OPINION: The best graduation watches by Chrono24

Pre-owned watch marketplace Chrono24 has compiled a list of the best watches to buy people to celebrate their graduation, based on Chrono24 marketplace data of bestsellers and its own editorial viewpoint.

“A graduation watch is more than a stylish accessory; it can rather become a lifelong reminder of an important moment in life,” said Balazs Ferenczi, the company’s head of brand engagement at Chrono24. “It’s about choosing something the graduate will actually wear, that fits their lifestyle today and still feels timeless years from now.”

The full list of graduation watch picks from Chrono 24 is below:

Entry picks: < €1,000

• Seiko Prospex Alpinist (SBDC091): Originally developed in the 1960s for Japanese mountaineers, the Alpinist blends rugged credentials with understated office-ready style.
• Hamilton Khaki Field Murph 38mm (H70405730): Made iconic by the movie Interstellar, a watch that quietly communicates curiosity and ambition. The matte black dial is clean and legible, transitioning effortlessly from first interviews to evening dinners.
• Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Ice Blue (T137.407.11.351.00): A visually striking take on one of watchmaking’s most iconic silhouettes, channeling the spirit of 1970s luxury sport watches. For graduates who treat design as a statement. Step-up classics: €1,000 – €2,000
• Grand Seiko Heritage Collection (SBGX261): A masterclass in understated refinement. One of the industry’s most precise quartz movements — understated, disciplined, and immaculately finished. For graduates who let the details speak for themselves.
• Omega Seamaster Professional 300m Mid-Size (2561.80): The blue wave dial from the Brosnan-era Bond films – an iconic, confidence-boosting everyday diver for graduates ready to make their mark.
• Longines Conquest (L37204026): With a vivid green dial, polished accents, and a robustly elegant case, the Conquest balances sport and sophistication. It is a versatile choice for a graduate entering a professional world.

First big milestone pieces: €2,000 – €4,000

• Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight (M79030N-0001): Inspired by the Tudor Submariner ‘Big Crown’ of 1958, blending vintage gilt-dial charm with modern dive-watch build quality. The most frequent ‘first serious luxury watch’ candidate in this segment.
• Grand Seiko Elegance Collection (SBGM221): Immaculate finishing and a blue GMT hand rooted in Grand Seiko’s 1960s elegance, powered by the 9S66 calibre for ±5/−3 seconds per day. A refined first travel watch.
• Omega Speedmaster Reduced (3510.50): The full Speedmaster look in a 39 mm case, powered by the dependable ETA-based Calibre 3220 automatic. Perfect for slimmer wrists and smaller budgets, without sacrificing the iconic ‘Speedy’ character.