From the get go, you might wonder why I’m writing about what to get dad for Father’s Day, one day after it has happened.

Well, when it comes to Father’s Day, I usually have two problems. The first is remembering on what date the big day actually falls on. By poor recollection aside, us loving sons and daughters aren’t helped by the fact that Father’s Day falls on different days on different countries. Here in Switzerland, it was on June 3rd, while in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom it was on June 17th.

The second problem is that no matter how hard I try, I inevitably end up getting my father something that, while it seemed like a good idea at the time, he never ends up using. I’m sure I’m not alone there.

Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Perpetual Calendar Sapphire

Of course, tastes and budgets vary. So to cover all of our bases, here we have five excellent timekeepers for the great fathers out there. Better late than never.

First up we have the Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie Perpetual Calendar Sapphire. Despite costing over USD $13,000, this watch is actually considered “affordable” in perpetual calendar circles.

The 40mm stainless steel watch is powered by an automatic movement and it’s a fresh take on the brand’s 2014 release of the same model. The watch finds a nice balance between traditional and contemporary, meaning it’s comfortably within that “dad sweet spot”.

Raymond Weil Freelancer AC/DC Limited Edition

For fathers that might appreciate a luxury Swiss timepieces but have a bit more edge, there’s the Raymond Weil Freelancer AC/DC Limited Edition. Part of the brand’s Music Icons series, the watch pays tribute to rock-n-roll heavyweights AC/DC.

The 42mm stainless steel watch is powered by the in-house calibre RW1212 that promises 38 hours of power reserve. It can be appreciated through the case back, which also allows onlookers to view the rocking “Alternating Current/Direct Current” balance.

No doubt, this is a watch that would pull on dad’s nostalgia strings, back to the good old days when we might have listened to AC/DC, and was generally “cool”. But for those that like a more classic look, the exact same watch also comes in a more sober reference option.

Also in the mid-market price range – retailing for well under USD $4,000 - the Tudor Black Bay GMT would no doubt be a hit with any dad. Heck, I would love to have one myself!

Tudor Black Bay GMT

Presented at Baselworld 2018, this 41mm version is a new take on the brand’s famous Black Bay divers’ watch. It is now available with a GMT function and it is fitted with the manufacture MT5652 movement.

Not only is this Tudor GMT model a handsome watch, but it’s also a throwback design thanks to its aluminium bezel inserts (rather than ceramic) and a more vintage-looking case. In other words, another watch to remind dad of the good old days.

While all dads are worth watches priced well into the thousands, unfortunately not everyone can afford them. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a solid timepiece out there to mark Father’s Day in style.

Seiko SNKP27

Regular readers will know I’m a big fan of Seiko, which typically offers an excellent value ratio and hundreds of references to choose from. For dad I would go for something like the reference SNKP27.

The stainless steel watch comes packaged in a relatively small 39.5mm case and is powered by Seiko’s trusty automatic movement. What I particularly like about this watch is the elegant tonneau shaped case and the unusual dial colour combination, a bit reminiscent of the 1970s. The best part is that this watch can be had for a bit over USD $200.

The very affordable Timex Weekender

Rounding off our list is the Timex Weekender. The solid-looking watch comes in a 40mm chronograph model or a 38mm three-hand model, each of which can be had with different dial and strap options. And at a price of around USD $60-70, it’s a purchase that doesn’t need a lot of second guessing.

So if you opt for any of these watches as a gift for dad, I bet he won’t mind that you were a bit late to the occasion.