Ah, dads and watches; one of India's most inextricable duos. From HMTs and Seikos and the like passed down from generation to generation, there's something to be said about the quiet, contemplative masculinity associated with a timepiece—something that any good dad would be able to recognise in a flash. Let's flip the script this Father's Day and go shopping for some timepieces; its the perfect day to treat your old man to a stylish little wardrobe upgrade that's as subtle as it is thoughtful. 

Here's some of our choice picks this season, all on a pretty pocket-friendly budget of under Rs 1 lakh:

Maserati R8873642008

Maserati isn't exactly known for its watches—but the allure of an Italian marque with pretty nice watchmaking design that's reminiscent of a few Patek chronographs will have any drooling. This particular example has all the subtle chronograph bits we love to see; a subtly textured dark dial, a tasteful rose gold finish on the hands and indices, a sporty 5 o'clock date window and best of all, a paintjob remniscent of the legendary Quattroporte's 'Blu Nobile' finish. Me Gusta.

Seiko Prospex ‘Racing Sports’ Solar Speedtimer Chronograph - SSC943P1

The 'Racing Sports' Speedtimer, inspired by classic motorsports, features a dark 'British racing green' aluminium bezel and sapphire crystal glass. Its ivory dial with Lumibrite hour markers ensures legibility in low light, while the chronograph second scale and Tachymeter on the bezel enhance its functionality. Powered by a solar V192 movement, this timepiece boasts an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month and a six-month power reserve. With a first-ever black punched calf leather strap for a Seiko Speedtimer, this Prospex model embodies reliability, durability, and the spirit of adventure—perfect for a father who's wanderlust never dies down.

Tissot Heritage Visodate

Inspired by the Tissot Visodate collection from 1954, the Tissot Heritage Visodate translates nostalgia into contemporary timepieces dedicated to detail. A gently-curved silver opalin dial mirrors the domed sapphire glass, both designed to showcase the clearly visible day and date, rounded out by a tasteful vintage Tissot and Visiodate logo at 12 and 6 o'clock respectively. With 80 hours of power reserve via Tissot's Powermatic 80, this offers the perfect daily driver experience for any dad out there.

Longines Conquest L37604960

A more contemporary take on the classic daily driver watch, Longines channels a few subtle elements from its aviation heydays of the fifites with this excellent no-frills sports watch. A 43mm case allows the perfectly polished sunray blue dial to catch the eye on a regular day out, while a blend of the 3 o'clock date window, bar indices and oversized arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock lend the watch a restrained yet practical masculinity that just refuses to go out of style.

Frederique Constant Classics Business Timer 

Inspired by the timeless elegance of the Frederique Constant Classics Collection, the Business Timer series masterfully combines Art Deco sophistication with modern functionality. This distinguished timepiece features a dynamic dial adorned with day and date sub-dials at 9 and 3 o’clock, respectively. The moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock adds a touch of celestial charm, while the month or week is elegantly indicated by an arrow hand. Echoing the 1940s Art Deco design ethos, this watch is perfect for a dad who digs that old-money aesthetic, but values practicality and precision.