Why watches are the perfect gift for Father’s Day

Watches can have immense personal and sentimental meaning. These precious machines often accompany us through life, and while everything else around us may change over the years, the watch often stays the same, which is why many of us have a distinct memory of the watch our father wore.

With Father’s Day just around the corner, we decided to take the opportunity to check in with our team for their tips and picks for Father’s Day, as well as what they remember about their father’s watches.

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“Passing a watch down is not just representing the physical product but the sentimental attachment of that item. The memory is the real commodity you are actually passing down.”

—– James Kennedy, Managing Director and CEO of Kennedy

This year has been a remarkable one for many reasons, but for James Kennedy, it’s been particularly special. “As a new father this year, Father’s Day means more to me this year than ever before. My father passed away, well, it was thirteen years ago, so for a long time, it wasn’t a day I gave a lot of thought to. I had my first child, my son, at the end of last year. So many fathers said to me, ‘it’s a life-changing experience’; which is something I used to think about only in the abstract.” It’s appropriate how much of Mr Kennedy’s life is about the business of hours and minutes, that it took no time at all for that change to occur. “From the second he was born, I understood that concept. He has changed my life, he has changed what I consider are my priorities, and he has changed the idea of what, ultimately in life, is important. A special first Father’s Day for me this year, one I will never forget and a day that will be important to me for all of my life.”

Of course, all this change is the perfect time for reflection about what matters and why we invest so much sentimentality into watches. “A watch purchase is always an emotional experience, and one generally associated with an achievement or moment in one’s life. The watch becomes more than an accessory but a symbol of that moment.” Those moments don’t fade, with the watch serving as a constant reminder. For James Kennedy, this is the heart of our sentimental investment into fine timepieces. “Passing a watch down, or any heirloom for that matter is not just representing the physical product but the sentimental attachment of that item. The memory is the real commodity you are actually passing down.”

When it came to what sort of watch James Kennedy would choose to celebrate his first Father’s Day with, the answer was quick and unequivocal; “I am in the fortunate position of having access to some of the most exquisite timepieces the world has to offer. But, in the spirit of Father’s Day and its traditions and keeping with its mantra, “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation” I think a Patek Philippe would be the most fitting. Specifically the 5520P Grand Complication Pilot’s watch. An impeccable timepiece with the savoir-faire of Patek Philippe’s case and movement design, with the appropriate modern, everyday wearability.” Now that is a sentiment worth celebrating.

Patek Phillipe’s classic, innovative design is built to last for generations.

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“Objects become sentimental over the years, and as watches are built to last a lifetime, they are the perfect example of this. “

—–Patrick Stewart, General Manager – Commercial Operations

Q: Did your father wear a watch?

Always, a classic three-hand Certina that his father gave him for his 21st birthday in 1967. I’ve never seen him without it. And that’s what I love about watches. Objects become sentimental over the years, and as watches are built to last a lifetime, they are the perfect example of this. By definition, they are perpetual and, if cared for, should last for generations. Over time a bond grows between the wearer and the watch — and to have the opportunity for your son to experience the same fondness for a watch you hold dear is a lovely thought.”

Q: And if you were lucky enough to receive a watch this Father’s Day, what would you hope for?

“A Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. While on my ‘one-day’ list of dream watches, I’d particularly love this piece to be gifted to me as the blank underside allows for an engraving of a special message that would always remind me of the occasion. ”

The ingenious case of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso makes it perfect for a personal engraving on the caseback. Monogrammed initials, an important date or even a sentimental message.

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“I was fortunate enough to receive my first timepiece from my father on my 18th birthday. To this day, this sentiment has held great value to me, with the highest respect to my father and my family. “

——David V Lloyd, Boutique Manager

Q: Do you remember your family wearing watches when you were younger?

“Yes, I was fortunate to be born into a family who had a fine appreciation of luxury timepieces and jewellery. I have fond memories of my grandfather, father and my mother wearing Swiss-made timepieces. My father has a collection; for him, they’re a must-have fashion accessory. He was involved with the motor industry, so his watches are aligned mainly with car racing models.”

Q:When did that passion pass on to you?

“I was fortunate enough to receive my first precious metal timepiece from my father on my 18th birthday. To this day, this sentiment has held great value to me, with the highest respect to my father and my family. This tradition represents family heritage and has accompanied me throughout my life and still holds a very precious place in my heart. Hopefully, this will be the same watch one I will be passing on to my son to introduce him to the world of luxury timepieces and start his own collection.”

With a dial reminiscent of classic British Racing Green, this IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph offers a winning blend of action and style, perfect for any fast-paced father.

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“I remember very distinctly what my dad wore. My grandad gave him a Swiss-made 34mm silver dial watch for the wedding, and he wore it day-in and day-out. It never left his wrist. “

—–Samuel Kan, Assistant Boutique Manager

Q: Do you have any strong memories of your father’s watch?

“I remember very distinctly what my dad wore. My grandad gave him a Swiss-made 34mm silver dial watch for the wedding, and he wore it day-in and day-out. It never left his wrist. The watch was in all the photos of him. I can still recall very clearly when my mum taught me about the sweeping seconds hand being “better” than the ones that tick on a watch, and she used my dad’s watch to illustrate the point. I don’t know why she decided to tell me that, but it definitely stuck with me.”

Q: Why do you think watches have such a strong meaning?

Watches are very personal, and they tend to be worn during special occasions or something that is always associated with a person. Especially when it’s an only watch like my dad’s, even though nowadays, he has other watches that he wears, I cannot picture my dad without that watch on his wrist; it’s the one watch that, to me, is forever tied to him.

Q: If you were to be given a watch this Father’s Day — what would you like it to be?

Given that I have two boys, I’ll pick one with two dials: the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Moon. I like the bigger size of this Reverso, as I feel it suits my wrist better. There are two dials, meaning you have two watches in one, and you also get two timezones, perfect for when we get to fly again. And finally, I just love the moon phase. Mind you; it will never be set to the right phase. I just like the look of it.”

With its larger size and steel case, this Jaeger-Le Coultre Reverso is ready to handle any of the challenges a father may face.

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Find the perfect timepiece for Father’s Day. Shop online or contact us to book a private appointment today.