Retirement Gifts for Dad: A Set of Watches for Timeless Journey

What does retirement mean for you? I always think of retirement as one of the momentous periods in life that signifies a person's long journey, especially for my dad. He now has more flexible time with family after he used to be busy at the office. For almost 40 hours per week, rarely at home as he had projects to do out of the city, and other work-stuff to be done. So I think this is the perfect time to celebrate his golden years and I want to give him something personal and memorable. I came up with a watch as ideal retirement gifts for dad.

You’re probably wondering why I gave him a watch out of a dozen options of retirement gifts for dad. That’s because a wristwatch has accompanied him while working during the past years. Now, I want to remind him of his long successful journey through this watch, Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage GMT Black - Ref. AL-555DGS4H6.

Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage GMT Black - Ref. AL-555DGS4H6

A popular watch brand also says its name here. My dad once told me that Alpina is famous for its pilot watches and he was interested in that. Began the story in 1883, this Swiss brand, which is based in Geneva, has been at the frontline of horological innovation. Their collections included the Alpiner (land), Seastrong (sea), and Startimer (air). Not to mention the in-house calibers and chronometers. My dad already owned two watches manufactured by Alpina, so I grabbed another one for him.

The Watch Face

As the brand released the Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage and bearing a strong 1970s vibe, I was not sure which one to pick, the black or blue one. Blue is enchanting but black is more neutral. Putting myself in my dad's shoes, I think he would prefer the black one because it matches most of his outfits.

When I first saw the dial layout, it reminded me of the Omega Seamaster Memomatic Alarm which was introduced in the 1970s. The difference lies in the alarm function for the Menomatic while Alpina opting to have an actual GMT function. The inner 24 hour GMT bezel is rotated using the cross-hatched crown at 2 o’clock. My dad thanked me for choosing this watch as he has planned a holiday in another country next month, he surely will need the watch.

Another noticeable part from this watch is the contrast between black dial and orange second hand that is visually unique and gives a refreshment. Moreover, the satin hand-brushed and polished finishing on the seventies-styled case is really great. It looks so good on my dad’s wrist.

The Strap Style

Moving on to the strap. There are two types of Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage: the one with a leather strap and the other one with a mesh bracelet. It is not easy to pick one of them because both are attractive. But, since my dad has owned two bracelet watches, I think it is time for him to wear a leather-strap watch. So, Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage black with a leather strap it is.

Without compromising on aesthetics, Alpina Startimer Pilot Heritage GMT Black comes up with an old-school aviation-style calf leather strap in light brown with neat stitching. It’s immaculately clean and enhances wearability as well. It also can match his formal to informal daily outfits.

Gnomon Velvet Pouch

To complete the whole idea of retirement gifts for dad, I also got him a watch pouch to store the watch. There will come a time when my dad needs to keep his wristwatch in storage for travelling or other matters.

This premium folding velvet pouch produced by Gnomon Watches will protect the timepiece against any dust and damage. It is made of woven material inside out with a size of 70mm x 130mm.

Most said the key of retirement day is having the 'me' time. So I want to give my dad something special that resembles his journey of all time. And I clearly believe that wristwatches are on the top-notch list of the meaningful retirement gifts for dad as it gives extra time right on their hand.