SpotlightFather’s Day Special: Watches For The Superheroes In Our Lives

Fiercely protective, relentlessly generous, and sometimes annoyingly righteous, our fathers are no less than superheroes to us. This is true for most kids as they grow up, who like to believe and boast that their dad is the strongest. Many bask in the glow of their dads’ successes, while almost all of us look up to them as idols. As we grow up, our dads become the voice of reason, as they regale us with stories of the ‘good, old days’ and the lessons they learnt. They become our go-to people for advice, no matter how grown-up we are. And even though we don’t see a cape quite like we probably imagined as children, we never really stop thinking of our fathers as the superheroes who will always show up for us, come what may. So to celebrate all fathers, who will always be superheroes in the eyes of their children, we take a look at timepieces worn by real superhero idols of our times, who are also doting dads to their real-life kids, off-screen.

Chris Hemsworth And The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 01

One of Hollywood’s biggest stars today, Chris Hemsworth shot to fame with his portrayal of Thor, the ‘god of thunder’ – an integral part of Marvel’s Avengers – wielding that all-powerful hammer since 2011. In real life, the Australian actor is a parent to three kids – sons Tristan and Sasha, and daughter India Rose – with his wife, Spanish model, Elsa Pataky.

Much like the superhero he plays, Hemsworth doesn’t crack under the pressure that he is under as a mega-celebrity, making public appearances and exuding charisma all over. As a TAG Heuer brand ambassador, he has been spotted wearing several novelties from the brand.

A noteworthy piece among them is the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 01. A sporty timepiece from the brand’s motor-racing inspired collection, this 45mm steel watch houses the automatic manufacture calibre 01, powering the chronograph mechanism and the date display between three and four o’clock on the skeleton dial. Water resistant to 100m, the case comes with sapphire crystal on the front and back, and with a black rubber strap.

Benedict Cumberbatch And The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin

This British, Oscar-nominated actor shot to stardom following his role as the titular character in the BBC series, Sherlock, before he went on to conquer the mystical universe as the Marvel superhero, Doctor Strange, in 2016. When he isn’t channelling the inner power of Sherlock Holmes’ or Stephen Strange’s minds, Cumberbatch is a homely man, raising his toddler sons – Christopher Carlton and Hal Auden – with his wife, former actress Sophie Hunter.

Even as Stephen Strange, training to become a master sorcerer, Cumberbatch didn’t let go of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master watch that his character’s love interest, Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) had gifted him. Featuring an inscription on the caseback that read, ‘Time will tell you how much I love you ~ Christine’, the Master Ultra-Thin watch chosen for the film comes in a 39mm ultra-thin steel case – just 9.2mm thick and water resistant to 50m. Housed within is the automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre calibre 868/1, featuring a perpetual calendar with a display of the year, month, day, date, hours, minutes and seconds, in addition to a moon phase indicator. This classic timepiece comes with a black leather strap.

Bradley Cooper And The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch

Lesser known as a superhero star than most of his fellow actors from the Marvel cinematic universe, Bradley Cooper has actually played an integral part of the Guardians of the Galaxy, since 2014. As the voice of Rocket, the racoon – who’s also a father-figure to beloved Groot – Cooper has truly showcased his versatility as a performer. Playing an animated character would surely be of interest to his one-year-old, Lea De Seine Shayk Cooper, the daughter he raises with his partner, Russian model, Irina Shayk.

The four-time Oscar-nominated actor was recently announced as the newest brand ambassador of IWC watches. However, even before this became official, Cooper had long been a fan of the brand, having sported IWC during several public appearances, including last year’s Wimbledon.

The timepiece he most commonly wears is the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch. The 46.2mm steel case features a large, conical crown with a distinctive vintage appeal. Powered by an automatic calibre, it offers a seven-day power reserve, indicated at three o’clock on the black dial, while the date display is at six. Water resistant to 60m, the watch comes with a black calfskin strap made by Santoni, the manufacturer of high-end Italian leather shoes.

Mark Ruffalo And The Frederique Constant Manufacture Hybrid

Mark Ruffalo has succeeded where others haven’t quite made a long-lasting impact. As Bruce Banner and his enraged, green alter-ego, The Hulk, he has become a popular favourite from among Marvel’s Avengers since 2012, even without having had a solo Hulk movie. And of course, among the fans of Ruffalo’s Hulk, his kids – with wife, actress Sunrise Coigney – are at the top of the list. Even though his son, Keen, is reportedly a bigger fan of Chris Hemsworth, Ruffalo’s daughters, Odette and Bella Noche are certainly in awe of their dad.

In real life, Ruffalo is more Bruce Banner than Hulk. Far mellower than his on-screen green avatar, the respectable Ruffalo always has an understated and dignified presence whenever he’s seen in public. And complementing that is the Frederique Constant Manufacture Hybrid watch he’s been seen wearing.

Like the Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning actor, the unassuming exterior of the Manufacture Hybrid watch is actually quite the intelligent and impactful performer. Set in the 42mm steel case of the mechanical-smartwatch hybrid is a manufacture mechanical movement, as well as electronic components for its smart features. These include activity tracking, sleep monitoring, a GMT function, and even analytical information on the mechanical calibre, which lets you know if and when the movement needs servicing. All the smartwatch features can be monitored through an app on your smartphone. Bubbling with energy on the inside, all you see on the outside is a sophisticated, classic timepiece.

Hugh Jackman And The Montblanc 4810

He may have hung up the claws with his final turn as Wolverine in Logan (2017) – and a cameo appearance in Deadpool 2 (2018) – but no actor has left a bigger mark playing a superhero as Hugh Jackman has. Having appeared in 10 films over 17 years, as Wolverine from Marvel’s X-Men, Jackman is arguably the most iconic superhero star, in that no one can imagine any other face on any mention of ‘Wolverine’. When he’s away from the limelight though, the Australian actor has been a complete family man, devoted to his wife of 22 years – actress and producer, Deborra-Lee Furness – and their children, teenage son, Oscar Maximilian, and daughter, Ava Eliot.

For a man with such class and who carries the status of being an icon with such sophistication, only a brand with a similar reputation would do. So, when Hugh Jackman became an ambassador for Montblanc, it was a perfect fit. While he certainly can pull off sporty styles, his dress watch choices particularly enhance his suave persona, on the red carpet and at other public appearances. Here he’s seen wearing the Montblanc 4810 Chronograph Automatic.

We recommend going with the even cleaner look of the Montblanc 4810 Date Automatic. The classical 43mm watch in steel and black leather exemplifies elegance. However, the highlight of this piece is the simple yet impactful use of golden hour markers and a blue seconds hand, juxtaposed against the backdrop of the silvery Montblanc star pattern guilloche dial. Completing the look is the date window with a triangular pointer at six o’clock.

Nothing shy of superhero-worthy styles are suitable for your superhero dad. From a classic watch and a high-complication piece to vintage, sporty or hybrid-smart options, which one would you pick for your dad?

Do scroll down to let us know which look will best suit your father