Watch for my Dad's 60th

[Craikeybaby]

I was thinking of buying my Dad a watch for his 60th birthday next month. He likes thin and easy to read watches, but normally wears a £25 Casio, so wanted to go for something a bit nicer. I guess the budget is £250 - £500.

My current thought is one of the Mondaine Swiss railway watches, but does PH have any other suggestions?

[Craikeybaby]

JAGS said:

A Hamilton Intra-Matic perhaps?

Linky

A little over budget, but it is a beautiful, classic looking watch.

I do like that, but pushing the budget a bit.

[Craikeybaby]

RichB said:

Craikeybaby said:

My current thought is one of the Mondaine Swiss railway watches, but does PH have any other suggestions?

I'm approaching 60 and that wouldn't appeal to me but you know your dad's taste better then we do.

He likes the easy to read dial on my Oris BC3, but thinks it is far too bulky.

[Craikeybaby]

Thanks , I'll have a look at the Hamilton range as there seem to be a few options there.

The Surveyor said:

In this price range, also look at the Tissot or Christopher Ward ranges.

The Christopher Ward Malvern is nicely simple:- http://www.christopherward.co.uk/men/view-all-mens...

Or the Tissot Visodate which is equally simple and elegant:- http://www.ernestjones.co.uk/webstore/d/8419264/ti...

Both mechanical movements (Tissot is automatic with the Malvern being hand-wound) and both bang on the budget.

Paul

I like both of these too, although concerned the Tissot may be too thick, will try to see one in the metal at the weekend.

[Craikeybaby]

Another option is something in a Bauhaus style, like a Junghans Max Bill.

[Craikeybaby]

hilly10 said:

Tissot would be my choice for the budget. Great name, well made, looks the business and mechanical to boot. Whats not to like.

I'm going to try and see one tomorrow, but I know my Dad doesn't like chunky/heavy watches, so I'm not sure than an automatic is the best idea for him.

[Craikeybaby]

I had a look at a few jewellers yesterday and the Tissot recommended above was too thick for my Dad (although I quite fancied one for myself), but there were a few other options from Tissot.

However, the Mondaine Simply Elegant was by far the watch that stood out for me.

[Craikeybaby]

RichB said:

hilly10 said:

I have a problem with Mondaine they just look to much like a wall clock.

Don't like that, wall clock, nursery school clock? Agreed...

Station clock

[Craikeybaby]

I like the look of that, but more for me, at 12mm it is way too thick for my Dad.

I'd have an automatic watch everytime, but with thinness and lightness key factors I think quartz is the way to go? Unless there are any particularly thin automatics about?

[Craikeybaby]

hilly10 said:

Really thin autos tend to cost quite a packet. I doubt you will get one in budget.

I thought that would be the case.

My Dad is used to £25 watches so a nice quartz watch will still be a big step up.

[Craikeybaby]

marcosgt said:

If he likes really thin watches, have you looked at the Skagen range?

M.

No - but I will, thanks.

[Craikeybaby]

Yes, I'm looking for 6mm or 7mm

[Craikeybaby]

alfaman said:

If it really needs to be that thin - u may well need to opt for quartz in the price bracket u want. ( as others have said)

The only other (relatively ) thin automatics I can think of that are good quality / stylish in your price range could be the 'Italian' style Precistas on www.timefactors.com

They are 9mm thick round the outside of the watch - with a slight dome so would fit under a shirt easier than a normal 11-14mm thick bezel / edge of an auto watch.

But if still too thick ... There is Skagen as someone has said ( though personally not fond of them - they may fit the bill).

Thanks, I was fully expecting to have to choose a quartz watch to get the thinness, which I know my Dad will appreciate more than an automatic movement.

[Craikeybaby]

Voldemort said:

5mm thin? http://www.rotarywatches.com/en/the-rotary-collect...

I'm not a massive fan of the dial, but that is more the sort of recommendation I was looking for!

[Craikeybaby]

I was thinking black leather strap, dressy and either Arabic numerals or just batons.

[Craikeybaby]

Dicky Knee said:

Junghans Max Bill Quartz. The auto is also slim but a bit outside your budget.

Thanks, I like these, would have one myself (auto, obviously).

[Craikeybaby]

I ended up going for the quartz Mondaine, my Dad seems to like it.

I think I'm going to get myself a Max Bill though.