Our Father’s Day 2025 watches gift guide for the man who’s always present
What is it about a fine watch that makes it feel like the perfect Father’s Day gift? Whatever the reason, we’re not complaining. From quiet daily wearers to more technical expressions—including a pair from independents—these seven watches offer just the right sentiment for the man who always has our back.
IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35
At 35mm, IWC’s Ingenieur Automatic 35 brings the brand’s iconic integrated sports watch design to a more compact scale. Suited for those with smaller wrists (or anyone who prefers the design presence of a sports watch without the bulk that typically comes with it), the timepiece exudes refinement.
The design remains rooted in the original 1976 Ingenieur SL: the five-screw bezel, integrated H-link bracelet, and stamped “Grid” dial are all carried over. Paired with the 35mm case, however, these elements appear more defined, with the smaller silhouette subtly sharpening the overall effect. The case and bracelet feature alternating brushed and polished surfaces, with crisp transitions that highlight the geometric build.
You can’t go wrong with the sharp and versatile stainless steel model, with the silver dial in particular offering a clean, almost minimal feel.
For the father who enjoys a little more visual punch, however, opt for the 18k 5N gold version that adds weight and warmth, delivering just the right amount of opulence. Powered by IWC’s calibre 47110, the watch offers a 42-hour power reserve.
Franck Muller Vanguard Sfumato Slim
The Vanguard Sfumato Slim sees Franck Muller’s typically expressive styling take on a more restrained tone. At 41mm wide and 9.1mm thick, the elegantly curved Vanguard case wears closer to the wrist than its dimensions suggest, thanks to its compact profile and smoothly integrated strap system.
The dial’s sfumato finish — from the Italian for “softened” — is achieved through layered lacquer and subtle brushing, fading from light at the center to darker tones at the edges. The result is an atmospheric, vignette-like effect that offers some serious visual intrigue. Coming in stainless steel and rose gold versions, the timepiece is perfect for the father who wants to add a splash of colour and polish to his evening wear.
Powered by the maison’s FM 708-S6 automatic movement, the watch boasts a 42-hour power reserve.
Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar
The Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar brings added complexity to Zenith’s 38mm El Primero case, combining a full calendar, moonphase, and chronograph within a compact, well-balanced layout. Based on the silhouette of the 1969 original, the rose gold case offers a tapered wear on the wrist, with subtly curved lugs that soften its profile.
The matte black dial is elegantly contrasted by rose gold subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock, their brushed surfaces adding a layer of texture and depth. A third subdial at 6 o’clock houses the moonphase, integrated into the 60-minute counter. Each element is clearly defined, but held together by tone and proportion — the visual weight of the complications balanced by the restraint in colour and finish.
Powered by the El Primero 3610, a column wheel chronograph calibre beating at 5Hz, the timepiece boasts a 60-hour power reserve.
Grand Seiko Spring Drive UFA (SLGB001 / SLGB003)
Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive UFA models — SLGB001 in platinum and SLGB003 in titanium — represent the brand’s most precise Spring Drive regulation to date. Both are powered by the new 9RB2 calibre, which delivers ±20 seconds of accuracy per year — while retaining the glide motion of a mainspring-driven seconds hand.
The 37mm case follows the Evolution 9 design language, with flat surfaces, wide lugs, and well-balanced proportions. As expected, the finish here is sharp and exquisite, sporting hairline brushing alongside crisp Zaratsu-polished facets that glint when hit by light.
The dial texture draws from frost-covered trees in Shinshu, with a matte, low-reflection finish that gives the surface a sense of depth. On the titanium model, the silver-blue tone reads cooler and more diffuse; in platinum, the ice blue takes on a slightly darker hue, with more contrast against the polished hands and markers.
The Spring Drive movement uses a thermo-compensated, vacuum-sealed quartz oscillator regulated by a proprietary IC and offers a 72-hour power reserve.
TAG Heuer Carrera Day-Date
The latest Carrera Day-Date continues to refine one of TAG Heuer’s most consistent offerings. The 41mm stainless steel case has been subtly reshaped, with thinner lugs and a slightly reduced profile that improves comfort while preserving the recognisable Carrera silhouette.
Dial execution is clean and direct: applied indices, lume-filled hands, and an open day-date display at 3 o’clock. Sunray brushing adds tonal depth without complicating the layout, while dial options in black, silver, and blue keep the design versatile — easy to dress up or down, depending on what the day calls for.
Powering the watch is the TH31-03 calibre, which delivers COSC-grade accuracy and an 80-hour power reserve. The result is a daily-wear piece that prioritises clarity, dependability, and mechanical substance — qualities that make it particularly well-suited as a Father’s Day gift for the man who’s always present.
Laurent Ferrier Classic Auto Horizon
The Classic Auto Horizon marries Laurent Ferrier’s established design language—rounded forms, measured dials, and mechanical nuance—with a slightly more everyday appeal. Its 40mm pebble-shaped stainless steel case is slim, ergonomically curved, and designed for quiet daily wear.
The horizon blue dial, which uses a layered lacquer over a silver base, is immediately striking to the eye. Sporting a vertical brushed center and a circular minute track, the dial gleams and shimmers when hit by light, offering subtle shades of purple at certain angles. White gold Assegai hands and indices complete the dial, while a framed date window at 3 o’clock is neatly integrated, maintaining the dial’s visual calm.
The argus-eyed may notice the lack of anti-reflective coating on the watch’s crystal. The effect, however, is fully intentional—giving the pocket-watch inspired collection an extra touch of retro flair.
Powering the timepiece is the LF270.01 micro-rotor calibre which has been adapted from Ferrier’s sport model and offers 72 hours of reserve.
HYT T1 Titanium Guilloché
HYT’s T1 Titanium Guilloché brings traditional artisanal flair to its hyper-modern watchmaking approach. Limited to just eight pieces, the timepiece features the brand’s signature fluidic hour display within a 45.3mm titanium case.
While the dimensions may sound large, short lugs and an ergonomic strap attachment make the watch sit lower and more balanced than expected. The dial, expectedly, is the focal point, sporting a structured mix of textures: radial guilloché at the center, a linear ring framing the fluidic hours, and a sunburst finish around the power reserve.
The black fluid, contained in a capillary that circles the dial, advances retrogradely to mark the hours. The movement, Calibre 501-CM, uses mechanical energy to drive a fluidic system via twin bellows at six o’clock. As one bellow compresses, it pushes the colored fluid forward; the other expands to draw back a transparent counterpart, ensuring a controlled advance.
It’s not the most conventional piece, but we’re sure it’ll be cherished by the father who appreciates the avant-garde.
