50th Birthday Gift Ideas: Watches to Remark Milestone Birthday

My dad is turning 50 next month. They say age is only a number, but not for me especially if it is about my dad. It is quite emotional to see my dad getting older over the years and only in a couple months he will have his milestone birthday. To remark on his ultimate F word, fifty, I want to give him something special, just like what he used to do when I was a kid. He always took me to a different zoo each year as a birthday present because I loved going to the zoo. I spent time scrolling through many meaningful 50th birthday gift ideas for dad, but none of them were appealing enough. Either it was a kind of weird card game or a funny t-shirt.

I don’t know if it has to do with his job as an accountant, but my dad is a quality-over-quantity type of person. He always buys goods that are worth the money or beneficial for a long time. Therefore, the gift needs to be special. So, I observed his stuff, and his wristwatch was the only one that attracted my attention. I mean, I know watches, but why on earth did I not think about giving him a watch? 

He bought his watch in 2013. It is a Casio MDV106 Duro. I am not sure where he got the idea to purchase that watch, but it is a relief because Duro does have the quality or my dad would not buy it in the first place. It has been 8 years now, and the ticker is still ticking. What is more surprising is that it cost less than $80. Unfortunately, it cannot hide its wear and tear. As my dad gets more wrinkles in his skin, his Duro also has some on its body. That’s why I decided to give him a new watch for his 50th birthday gift.

I have several options for it, and they all have different weaknesses and strengths. If you ask me which one that I will buy, I still have no idea. But, I definitely will choose one of them. The pros and cons are based on my personal opinion.

Rolex Submariner Date

The first 50th birthday gift idea comes from Rolex. Who doesn’t want a Rolex? My dad is not a fan of watches, but he knows this brand. When you are not familiar with timepieces, you would think Rolex is the best watch because it is very expensive. It is true, although there are other brands that cost higher than Rolex, name it Patek Philippe, IWC, Tag Heuer, etc. 

I, myself, actually do not have a Rolex. If I buy it for my dad, it would be my first Rolex purchase. I also plan to engrave the caseback with our last name and his birth date this year. I know that having an engraved caseback will devalue the watch itself. It does not matter since it is not my intention ⎯nor my dad’s I am sure⎯ to sell the watch. 

Pros: Once again, it is a Rolex. It has got history and quality in materials as well as designs. The Submariner is one of the sport Rolex collections that you should own once in a lifetime. It is an automatic watch powered by in-house Rolex 3235 caliber. Not only the movement, this timepiece uses in-house steel called Oystersteel for the case and bracelet. I can imagine how my dad celebrates his 80th birthday with this watch toting on his wrist, or my son wears it on his wedding day. I am not married now, I just want to show you how long this timepiece will last. 

Cons: It’s close to breaking the bank. That’s all. I think I need to find another watch.

Steinhart Ocean One 39 Double Green Ceramic Premium

I know I have to let go of Rolex for now. I won’t give up. Maybe I will give it to my dad for his 60th, because why not? But, it does not mean that there are no other watches that are as reliable. Let’s take a look at Steinhart Ocean One 39 Double Green Ceramic. I have always adored this brand because it represents a real value-for-money type of watch. I bought one for myself, Ocean One 39 White Ceramic. 

Pros: If you love details, Ocean One 39 Double Green Ceramic is what you’re looking for. The numbers and markers on the ceramic bezel are engraved with a triangular luminous pip. It is beautiful to see them up close. Not to mention the green shade is pleasing to the eye, my dad’s favorite color.

Cons: I have no concern about giving this watch as a birthday gift to my dad, unless it is very similar to mine. I think I’ll purchase another Ocean One for my sister and mom’s birthday.

Mido Ocean Star Captain Black Ref. M026.430.17.051.00

The bigger the watch face the better legibility my dad will have, that’s why I also put Mido Ocean Star on the list. I am impressed how Mido creates a masculine vibe in a watch that fits my dad’s look. 

Pros: Mido is known for its innovation mostly in their dive watch collections. The Orient Star embodies modern Swiss-made movement and unique materials. Its 42.5mm stainless steel case builds on the adventurous taste while the black dial flaunts a modernity. What I love most about this watch is that this watch uses an in-house automatic Mido Caliber 80 based on the ETA C07.621. Such a reliable movement at a decent price. 

Cons: Compared to the other two, Mido only has 200m water resistance. It’s not bad. My dad can still wear it for his hobby, diving. I heard that he will go diving with his friends next summer. He probably wants to rely on this watch for the dive timing. 

So, which one will I choose? I don’t know. Just hoping that those watches are still available next month, fingers crossed.