Timeless Timepieces: Selecting Something Special for Grads and Dads

Gifting watches is a long-standing tradition across many cultures. Signifying everything from professional or career-oriented milestones, to wishing success and prosperity upon an individual, to marking time spent together with a significant other, watches can be an impactful gift. As we’re in the midst of graduation season, and Father’s Day is just around the corner, a classically timeless timepiece might be just the thing!

Vintage 1960s Zodiac Seawolf Automatic

Here are a couple things to keep in mind when selecting a timepiece for a grad or a dad in your life:

Quartz vs. Mechanical

To really simplify the difference between these two main watch movements, we can look at how they tick. A quartz watch is battery-powered, while a mechanical watch relies on inner mechanisms to run and is not reliant on a battery. Mechanical watches typically come in two forms: automatic and manual. An automatic watch contains a rotating weight, so while the watch is worn, it is powered through the individual’s movements and gravity. A manual watch typically has to be manually wound quite regularly to accurately reflect the time.

When deciding on the type of mechanism of your watch, it typically boils down to personal preference. A mechanical watch contains very intricate inner workings and has significant longevity in its lifespan; a quartz watch typically has more accuracy in telling the time and requires less re-setting to keep accurate time.

Vintage Platinum and Diamond Hamilton Watch

Strap vs. Bracelet

Also colloquially known as the watch “band”, this can really determine the overall appearance and feel of the watch. A bracelet refers to a “band” that is typically constructed out of metal while a strap is a non-metal band (leather, rubber, fabric, etc). The material of the strap or bracelet of the watch can alter the appearance, overall feel of the watch, and the physical comfort level of your timepiece. A metal bracelet can dress up a watch or make it feel more like a piece of jewelry while a strap can be more physically comfortable or give more of a sporty or casual everyday feel. On most watches, the strap or bracelet can be interchanged, so if you like the look of the watch but want to dress it up or down, we can assist with that service!

Whether you choose a quartz or automatic, a strap or bracelet, or make your decision on any other factors, a watch is a very personal gift that is sure to carry sentimental value for the receiver. Feel free to stop by our storefront to view our current timepiece selection from our partner, Towan Timepieces. If you are interested in a bit of a wider selection, we have our Watches, Whiskey, and Wine event coming up on September 25th where our watch vendors take over the entire Landmark storefront!