Watches For Graduation Gifts

Traditionally, a men’s watch given to celebrate one’s graduation has had two meanings. First, it symbolizes one’s accomplishments because watches have always been a preferred gift to recognize success and hard work. Second, it’s to be used as a tool for a graduate’s next step in life; often this involves entrance into the professional working world. A graduation gift watch should look good in job interviews and communicate one’s maturity. Clean, conservative men’s watches that look good on someone 15 to 30 years old are the best option. Here are 10 solid graduation gift options suited to the occasion, and for most budgets.

Omega Speedmaster Co-Axial Automatic

Few other items in American history signify “achievement” as well as the Apollo 11 moon landing. Worn by the astronauts on the mission, the Omega Speedmaster Professional watch is a mainstay for Omega and a highly sought-after timepiece worldwide. Its iconic look and status combined with the message of achievement make the Speedmaster a prime graduation gift watch. (Bear in mind, though, that the piece is often worn by older gents.) Unlike the vintage Speedmaster Professional, the Speedmaster Co-Axial Automatic is a more modern rendition of the classic. Upgrades include an automatic movement, date window and sapphire crystal.

Certina DS-1 Automatic

For half a century, the initials “DS” have been the trusted mark of Certina timepieces equipped with the renowned Double Security system developed by the Swiss watchmaker. Today, the new Certina DS 1 line perpetuates the same stringent sporty tradition of fearlessness. This automatic model’s distinctly modern style is tinged with a subtle “retro” feeling inspired by the highly successful early collection of 1960. The case’s broad, open face is equipped with a stylish slim bezel, a rounded sapphire crystal and features a tasteful interplay of polished and satin-finish surfaces. Echoes of the past, in an exclusive expression of design that will charm connoisseurs the world over.

Grand Seiko Automatic Mechanical Hi-Beat

Model SBGH001 sounds like a rank and file name for a remarkable watch. A higher-end line from Japanese Seiko, Grand Seiko makes some of the best quality (and value) mechanical watches in the world. Classic in looks, the watch contains a caliber 9S85, probably the most accurate production mechanical movement anywhere. The secret is the special “Hi-Beat” movement developed by Seiko’s master watchmakers. Hand-assembled and finished, the watch and movement are the epitome of classic, lasting timepiece design. The style is one that grows on you slowly, making for a luxury watch capable of looking and functioning properly for many decades to come. This is a graduation gift watch your son will come to appreciate more over time.

Ball Fireman Ionosphere Chronograph

The Fireman Ionosphere watch was born as a collaboration between Ball Watch designers and engineer and NASA astronaut Dr. Owen Garriott, who spent a lot of time on deep sea research missions, Antactic expeditions and who first launched into space as the scientist-pilot for the Skylab III mission. Based on his wide knowledge, Dr.Owen Garriott has worked with the Ball Watch designers to create the specifications for this professional watch.

Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 Automatic

The timepiece is to be available in two variations – with a black or brown dial. The dial of the new TAG Heuer Carrera watch catches the glance by its Clous De Paris pattern and alphabetical time scale flange. The dial provides perfect readability even under reduced light conditions, being completed with hand-applied hour markers and polished baton-shaped hands coated with luminescent material.

The peculiarity of the dial is the original date display found at 3 o’clock position. The “Carrera” and TAG Heuer logo are traditionally featured at 12 o’clock. The dial is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

The polished stainless steel case, 39mm in diameter, incorporates a black or brown aluminum bezel. The sapphire crystal case back reveals the TAG Heuer Calibre 5, a highly reliable automatic movement. The movement gives an advantage of a 42-hour power-reserve. The timepiece is 100-meter water-resistant.

The new TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 watch is secured to the wrist with a 5-row stainless steel bracelet with contrasting brushed and polished finishing. The strap is fitted with a polished folding clasp with safety push buttons.

Tissot T-Touch Expert Pilot

Inspired by aviators’ watches, the T-Touch Expert Pilot opens the way to new heights. The dial seems to have come right out of a cockpit, while the bezel resembles a navigation compass. Simple pressure on the crown and scratch-resistant glass will immediately access its eleven functions. Sportsmen and women will particularly appreciate the altimeter, the altitude-change meter, the barometer and the countdown, which will make this timepiece a 24-hour companion for those who love thrills, both on the ground and in the air.

IWC Aquatimer Automatic

Competently mixing fashion and function, IWC’s Aquatimer collection always hits the spot. Few men’s watches can blend suave and sport so well. More edgy that the ubiquitous Rolex Submariner, the Aquatimer Automatic on a steel bracelet with the black and white dial (a drip of color thanks to the yellow tip to seconds hand) is a handsome watch for any active man. It’s 44mm wide in steel, is water-resistant to 2,000 meters and features a clever quick-change bracelet. It is a great transition from wild student to the more mild professional. This graduation gift watch has good looks and sends an optimistic message that it’s time to get serious.

Swiss Army Ambassador

Plentiful in population, Swiss Army watches are common for good reason. Reasonable prices and functional design keep watch lovers coming back for more. Unlike some of its more outdoorsy cousins, the Ambassador watch suggests “conference” more than it does “camping.” A perfect men’s watch for budding professionals, the 41mm-wide steel case has a metallic blue dial and strong-looking hands. Inside the watch is a Swiss mechanical movement with a fully spelled day and date indicator on the face. A sapphire crystal and 100 meters of water resistance provide durability, and the price of $750 gives this attractive package serious value and is a viable option for a graduation gift watch.

Bell & Ross Geneva 123

Bell & Ross Vintage Collection Geneva 123 Watch in polished stainless steel features a black dial and a steel bracelet. This Bell & Ross Vintage Collection Geneva 123 Watch also features an automatic movement with date and small seconds.

Rolex Explorer

Originally created for exploration purpose, the unique and stylish Rolex explorer is not only the pet of adventurers but also many celebrities and movie stars.

The Oyster Perpetual Explorer II is the ultimate reference chosen by pioneers and those with a spirit of adventure.

The watch that witnessed the first ascent of the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest, is the Rolex Explorer. Even today, this watch is one of the most widely sought after Rolex models. In addition, its successor–the Rolex Explorer II–has done very well in its own right in light of its improved functionality.

Currently, Rolex offers a 36mm sized case Explorer in steel. This model features a polished bezel, Oysterlock bracelet and a black dial engraved with numerals 3, 6, and 9. It is known for its high visibility dial, an extremely strong case, and the ability to withstand temperatures from -20 degree to +40 degree Celsius.

The Rolex Explorer was designed to suit the extreme conditions of a variety of different expeditions. It is evident from the fact that the two prototypes of the Explorer, numbered 6098 and 6150, were given to the members of the British Himalayas expedition team on May 29 in 1953, when they set out to conquer Mt. Everest’s 29,035 ft. The soon to be released Explorer, model 6098, was given to the expedition member Tenzing Norgay, and it performed without fail. The name “Explorer” was adopted for the model after the widely publicized success of the expedition.