TrendsJun 15, 2023
Amanda’s Style File: Dapper DadsWatchesJun 16, 2023
See LaCalifornienne’s Top Father’s Day Watch Picks
Company co-founders Courtney Ormond and Leszek Garwacki say these more subtle watches are perfect for dads.
LaCalifornienne rose to popularity with its rainbow-colored watch straps, but the brand has several more neutral options they say make the perfect Father’s Day gift.
Los Angeles—LaCalifornienne is best known for its timepieces featuring Technicolor bands, but for dads, the brand recommends a demurer color palette.
Courtney Ormond and Leszek Garwacki founded the Los Angeles-based brand in 2016, originally revamping secondhand watches with brightly colored straps.
The duo’s playful attitude toward serious timepieces resonated with consumers and press alike, leading the venture to bloom into a proper watch manufacturer over the years.
Now, laCalifornienne manufacturers its own quartz timepieces in Switzerland, while continuing to produce its signature colorful straps in its small U.S. workshop.
It’s a marriage of two worlds that founders Ormond and Garwacki think suits their brand ethos perfectly, combining Swiss watchmaking expertise with laCalifornienne’s sunny point of view.
“We take design cues from our environment and the local landscape,” they told National Jeweler.
“The first watch we designed was inspired by Malibu in the 1970s.”
Related stories will be right here …
Courtney Ormond and Leszek Garwacki founded the Los Angeles-based brand in 2016, originally revamping secondhand watches with brightly colored straps.
The duo’s playful attitude toward serious timepieces resonated with consumers and press alike, leading the venture to bloom into a proper watch manufacturer over the years.
Now, laCalifornienne manufacturers its own quartz timepieces in Switzerland, while continuing to produce its signature colorful straps in its small U.S. workshop.
It’s a marriage of two worlds that founders Ormond and Garwacki think suits their brand ethos perfectly, combining Swiss watchmaking expertise with laCalifornienne’s sunny point of view.
“We take design cues from our environment and the local landscape,” they told National Jeweler.
“The first watch we designed was inspired by Malibu in the 1970s.”
Ormond and Garwacki are quick to note that laCalifornienne is an equal opportunist when it comes to color, embracing not just the brightest combinations but also more neutral tones that fit in with today’s gender-neutral trend.
For Father’s Day and beyond, the founders suggest easing dads into the fun watch strap game with some of these wearable options.
See their three summertime picks below.
“The emoji says it all,” said Ormond and Garwacki of the “Daybreak DB-13A Mariner” timepiece in shade “Navy Blanc Mango” with its small peace sign emoji on the dial.
Green watches have gained popularity in recent years.
“Green is such a versatile color; it’s the new blue,” they said of the “Daybreak DB-03 Fern” timepiece.
“The ‘Daybreak DB-06 Half & Half’ is for the dad who wants something a little more subtle,” they said, of the less-than-overt strap color combination.
“We love the half black and half natural strap as an alternative to popular striped straps.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Watches
The Latest
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
SourcingJan 21, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
