When it comes to Father’s Day gifts (whether you’re giving one or receiving one), a quality timepiece is tough to beat — handsome, timeless (pardon the pun) and, if you do it right, something that will last for generations.
And when it comes to quality timepieces that make for great gifting and are built to last, look no further than American heritage watchmakers Hamilton. Hamilton has been in the time keepin’ business since 1892, when they made their name crafting highly accurate watches that helped to synchronize timing and prevent accidents during the early days of the American railroads. Later, in the early 20th century, Hamilton timepieces took to the skies to help keep the then-fledgling coast to coast U.S. Airmail service on time.
Over the years, Hamilton watches have also been a Hollywood fixture, appearing in over 500 feature films on the wrists of everyone from Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii to Matt Damon in The Martian.
Today, Hamilton maintains its unique American heritage coupled with prestigious Swiss-made movements, and they’ve got a formidable catalogue of iconic wristwear — from dress watches to field watches to pilot watches — that should suit any type of dad you might be buying for (or suit you, if you are said dad). Herewith, a few of our favorite watches from Hamilton’s various collections to keep your eye on this Father’s Day.
For the Sporty, Adventurous Dad: Khaki Navy Scuba Automatic
Even if you’re not hooking yourself up to a rebreather and a pair of flippers every weekend, your aquatic timepiece should be able to withstand your waterbody of choice. The recently updated Khaki Navy Scuba Auto does that, and then some. With a durable, unidirectional ceramic bezel and 300-meter water resistance rating, it leaves you in capable hands; and with the classic pairing of blue and stainless steel, you’ve also got yourself a daily wear that works just as well with boat shoes as dress shoes.
For the Vintage-Obsessed Dad: Intra-Matic Chronograph H
The coolest thing about the Intra-Matic Chronograph H, even on top of its panda dial and all-around vintage-inspired good looks, is that it features a mechanical movement rather than an automatic one, meaning if you don’t wind it, it’ll stop running after about two days and you’ll have to reset it. It may sound like a hassle, but there’s something nice, almost romantic, about being forced to actively engage with your watch every day. You’ll learn to value the routine and be grateful for the 30 seconds you get to spend marveling at the handsome little miracle adorning your wrist.
For the Professional Dad Who Wants to Stand Out: Jazzmaster Open Heart
Sometimes, the situation calls for a dress watch that blends in, a quiet sophistication that Hamilton’s Jazzmaster line has offered for years. But if your dad is the de facto master of ceremonies, or prefers watches that are conversation starters rather than mere accessories, then spring for the Open Heart. While the case itself is traditional, the blue leather strap and cut-out dial — revealing the Swiss-made automatic movement underneath — are anything but.
For the Pilot/Frequent Flyer Dad: Khaki Aviation Converter Auto
You can think of a pilot’s watch with a slide-rule bezel as the first smartwatch. The bidirectional, rotating bezels were used by real deal airmen to calculate things like speed, rate of climb and fuel consumption right from the wrist. You can do all that on the Khaki Aviation Converter Auto with ease, but even if you’re simply sipping a craft beer and stretching your legs in first class, the anti-magnetic NivachronTM hairspring alloy will come in handy, keeping your movement running on perfect time. And hey, calling it “the first smartwatch” is a solid dad joke, too.
For the Stylish but Practical Dad: Khaki Field King Automatic
The everyman practicality of the Khaki Field King Auto makes it one of the most enduring watch designs on the planet. Priced at an incredibly compelling $575, it features a brown leather strap with contrast stitching that provides an air of ruggedness that makes it appropriate for casual wear. But it also features a compact 40mm case size and a sleek black dial that allow it to thrive in more formal settings as well. And man, the day-date window at the 12 o’clock marker is just plain cool.
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