal favourite pick has to be the ice blue dial in the 18-carat white gold case. I’m a big fan of ice blue/sky blue dials, and I think IWC Schaffhausen has nailed the colour on this timepiece. Combined with the white gold case, the timepiece screams elegance wrapped in luxury!
Model Reference: IW358402
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $28,000
For More Information: www.iwc.com
Related Reading: INTRODUCING: The IWC Portugieser Automatic 40mm
Louis Vuitton
Tambour Steel White Dial
Louis Vuitton’s Tambour line is now available in a white dial. However, this isn’t just any plain white dial. While the centre circle comes in a white colour, the rest of the dial is finished in an “off-white” colour. Then we have the constant seconds counter at 6 o’clock finished in another “light grey” colour. And even though the dial does have a more subtle appearance with these colours, upon closer look, the combination of these colours makes it stand out beautifully.
Model Reference: W1ST10
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $31,500
For More Information: au.louisvuitton.com
Watches From ($40,000 To $80,000 AUD)
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reverso Chronograph
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s ever-popular Reverso is back with a new edition featuring a beautiful chronograph. As you may know, the Reverso has two faces, which can be switched in an instant, giving the wearer ultimate versatility. The first “dial face” we get is the standard 3-hander in a beautiful sunburst blue dial for the more classic dress watch look. However, if you feel like showing off the watch’s prowess, turn the dial over to reveal a very aesthetically pleasing skeletonised chronograph dial! Two watches in one? It can’t get better than that!
Model Reference: Q389848J
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $40,200
For More Information: www.jaeger-lecoultre.com
Blancpain
Ceramic Fifty Fathoms Complete Calendar
Blancpain released their latest versions of the Fifty Fathoms in Ceramic only a few months ago, and the collection featured some amazing timepieces! The standout of the collection was the Ceramic Fifty Fathoms Complete Calendar, with its gorgeous sunburst blue dial. This is a timepiece where the functionality of the watch really meets the aesthetics! The full timepiece is made from ceramic, which makes it extremely light while offering a contrasting appearance to the dial.
Model Reference: 5054 0140 01S
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $41,400
For More Information: www.blancpain.com
Related Reading: Blancpain Introduces the First-Ever Full Ceramic Fifty Fathoms Complete Calendar Moonphase
Hublot
Big Bang Unico Orange Ceramic
During Watches & Wonders this year, Hublot unveiled two new colours to the brand’s Big Bang Unico collection. The colours are in direct contrast to each other, with one being a dark “forest green”, while the other is a bright orange. Both models are offered in ceramic case and bezel with polished finishing, making the watches shine beautifully. My pick of the two is the orange model, with a skeletonised dial and ceramic case; why not show the watch off?
Model Reference: 441.CU.5910.RX
International Recommended Retail Price: AU $44,100
For More Information: www.hublot.com
Related Reading: Hublot Adds Two New Colours To The Big Bang Unico Collection
IWC Schaffhausen
Portugieser Perpetual Calendar
As we mentioned earlier, IWC Schaffhausen released their new Portugieser collection during Watches & Wonders this year in a host of dial colours. This includes the Perpetual Calendar collection, which received four new colours: Horizon Blue, Dune, Silver-plated or Obsidian. For me, the standout colour for this new Portugieser Perpetual Calendar is the Obsidian dial. The contrast of the deep, rich black dial against the 18-carat Armor gold case and dial elements is just simply too beautiful aesthetically to ignore!
