Father’s Day Gift Guide: Watches That Can Be Passed Down

While May is for Moms, June is for Dads! In case you haven’t put it on your calendar yet, Father’s Day this year is Sunday, June 17. That gives you just ten days to find your father the perfect gift. It’s no secret that a fine wristwatch is the best gift to give dad—they’re practical, well made, meaningful, and most importantly, can be worn all the time. Welcome to our Father’s Day gift guide.   Not sure which watch will suit your father best? Don’t worry, we’ve rounded up some top luxury watches that dad will love; just take your pick from the following list. Plus, since these classic beauties are meant to be passed on from generation to generation, maybe you’ll end up with one of these handsome watches one day—then you can pass it down to your child. Hooray for family heirlooms.  

Rolex Oysterdate Precision

  If your dad is a fan of old-school things, then this is the watch for him. The vintage Rolex Oysterdate Precision (circa 1963) is one of the few Rolex models that runs on a hand-wound mechanical movement rather than the more ubiquitous automatic Rolex caliber.   Mechanics aside, this particular Rolex Oysterdate Precision ref. 6694 sports a refined 34mm case in stainless steel. The vibrant dial houses simple stick hour markers with discreet luminescent accents and as its name suggests, there’s also the date window at 3 o’clock along with the familiar Cyclops magnification lens sitting on the exterior of the acrylic crystal.   [caption id="attachment_900" align="aligncenter" width="600"] For a classic Father's Day Gift, there's the Rolex Oyster Precision[/caption]   Finishing off the look of this timless vintage Rolex watch is the ubiquitous Oyster bracelet, also in stainless steel.   For a touch of elegance, this Rolex comes with a black leather strap.  

Omega Constellation

  We’ve said before and we’ll say it again. Two-tone watches are back in a big way. But that doesn’t really matter to dad because he's a man that marches to the beat of his own drum! Regardless, he’ll appreciate the iconic look of this Omega Constellation ref. 1202.10 that seamlessly marries stainless steel and yellow gold throughout the watch.   [caption id="attachment_903" align="aligncenter" width="600"] For a timeless Father's Day Gift, there's the Omega Constellation[/caption]   The 35mm stainless steel case of the men’s Constellation watch is topped with the customary Roman numeral-engraved bezel in yellow gold complete with the four claws (aka “griffes”) securing it down, while the champagne dial sets the background for the applied gold stick indexes, gold center hands, and date window at 3 o’clock.   The most distinctive trait of the modern Omega Constellation has always been the integrated bracelet and this model is no exception, flaunting a two-tone steel and gold design.  

Cartier Tank Française

  For the elegant fathers out there, it’s got to be a Cartier Tank Française from the famed French Maison. Let’s face it; no one does elegance quite like the French, especially Cartier. However, no one does fine timekeeping like the Swiss, so this Cartier Large Tank Française ref. 2302 for men brings the best of the two European countries by merging French design with Swiss watchmaking.   [caption id="attachment_896" align="aligncenter" width="600"] For an elegant Father's Day gift, there's the Cartier Tank Francaise[/caption]   Crafted entirely in sleek stainless steel, dad will appreciate the strong lines of the Tank Française from the rectangular case (36.5mm x 28.15mm) to the characteristic “branchards” framing both sides of the dial to the link bracelet.   As with most Cartier watches, the Tank Française includes black Roman numerals on the dial and because this is a men’s edition, there’s also the date window at 6 o’clock and an automatic movement encased within.  

Rolex Datejust

  Yes, we’ve included another Rolex on our list of Father’s Day watches (they’re just that good), but this time we’ve picked the brand’s signature dress watch—the Datejust.   [caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="600"] For an iconic Father's Day gift, there's the Rolex Datejust[/caption]   You really can’t go wrong with a classic automatic Rolex Datejust ref. 1601 in stainless steel from 1973. There’s the 36mm Oyster case that’s not only sized just right but it’s also water resistant to 100 meters. Then there’s the traditional fluted bezel in 18k white gold and the dressy Jubilee five-link bracelet.   We also love the crisp and clean white “Sigma” dial with simple white gold stick hour markers and white gold center hands, along with the date window at 3 o’clock for which the watch is named after. Everything on this timepiece comes together as a beautiful example of Rolex craftsmanship.  

Patek Philippe Calatrava

  We can’t speak of fine watches to pass down without showcasing a Patek Philippe. After all, the famous Swiss watchmaker coined the phrase, "You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.” And this Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 3919 will not only bring dad immense joy on Father’s Day, but will also make one of his descendants very happy in the future.   [caption id="attachment_907" align="aligncenter" width="600"] For the ultimate Father's Day gift, there's the Patek Philippe Calatrava[/caption]   Donning an 18k yellow gold 34mm round case, this particular version of the manually-wound Calatrava dress watch comes with the famous double hobnail bezel. Calatrava timepieces are known for their minimal design and this version comes with the archetypal white dial, black Roman numerals, and running seconds indicator at 6 o’clock to accompany the center dauphine-style hands.   Topping off this sophisticated Patek men’s watch is a black alligator strap that looks great with just about anything.   All fantastic options, dad will appreciate any of these fine men’s watches from our Father’s Day gift guide. Don’t delay and get shopping before it’s too late.