Best Bets

Photo: Nicholas Eveleigh

The Best Bet
Designed to look like a fighter plane without wings, the Parker 51 fountain pen was considered pricey when it came on the market in 1941 at $12.50. Now, because so many are still in circulation (more than 12 million were sold before production was stopped in 1959), it’s one of the most affordable, reliable vintage pens you can buy. Only the tip of the nib is exposed, giving the pen the stable feel of a ballpoint, which makes it an excellent “starter” pen for recent grads, or the perfect everyday instrument for deal-makers. Because you can’t sign a contract with a BlackBerry. (Sets start at $125 at Berliner Pen, 928 Broadway, nr. 21st St., Ste. 203; 212-614-3020.)

Photo: Davies + Starr

For the Serious Scotch Connoisseur
Even dads who love Islay malts probably haven’t heard of the Glenrothes, a creamy, under-the-radar Speyside single malt that’s now available in a handy tasting pack of three variations ($70 at Park Avenue Liquor Shop, 292 Madison Ave., nr. 41st St.; 212-685-2442). It tastes better in a proper Scotch glass, like this Bottega del Vino Crystal with two hand-cut measuring lines ($25 at Beekman Liquors Inc., 500 Lexington Ave., nr. 47th St.; 212-759-5857).

Photo: Courtesy of Zenith

An Easy-to-Read Chronograph
Many multifunction watches are too cluttered to parse easily, but the simple stainless-steel case of Zenith’s Grande Class Sport El Primero conveys information at a glance ($8,200 at Tourneau Time Machine; 12 E. 57th St., nr. Fifth Ave., 212-758-7300).

Photo: Davies + Starr

Golf Shoes With Style
Links fashion isn’t exactly noted for its restraint. These monochrome shoes, designed by J. Lindeberg for Puma and favored by natty golfer Jesper Parnevik, will help Dad set a tasteful tone on the course ($250 at New York Golf Center, 131 W. 35th St., nr. Broadway; 212-564-2255).

Photo: Davies + Starr

A High-Design Yet Low-Key Briefcase
The sleek leather and nylon attachés in Mandarina Duck’s Alphaduck collection are also functional enough to bring to a client meeting ($318 to $498 at Peter Hermann, 118 Thompson St., nr. Prince St.; 212-966-9050).

Photo: Davies + Starr

A Seersucker Shirt for the City
With Western-style pockets and snaps, Ralph Lauren vamps up a Wasp staple ($59.99 at Polo Ralph Lauren, 380 Bleecker St., nr. Perry St.; 646-638-0684).

Best Bets