Father’s Day is upon us and it’s that time of the year again when we ponder over a lasting, thoughtful gift for the father figures of our lives.
When it comes to gifts for the father’s day, it’s hard to go wrong with a timepiece.
However, choosing a watch for the special father figure in your life is easier said than done. With the number of brands and models of watches out there, shopping for a watch can be a daunting task.
Fortunately for you, we are here to help.
Today, we round up some of the best watches for Father’s Day. For this list, we opt to have a good balance of high-end and budget-friendly models.
Best Watches for Father’s Day | Key Features | Our Rating |
Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch | 37 mm stainless steel case, Hardlex mineral dial window, Precise 21-jewel automatic movement with analog display, Water resistant at 30 meters / 100 feet, Seiko Caliber 7S26 automatic movement with about 40 hours of power reserve, Luminescent hands | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |
Rolex Submariner | Black dial, Self Winding Automatic Movement, Ceramic bezel, Brushed with Polished Stainless Steel Case & Oyster Bracelet, Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal, Uni-Directional Rotating Bezel, 300 Meters / 1000 Feet Water Resistant, Luminescent Hands & Markers | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |
Casio G-Shock GW9400 Rangeman | Multi-Band Atomic Timekeeping, ABC Features, Receives time calibration radio signals, Quartz movement with analog display, Solar-powered, Auto LED, 5 Daily Alarms, Water resistant to 660 feet (200 M) | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |
Suunto Traverse Alpha | Rugged knurled stainless steel bezel, Automatic shot detection technology, Repellent nylon strap, Premium scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass, Location-based moon phase calendar, Waypoint feature | ★ ★ ★ ★ ½ |
TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 Day-Date | Polished stainless steel case, Sapphire crystal screw-down case-back, Blue brushed dial, Day and date windows displayed at the 3 o’clock position, Swiss-automatic Movement | ★ ★ ★ ★ |
Citizen AT0200-05E Eco-Drive Chronograph Canvas | Stainless steel watch with round dial, Japanese quartz movement with analog display, Charges in natural sunlight or indoor light, mineral crystal dial window | ★ ★ ★ ★ |
Best Watches for Father’s Day
1. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
The watch culture has certainly exploded in popularity over the years. However, this doesn’t mean that your father has caught on with the trend. With that said, the Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch is the ideal gift for a father who has yet to experience the joy of watches.
For Fathers Who Don’t Wear Watches
The Seiko 5 is considered to be a modern classic. One of the best things about the Seiko 5 is that it’s simple – the good kind of simple.
The black dial features white printed Arabic numbers for the hour hands in the inner circle and the minutes for the outer circle. The day/date aperture sits on the 3 o’clock section. The texture of the dial is fairly flat except for the 5-minute marker bumps.
Having said that, the dial looks clean and very legible. During night time, you’ll be treated to the Seiko 5’s luminous hands which offer excellent visibility for low light conditions.
The brushed stainless steel finish offers a matte look which I am a big fan of.
The Seiko 5 is an excellent watch to give to someone who’s not used to wearing timepieces. It looks simple but stylish and best of all, it will cost less than $100.
2. Rolex Submariner
I am the biggest fan of the Rolex Submariner and if someone gave me one for Father’s Day, I’d be exceptionally thrilled. If you want a Father’s Day gift that will last a lifetime, it’s hard to go wrong with the Submariner.
A Timeless Father’s Day Gift
The Rolex Submariner can certainly be considered a high-end pick. However, don’t let the price scare you.
The Submariner is considered an entry-level model as far as Rolex watches go. The Submariner is also an excellent choice if you’re looking to introduce the father to Rolex timepieces or simply watch collecting in general.
The price comes with the Rolex signature workmanship quality and precision that go with each of their watches. Basically, giving a Rolex to your father means that he’ll be wearing it throughout his lifetime. The Rolex Submariner is very versatile as well as you can wear this from the fanciest galas to a child’s soccer game.
The Submariner is an excellent dive watch as well. Thus, if your father is the adventurer type, he will surely appreciate a timepiece that’s extremely durable and water resistant to 300 meters.
We have covered the Submariner extensively here in WatchIdeas, so we won’t be touching on the specifics. However, you can trust us that you’re getting a legendary Father’s Day gift with the Submariner.
3. Casio G-Shock GW9400 Rangeman
For this list of the best watches for father’s day, we could just recommend G-Shocks and we’re done for the day. However, for something a little more specific, the Casio G-Shock GW9400 Rangeman is a pinnacle G-Shock model that’s hard not to fall in love with.
For The Dad Who Breaks Everything
The Casio G-Shock GW9400 Rangeman is the ideal timepiece for dad’s who tend to break everything. Whether he’s living a very active lifestyle or an all-around handyman, this is a watch that can withstand all sorts of punishment, thanks to the shock-proof resin case.
However, it’s more than just a heavy-duty watch.
The GW9400 Rangeman is a fully-functioning ABC watch which means that it comes with an altimeter, barometer, and compass. It also happens to have a thermometer which never seems to be included in the “Triple Sensor” label. However, it’s certainly a nice feature to have.
Speaking of features, the GW9400 Rangeman is a beast. It comes with Multi-Band Atomic Timekeeping, Tough Solar Power, Triple Sensor w/Direct Access Button, Historical Altitude Values, Magnetic declination correction, and many more.
While the G-Shock aesthetic is not for everyone, the GW9400 Rangeman is a pretty stylish watch on its own. This is a watch that makes a case for itself in terms of price, design, and functionality.
In case you are interested in the comparison between the two colosals from the G-Shock range, get our article for the G-Shock Rangeman vs. Mudman.
4. Suunto Traverse Alpha
If the dad is a certified outdoor junkie or a hardcore fitness enthusiast, you can make him giddy with excitement by gifting the excellent Suunto Traverse Alpha.
A True Outdoor Utilitarian Watch
The Suunto Traverse Alpha is more of a smartwatch but not in a traditional sense. It’s an excellent tool watch for dads who are regularly braving the great outdoors.
For starters, it’s an extremely durable watch that should have no problems withstanding anything the backcountry can throw at it. You can wear the Traverse Alpha from 10 degrees up to 120 degrees and it should keep working. I’ve been using mine for the longest time and the stainless steel bezel and scratch resistant sapphire glass have yet to see any sign of wear and tear.
Perhaps the most standout feature of the Traverse Alphas is the ability to set POIs (aka waypoints). Waypoints can be marked specifically. For instance, if you have a good trail, you can mark the waypoint as a “trail. If you found a good bedding area, you can set it as a “bedding area” waypoint.
Even if your dad is not the most tech-savvy out there, he should have no trouble operating the watch and accessing its features. A true outdoor utilitarian watch indeed.
5. TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 Day-Date
The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 Day-Date is our recommendation if the dad is actually a watch collector. It’s a great timepiece that oozes with modern elegance and will look good with either a formal or casual dress.
For the Collector Dad
If your dad is actually a collector, the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 Day-Date makes for an excellent gift – thanks to its sports pedigree and precision.
The Carrera look is simply a classic. The proud lugs and polished bezel just screams classic design. This may not be the vintage Carrera that we all know and love, the Calibre 5 Day-Date retains its heritage in the dial. The matchstick hands and baton markers look similar to earlier Carreras.
In essence, it’s a watch that’s built for everyday use. The Calibre 5 Day-Date feels solid and comfortable on the wrist. It’s a good thing that it’s a great-looking watch but unobtrusive. Moreover, the brushed flanks and polished front really completes the look of the timepiece.
All in all, the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 Day-Date is an accessible Swiss timepiece that’s sure to bring a smile to any dad’s face.
6. Citizen AT0200-05E Eco-Drive Chronograph Canvas
The Citizen AT0200-05E Eco-Drive Chronograph Canvas is one of the best watches for Father’s Day if you’re looking for something a bit more tactical.
The Tactical Dad’s Choice
For starters, the Citizen AT0200-05E Eco-Drive Chronograph Canvas is all about toughness. The stainless steel bezel and body along with the canvas band make for one excellently tough package.
The main selling point of the watch for me is definitely its design. The green canvas band plus the large, black dial really nailed the tactical design. The big, bold numerals enable excellent readability regardless of lighting conditions. The red seconds hand is an excellent detail and makes the dial pop out more.
Finally, this analog watch is powered by a Japanese quartz movement system which is on-point in terms of accuracy. In addition, the watch is very easy to use and adjust as well.
This military watch is bold, simple, and very functional. From grilling burgers to strutting about in the trail, this watch will have your dad covered.
Dad Watches Make Great Gifts
That wraps up our list of the best watches for Father’s Day. Regardless of your choice, hopefully, we have helped you choose the best timepiece for the special father figure in your life.
Have fun shopping!