Here’s Why a Luxury Watch is the Father’s Day Gift That Keeps on Giving

There are no greater gifts than the lessons passed down through the generations. Some are time-honoured skills, from changing a tire to tying a tie, but others mean just that little bit more. What a father imparts to a son can tell you a lot about the type of man he is, the lens through which he sees the world and how he treats those within it. So often, it’s this example that paves the foundations for our own belief system and moral code, so when it comes time to show our appreciation each Father’s Day, few tangible items do justice. Sure, a pair of cufflinks are nice, but something with significance always fares well. This Father’s Day, if you want to start your own tradition, give Dad a new heirloom.

Why Luxury Watches are the New Heirloom

Striking a balance between wearable style statement and mechanical work of art, the best examples are built to last and overflowing with signature detail. Better still, a high-quality watch from a reputable brand tends to retain its value over time, if not increase, making it a solid investment (when properly cared for, naturally). Put these factors together and it’s no wonder that men of every age group tend to treat their favourite watches like the most cherished of personal possessions.

As the years pass, these collectibles take on a new life. Worn and weathered from decades of use, the timepieces themselves become an embodiment of the men who wear them, so when the time comes for dad to pass on his legacy, you’ll have a tangible reminder of the man who taught you wrong from right. And if history is our guide, not only will it be worth more financially, the timepiece will carry a level of sentimentality that can be bought. Hence, we present the following recommendations, all of which are available through retailer Kennedy, home to the world’s finest luxury watches and jewellery.

Man of Many Selections

We went digging through Kennedy’s vast inventory and came up with a list of horological beauties. Each one is a gift that keeps on giving for now and for generations to come.

1. Santos De Cartier

A symphony of 18k yellow gold, sapphire crystal, and high-grade steel, this classic Cartier pays homage to one of the world’s first wristwatches. Of course, you knew it made for a worthy investment as soon as you saw who manufactured it. It features a mechanical movement with the automatic winding calibre 1847 MC, delivering an incredible performance that will more than stand the test of time. Better still, the blue-steel sword-shaped hands add a touch of royal class for the man that has everything.

Movement: Mechanical movement with automatic winding Calibre 1847 MC
Case: Steel case and 18K yellow gold bezel
Diameter: 35.1mm
Water-Resistance: 10 bar (approx. 100 metres)
Dial: Silvered opaline dial

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2. Panerai Luminor Base

This legendary dive watch debuted in the 1990s and became a surprise cult smash, paving the way for future iterations and imitations alike. Like all great Panerai models, it blends Italian design philosophy with premium Swiss technology. This particular model features a luminous black dial face, where Arabic numerals and minimalist markers generate stylish interplay. A distinctive case back exhibits parts of the movement through meticulous apertures.

Diameter: 44mm
Dial: Black dial with luminescence
Price: AUD$9,700

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3. Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual

One look at the impeccable dial face and rose gold case of this luxury watch and you already know that it will be a coveted timepiece for decades—if not centuries—to come. Widely regarded as one of the greatest watch manufacturers in the world, Jaeger-LeCoultre is the expert in all things mechanical. This specific piece houses a stunning Calibre Jaeger-LeCoultre 868/1 self-winding movement, which dishes out an impressive 38 hours power reserve.

Movement: Calibre Jaeger-LeCoultre 868/1
Case: Pink Gold case
Diameter: 39mm
Dial: Eggshell Dial
Price: AUD$56,000

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4. Panerai Luminor Marina

With its girthy case design and minimalist detailing, Panerai’s Luminor Marina truly exists in a class of its own. This specific model has been updated with the P.9010 automatic movement, which delivers a power reserve of three days. A little thinner and less weighty than previous models, the new iteration is crafted from AISI 316L 1.4435 stainless steel, which is highly resistant to corrosion and is hypoallergenic. Take it up to 300m under the sea and behold its signature glow.

Movement: P.9010 automatic movement
Case: AISI 316L brushed steel case
Diameter: 44mm
Dial: Black with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers.
Price: AUD$12,300

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5. Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Calendar

The latest member of JLC’s Master Control family offers a brilliant example of everything the watchmaker does best. Its silvered grey dial puts an illustrative moon phase aperture and complete calendar with compact date windows on impeccable display. Around the back, the brand’s new generation caliber (with 70-hour power reserve) can be seen through a window of high-grade sapphire crystal. A watch perhaps, but also a work of art.

Movement: Calibre Jaeger-LeCoultre 866AA
Diameter: 40mm
Dial:Silvered Grey
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Price: AUD$19,000

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6. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Large Monoface Manual

Hailing from JLC’s Reverso Collection, this narrow dress watch is a visual showstopper. Its small second dial mimics the broader dial layout to dazzling effect and that’s but one of the many clever tricks up its sleeve. Reflecting the finishes of the dial in miniature, the Reverso Classic Large Small Seconds’ second dial offers another level of reading. Two dials for the price of one.

Movement: Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 822_2
Case: Stainless steel
Diameter: 45mm
Dial: Silvered Grey Dial
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Price: AUD$11,200

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7. Ballon Bleu de Cartier

Here we have yet another mechanical watch that will upend any preconceived notions about style and design. It pairs a hypnotic guilloché dial with a bold steel case and a fluted crown set with a synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel. Look once and then look again because you probably missed a few details the first time.

Movement: Calibre 1847 MC
Case: Stainless steel
Diameter: 42mm
Dial: Silvered guilloché dial
Price: AUD$9,850

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8. Panerai Luminor Marina Carbotech

This mighty Luminor Marina employs a case of patented carbotech, i.e. a composite carbon fibre-based material that enhances the aesthetic and performance alike. Under the skin is a double-barrelled P.9010 calibre, which offers a power reserve of three days.

Movement: P.9010 automatic movement
Case: Carbotech
Diameter: 44mm
Dial: Black with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers.
Price: AUD$20,800

Buy it here

Father’s Day is right around the corner and the watches featured above are guaranteed to please. They’re also more than likely to go up in value over time, not that your dad would ever want to sell them. A multi-generational heirloom in the making, this is a gift for him today and quite possibly a gift for yourself tomorrow. Score one now through luxury retailer Kennedy.

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