Buying Dad a watch for Father’s Day sounds simple until you actually start looking. There are countless designs, movements and features to compare, and the right choice depends heavily on the kind of person he is.
Does he appreciate mechanical watches? Is he drawn to limited editions and movie history? Or does he simply want a dependable watch that won’t need regular battery changes?
We’ve narrowed the field to three strong options from Seiko, Bulova and Citizen. All three are capable dive-style watches with 200 metres of water resistance, but they offer very different ownership experiences. That makes this less about finding the single “best” watch and more about matching the right watch to your dad.
Quick Take
- Best for collectors and film fans: Seiko Prospex Sea Jaws 50th Anniversary SRPL81K Automatic Limited Edition
- Best all-round automatic: Bulova Marine Star 98B466 Automatic
- Best low-maintenance option: Citizen Eco-Drive BN0167-50H Promaster Marine
You can also browse the wider Watch Depot Father’s Day watch collection for more gift options.
1. Seiko Prospex Sea Jaws 50th Anniversary SRPL81K
Best for the collector dad
Some watches are practical gifts. Others come with a story.
The Seiko Prospex Sea Jaws 50th Anniversary SRPL81K sits firmly in the second category. It commemorates 50 years of JAWS and is limited to 5,000 individually numbered pieces worldwide, giving it a genuine point of difference from a standard production dive watch.
The film connection isn’t limited to the name. Its blue-to-grey gradient dial is designed to evoke deep ocean water, with a shark silhouette appearing through the changing dial tones. The JAWS logo sits at six o’clock, while the case back features an engraved orca and shark fin alongside “JAWS 50th” and “LIMITED EDITION” markings.
It also arrives in a dedicated collector’s box featuring original movie-poster artwork. For a dad who remembers the film, collects memorabilia or simply enjoys watches with unusual backstories, that presentation makes the gift feel properly considered.
Case, crystal and movement
This isn’t a small or understated watch. The stainless steel case measures 44.3mm across and is listed at 13.4mm thick, with a total weight of 124 grams. A blue silicone strap keeps the design sporty and reinforces its connection to the water.
The dial is protected by sapphire crystal with a magnifier and an internal anti-reflective coating. Sapphire is valued for its scratch resistance, while the coating helps reduce distracting reflections.
Inside is Seiko’s Calibre 4R36 automatic movement. An automatic movement winds through the motion of the wearer’s wrist, although this one can also be wound manually. It includes hacking seconds, meaning the seconds hand stops when the crown is pulled out so you can set the time more precisely. Power reserve is approximately 41 hours.
A screw-down crown, screw case back and 200 metres of water resistance round out a specification list that goes well beyond novelty-watch territory.
This is the one to choose when you want the Father’s Day gift itself to become part of the occasion. It’s bold, collectible and packed with specific details Dad can discover after opening the box.
2. Bulova Marine Star 98B466 Automatic
Best for the dad who wants one versatile automatic
The Bulova Marine Star 98B466 takes a more conventional route, and that’s not a criticism. It combines an automatic movement, stainless steel bracelet and serious water resistance in a design that can move more easily between everyday settings.
Its 41mm stainless steel case is noticeably more restrained than the two other watches in this guide. At 12.8mm thick, it still has the substantial profile you’d expect from a sporty mechanical watch without pushing into oversized territory.
The sunray-gradient dial moves from bright blue at the centre into black around the edges. That gives the watch visual depth while keeping the overall colour palette easy to wear. Luminous hands and hour markers improve readability in darker conditions.
Around the dial is a unidirectional bezel with a two-colour aluminium insert. A unidirectional bezel only turns one way, preventing an accidental knock from making an elapsed-time reading appear shorter than it really is.
Automatic mechanics on display
The automatic movement offers a 42-hour power reserve and can be viewed through the exhibition case back. That exposed movement is a worthwhile detail for a dad who’s curious about how mechanical watches work. He doesn’t need to be a committed collector to appreciate seeing the machinery that powers the hands.
The Bulova Marine Star 98B466 is fitted to a stainless steel H-link bracelet, giving it a more polished and versatile appearance than a rubber or silicone-strapped dive watch. Sapphire crystal adds strong scratch resistance, while the screw-down crown and 200 metres of water resistance support its practical sporting credentials.
This is arguably the easiest of the three watches to recommend without knowing every detail of Dad’s taste. The blue-and-black dial gives it character, the 41mm case is relatively approachable and the automatic movement adds a sense of occasion that you don’t always get from a conventional battery-powered watch.
For the dad who wants one substantial watch rather than an overt collector’s piece, the Marine Star makes a convincing case.
3. Citizen Eco-Drive BN0167-50H Promaster Marine
Best for the practical dad
Not every dad wants to think about winding a watch or keeping it running between wears. That’s where the Citizen Eco-Drive BN0167-50H Promaster Marine comes in.
Its Eco-Drive system converts light into energy, reducing the need for routine battery replacement. Once fully charged, the watch offers a six-month power reserve. For a dad who values convenience, that’s a genuinely useful advantage.
The movement is Citizen’s Calibre E168, with accuracy listed at plus or minus 15 seconds per month. You also get a date display, a screw-down crown, screw case back and a one-way elapsed-time rotating bezel.
Built around visibility and durability
The silver-tone stainless steel case surrounds a pearly grey dial with large luminous hands and markers. It’s paired with a matching stainless steel bracelet and buckle closure, creating a cohesive silver-and-grey appearance.
The product description lists the case at 45mm, while the specification panel lists it at 44mm. Because the supplied page contains that discrepancy, it’s safest to treat this as a larger watch and confirm the final measurement before ordering when case size is important.
Mineral crystal protects the dial. It doesn’t offer the same scratch resistance as the sapphire used on the Seiko and Bulova, but the Citizen counters with solar-powered convenience and ISO-compliant diving-watch construction.
With 200 metres of water resistance, the Promaster Marine isn’t merely borrowing the look of a dive watch. Its practical features are clearly aimed at buyers who want a capable sports watch rather than something delicate.
This is the sensible pick for an active dad, a low-maintenance dad or anyone who regularly puts on a watch and expects it to be ready. Charge it through exposure to light, set the date and time, and get on with the day.
Which Father’s Day Watch Should You Choose?
Choose the Seiko Prospex Sea Jaws 50th Anniversary SRPL81K for the collector, the film fan or the dad who appreciates limited-edition details.
Choose the Bulova Marine Star 98B466 for someone who wants a versatile stainless steel automatic with an exhibition case back and a moderately sized 41mm case.
Choose the Citizen Eco-Drive BN0167-50H Promaster Marine for the practical buyer who values strong water resistance, solar-powered convenience and a lengthy power reserve.
There’s no weak option here. The choice comes down to personality.
Seiko Prospex Sea Jaws 50th Anniversary SRPL81K Automatic Limited Edition
$839.00
$1,200.00
Seiko Prospex Sea JAWS 50th Anniversary SRPL81K Automatic – Limited Edition Celebrating 50 years of cinematic suspense, the Seiko Prospex JAWS 50th Anniversary Limited Edition brings the thrill of the ocean’s most iconic predator to your wrist. Limited to 5,000… read more
Bulova Marine Star 98B466 Automatic
$520.00
$799.00
The Bulova Marine Star 98B466 Automatic combines striking design with high-performance functionality, making it a standout choice for both everyday wear and adventure. This 41mm timepiece features a durable stainless steel case with a screw-down crown and a unidirectional bezel… read more
Citizen Eco-Drive BN0167-50H Promaster Marine
$449.00
$775.00
Embark on deep-sea adventures with the newest addition to the Promaster Marine series. This ISO compliant diving watch boasts a silver-tone stainless steel case and a captivating pearly grey dial with a date function. The robust stainless-steel bracelet, secured with… read more
Key Specifications
| Feature | Seiko SRPL81K | BULOVA 98B466 | CITIZEN BN0167-50H |
| Display | Analogue | Analogue | Analogue |
| Movement | Automatic 4R36 | Automatic | Eco-Drive E168 |
| Case diameter | 44.3mm | 41mm | 44–45mm listed |
| Case thickness | 13.4mm listed | 12.8mm | Not listed |
| Case material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| Strap or bracelet | Blue silicone | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Power reserve | 41 hours | 42 hours | 200 metres |
| Water resistance | 200 metres | 200 metres | 200 metres |
| Special feature | Limited to 5,000 pieces | Exhibition case back | ISO-compliant Eco-Drive diver |
Father’s Day Watch FAQs
Q: Which of these Father’s Day watches is easiest to maintain?
A: The Citizen Eco-Drive BN0167-50H is the lowest-maintenance choice. Its movement converts light into energy and offers a six-month power reserve when fully charged.
Q: Which watch is best for a collector?
A: The Seiko Prospex Sea Jaws 50th Anniversary SRPL81K is limited to 5,000 individually numbered pieces and comes in a special presentation box with original movie-poster artwork.
Q: Do all three watches have 200 metres of water resistance?
A: Yes. The Seiko, Bulova and Citizen are each listed with 200 metres of water resistance.
Q: Which option has the smallest case?
A: The Bulova Marine Star 98B466 has the smallest listed case at 41mm. The Seiko measures 44.3mm, while the Citizen page lists 44mm in its specifications and 45mm in its description.
Q: Are the Seiko and Bulova watches battery-powered?
A: No. Both use automatic mechanical movements that are powered through movement of the wearer. The Seiko can also be wound manually.
Q: Which watches have sapphire crystal?
A: The Seiko Prospex Sea Jaws and Bulova Marine Star use sapphire crystal. The Citizen Promaster Marine uses mineral crystal.
Explore the full Father’s Day watch sale to compare more designs, brands and price points.
