Top Watches for the Working Dad

A good-looking and functioning watch can take your look to the next level. When we think of dad watches we think of the old digital Casio with the elastic metal band that would pull your arm hair. We've also seen those massive watches that can be seen from across the room. They are the same watches, usually worn by teenagers or the "Bros" that don't let you put your hands in your pockets or even get your arm through your sleeve. I guess that's why

tank tops are the official shirt of the "Bro Team".

Today, Dad watches act as a symbol and indicator of who he is and what he does. A watch needs to be functional for the environment and allow to conduct work without being a hindrance. The watch also needs to be realistic for everyday dads. Talking about a Breitling or a Rolex doesn't help us. Our list will focus on usability, versatility, style in the workplace and be in a price range from $30-$300.

The Outdoors

Watches for the outdoorsman need to be rugged and multifunctional. In outdoor environments, to include military and law enforcement, watches need to be a little more subdued and they are focused on more as a tool for a specific purpose and not an accessory.

The Garmin Instinct is the epidemy of sports watches. it comes in a vast array of colors and is GPS. It is constructed to U.S. military standard 810G for thermal, shock, and water resistance (100m). It has a battery life of up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 16 hours in GPS mode. Because it is a smartwatch, it does meet minimal smartwatch standards but is more suitably geared towards durability. Because of this some of the features that are equivalent to other smartwatches, fall a bit flat. ($180-$200)

Pros: Rugged Cons: Learning Curve for Apps

The Classic

The classic watch can be worn in just about any office, travel, or vacation setting. At a minimum, it consists of the classic hand's face design with a date dial. This type of watch is the most versatile for day-to-day wear in an administrative setting.

The Townsman Stainless Steel Chronograph by Fossil is inspired by classic American creativity. The Townsman's design is reminiscent of 1960's automotive and architectural cues. This watch is perfect for business casual necessities in the office or taking your partner on a date. The face of the Townsman is on the large side which can be overwhelming for some individuals. The steel case sits at 44mm and has a band size of 22mm. You can choose different face colors from blue, black, brown, and smoke brown. The Townsman is water-resistant to 165 feet. ($81)

Pros: Esthetically pleasing and high-quality Cons: Watchband durability

The Formal

When we think of a formal watch, we think of James Bond's watch in a tailored suit. The formal watch is specifically designed to work with everything from Black Tie to shorts and a tee. What makes the watch formal isn't necessarily the look as much as it is the versatility. A formal watch also needs to be automatic (preference), which means that it is charged through mechanical movement when you move your wrist. An excellent candidate for a formal watch is the SEIKO 5 SNK793. The 5 SNK793 is a classic stainless steel bracelet watch with an exhibition back featuring a blue sunray dial and day/date window. This is an adult watch in that it is specifically designed for working-class individuals. It is a 36mm stainless steel case and is water-resistant to 30m. SEIKO is the perfect midrange watch for individuals looking to have that "upgraded" look when they go out and yet still be able to wear it for day-to-day activities. ($169)

Pros: Versatility in terms of design Cons: No protective cover on the glass

The Field Watch

The field watch is the classic WWII design seen in multiple war genre movies. It is timeless and can be worn for any daily activity. The SEIKO SNK805 has the look and durability to be labeled a field watch. It is an automatic military-inspired time peace with the classic OD green dial and band. It is an automatic watch, with no need for sunlight or batteries. You will have about 30-40 hours of reserve power if it is laid on the table and not warn with only 2-3 minutes of movement a day to keep it going. The SEIKO is also water-resistant to 30m. ($94)

Pros: Its Awesome Cons: It is singular in look