Timeless timepieces for the college student without enough time
Some argue that upon first impression, nothing reveals more about a person than the watch on their wrist, if he or she is wearing one. As a watch lover myself, I can vouch that selecting a valuable timepiece that can potentially age and grow with me for a lifetime is incredibly personal. In our current day and age, market trends indicate a clear shift back in time to analog products as film cameras and Swiss-made mechanical watches become increasingly popular.
This guide aims not to strictly recommend, but rather provide a starting guide for the search of a timeless time-piece.
Of course, well-made watches can range wildly in price. From simple pieces found on Amazon to the complex and expensive, I believe that everyone can find the perfect companion regardless of their budget.
Under $50:
I will admit that it is very difficult to find a well-made mechanical piece in this range. This does not mean that there are no options that look incredible while also holding heritage and historical significance. Instead of selling this category short, I believe there are wonderful quartz movement options out there. The brand that comes to my mind first is Timex. From their Easy Reader, Weekender, and Waterbury to the Fairfield and Expedition, I guarantee there is something for everyone. If you want to play around and have fun with it, get an Easy Reader for the week and an, of course, a Weekender for the weekends.
Under $200:
In this category and all the way up to the $500 mark, I personally think that Seiko is the maker to beat. With automatic in-house mechanical movements, great build for the price, and brand history, you really can’t go wrong with a Seiko 5 or SKX. I assure you, these watches are better than you think. Get yourself a variety of straps and you can really wear a different watch every day to match your outfit.
If you’re looking for something small and versatile, I highly recommend the SNK800 models. If you’re looking for a larger diver, the SKX models are nearing the $150–200 range, but nonetheless are worth every dollar. These are just recommendations and a simple Amazon search will leave you will an almost overwhelming number of results.
I also highly recommend taking a look at Swatch watches, specifically the System 51. Not only was this collection from the legendary Swiss watchmaker an industry changing piece of engineering, but the fun you can have with the colors, customization, and personality is endless.
https://shop.swatch.com/en_us/
Orient and Citizen are two more brands looking into.
Under $500:
An American company that comes to mind first is Hamilton. With mechanical, robust, and also historically valuable time-pieces, these well-made beautiful designs truly deserve the heavier price tag. In comparison to its less expensive competitors, the movement is better made and the designs are in my opinion more thoughtful and carefully crafted. The Field Mechanical is a perfect example.
Tissot is another great brand around this price point that makes wonderful pieces. With more dressy designs such as the Heritage, I think these watches are for the put-together wearer who likes to not only dress up, but also have a bit of fun. Like Hamilton, these watches are built to last and can absolutely take a beating.
Many of Seiko’s watches are also relevant in this price point as well.
Under $2500:
When going into the thousands, many more options open up. If you’re willing to go vintage, options from Omega and Universal Geneve come into the conversation. With a lot of searching and luck online and even on Ebay, you may even be able to come across some Rolex Datejust examples if you also shift your budget a bit.
For the college student, I think that German watchmaker Nomos makes incredible designs, movements, and well, overall watches for this price point and all the way up to the $5000 mark. The minimalist design is perfectly suited for the millennial who cares about more than just what’s apparent under the crystal on the dial. With incredible movements and complications, these Bauhaus designs with popping colors make for the perfect everyday watch.
Models such as the Tangente and Orion offer so many options when it comes to colors and finishes, I assure simply picking one will be as much fun as wearing one.
Under $5000:
If you have some summer job money saved up from your high school days and want to spend significantly more for a very respectable piece, your options open up quickly when entering into this price category.
Built as the little brother to Rolex, I believe Tudor offers some of the best watches on the market, especially for this price range. With their most popular model, the Black Bay, the Swiss watchmaker clearly distinguishes itself from the Crown by being daring with modern design and style, while still keeping its incredible history in mind. The watchmaker has really been making big time moves after signing David Beckham.
If you want to go for the Crown, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual and models of the Explorer and Datejust can be found new within the $5000 mark as well as some used models. These models need no introduction. They are the greatest of all time.
If you tend to dress up more often than not or like a watch with a combination of tool watch history and a dressy case, the Cartier Tank Solo models offer some of the best combinations of automatic movements, stainless steel cases, and sweeping seconds on the market at any price point. I personally wear an XL Tank Solo every day and it is beautiful. I can’t stop looking down.
Last but certainly not least is Omega. The legendary Swiss watch company was recently the official timekeeper of the Olympics. Their models of the Seamaster and Speedmaster are not only their own best-sellers, but they are best sellers in the entire Swiss watch market. While the Seamaster has seen the depths of our oceans and has been chosen as the watch of choice by James Bond, the Speedmaster was the first watch in space during the Apollo 11 mission. They, certainly, are some of the most legendary watches of all time. Not only that, but they can be had for well within this price range.
Regardless of price or make, a watch you feel a connection to that you are able to grow and learn with is an incredibly personal and emotional piece of accessory. Watches have the potential to become emotional parts of our lives. In times of hardship or success, it is the first thing you put on in the morning and the last thing you take off at night. After all, what else can you say that about?
Written by Alexander Z. Mo
Emory University | EEVM | IQ Associate
