At what stage in life are people most likely to dive into the world of mechanical watches? One of the first opportunities is probably college graduation. Perhaps you’ve saved some money to reward yourself with that beautiful watch you’ve wanted for so long, or maybe your parents want to celebrate your achievements with a fantastic gift. Either way, college graduation is often the first time people have the money to buy a luxury mechanical watch. We’ve created a list of possible options that match different personalities. Without further ado, let’s jump in and find out which watches are best fit to mark this major milestone.
The Perfect Gift
A mechanical watch is the perfect way to celebrate graduation. But that wasn’t always the case. The perception of mechanical watches changed in the 1990s in the aftermath of the quartz revolution. They went from being practical gifts to luxury items that show off one’s personal success. So, which watch is right for you or your beloved graduate? Finding the right watch can be quite a difficult task. You often have to stay within a certain budget, and the watch needs to fit your personality. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of five watches and their corresponding personalities.
1. NOMOS Glashütte Club Campus: Stylish and Sporty
The NOMOS Glashütte Club Campus is the perfect entry point into the world of luxury watches for people with a sporty sense of style. Its stylish and playful design makes it the perfect sporty summer watch. Whether you’re sailing, playing tennis, or enjoying a day in the city, the Club Campus is always in style. This watch comes in a variety of different models. You can choose from a 36 or 38-mm case depending on your wrist size. The watch is powered by the manual Alpha caliber, which requires winding once every two days. The smaller version has a white dial, while the larger version comes with either a white or black dial. Prices for the Club Campus start at $1,200 for the 36-mm model and $1,300 for the 38-mm edition.
2. Junghans Max Bill: For Creative Minds
If you’re a creative person who enjoys classic designs, the Junghans Max Bill Automatic might be the perfect watch for you. Ever since it was created in 1961, the Max Bill Automatic has embodied the tenets of the Bauhaus movement. This 38-mm timepiece is a fantastic example of minimalist design that still looks very modern almost six decades later. It’s powered by the Junghans automatic caliber J800.1, which has a 38-hour power reserve. You can call this piece of watchmaking history your own for a little under $1,100. That’s a small price to pay for such a classy statement piece.
3. Rolex Datejust: For Future Leaders
Rolex is the ultimate luxury brand and is closely associated with famous world leaders. They even have a line of Day-Date watches that is fittingly nicknamed the “Rolex President.” The Rolex Datejust, however, is the perfect watch for beginning your Rolex story. The Datejust was introduced in 1945 and would become a world-renowned Rolex icon over the subsequent decades. The new stainless steel Datejust is available in the classic 36-mm size or a larger 41-mm version. There are also smaller models for women and graduates with more delicate wrists. The Datejust is powered by the automatic Rolex caliber 3235 and comes in a variety of configurations. Prices start at $7,500 for a new 36-mm Datejust and $8,200 for the 41-mm edition. If that price tag is a bit too steep for you, there are tons of stunning pre-owned versions that are a lot more affordable.
4. Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch: For Explorers
If you or your graduate is planning a career that reaches for the stars, there is only one watch that need accompany you: the Omega Speedmaster. It’s an essential accessory for anyone who plans to explore the unknown at NASA, SpaceX, or any other groundbreaking company. Also known as the Moonwatch, the Speedmaster is the most iconic chronograph ever created. Omega introduced this watch as a sports chronograph in 1957. Twelve years later, it would become the first watch on the Moon. The best thing about the current Omega Speedmaster Professional is that it looks almost exactly the same as the original history-making Moonwatch. The main difference is the modernized manual Omega caliber 1861 that powers the watch. New Omega Speedmaster Professionals sell for $5,300. As with the Rolex Datejust, there are more affordable options available on the pre-owned market.
5.Tudor Black Bay GMT: For Adventurous Travelers
If your greatest passion is traveling, the Tudor Black Bay GMT is definitely the right watch for you. The Tudor Black Bay series has been the brand’s most successful line of watches since its introduction in 2012. Its retro looks hearken back to classic Rolex and Tudor watches from the 1950s. Within the Black Bay line, the Black Bay GMT is the watch for travelers thanks to its ability to display a second time zone. The defining feature of the Black Bay GMT is its blue and red “Pepsi” bezel. The bezel has a 24-hour scale that enables you to track the time in a different time zone together with the red GMT-hand. This is particularly helpful when trying to determine when to call your friends and family back home while on the road. The Black Bay GMT is powered by the automatic Tudor caliber MT5652 and can be yours for around $4,300.
There you have it: five watches for five different graduates. Whatever watch you choose, it’s important that it fits your personality and symbolizes your life goals. It should be something you want to wear for years to come. It will hopefully join you as you establish both a successful career and a passion for mechanical watches.
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