Father's Day Gift Guide - Last Minute Gifts

Vintage Omega Constellation Steel and Gold Capped Dress Watch - Model 168.005 - c.1966

Budget - Low    Watch Style - Vintage Dress

The history of the Constellation line is very rich, it's one of Omega's oldest collections. The name stems from Omegas chronometre observatory based testing - observatory testing typically lasted for one to two months and contained accuracy tests that were possibly more taxing than modern-day methods. An outstanding example of this classic model, the satin ivory dial is set off exquisitely by the gold baton hour markers. The 'dog leg' lugs compliment the dial with their unusual shape, beating inside the steel case is the caliber 561 movement, a well-respected workhorse of a movement from Omega. Keep dad looking dapper with this superb vintage from the iconic Omega bloodline. 

If you would like to see further examples of vintage dress watches click here. 

Hamilton - British Army Issued Wristwatch with W10-6645-99 Markings, and Issue Date 1973

Budget - Low    Watch Style - Military

This 1973, issued watch was one of the last mechanically wound military watches and the design hadn’t changed much since WW2. The monocoque case was designed for strength and the simplistic dial for clarity, the size is substantial enough for modern everyday wear. If your dad is into his history, this is a stylish watch with a story to tell. 

If you would like to see further examples of military watches click here. 

Hamilton Geneve - 6BB RAF - An Issued Watch
From 1975 - Ref: 6BB/523-8290

Budget - Medium    Watch Style - Military

This particular Hamilton Genève is an English, Royal Air Force issued '6BB' from 1975, with the correct Genève marked dial and is one of approximately only 700 issued in that year making it particularly sought after and so much rarer than the only other production year for these particular references, which was 1974, which in comparison, approximately 3700 were supplied! The ‘T’ marking on the dial refers to tritium, the original 1970s material used to make dials luminescent, a mark that guarantees originality. This rare piece of military history is a real treat, perfect for everyday wear and bound to bring a smile to his face this Father's Day. 

If you would like to see further examples of military watches click here. 

Oversized Trench Watch - Sterile Dial -
Articulated Lugs -Nickel Plated Case

Budget - Low    Watch Style - Military

When World War I began in 1914, timekeeping for soldiers in the field was a problem. Whilst communications and attack synchronisation were vital, in the chaos of the battlefield, celerity was essential yet near on impossible when it meant digging around for a pocket watch and opening it with gloved hands.  In a life or death situation, where a single second could make the difference, clearly, an alternative was imperative. So from the muddy trenches in the battlefields of the first world war, the very first wristwatches came to be. If you love the idea of a watch steeped in history but hanker after a more contemporary sized piece, this is the watch for you. A comfortable and stylish wear, knock dads socks off with this stylish survivor of world war.  

If you would like to see further examples of military watches click here. 

 Smiths W10/6645-99-961-4045 - British Army
Issued Wristwatch - Issued 1968

Budget - Medium    Watch Style - Military

Perfectly proportioned and ideal for daily wear, at 35mm, this Smiths W10 wristwatch was manufactured for the British army and issued in 1968.  A fine example of British watchmaking, the piece was well suited for military action; in fact, rigorous testing was carried out on the model at laboratories of the Chronometer branch of the Hydrographer of the Navy at Herstmonceux, East Sussex, along with extensive field tests in both the Tropics and the Arctic! The watch has a robust stainless steel case and powerful, shockproof caliber 60466E manual movement with 17 jewels and hacking seconds, operated via the crown. 

If you would like to see further examples of military watches click here. 

Cyma - British Military Watch - W.W.W. P26584 31584 -
Dirty Dozen - Issued c.1940s

Budget - Medium    Watch Style - Military

In the closing years of World War II, a basic but carefully specified model wristwatch was commissioned to members of the British armed forces by the Ministry of Defence - manufactured by one of twelve watchmakers who delivered 20,000 of these Cymas to the MoD in 1944 and 1945.

These manufacturers (Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, JLC, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor, and Vertex) later came to be known as ‘The Dirty Dozen’ in the mid-1960s, after the release of the popular war film of the same name. 

The piece offered for sale here was made by ‘Cyma’ and features a stepped bezel, which makes the watch look bigger overall. The watch is a stunning and highly unusual example of the type, as the dial is one of the rare few that have matured from a matte black finish to a richer tropical look that will likely go brown with age. 

A 'Dirty Dozen' watch is a magnificent gift, whether dad is a seasoned collector or simply an enthusiast, presenting him with this will render him utterly speechless. 
 

If you would like to see further examples of military watches click here. 

Zenith El Primero - A Triple Calendar and
Moonphase with Chronograph

Established in 1865, Zenith is one of the longest established watchmakers in the world and one of the few that still produce their own mechanical movements. In 1969 Zenith produced one of if not the world’s first automatic chronograph, the El Primero. This movement was the masterstroke for Zenith, so much so that 20 years later, when Rolex was looking for a more advanced movement for their chronograph Daytona, the El Primero was chosen. 

This incredibly rare watch is undeniably beautiful and will be a cherished gift and heirloom. 
 

If you would like to see further examples of vintage dress watches click here.