If your dad is a “watch guy,” you don’t necessarily have to splurge on an actual watch this Father’s Day — those can tend to be expensive, though there are good Father’s Day watch options under $1,000. From a high-quality NATO strap to a watch winder, there are a lot of accessories a watch collector or just casual fan of watches can appreciate. Here are some great accessories at a range of price points, so you can find the gift that’s just right for him.
Urban Armor Gear Active Watch Strap
Every dad needs a rugged strap in his arsenal for the most demanding activities — that includes one for his beloved Apple Watch. The new Active Watch Strap from Urban Armor Gear is made with a high-strength nylon weave for the ultimate in durability. And the stainless steel hook & loop fastener ensures any Apple watch used — all series and versions are compatible — will stay secure at all times, giving dad the ultimate peace of mind.
George Daniels “All In Good Time: Reflections of a Watchmaker” Hardcover Book
This is a book probably every serious watch lover should have in their library. George Daniels is considered a watchmaking master unmatched in modern times, and this is his memoir. As a hardcover, it can be enjoyed in the more analog way it was probably meant to. Of course, it’s also available on Kindle for less.
Esslinger “Speedmaster” Loupe
Guys into watches tend to enjoy scrutinizing their intricate elements, so a nice loupe (magnifier) is a great way to enhance watch appreciation. Esslinger is a respected maker of high-quality watch tools, and this particular loupe offers 5x magnification, which is ideal for appreciating finishing and details. Just for fun, this one features a decorative Omega Speedmaster-style bezel — perfect for a gift and a reference any watch fan will recognize.
Fluco Leather Strap
Considered a step up in formality from a NATO, a well-made leather strap like those from Fluco will work well for a range of watches and is sure to be appreciated. The German company has a range of styles that are generally between $20 and $40, though they tend to feel like more expensive straps.
Horofix Watch Bracelet Springbar Pliers Band Tool
Watch guys love to swap straps, but watch makers have not made it particularly easy or convenient to get between the lugs at the tiny springbars securing the band. Even practiced strap-changers adept with the common springbar tools risk scratching a beloved watch. These springbar pliers just make so much sense, and your dad will delight in changing straps with ease rather than making an operation of it every time.
Maratec Mil-NATO Strap
NATO straps are super popular, a fun way to spice up an old watch, offer a lot of variety to choose from, and are generally inexpensive. Maratec easily makes one of the best NATO straps we know of for a very reasonable price. They are based on military specifications for toughness, but more refined and comfortable than a soldier would probably need.
Wolf Stackable Watch Box
Some collectors end up with a messy pile or a drawer full of watches. If that’s your dad, a watch box isn’t just a nice way to store and appreciate one’s watches, but helpful in keeping a collection organized. From a respected maker of watch winders and watch boxes, this is a stackable set of two that holds a total of 12 watches (six each).
Alpina e-Strap
The Alpina e-Strap is a solution for those caught between a love of traditional watches and the conveniences of “smart” technology. It allows one to continue wearing their favorite mechanical or other watches but also get many of the fitness and sleep-tracking functions of a smartwatch. Wear your watch as normal, but this strap has a clever little smart device discreetly integrated into the buckle, and a companion app offers analytics and more features.
Barrington Single Watch Winder
A watch winder is not only a practical way to keep a watch wound, but it can be an attractive kinetic display for the home. This winder from the respected brand Barrington has a striking but simple design and quality construction. In this version it accommodates a single watch, but Barrington offers more options at different price points.
Hodinkee Dark Grey Illustrated Watch Movement Cashmere Scarf
This scarf offers a classy way to subtly broadcast one’s horological hobby. While handsomely flying under the radar, a monochromatic watch-component design will be recognizable to the like-minded. In soft 100% cashmere, it’s stylish, and a great gift for a watch lover or a watch lover’s dad.
Muyshondt Maus UV Electric Torch
For the watch guy who has it all, this UV flashlight is a decidedly premium way to appreciate a well-lumed watch. It is also useful for inspecting a watch’s details. Muyshondt makes EDC flashlights and similar items built to specs like that of a luxury watch, and this particular version was made in collaboration with the watch enthusiast group Red Bar.
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