Graduation ceremonies across the country are being canceled and postponed due to coronavirus, but that doesn't mean students aren't still preparing to move on to the next phase of their lives. We hope this list provides some guidance for how to help them celebrate their accomplishments and smoothly transition to whatever form their next chapter may take.

While first-apartment essentials, tech items, and gift cards are all solid presents to give a recent graduate, a watch is an often-overlooked, but much-appreciated gift idea they probably couldn't afford on their own.

College years are usually when young men begin building out their professional wardrobe with essentials for their internships, but shelling out hundreds of dollars for a watch isn't always in the budget. As such, a nice timepiece is likely one hole in their wardrobe that needs filling.

If you're looking to gift them a watch they'll feel proud to wear to their first job, now is the time to do it. With a $250 budget, you can find plenty of watches that are perfect for casual days, formal functions, first-job interviews, and everything in between.

Whether you're shopping for a graduate, or you're a recent graduate yourself looking to spend some of your gift money, you'll find a hand-picked selection of affordable yet stylish watches here.

1.Todd Synder x Timex Beekman, $158

Todd Synder x Timex Beekman

New York menswear brand Todd Synder and Timex have teamed up for quite a few different watches, and the Beekman is one of, if not the most unique. Inspired by classic cars, the watch features a tachymeter gauge in the iconic swirl pattern, an Indiglo night backlight, and a genuine leather band with a croc skin pattern.

2.Seiko Series 5 Automatic, $157.38

Seiko Series 5 Automatic

The Seiko Series 5 watch is a classic. With an automatic movement, it's designed to keep ticking without any batteries. Its stainless steel case and bracelet are contrasted by a black dial and a teal and black bezel.

3.Seiko Recraft Automatic, $129.99

Seiko Recraft Automatic

If you're looking for a style that's more unique than the traditional round-case watch, the Seiko Recraft's square case is a great choice. The stainless steel watch features a dark blue case, a day-date display at 3 o'clock, and a skeleton rear case.

4.MVMT 40mm Rose Gold Brown, $120

MVMT 40mm Rose Gold Brown

Featuring a 40mm rose gold case, a black dial, and a premium leather band, this watch from MVMT is elegant and simple — and at $120, it won't cost you much.

5.Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm, $249

Timex Marlin Automatic 40mm

While most automatic watches cost hundreds of dollars, the Timex Marlin is pretty fairly priced at $249. It features a modest 40mm case size, a leather band, and a dial with a date display. In addition to this black, silver, and gold color combination, you'll find four other styles available.

6.Fossil Minimalist, $119

Fossil Minimalist

As its name suggests, the Fossil Minimalist, is kept very simple with easy-to-read hour and minute markers on the dial. What makes this watch special — and most other Fossil watches — is the free engraving option. You can add a personalized message to make this gift more memorable. And with 16 color combinations available between faces and straps, you'll find a bunch of great styles. You could buy two and still be under the $250 budget.

7.megalith 8046m Quartz Men Watch,$89.99

megalith men's watch

Megalith 8046m men watches with silver stainless steel strap, cool look of the round case& black dial and the puristic and clear line of the quartz chronograph watch designed complement each other ideally and guarantee a glittering appearance.With exquisite packaging, this sleek look wrist watch will be a perfect gift for special one or yourself.

8.Daniel Wellington Classic Durham 40mm, $229

Daniel Wellington Classic Durham

Daniel Wellington is usually the watch brand of choice for true minimalists. The Classic Durham watch features a thin 40mm case, a white dial with gold hour markers and hands, and a brown leather band.

9.Hamilton Khaki Field, $244.90

Hamilton Khaki Field

Inspired by military-issued field watches, the Hamilton Khaki Field features a stainless steel case, a brown dial with tan accents, and a canvas strap.

10.Victorinox Alliance, $199.99

Victorinox Alliance

The Victorinox Alliance watch offers the dependability of a Swiss-made watch without costing an arm and a leg. Its two-tone silver and gold color pairs well with everything, which makes it a nice everyday watch.

 

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