Watches are a popular graduation gift, especially for men. Watches symbolize the transition from childhood into adulthood. Although students can get away with using their smartphones to tell the time, this doesn?t send a professional message. A nice watch, however, does send this message. Not only that, but the watch is something that they will either wear every day, or will become an important part of their watch collection. Here?s an overview of the types of watches you can choose, as well as the pros and cons of each:

Classic

If you are having a hard time deciding on the type of watch to give, consider choosing a classic style for a graduation gift. These watches are versatile and look great whether wearing them for casual or dressy occasions. Classic watches come in all price points and never go out of style. Most brands have classic designs as part of their selection. Bering, Tissot and Movado are amongst those brands that have plenty of classic styles to please your graduate. These styles also tend to be a little dressier.

Mechanical

Mechanical watches are also popular with graduates because they show the gears and inner workings of the watch. They are also a bit nostalgic and romantic, and they are ideal for anyone who loves to see how watches work. Brands such as Ball, Bulova, and Hamilton all have versions of this type of watch. Many of the mechanical watches also tend to have a classic style, so there will be some overlap between these two categories.

Sporty

Sporty watches are a good choice for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. There are several types of sporty watches out there, all with various purposes. One of the most iconic of the sporty watches is the diver?s watch, which is ideal for those who spend a lot of time diving underwater. Other sporty watches are extra durable and won?t get ruined when pursuing outdoor activities such as hiking or rock climbing. Others are waterproof, which makes them perfect for swimmers and those who spend a lot of time near the water. Companies such as Luminox, Seiko, and Swiss Army all have some excellent choices for sporty watches. In some cases, the watch you give for a graduation gift may actually be their first, so it can be a challenge to figure out exactly what type of watch you should buy. Although you may want to pamper the graduate with a new gold watch, this may not be the best choice for this age group. No matter what style you choose, you may want to buy one that is durable and made of materials such as stainless steel and scratch resistant crystal for the face. However, this will all depend on factors such as their profession and their personality.