Man fashion-specifically watches

So my beloved father needs a new watch. He had a really nice one from the Lufthansa store in the Munich airport from 2006. I took him on a big grand tour of the continent. French works, made in Switzerland, or vice-versa; I can't remember, got story from local watch repair woman. It was a good watch and he really liked it, but now he needs a new one, because it died, water got into the works.
He's adamant about it being Swiss made. I tried to suggest Shinola, but nope. FYI I love my Shinola watch.
Anyways big, or actually small problem is the size. His is about 30 mm, maybe 35 mm in diameter. And most men's watches these days are much much bigger. I think I'll be able to get up to 39 mm

Budget is up to $700. Strap style, not metal bracelet, waterproof a huge bonus. Analog. Not black, somewhat sporty ok
Online the best options seems to be Hamilton or Tissot

Nordstrom

Hamilton Khaki Field Canvas Strap Watch, 38mm | Nordstrom

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Nordstrom

Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Leather Strap Watch, 38mm | Nordstrom

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Nordstrom

Hamilton Khaki Field Canvas Strap Watch, 38mm | Nordstrom

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Nordstrom

TISSOT PR100 Diamond Leather Strap Watch, 33mm | Nordstrom

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TISSOT PR100 Automatic Leather Strap Watch, 39mm | Nordstrom

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6 years ago

featherwitch

Active Member

I like the Tissots better, I think they're a good value. The rose gold and diamond may not be for every man, depending on his tastes. I think they're both classy.

The first time I saw the "Powermatic" on Tissot I read it as "Problematic"!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Didn't see the diamond on the Tissot, was more focused on size and overall style

Kathie

I love my Tissot. It’s a self-winding, mechanical movement. I did have it repaired a year ago, at around 10-11 years old, because it was no longer keeping time accurately. I don’t think you can go wrong though, between Hamilton and Tissot, in that price range. For less expensive watches, I’ve been looking at the Swatch irony line, too.

The other choice if you find a watch you like on a steel bracelet, it's usually easily changeable to a leather or other strap.

One of the local jewelry stores carries a decent selection of Tissot. I think I'll look in person.
This kind of thing is judge online

Sal

I agree in person is easier - get a feel for the size and the weight. Olympus and Omega seem to be popular brands here along with Tissot and Citizen. I think Citizen is US though.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Oh, my gosh, I love the look of the Hamilton in the middle--black face, brown strap. I didn't know they were Swiss made--you learn something every day here on YLF!

Have you considered Victorinox? The men's are big, but the women's are in the right range, and some of the styles look just like the men's except for size. That strategy might work with other brands, too.

Diana

I like Mondaine a lot. The Swiss Railway style is iconic, but they also have more understated styles. A lot of them are basically unisex, so come in a wide range of sizes. I bought my husband a Mondaine pocket watch a few years ago that he loves, and one of these days I’m going to get myself a red Swiss Railway one.

https://mondaine-usa.com/collections/men

Jane

I love the Mondaine brand too. Omega I really like, kind of an understatement in elegance but classic. Are Tag Huer Swiss? What a lovely thing to shop for!

PS just checked Tag and they are Swiss. Their heritage range looks super.

rachylou

I like the Hamilton with the brown strap. I have a preference for Arabic numerals.

Janet

I’m really liking that black Hamilton with the brown leather strap, but so much depends on personal preference! In store is so much easier — I agree watches are hard to assess online.

I like the Shinola watches I’ve seen. If I didn’t already have a watch with a navy blue strap, I would have seriously considered one I saw in DC.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I vote Tissot. That's what my Dad wears - and we had the watch engraved.

Anonymous

Though this isn’t Swiss movement, I recently discovered Vincero watches & love them. Just an fyi.
Good luck on finding the perfect watch for your Dad.

My vote is for the Tissot one with the rose gold! No experience with the brand though.

bj1111

If size is an issue, try women’s watches, which have also grown in watchface size. Hamilton is sportier. Tissot, dressier. What works best for your dad?

Have you tried movado? Nordies has a couple in the 30-36mm range if you can get over the stylized dot.

DonnaF

For older eyes I prefer the Tissot because they look easier to read. The Hamilton faces seem busier. Of course, if he thinks of time in a 24 hour cycle then the Hamiltons are no brained.

Scarlet

I wear a Tissot, so I am biased. The reason I chose it was the practical, timeless design that was easy to read.

Katerina

I vote Tissot - clean, timeless classic.

I like the Tissot the best. Have you checked the Glycine Combat watches? https://glycine-watch.ch/collection/combat/

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