The Time+Tide Father’s Day gift guide

Jamie Weiss

What do you get the man who has everything? Finding a good Father’s Day gift can be a real challenge – and if you’re a dad yourself, you’re probably tired of getting socks and jocks year after year. That’s why a watch makes such a great Father’s Day gift: it’s something dad will actually treasure and appreciate. If you’re anything like me, your dad was also the man who put you onto watches, so there’s an extra special touch there. We’ve assembled a number of handsome watches at a variety of price points that will all make a great Father’s Day gift and ensure that you’re the old man’s favourite.

For the frugal father: Boldr Venture Staghorn

Boldr has long been something of an insider’s secret among watch collectors. A winning combination of adventurous designs, fantastic build quality, and sought-after specs – all at “how do they do it?” prices – have made Boldr a favourite among the microbrand cognoscenti. One of their best and most versatile models is the Venture dive watch in the unique Staghorn colourway. It’s a real standout compared to more conventional-looking dive watches, with its 38mm titanium case’s angular lines and hooded lug profile. Other thoughtfully designed features include a matched titanium bracelet, a full 200 metres of water resistance, a unidirectional timing bezel, sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown at 4, and a clean, graphical look to the matte beige dial. It’s supremely legible, with broad sword hands, no date window, and a healthy dose of Japanese superlume. A bronze-toned bezel insert and minute hand are the perfect complements to the dial. Powered by the stalwart Seiko NH35A automatic, it’s as reliable as dad himself, and the overall value proposition is just off the chart. Price: A$740 from the T+T Shop

For the hip dad: Casio G-Shock GM-B2100GD

The Casio G-Shock 2100 Series – better known as the CasiOak thanks to its octagonal case that evokes an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak – has proven to be one of the most popular Casios of the 21st century, and a must-have in any watch fan’s collection. This variant from the G-Shock GMB 2100 collection is a blingy CasiOak that features a full stainless steel case and bracelet ion-coated with yellow gold, which gives it an undeniably luxurious look, yet without an Audemars Piguet price tag. Solar-powered, water-resistant to 200m, legendarily tough and boasting an extensive features list including 38 time zones, a 1/100 second stopwatch, a countdown timer, five daily alarms, Bluetooth connectivity and a power-saving function, any father will love how practical this CasiOak is. Price: A$879

For the playful pop: Studio Underd0g Watermel0n

Father’s Day usually means a day for dad to pig out on dude food, but even big boys need to eat their fruits and veggies. That’s why the tasty Studio Underd0g Watermel0n makes a great Father’s Day gift. Easily the most iconic model this popular English microbrand has ever produced, and a cult favourite piece, its fruity pink and red dial is an absolute stunner. The coarse dégradé top dial really evokes the textural effect of an actual watermelon, contrasted by the green tachymeter and black watermelon pip indices. A hand-wound chronograph movement and a supple Epsom leather strap make this a perfectly playful gift for a dad who doesn’t take himself too seriously. Price: A$1,050 from the T+T Shop

For the sporty father: Bausele Sydney Diver

Some dads are couch potatoes, while some are proper Action Men. Regardless of whether your old man is a desk diver or a real one, we’re sure he’ll appreciate this Sydney Diver from Australian watch brand Bausele. A properly international timepiece, its signature hollow crown is filled with soil from military forts throughout the United States, while the watch itself is assembled by military veterans with a robust Swiss-made Sellita movement and is designed in Sydney, Australia. Water-resistant to 200m, the Bausele Sydney Diver features a black PVD-treated stainless steel case, a unidirectional diving bezel and comes with two straps: one elastic NATO paratrooper strap and one tropical rubber strap. In addition, 10% of sales go to veterans’ associations, which is something we bet most dads will get behind. Price: A$1,800 from the T+T Shop

For the dapper dad: Furlan Marri Salmon Sector

As I mentioned earlier, some dads don’t love just getting underwear for Father’s Day. No, some dads have more sartorial aspirations: they’re stylish men, always on the hunt for the coolest new accessory – and similarly, you can do a lot better than some cufflinks or a tie. What about a dress watch? This Furlan Marri Salmon Sector is a tasteful choice. Featuring a delightfully textured salmon pink three-sector dial, this piece is full of lovely vintage touches such as the cornes de vache lugs and open Breguet-style sixes and nines. Indeed, it actually resembles a Vacheron Constantin from the 1940s – except its modern La Joux-Perret automatic movement will give dad far less hassle than a vintage piece. Price: A$2,350

For the adventurous dad: Norqain Wild One

Wild… It’s in the name. The cutting-edge Norqain Wild One features high-tech construction in a bold, lightweight sports model. Designed with Jean-Claude Biver on the board of advisors, the Wild One line begins with its innovative case construction. The multi-layered design features their proprietary Norteq carbon fibre composite for the 42mm outer cage, secured to an inner titanium and shock-absorbing rubber structure. My favourite Norqain Wild One variant is the black and khaki combo, which brings a vibe of pure tactical cool. The laser-cut black dial has a multi-level effect that must be seen, and upon closer inspection, consists of an intricate pattern that features the interlocking double “N” of the Norqain logo in three layers. The rest of the specs inspire the confidence of all Norqain timepieces, with the Kenissi-made NN20/1 chronometer movement, 200 metres of water resistance, screw-down crown, and sapphire crystals front and back. The included rubber strap features a mesh texture in two-tone black and khaki green, a stylistic choice that’s right up my alley. Price: A$7,600

For the very special dad: Patek Philippe Aquanaut

Okay, this one might be a little more outlandish, but if you really wanted to show your dad you loved him this Father’s Day, wouldn’t you get him an Aquanaut? I know if I had a kid, it’s what I’d secretly want them to get me. It’s the kind of watch people would consider selling their entire collection for. I also can’t think of a more ideal Patek to gift to someone: sporty and casual, yet exceptionally refined, it has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes sense as a gift. Also, remember the famous Patek Philippe slogan – “you never actually own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation” – so really, buying your dad a Patek is buying yourself a Patek. It’s a win-win. Better get on the waiting list before dad kicks the bucket… Price: A$37,150