Graduation season is just around the corner, and, given the title of this article, I’m pretty sure you can already tell where I’m going with this. Whether you yourself are about to don a cap and gown, or you know a graduate who’s preparing to celebrate the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one, a watch makes a great gift to mark a transition from one phase of life into the next. It’s a tale as old as time (or, at least, as old as watches). 

So, to give you some graduation gifting inspiration — or, in case you need to provide some loved ones with a little guidance on the graduation gift you might want — I’ve rounded up various watches at (I hope) every price point with grads in mind. Some key elements I’ve looked for in making this list are practicality, versatility, and styles of watches that could make a one-and-done collection in themselves for those who are new to watches, or those beginning a collection. And if you aren’t celebrating graduation season yourself, but are in need of a nudge to celebrate some other key moment in your life — well, you’re welcome here, too. 

Under $500

Casio Vintage ABL100WE-1AVT

Price: $79.95 Case: 37.9mm. Water Resistant: Yes. Movement: Quartz battery

Going by ascending order on price feels like the most obvious way to order this guide, so I will begin with a watch not just under $500, but under $100. For those who are possibly just dipping their toes into the idea of wearing a watch regularly (this is the step before getting into the world of mechanical watches), Casio’s vintage line is, in my opinion, a great place to start. One of my first watches was of this kind, so I will admit I’m a little biased here. This silver model has that '80s-'90s nostalgia factor, it has all the stopwatch and alarm functions you’d expect from Casio, and this model now has an added pedometer for tracking steps. You can’t beat that for just under $80. And for even more affordable price options, I would recommend browsing around on the Casio website for similar models without the step tracker, which are under $30. 

G-Shock GAB2100-1A

Price: $150. Case: 45.4mm. Water Resistance: 200m. Movement: Solar-powered battery

This is in a similar vein to the pick above, with its nostalgia factor (G-Shock is, obviously, a part of the larger Casio company), but I would say this would suit someone looking for something a touch more rugged, maybe more streetwear-inspired. This watch carries on the brand’s familiar octagonal case shape in 45mm sizing, and has an ana-digi display. The suite of G-Shock functions is all accounted for, but this model also has Bluetooth connectivity, which you can use to set the watch itself or even find your phone. It’s also solar-powered and water resistant up to 200 meters.

Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz

Price: $395 on strap; $445 on bracelet. Case: 33mm or 38mm. Water Resistance: 50m. Movement: Quartz

While there’s always the mechanical take on the Khaki Field, the recently introduced quartz options bring the DNA of the line to a more attainable price point. The beauty of the Khaki Field line in general is its mixing of vintage field-watch design cues into a streamlined, no-nonsense watch for today, and I’m glad that the brand has both a 38mm and 33mm size to choose from for the quartz versions in the model family. There are plenty of colors to choose from, and while the NATO-strap models are priced at $395, the bracelet models are available at $445. 

Vaer R1 USA Rally Chronograph

Price: $399. Case: 40mm. Water Resistance: 100m. Movement: Meca-Quartz

The microbrand that makes it is new on my radar (I’m likely late to the game here), but for $399, I think this is one of the best-looking vintage-inspired chronographs available at the price point. The '60s-'70s rally racing era is channeled into its functionality and color palette, and I really like that the tricompax subdials aren’t perfectly circular, but a more compact oval shape. This watch is 40mm, Meca-quartz powered, and is water resistant to 100 meters.

Brew Metric Retro

Price: $475. Case: 36mm. Water Resistance: 50m. Movement: VK68 Meca-Quartz Chronograph

This is something a little more on the quirky side, but at this price point, I feel like it’s my duty to get one of my favorite watch microbrands on the list. The Brew Metric Retro packs a lot of personality into its 36mm case, and, with its chronograph counter specifically designed for coffee-making, it might make a handy tool for a grad gearing up for coffee-fueled study sessions. The pops of color are bold, but I think paired with the black dial, '70s-inspired cushion case, and bracelet, make for a watch that can be worn just about anywhere. It’s a funky take on utilitarianism. 

Under $1,500

Tissot PRX 

Price: $725. Case: 40mm. Water Resistance: 100m. Movement: Powermatic 80.111

I’ll warn you now that this won’t be the only Tissot in this pricing bracket. That brand really has a chokehold on the attainable Swiss-mechanical sector, so it really can’t be avoided, but it’s deserving of attention. I’m not going to ramble on too much about it, but again, when I think of a "first mechanical watch" suggestion, the PRX is top of mind. It’s got that integrated-bracelet style, it's available in just about any color you could dream of, and it's powered by the Swiss-made Powermatic 80 caliber. 

Tissot Gentleman

Price: $825. Case: 40mm. Water Resistance: 100m. Movement: Powermatic 80.111

Again, another Tissot that’s a no-brainer. If the PRX is a little too sporty-looking, the Tissot Gentleman is another 40mm option that is a little more classic in its aesthetic, and can be worn and look great for just about any occasion. I’m going with the blue-dial version here, but the black or the green are great too. Its time-and-date functionality is to the point, and it's powered by the automatic Swiss-made Powermatic 80 Silicium movement. All in all, the Tissot Gentleman is a compelling option for no-fuss everyday wear at $825. 

Certina DS Super PH1000M

Price: $940. Case: 43.5mm. Water Resistance: 1,000m. Movement: Powermatic 80.611

This one is a bit more of an eccentric choice for this roundup, but I wanted to get a dive watch in at the more attainable price points. While the turquoise-hued version of this model typically gets a bit more attention, the black is a more utilitarian take on the '70s-inspired diver. While its 43.5mm diameter might sound large, the 20mm lug-to-lug definitely helps the watch wear comfortably and offset some of the case real estate, and this watch is water-resistant up to 1,000 meters, after all. Additionally, this watch is powered by the Swiss-made Powermatic 80.611 movement with an 80-hour power reserve. 

Christopher Ward The Twelve 40

Price: $1,2225. Case: 40mm. Water Resistance: 100m. Movement: Sellita SW200-1

Moving into the realms of independent watchmaking, The Twelve collection from Christopher Ward is the brand’s staple line of integrated-bracelet watches. Fitting for the collection name, the 40mm case features a brightly polished, twelve-sided bezel with subtle scalloped edges. The 3-D textured dial does add a lot of play and personality to the overall impact of the watch, adding a bit more intrigue to something that’s intended to be worn any day, anywhere. This watch is water resistant to 100 meters, and is powered by the Swiss-made Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, which is on full display through the caseback. My favorite color option is the glacier blue, but again, there are a lot of colors to choose from here. 

Mido Multifort TV Big Date

Price: $1,310. Case: 40mm. Water Resistance: 100m. Movement: Automatic ETA C07.651

Mido’s Multifort TV Big Date is an everyday watch with an extra dose of personality. Though long are the days when TVs were actually made in this shape, the name has stuck, and its kind of part of the whole charm of this watch. While a lot of date windows on watches can kind of feel like an afterthought, that oversized date at 12 o'clock with its midcentury typography is the star of the show here. I will also say that the gradient dials in all the differing shades really need to be seen in person; a photo only captures so much of the magic. The square-meets-cushion TV-style case is 40mm and water resistant to 100 meters, and this watch is powered by the Automatic ETA C07.651 caliber with an 80-hour power reserve. 

Under $3,000

Nomos Glashütte Club Campus 

Price: $1,650. Case: 38.5mm. Water Resistance: 100m. Movement: Alpha Manual

It would feel criminal not to include a Nomos Club Campus on a graduation gift guide. I mean, the whole thing was basically designed with the intent of being a graduation watch; it's in the name. The Club Campus is 38.5mm, water resistant to 100 meters, and, one of its greatest strengths, is powered by the in-house-manufactured Alpha manual-wound caliber. While you won’t be able to see the movement in action, the stainless steel closed caseback detail is made with plenty of room for engraving initials, a graduation date, or anything you’d like, really. There are a plethora of bright, punchy colors to choose from, but I think this white-dial version feels versatile while still retaining some personality with its light blue numerals and poppy orange small seconds hand. 

Raymond Weil Millesime Moonphase

Price: $2,225. Case: 39.5mm. Water Resistance: 50m. Movement: RW4280 automatic

There are other Millesime options that come in at a lower price point, but for some extra pizazz, I’m going with the Millesime Moonphase. This model carries on the hallmarks of the collection, including the emphasis on simplicity mixed with nods to vintage watches like the sector dial, but has traded out the small seconds subdial for a moon-phase. Yes, the moon is smiling. This piece is powered by the RW4280 automatic movement and measures 39.5mm in diameter. 

Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope

Price: $2,530. Case: 40mm. Water Resistance: 50m. Movement: J880.2 automatic

Keeping on with the more dress-watch-oriented picks, this watch from Junghans leans into minimalism without being devoid of personality. While the most common layout of chronographs is tricompax, this watch does away with the small-seconds subdial in favor of two chronograph subdials on the vertical axis. This boosts the overall sleek and streamlined design, and, to my eye, helps it lean more into dress-watch territory rather than the overtly racing-inspired design ethos typically associated with chronographs. This watch is 40mm with a 14.4mm thickness, and is powered by the in-house J880.2 automatic caliber. 

Longines Heritage Sector 

Price: $2,550. Case: 38.5mm. Water Resistance: 30m. Movement: L893 automatic

You’re not pressed for options from Longines in this price category. Though I had many to choose from, something about the Heritage Sector just screams “welcome to adulthood” in watch form to me. It’s a bit dressier and, given the Heritage moniker, a little more classic than many of the watches that have been on the list, but this black- dial version feels a bit sleeker and more modern. For something more immediately vintage-inspired, it's the cream dial all the way. The railroad minutes track and sector dial design have a mid-century-inspired feel, along with the matching beads-of-rice bracelet. In the movement department, this watch utilizes the L893 automatic caliber with a weekend-proof 72-hour power reserve. 

Over $3,000

Tudor Black Bay 58

Price: $4,175. Case: 39mm. Water Resistance:200m. Movement: MT5402 automatic

There’s a lot of leeway here in the above $3,000 price bracket, but I might as well start off playing the hits with the Black Bay 58. Here’s your one-and-done watch collection right here for ya. Your 300 meters of water resistance and a diving bezel, along with your versatile 39mm diameter, and of course, the COSC-Certified manufacture Caliber MT5402 movement are all here. All the makings of a GADA classic. 

Cartier Tank Must

Price: $5,000. Case: 41mm x 31mm. Water Resistance: 30m. Movement: Automatic Manufacture Movement

Now we're onto another semi-obvious choice, and one that I think you can find a vintage model with some research. A Cartier Tank feels to me to be another quintessential “welcome to adulthood” watch. I don’t think you can really go wrong with a Tank, but I’m choosing this extra-large Tank Must model as it’s the most attainable model that you can currently buy new with an automatic mechanical movement. The Tank design has quite literally been around since 1917, so if you are comfortable with shopping vintage, or second-hand with authentication, feel free to go that route. I’m currently looking at vintage Cartier Santos models from the 1990s, so there’s no shame in that game. 

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 

Price: $6,600. Case Size: 38mm or 41mm. Water Resistance: 150m. Movement: Caliber 8900 automatic mechanical

Since I began this portion of the Graduation Watch Guide with something expected, I’m going to go a little quirky here with my color choice for the Seamaster Aqua Terra with this turquoise model. This one was recently introduced to the Seamaster Aqua Terra family, and forgoes the horizontal dial pattern in favor of a smooth gradient effect. This colorway is available in both 38mm and 40mm sizing, is water resistant to 150 meters, and is powered by the METAS-certified Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 8900. If you’re looking for something a bit more on the classic side, I will refer you to the Seamaster Aqua Terra with a black lacquer dial here.

Grand Seiko SBGA413

Price: $6,900. Case: 40mm. Water Resistance: 100m. Movement: 9R65 Spring Drive

I feel like choosing a favorite Grand Seiko piece is something like choosing your own Pokemon – you kind of just have to go with what dial you’re most immediately drawn to. I’ve always been drawn to the brand’s cherry-blossom-hued Shunbun here, but feel free to go with your gut on this and opt for another Heritage model that is also a contemporary take on the brand’s 62GS case for something similar. The SBGA413 gets its dial texture and pink hue inspiration from springtime in Japan, measures 40mm in diameter, and is powered by the 9R65 Spring Drive movement.