Sam and Mario select their favourite timepieces for every kind of dad, from accessible everyday watches to exceptional high-end creations.
Father’s Day presents the perfect opportunity to celebrate the dads and father figures who have supported, guided, and inspired us in our lives. However, finding a gift that reflects this appreciation is never an easy task, but a watch can certainly be something meaningful that he will wear every day, serving as a constant reminder of the special bond and memories you share.
Whether the father figure in your life prefers a robust dive watch, a refined dress piece, or something with genuine mechanical complexity, there is simply a watch for every personality and budget. To help narrow down the options, Mario and Sam have each selected their favourite watches for Father’s Day 2026, covering everything from accessible everyday pieces to exceptional examples of high-end watchmaking.
Sam’s Picks
Grand Seiko Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver
Grand Seiko introduced what is arguably one of the best modern dive watches on the market this year. The Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver ticks almost every box, which is why it was a shoo-in for my Father’s Day selection. What makes this model special is the range of features that help it stand out from the competition, including Grand Seiko’s exceptional craftsmanship, artisanal dial work, ultra-accurate movement, and comfortable, wearable case size.
While the model is offered in two colourways, my personal pick would be the textured blue gradient dial. In true Grand Seiko style, it also has a compelling story behind it, taking inspiration from light filtering into the ocean’s depths. The 40.8mm High-Intensity Titanium case also makes this one of the brand’s smallest and most wearable dive watches yet!
While the aesthetics are impressive, especially for a dive watch offering 300 metres of water resistance, what truly sets it apart is the Spring Drive U.F.A. Calibre 9RB1. Building upon the U.F.A. technology introduced last year, this movement delivers an extraordinary accuracy of ±20 seconds per year alongside a practical 72-hour power reserve. A dive watch that is mechanically exceptional and visually stunning? What more could a dad want?
Reference: SLGB023
Price: AUD $17,700
For more information: Grand-Seiko.com.au
A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin in 750 HONEYGOLD®
It wouldn’t be a proper Father’s Day buying guide without including a dress watch. Keeping with the theme of exceptional craftsmanship, A. Lange & Söhne’s Saxonia Thin is the perfect choice for fathers with refined (and expensive) taste. This timepiece demonstrates just how captivating a watch can be when reduced to its bare essentials. The 40mm case is crafted from the brand’s exclusive 18-carat HONEYGOLD alloy, and at just 6.2mm thick, it is easy to wear and certainly looks the part!
The deep-black dial contrasts perfectly with the 18-carat HONEYGOLD case, hands and hour markers, creating an eye-catching aesthetic. However, it is when you turn the watch over that you realise just how special A. Lange & Söhne truly is.
We’ve spoken numerous times about the brand’s incredible level of mechanical craftsmanship, from its hand-engraved movement components to its meticulous double-assembly process. In this instance, however, it is the contrast that stands out most, as behind that beautifully simplistic dial lies an intricately finished mechanical work of art.
Reference: 211.052
Price: Price on request.
For more information: Alange-soehne.com.au
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time HCB002J1
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, few watchmakers can match Seiko’s reputation for creating reliable, well-built mechanical timepieces at an accessible price. The Presage collection is the brand’s playground for creative and artistic dial designs, with the Cocktail Time series being a perfect example.
This latest Cocktail Time collection features three stunning dials, with one of the standouts being the textured green gradient dial with gold-toned details and a light-brown leather strap. With its compact 38.5mm case, 11.8mm thickness and 45.4mm lug-to-lug distance, it will suit a wide range of wrist sizes while sitting comfortably and looking great in the process.
The timepiece also features an open sapphire caseback, giving Dad a glimpse into the inner workings of the automatic Calibre 4R35. Priced at just AUD $775, the HCB002J delivers plenty of visual character and everyday versatility, making it an ideal Father’s Day gift or even his introduction to mechanical watches!
Reference: HCB002
Price: AUD $775
For more information: Seikowatches.com.au
Longines Master Collection Chrono Moonphase
Longines recently introduced the latest rendition of its Master Collection, with one of the standout models being the Chronograph Moonphase. I’ve always been a fan of this model, as it packs numerous features into a wearable, vintage-inspired design that remains elegant enough for almost any occasion. This makes it an ideal Father’s Day choice for the father who appreciates traditional watchmaking with plenty of mechanical character.
The new Longines Chronograph Moonphase now has a more open dial thanks to the removal of the outer flange, which feels like the perfect choice for this watch, as the previous design looked somewhat busy. The redesigned 41mm stainless-steel case also introduces a slimmer, concave bezel, which further helps the dial appear more open and refined.
What’s impressive about this model is the value for money it offers, as it features a chronograph, moonphase display, complete calendar, pointer date, and 24-hour indication, while still operating at 4Hz and delivering an impressive 66-hour power reserve. Personally, I would pair this model with the blue alligator strap, as it helps break up the stainless-steel aesthetic and makes the watch more eye-catching. Regardless, this is a great choice for the father who appreciates elegance and genuine mechanical complexity.
Reference: L2.962.4.73.2
Price: AUD $6,375
For more information: Longines.com.au
Baume & Mercier Clifton Perpetual Calendar 40mm
Baume & Mercier’s Clifton Perpetual Calendar is one of the best new releases of late. The brand has really hit it out of the park with this model, offering a stunning artistic dial paired with one of watchmaking’s most beloved and mechanically intricate complications. The 40mm stainless-steel case brings this prestigious complication into far more wearable proportions, while the ice-blue guilloché dial is simply sensational.
It’s not simply the perpetual calendar complication that makes this watch stand out, but how Baume & Mercier has presented it. Despite using four subdials to display the calendar functions, the dial still feels remarkably open and balanced, which is an impressive feat for such a complicated timepiece, especially considering its 40mm case size! This refined aesthetic is elevated further by the stunning guilloché pattern, while the ice-blue finish makes every detail pop!
The only downside is that beauty like this comes in rare form, as the Clifton Perpetual Calendar is limited to just 20 pieces worldwide. However, it still presents a compelling proposition for the father who appreciates traditional watchmaking with a little modern personality.
Reference: M0A10872
Price: AUD $32,500
For more information: Baume-et-mercier.com.au
Mario’s Picks
Glashütte Original Senator Chronograph Navigator (Mario)
A recent release from Glashütte Original, the new Senator Chronograph Navigator tops the list as the ideal luxury pick for father’s day. How do I know this? Well, a few reasons, beginning with legibility. The applied Arabic numerals are boldly tinged green against the matte black backdrop, the big sword hands, and the included Panorama Date complociation ensured that the watch can never be misread.
Second, it’s highly wearable, with a 41mm case that is markedly more streamlined compared to the brand’s earlier Sneator Chronograph models. Combined with a grippy onion-style screw-down crown and that interchangeable tan fabric strap, the watch is incredibly intuitive and versatile on the wrist.
But the third and most important reason has nothing to do with the watch itself, but the person that approved it. When I got my hands on this watch for review (coming in the not-so-distant future!), I immediately showed it to my father, who loves pragmatic design principles like those displayed here.
His first question was “When are you buying this for me?,” which perhaps shows more than anything that this Glashütte Original already has the dad-seal of approval. If you’ve got the money to spend on a truly special timepiece – both inside and out – for a practicalities-first father like my own, then I’d highly advise you give this a long, hard look.
Reference: 1-37-24-20-12-64
Price: AU$23,800
For more information: Glashuette-Original.com
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo 37 Blasted Titanium
But if you were looking for a watch of a particular refinement, for a father of exacting taste, then you might want to consider the Octo Finissimo 37 in Blasted Titanium. Sure, the original 40mm model is still available, so what makes the smaller version so much more compelling?
Well, one of the biggest challenges facing the original design was its size. 40mm might sound like an easy-wearing masculine watch, but the unique geometry of the Octo Finissimo often makes the watch wear far larger than initially anticipated.
The 37mm version of the Octo Finissimo completely eliminates that pain point, offering a version of the watch that can be universally worn and perceived as a standard 39–40mm piece. Combined with a lightweight bead-blasted titanium case and integrated bracelet, you’ve got one of the most recognisable modern silhouettes in the industry.
Compound that with a micro-rotor automatic movement, brutalist architectural design, and an unbelievable 6.45mm thickness, and the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo 37 is practically impossible to ignore if you’ve got the eye for it. If you want the old man feeling like a Roman legionary from the future, you reach for this.
Reference: 104089
Price: AU$26,900
For more information: Bulgari.com
Cartier Roadster Large
While this is another watch whose review is coming in the near future, I would wholeheartedly recommend it for the father with old money on his mind. However, he might also like to still live a little, which is where the Cartier Roadster excels among its more humble cousins, like the Tank and Santos. Instead of embodying itself in the romance of old-world elegance, the Roadster’s bold aesthetics come courtesy of the muscular design cues of Golden Age automobiles.
Sized to a 38.8mm tonneau case, the dramatic lines of the Roadster mimic those found on cars like Greased Lightnin’. Whether it’s the headlight-inspired date magnifier, the speedometer-like dial finish or the conical tailfin crown, the Roadster’s character feels completely unlike anything else in Cartier’s roster.
But as vintage as its design inspiration may be, it’s a watch that was incredibly forward-thinking when it was first introduced in the 2000s. 100m of water resistance and a patented interchangeable strap system may be par for the course with watches today. But back in 2002, the Roadster paved the way for advancements in customer convenience within the luxury arena.
Combine that with the automatic Cal. 1847 MC, and you’ve got the perfect daily driver, a fitting reputation for the name. It’s worth mentioning, though, that the Roadster won’t be available in Australia until October – so if your father can be a bit patient, and you have the funds to make it happen, I don’t see why not.
Reference: CRWSRD0020
Price: AU$15,400
For more information: Cartier.com
Chopard Mille Miglia Chronograph Raticosa
But if your father is more of a gearhead than most, then perhaps he’d like a watch bolstered by real, tangible automotive heritage. For that, you should look no further than the Chopard Mille Miglia Chronograph Raticosa. Named after both the fabled “world’s most beautiful race” and its most challenging section, the Mille Miglia Raticosa is the horological embodiment of the old-world automobiles that still race there.
Though initially released as a limited-edition run, this permanent rendition of the watch sports several new aesthetic, mechanical, and ergonomic changes. The 40.5mm case, set on a leather rally strap, is perhaps the most modern feature of the watch, fitting most wrist sizes. Meanwhile, the beige and eggshell dial, contrasted by the red Mille Miglia logo, give further credence to the idea that this watch was an old sports car in a second life.
Underpinned by an automatic, COSC-certified chronometer movement, it’s a showy yet practical pick for the lover of all things vintage racing. Yet, you won’t see the movement. It’s been concealed by an engraved titanium caseback depicting a scene at the Raticosa Pass in all its romantic glory.
Reference: 168619-3020
Price: AU$17,900
For more information: Chopard.com
Hamilton Khaki Field Murph 42
Finally, I’ve decided to pick a watch that has been on my mind for its cinematic significance and price accessibility. Even among more recent heavy hitters like Dunkirk, Oppenheimer and The Odyssey, Interstellar by Christopher Nolan remains one of the most compelling films in the director’s repertoire. Many film-head father’s would agree; Perhaps it’s because of its epic story, Hans Zimmer’s incredible soundtrack, or the first scientifically accurate depiction of a black hole in cinema history.
For us at Watch Advice, however, it’s the watch that was specifically built for the film that drew our eyes. The Khaki Field Murph was never meant to be anything more than a prop and cinematic device. However, popular demand necessitated Hamilton’s mobilisation, releasing true-to-life references for the permanent catalogue. Though they now span various sizes, strap iterations and dial colours, the original black 42mm will always remain the most special of them all.
This is only apparent when you look closely at the second hand, which bears the Morse code for “Eureka”: a triumphant declaration from Jessica Chastain’s Murph Cooper at the climax of the movie. Far be it from me to spoil either the experience of the watch or the film, but if you haven’t had the pleasure of either yet, you should as soon as you are able. I am certain you won’t be disappointed.