A Guide to Chrono24’s Best Graduation Gift Watches
From IWC’s full-color dials to the vintage Cartier cases, find out which models come out top of the class.
Premium watches are popular graduation gifts for a reason. They mark years of studying with a symbolic representation of time while proposing a rare combination of meaning, function, and longevity that few other gifts do.
The sentimental value of a watch is attached to the relationship with the gift-giver. For the wearer, it becomes a talisman that can be worn every day or only on special occasions, growing exponentially as a personal treasure that is rarely sold and often passed down to future generations.
Luxurious horological designs from brands such as Rolex, Omega, and Cartier serve as a go-to choice with durable builds that require little upkeep. But, the options for a commemorative timepiece gift can vary as much as the graduates themselves.
With so many technical specifications and styles, Hypebeast joins the watch experts at Chrono24 to curate a guide of timepieces for the milestone from a selection of categories. Discover the best suited timepiece in the edit below.
Sports Watches
Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, Courtesy Of Chrono24
Rolex Explorer Ii, Courtesy Of Chrono24
Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 310.30.42.50.01.002
Widely known as the Omega “Speedy,” this sports model boasts ties to the iconic Moonwatch from NASA’s space missions, making it a unique emblem of ambition and achievement. The timepiece features an iconic black dial with white markers, a tri-compax chronograph layout and tachymeter bezel. However, one of its most unique features is the hand-wound mechanical movement.
Rolex Explorer II 16570
Built for travelers, the Rolex Explorer II embodies the understated yet adventurous essence of the brand’s heritage. It serves as a great gift because the design – in particular, the highly legible dial and signature fixed 24-hour bezel with a bold GMT hand and dual-time functionality – feels meaningful without being flashy.
Dress Watches
Cartier Tank Solo, Courtesy Of Chrono24
Iwc Portofino Automatic, Courtesy Of Chrono24
Cartier Tank Solo WSTA0028
What makes the Cartier Tank Solo so iconic is its instantly recognizable rectangular case. Within it, a Roman numeral dial meets the blue sword-shaped hands to create an elegant look that still feels modern. As for the technical spec, the Cartier runs on quartz movement for ultra-reliable performance.
IWC Portofino Automatic IW356501
With a slim case, minimal dial and subtle date window, the IWC Portofino range finds beauty in simplicity. Complemented by a leather strap, the automatic movement watch is perfect for those who want a versatile accessory that adds an effortless finishing touch to everyday outfits.
Entry-Level Watches
Grand Seiko Heritage Collection, Courtesy Of Chrono24
Tissot Prx Powermatic, Courtesy Of Chrono24
Grand Seiko Heritage Collection SBGX261
While the Heritage Collection is one of Grand Seiko’s more accessible ranges, it’s also its most loved. This model is special because it executes every detail to a high level. Inside the 37mm case, the 9F quartz movement is accurate to ±10 seconds per year, ensuring the seconds hand hits each marker perfectly.
Tissot Prx Powermatic 80 Ice Blue T137.407.11.351.00
The retro-modern look of the coveted Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is exaggerated in the “Ice Blue” version, with a fresh colorway dressing the waffle-style dial pattern. It’s also powered by an automatic movement which boasts an impressive 80-hour power reserve, so it’s the kind of watch that’s as reliable as it is good-looking.
Colored Watches
Iwc Portugieser Chronograph, Courtesy Of Chrono24
Tudor Black Bay Chrono, Courtesy Of Chrono24
IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW371616 “Red”
Compared to the pared-back style of the Portofino, IWC’s Portugieser looks to make a statement by blending a rich “Red” dial with a clean layout featuring Arabic numerals, slim hands and spaced out subdials. Since the timepiece runs on an in-house automatic chronograph movement with a column-wheel design, the pushers are smooth and precise, bringing life to the piece.
Tudor Black Bay Chrono 2025 M79360N-0024 “Flamingo Blue”
If blue is more your color, take a closer look at Tudor’s Black Bay Chrono in “Flamingo Blue.” The contrast between the bold dial and the black subdials instantly stands out while the tachymeter bezel and chunky steel case give it a race-inspired edge. Its automatic movement offers a 70-hour power reserve bringing serious capability to the design.
Smaller Watches
Cartier Santos Carrée, Courtesy Of Chrono24
Breitling Chronomat, Courtesy Of Chrono24
Cartier Santos Carrée 2961
The Carrée model is vintage Cartier at its most refined. Its heritage-infused style comprises a square case, exposed screws, two-tone steel and a gold bracelet, perfectly framing the brand’s classic Roman numeral dial and blue hands powered by automatic movement.
Breitling Chronomat 32 A77310101K1A1
Small but mighty, the Breitling Chronomat runs on the brand’s SuperQuartz movement which is incredibly precise yet low-maintenance. As well as its reliable performance, the watch’s polished steel case, iconic “Rouleaux” bracelet and sparkling diamond hour markers make this an ultra-special gift for any graduate.
Explore the timepieces featured on Chrono24’s online marketplace.
