You may think you’re the cool dad, that your kids want to follow your example in everything, that you’re so full of charisma and individuality. Well, sometimes reality can differ from the image we project to the world. But don’t worry, diversity makes the world an interesting place to live, and diversity is also what we find in watchmaking. If you simply can't wait to discover your ideal timepiece, take five minutes and let me, with some assistance from a cadre of famous fictional fathers, find the model that’s right for you. Visualize the following scenario — the holidays have finally arrived, and your kid(s) make the extremely rare request to hang out together. You respond:
A) “A Friend of mine just got a cool new car! Wanna go test-drive it?”
In the world of fiction, your closest analogue is Arthur Weasley (from the record-breaking Harry Potter books and films), a typically British civil servant in the Ministry of Magic. Fascinated by objects from the non-magical world, Arthur devotes his free time to tinkering around with cars, notably a Ford Anglia, which he subsequently enchanted to fly and turn invisible. So, if like him, you are a car lover and enthusiast for all things mechanical, your ideal watch could be the MB&F Horological Machine Nº9 Flow, equipped with a speedometer- or aviation-style dial. Available in two versions, “Air” (aviation) and “Road” (motoring), this timepiece features a complex rose gold or grade 5 titanium case and two rhodium-plated balances oscillating at a frequency of 2.5Hz (18,000vph). A planetary differential in the movement gives a stable reading of the time by averaging the two independent balances. Something that is sure to fascinate your inner gearhead — the action of the gears is perpendicular to display of the dial. The HM9 conveys high-octane speed in multiple ways — being a limited edition of only 33 pieces each, they're sure to disappear in the blink of an eye (like a magic Ford Anglia).
B) “Let’s go paddle boarding out on the lake, it's safe and healthy fun!”
If your idea of an ideal weekend is hanging out on the lake in perfect serenity, paddling around with your child (who also happens to be the most important person in your life), then meet your animated equivalent — Marlin, the iconic clownfish and father figure from the Disney film Finding Nemo. Emotional, sensitive and laser-focused on tiny details, Marlin tends to be overprotective of his son Nemo, and would literally go to the ends of the ocean for him. For you, Graham’s Swordfish Steel with its red rubber strap will be the right choice. This intimidating timepiece — displaying two “eyeballs” on the hour and minute counters — is in reality a friendly ally with a trusty chronograph function. The hour-markers on its sunray-brushed black dial are coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring optimum visibility in all conditions.
C) “Laser game! We will dominate our enemies and scatter them before us!”
Inspired from the thriller Taken, you are to your child what Bryan Mills is to Kim: a real bodyguard. Witnessing her kidnapping, Bryan, a former secret agent, will do anything to get his daughter out of the nefarious hands of international sex traffickers. On a somewhat different scale, your laser game reflects this soul of a spy. Here, it is the Luminor Marina Titanio DMLS -44mm - limited to 270 pieces - that suits you. The use of the Super-LumiNovaTM X1 - a luminescent substance that provides flawless night-time visibility - makes this model a must-have accessory for heroes of your genre. It allows you to keep your bearings, even in complete darkness. Perfect for a laser game, right? Representing a further innovation, this timepiece illuminates not only its sunny blue dial, but also its bezel, crown, crown protection bridge, and finally the topstitching on its blue SportechTM Panerai strap with Velcro closure (or blue rubber strap). With its unfailing resistance, this micro-sanded titanium case automatic watch is also extremely light - it weighs only 100 grams! You will thus be able to handle your weapon with ease and agility. So don't waste your time and let yourself be guided by the light of your precious timepiece.
D) “Let’s go out in search of an adventure!”
Those who hate routine will find plenty in common with Rick O’Connell, from the movie The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. This character shares with his son, Alex O'Connell, the pervasive desire for adventure that will take them across the Himalayas in an action-packed quest to stop an undead army from taking over the world. Evoking the same "ready for anything" spirit, and associated with an iconic mountain to boot, is the Montblanc Summit 2+ connected watch. In addition, the Summit 2+ has a gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer, compass, altimeter and GPS, so you won't risk losing your way. In case of jet lag, the Timeshifter® dial background, taking into account your sleep patterns and flight plan, will help you adapt to the new time zone. Another useful feature is Montblanc’s Travel Info application, which will instantly translate your conversations and break the language barrier. So, convinced by this connected watch?
E) “A weekend away! What a great opportunity to strengthen our bond.”
Finally, let’s end with Mamma Mia! an iconic musical comedy that makes you think about the true importance of a father, and in song, too. Not knowing whether Sam, Bill or Harry is her biological father, movie protagonist Sophie Sheridan invites all three to her wedding. If, like them, you want to make up for lost time, let yourself be carried away by the sweet melody of Jacob & Co.’s Opera Scarface, which will plunge you into the sweet memories of long ago. This revolutionary timepiece is the first watch to combine a tourbillon with a music box playing 120 notes. Activated by a pusher at 2 o’clock, the latter turns the black dial 120 degrees. Beneath the domed case in anti-reflective sapphire crystal, you can observe a black lacquered piano whose keys are activated, playing the familiar melody from Scarface. From the American Dream (which haunts the character from Scarface) to a father's dream, this true musical masterpiece — with a rose gold globe with “The World is Yours” inscribed on it at the centre of its movement — will give you hope to be the conductor of your life.
In conclusion, no matter what kind of father you are, it is the bond you have with your child that makes you a heroic figure. On that note, since emotional speeches are not my cup of tea, all that remains for me to do is to wish you a very Happy Father’s Day celebrated this sunday, the 7th of June!
