“Like father, like son” so the saying goes. How many of your interests or hobbies are derived from your parents, and in particular, your father?
From a personal perspective, this is certainly true for most of me. My father was responsible for my interest in motor cars and watches. And so I believe, for many of us. Perhaps it was the way that we were brought up, being exposed to our father’s tastes, and perhaps it is just natural for us to also enjoy the things our role model enjoys.
So, this had got us into thinking about Father and Son watches? Watches were Dad and son can share? Yea. Where both can find to be Interesting? Yes. Where both feel has a high cool factor? Hell, yes! Let’s explore!
Seiko Monster
The Seiko Monster, in Blue. Fitted with a nice light coffee brown NATO strap.
First up, something fun and affordable: the Seiko Monster. The Seiko Monster is part of the “Superior” collection, which is a notch higher than the entry-level Seiko 5 collection. And if you are wondering, the name “Monster” was not christened by Seiko, but rather by the collectors themselves!
We propose the Seiko Monster as a candidate for a Father and Son watch. Why? First off, this timepiece is pretty affordable. It costs around $350, and it is very robust and well-built for something at that price point. Secondly, it is very handsome, fashionable and very cool. We especially like the size of the timepiece (42mm, without crown), as well as this version with a stunning electric blue bezel. A nice watch suitable for most daily activities. And Seiko makes many variants, so Dad can have his favourite design and colour combination. And so can Son.
Swatch Sistem51
The Swatch Sistem51. It comes with a myriad of colors and themes, and it will certainly attract the younger collectors.
Following the Swatch Sistem51, we have yet another timepiece that we reckon will be a suitable candidate for a Father and (Young) Son watch: the Swatch Sistem51.
The Swatch Sistem51 was conceived with the younger and newer collectors in mind. It is fitted with a simple automatic movement, with a time and date function. It serves as an introduction for new collectors who want a mechanical timepiece, without breaking their bank accounts at the same time.
As per most Swatch watches, the Sistem51 is made from both plastic and rubber. On top of the four original design schemes that the watch was launched with initially, Swatch had also included another five different designs in the year of 2015. There are, in total, nine different designs for collectors to choose from.
Good for a father who wishes to cultivate a son’s love for horology, the Swatch Sistem51 is a great option. The Swatch Sistem51 is reasonably priced and comes with many exciting and colourful designs.
Panerai Luminor 8 Days Set (PAM 785)
The Panerai Luminor 8 Days Set, featuring the “Black Seal” edition and the “Daylight” edition.
Moving on, we have something that is more suitable for an intermediate collector: the Panerai Luminor 8 Days Set (PAM785). The PAM785 was launched in last year’s Watches and Wonders, and it was a remake of two classic “Pre-Vendome” Panerai watches.
The Panerai PAM785 is only available as a pair. These two watches are so different, and yet so similar at the same time. While these two watches feature the similar iconic Luminor cases and the P5000 movement, thus end the similarities. The “Daylight” version, as suggested by its name, features a stainless steel case and a white dial. On the other hand, the “Black Seal” features a black DLC case and a black dial. The differences give each watch a different character and image, and thus making it an intriguing pair of watches to own.
For a Paneristi, the PAM785 is possibly the perfect candidate for a Father and Son watch. We like how these two watches are a throwback to the good-old days of Panerai, when watches are much simpler and classical. This is certainly going to be a hit with the boys in the house.
P.S. Just make sure both of the father and son do not fight over which PAM785 to wear!
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso
The Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso. The one that we have featured above is the “1948 Ultra-Thin” edition.
For the more seasoned collectors, the likes of Seiko and Swatch may not be as attractive a proposition as a watch further up the price scale. There is nothing inherently wrong with those pieces, but some collectors may prefer something that is much more sophisticated and serious. The Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso might just be the watch.
Since its introduction in 1931, the Reverso had been one of the most iconic watches in the world of horology. Its timeless design, as well as its innovative “reversible” case, had allowed it to garner many fans from around the world, across many different age groups. This design and its impeccable finishing have mesmerized many collectors.
While there are many different variants of the Reverso, so a suitable pair, matching the tastes of father and son should be an easy find. For us, we particularly liked the Reverso 1948 Ultra-Thin and the Reverso SG50 Edition are suitable candidates. Especially so for the Dad who turns 50 this year, the Reverso Day/Night Singapore Edition might bear additional special meaning.
Urwerk UR-105TA
The UR 105 TA Black Orange and the UR 105 TA Black Lemon. Playful touches which add colour and a level of playfulness, which was always been a feature of Urwerk watches, but never as overt as the bright colours chosen here.
If one wishes for something that is bit different and take a walk on the wild side, then perhaps Urwerk may be of assistance. Urwerk are known to make watches that are highly sophisticated and somewhat unconventional in design. We suggest the Urwerk UR-105TA as our next candidate for Father-Son watches.
The Urwerk UR-105TA contains all the usual Urwerk DNAs: the satellite hour indicators, the unusual sculptured case, as well as the use of a twin turbine system to regulate the self-winding system. But one thing that stands out from their latest creation would be its color scheme. Christened the Black Lemon and the Black Orange, the UR-105TA certainly gains a new identity for the usual mystical and robotic-like time machines. On top of that, it also gives the collectors a rather refreshing take on Urwerk pieces.
A pair, one in each colour would be perfect. Intriguing? You bet!
Patek Philippe Nautilus
The Patek Philippe Nautilus. This particular piece is the Ref.5990/1A, featuring a chronograph and a dual timezone system.
Finally, we have something from the famed Swiss watchmaker: Patek Philippe. There are many stunning creations from the venerable Geneva-based company, and we reckon the Nautilus is possibly one of the most iconic and popular pieces from them.
Since its inception in 1976, the Nautilus has gained plenty of accolades (and sometimes in its early days, critical comments) thanks to its intriguing design and the impeccable finishing. There are several variants from the collection, and Patek have added even complications over the years. One of the latest to be included into the family is the Reference 5990/1A, launched in last year’s Baselworld. The 5990/1A features both the chronograph and the dual timezone system, a first in the Nautilus collection.
“You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.” We always thought it a curious tagline. But nevertheless, the PP Nautilus could still make a great Father and Son. And might suggest a twist. The son can buy the watch, perhaps on a special life milestone, and share it with his father. Now, you don’t actually look after a Patek Philippe for the next generation. You merely share your joys and successes with the previous generation instead.
Afterthoughts
As usual, we have covered a myriad of watches from a wide ranging spectrum, from the affordable and simple Seiko Monster to the unusual and quirky Urwerk UR-105TA. We suggest the more affordable ones for fathers who have got a young son. As the son matures, perhaps the Panerai PAM785 or the JLC Reverso would fit the bill. And for the more affluent, or perhaps when the son has made his fortune, the Patek would be a good choice.
We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s installment of Throwback Sundays. Please share with us some of the Father and Son watches that you have owned, and do have a great week ahead!
