Top Watches for Students and Grads

Blake Malin

Windup Watch Shop     |     September 4, 2024

with summer giving its last hurrah as the northern hemisphere slips towards autumn, it’s the time of year when many are headed back to school. Farewell to summer internships and vacation, and hello to new classes, friends, and experiences. But while back-to-school shopping, don’t forget about your watch game — after all, it’s frowned upon to use your phone to check the time during that lecture that feels as though it’ll never end. In today’s Chronicle, we're looking at ten watches for every stage of your academic career, from high school to that first big job post-undergrad or trade school. With that, please open your books.

As always, the Windup Watch Team is available via consultation to answer any questions you have. In addition, all of these products are eligible for free domestic shipping across the US.

G-SHOCK Digital Basic GBD500

G-SHOCK is a tried-and-true option perfect for students. With a reputation for robustness and reliability, the only real downside for some wearers is the size. Don’t say G-SHOCK doesn’t listen — featuring a refined version of the iconic 5600-series case, the GBD500 Digital Basic's slim 40.8mm case is only 11mm thick. Powered by a reliable quartz movement, the Digital Basic features dual-time, Bluetooth capabilities, step-tracking, automatic calendar, dual-time, stopwatch, and alarm functionality, all in a 200m water-resistant resin case. Whether you’re headed to your first day of Senior Year or the gym, the G-SHOCK Digital Basic GBD500 is a great choice.

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Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz 33 or 38mm

Hamilton’s classic Khaki line is the perfect choice for those getting out into the field. With their latest, the Khaki Field Quartz, Hamilton has revived the classic “Khaki” dial text above 6:00. The watch is a rugged no-frills choice based on a design produced by Hamilton during the 60s and 70s for the British government and non-military personnel. The large railroad minute track circles around Arabic numerals, a triangle at noon orienting the dial's classic layout. Featuring a no-fuss Swiss-made quartz movement ensures reliable timekeeping with little effort. With four dial variants across 33mm and 38mm case sizes, the Khaki Field Quartz is an evergreen choice perfect for any wrist.

Tissot PRX Quartz

For a more upscale look without sacrificing vintage charm, look no further than Tissot’s PRX in quartz. Launched to enormous fanfare in 2021, the PRX has become the de facto choice for anyone looking for a 1970s-inspired stainless steel integrated bracelet sports watch. The PRX Quartz features a 40mm stainless steel case water resistant to 100m. It is available in three dial colors, white, mint, and champagne, the latter featuring a matching yellow gold PVD-coated case and bracelet to match. The mint and champagne models feature vertical brushing on the dial, while the white is more subdued with minimal printing. Whether you’re headed to the first day of class or the first day at your post-grad job, the PRX is sure to impress.

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Formex x Worn & Wound Essence

Adding a futuristic look to the classic steel sports watch formula, the Formex x Worn & Wound Essence is an ideal choice for daily wear with an edge. The sector dial, a retro touch, is accented by the exposed fasteners along the bezel. This limited edition Essence features a chronometer-grade Sellita SW200-1 automatic caliber, ensuring you’re always on time for class. The movement is protected by a patented spring-mounted central chassis within the 39mm stainless steel case for enhanced shock protection. The case, water resistant to 100m, is paired with a matching three-link bracelet featuring a micro-extension clasp ensuring all-day comfort. Act quickly, there are only fifty of each color.

Bruno Söhlne Turin

Bruno Söhlne’s Turin is the German brand’s take on the popular “go anywhere, do anything” (GADA) watch. Injecting a Bauhaus twist into the format, the Turin features a minimalist dial layout housed in a 39.5mm stainless steel case water resistant to 100m. The watch’s thin bezel accentuates the Turin’s two vibrant green dial options and more minimal gray and white variants, all featuring a contrasting minute track in black or white. The Swiss-made automatic movement will ensure you make it to class on time while the date compilation reminds you what day that big assignment is due. With its added 5-link bracelet, the Turin is a refined take on the GADA format, perfect for the new academic year and many to come.

MORE BRUNO SOHLNE WATCHES

Junghans Max Bill Automatic

For the aesthete in all of us, Junghans’ Max Bill line is a symphony of design. Based on designs by the famous eponymous Bauhaus-trained designer and architect from the 1960s, the Max Bill series is one of Junghans’ most popular. The Max Bill Automatic updates that iconic formula for the present, upsizing the case to a more contemporary 38mm and introducing a Swiss-made automatic caliber to ensure that when you’re running late for class, it won’t be because you forgot to wind your watch after an all-nighter. Ideal for graduation day or that big job interview, the Max Bill Automatic is a versatile choice for life’s big moments.

Oris Big Crown Pointer Date

For those with a taste for the past, the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date is the perfect dose of nostalgia. Based on a design introduced in the 1930s, Oris’ Big Crown Pointer Date offers a reliable everyday companion in a well-priced package. While the Pointer Date’s relatively simple case architecture is accented by that large crown and a coin edge bezel, the real star is the dial — the Arabic hour markers and accompanying minute track, featuring triangular markers every five minutes, are offset by a field of 31 numerals. The watch’s fourth hand then points to indicate the date. No matter the occasion, the Pointer Date is a well-thought-out choice that signals intentionality.

EDC FOR GRADS AND STUDENTS

Fortis Flieger F-39 or F-41

For a contemporary take on a classic pilot’s watch, look no further than the Fortis Flieger F-39 and F-41. A unique revision of the classic Flieger format, the F-39 and F-41 are great choices for busy days when life has you on the go. The watch features a bi-directional 12-hour bezel, accenting the Type A Flieger-inspired design with a hyper-functional way of tracking a second time zone or the hours leading up to your final. The robust stainless steel case is rated to 200m of water resistance and is paired with a matching three-link bracelet or a complementary leather strap; both emphasize the Flieger's go anywhere, do anything chops with style.

Nivada Grenchen Chronosport

Reviving a rare prototype from the 1970s, the Nivada Grenchen Chronosport is built for active lifestyles. The Chronosport features a barrel-shaped 38mm water resistant to an impressive 200m. The dual-register chronograph is powered by the iconic Valjoux 7750, a period-correct choice, that has been modified to accommodate the Chronosport’s bi-compax layout. The dial is reminiscent of a certain record-setting racing chronograph, with subdials at 9:00 and 12:00 accented by a date window at 3:00. The Chronosport is available with both aged and white lume, allowing those who prefer a more vintage look and those who don’t to have their way. With its winning formula of great looks and iconic powertrain, the Chronosport is a fantastic choice for young professionals on the move.

Louis Erard Excellence Petite Seconde

For moments that deserve commemoration, consider Louis Erard’s Excellence Petite Seconde. The Excellence Petite Seconde features a fully polished 39mm case, though its round shape renders the wearing experience a touch smaller.This ensures it will work for a variety of wrists. The real star is the dial — with rich texturing, a unique handset, and a large sub-second register at 6:00, the four vibrant shades each take on a distinct look under the domed sapphire crystal. Each features a carefully selected leather strap in a matching shade. Every Excellence Petite Seconde dial variant is limited to just 100 pieces, ensuring the watch is always as special as the occasion.

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