Top 10 Luxurious watches for graduates

No.1 – Rolex Explorer

Perhaps cliche, Rolex is still the “official watch of achievement.” No other men’s watch will continue to remind a graduate of that fact even long after they have finished school.

 

“Success” is symbolism deeply engrained in the Rolex name. 2010 gets a new Rolex.

 

Explorer that has been bumped up in size to 39mm wide with Rolex’s legendary fit and finishing.

The Rolex Explorer is iconic for being the watch of mountain climbing — an image often synonymous with graduation day. Attractive with a simple design, the Explorer has the perfect personality and is priced lower on the Rolex price scale.

 

No.2 – Bell & Ross Geneva 123

Less common than the brand’s popular BR01 collection watches, the Geneva 123 is a beautiful graduation gift watch with a classy, conservative character.

 

A finely made 37mm-wide case and bracelet communicate enduring quality — making for a watch your grad could easily have for decades with good care.

 

Inside the watch is a Swiss automatic movement and a dial that feels like a miniaturized wall clock that is assertive in telling the time. With subtle masculinity and sharp looks, this luxury watch is a perfect tool to get a life of direction and purpose started.

 

No.3 – 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.

 

 

No.4 – 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.

 

No.5 – Tissot T-Touch Expert Pilot

Easily the most desired gadget watch of the last decade, Tissot T-Touch watches are amazing pieces of technology that still wow even longtime owners. The special movements have hands that assist with its many functions such as a compass, barometer, altimeter, stopwatch, and more. Cooler still, the functions are activated via a special touch screen sapphire crystal. The T-Touch Expert collection is a larger sized upgrade with a number of models including this T-Touch Expert Pilot model. Loosely styled after aviation watches, the 44.45mm-wide steel watch is a satisfying mixture of handsome looks and desirable features that make these much more than mere watches. It is available on a brown leather strap or steel bracelet. Perfect for the technically minded graduate who likes to be prepared for new situations.

 

No.6 – Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 Automatic

A longtime favorite for graduation gift-giving, Tag Heuer timepieces can thank polished designs and a strong connection to performance as the secret to their success. Recipients of Tag Heuer watches welcome the renowned brand name first and then realize what all the fuss is about. A newer Carrera model, the Calibre 5 Automatic is a great combination of style and price for a Tag-deserving grad. The 39mm-wide angular steel case has a Swiss automatic movement, a subtly complex (black, silver or brown) engraved dial, and an interesting use of spelled-out hour indicators around the dial.

 

No.7 – Ball Fireman Ionosphere Chronograph

Ball watches capture the American spirit of adventure like few other watches. With a watch heritage as a maker of railroad timepieces, Ball is U.S.-operated, though it offers Swiss-made timepieces. Ball watches feature powerful tritium gas tubes that glow brightly for exceptional reading in the dark . The Fireman Ionosphere Chronograph was produced in collaboration with engineers to serve in extreme missions. The straightforward design is function first and style second,  but it still looks good in the process. The case is 43mm wide in steel with a Swiss ETA 7750 automatic chronograph movement.

 

No.8 – 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.

 

No.9 – Certina DS-1 Automatic

What was sporty in the 1960s is nowadays considered almost formal. One of the nicest men’s watches with a retro racing theme and affordable price is the Certina DS-1. The dial is as straightforward as a race car instrument panel that collided at 200mph with a traditional Swiss watch. A white or black dial is marked by a crosshair-like design that populated some of the coolest watches from 45 years ago. Still hip today, the DS-1 points out that handsome watches don’t need to be boring. The steel case is 39mm wide with a Swiss automatic movement.

 

No.10 – 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.

Joyce is now doing some collection work about luxurious handbags and watches. If you share the same interest with her, please visit her website http://www.hotefashion.com, where you never get disappointed.

Tagged as: Bracelet, iwc aquatimer, new rolex, Rolex, rolex explorer, swiss army watches, watch

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