Are you stressed out about exams? Are you having a hard time waking up for your classes and need a reliable alarm to get you up and going? Our list of the best watches for college students is just a few paragraphs away!
Whatever your college level and whatever price range you’re looking at, we have curated a list of the top fashion watches and budget watches for college students in 2021. You may not know what kind of power reserve you’re looking for or any other particulars about watches in general, but you know quality when you see it. And these watches are truly quality!
Do you need a watch with different time zones for exchange trips? Do you need a watch with ample water resistance for summer sports or leisure? Or do you just want one of the best watches you can get for your money?
Whatever you’re looking for out of a watch, the following list will have something for you.
The Top 6 Watches For Students In 2021
1) Hamilton Khaki Field Watch
- Round stainless steel watch with black dial featuring white Arabic indices and date window at 3 o'clock position
- 38 mm stainless steel case with sapphire crystal dial window
- Automatic self-wind movement with analog display
- Leather band with contrast stitching featuring buckle closure
- Water resistant to 100 m (330 ft): In general, suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but not scuba diving
College student or not, the Hamilton Khaki Field Watch is undoubtedly one of the best watches for men regardless of education level. It’s a stylish devil with a beautiful leather strap, eye-catching black dial, and slick aesthetic. It’s a little pricier than some other options on this list, but the pure quality and durability is well worth the extra coin. This watch is Swiss made with an automatic movement that ensures it will last decades after you leave school.
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Tang Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 38 mm
Case Thickness: 11 mm
Band Material: Leather
Band Width: 20 mm
Band Color: Brown
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistant Depth: 100Meters
Movement: Automatic
Pros
- The Swiss automatic movement in this beauty will ensure you make every class on time without having to wind or reset your watch constantly.
- The sapphire crystal dial window is as scratch resistant as they come. The entire design is built for the long haul, to be honest.
- The leather strap may be the comfiest stock band on this entire list.
Cons
- The water resistance tends to decrease rapidly over time. You may need to get it resealed.
- The length of the leather strap is a bit short for bigger wrists.
2) Orient Ray II Men’s Diving Watch
- MPORTED MEN’S WATCH: This classic mens wrist watch was beautifully crafted and produced in Japan by utilizing the latest Japanese street fashion for the world to consume. Perfect for any occasion, formal or casual, and made to last for years to come!
- PREMIUM MATERIALS: Our stainless steel watch features a steel bracelet band, mineral crystal and a bezel function of 120-clicks, for improved precision!
- AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT: No batteries or winding required with the Japanese-Automatic Movement technology.
- WATER RESISTANT 200M: Made to withstand sweat, water splashes and rain! Suitable waterproof watch for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports, but not diving.
- FEATURES: 41mm Case Diameter. Shows date display on face.
The Orient Ray II Men’s Diving Watch may look like a luxury watch at first glance, but it’s actually a budget-friendly showstopper which balances precision construction and fantastic durability. The Japanese quartz movement is extremely precise for such a cost-efficient time piece, and the water resistant depth of 200 meters ensures that no day at the pool or rainstorm will damage your watch and leave you in a lurch.
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Push Button Foldover Clasp With Safety
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 41 mm
Case Thickness: 13 mm
Band Material: Stainless Steel
Band Width: 22 mm
Band Color: Silver
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistant Depth: 200Meters
Movement: JapaneseAutomatic
Pros
- The design is deceiving in a really cool way. It looks like you spent thousands of dollars, but you didn’t!
- One thing we really love is the precision of the movement. It’s automatic and always on time.
- The mineral crystal dial window is impressive in resisting scratches and scuffing.
Cons
- The crown is extremely stiff and is tough to undo when you’re wearing it.
- The pressed clasp is a bit suspect and can wear out over time.
3) Seiko Men’s SNK809 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
- To the start the watch initially, swing from side to side in a horizontal arc about 30 seconds.
- 37 mm stainless steel case and Hardlex mineral dial window and Precise 21-jewel automatic movement with analog display
Do you want a beautiful and long-lasting time piece that will turn heads for under $100? Look no further than this Seiko stunner. There’s a reason why this is one of the most beloved entry level watches available for sale today — it’s cheap in price but definitely not cheap in design or construction. Any college student (or anyone for that matter) can appreciate this kind of deal.
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Tang Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 37 mm
Case Thickness: 11 mm
Band Material: Nylon
Band Width: 17 mm
Band Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistant Depth: 30Meters
Movement: Automatic
Pros
- It’s so stylish for such a small investment. It should be criminal how good you’ll look with it on.
- It’s rare to find hand winding and a hacking movement in an automatic time piece at this price.
- The luminescence charges quickly under artificial or natural light.
Cons
- The stock nylon band has been routinely criticized in reviews. You may want to upgrade right away.
- The reserve is a bit short compared to most.
4) Casio F91W-1 Casual Sport Watch
- Micro Light, Hourly Time Signal, Auto Calendar
- 12/24 Hour Formats
- Dial Code: Digital
- Water Resistant
- Daily Alarm
Retro enthusiasts and those students on strict budgets will absolutely adore the Casio F91W-1. For just over ten dollars, you get a classic design and enough functionality to put much more expensive watches to shame. There’s not a ton of functions to play with, but it has a daily alarm for getting to classes and a backlight for hanging out with your friends into the wee hours.
Specs
Display Type: Digital
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Resin
Case Diameter: 30 mm
Case Thickness: 8 mm
Band Material: Resin
Band Width: 20 mm
Band Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Resin
Water Resistant Depth: 30Meters
Movement: Quartz
Pros
- The retro design scheme has made it a favorite of everyone from students to President Obama.
- There is no way you’re being this price point. This is one of the cheapest watches out there and it’s still of great quality.
- It’s got a few awesome functions to its credit such as a stopwatch and a 12/24 hour format.
Cons
- The construction isn’t nearly as durable as other options on this list.
- There’s not a lot of meat to this bone. It’s a great budget option, but you don’t get any added bonuses like multiple time zones or the like.
5) Casio MDV106-1AV Duro Analog Watch
- 200 M Water Resistance
- Diver inspired Rotating bezel with anti reverse, Screw down crown
- Date display Regular timekeeping Analog: 3 hands (Hour, minute, second)
- Hands and hour markers with large fluorescent areas for easy reading
- Stainless Steel Case w/ Black Resin Band
For a balance of lasting precision and affordability, you would be hard pressed to find a better buy out there than the Casio MDV106-1AV. It’s a budget diving time piece which doubles as a rugged watch for students, boasting a classic black-on-black aesthetic and a super easy-to-read high contrast dial. It’s water resistant and it’s stylish, so you can look good in any freak rainstorm which hits your campus.
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Tang Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 44 mm
Case Thickness: 12 mm
Band Material: Resin
Band Width: 20 mm
Band Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistant Depth: 200Meters
Movement: JapaneseQuartz
Pros
- If you’re on the swim team or just want to hang out at the beach with friends, you’ll love the 200 meters of water resistance.
- This is amazing quality for the price point. It’s a really slick design and it’s built well for a bargain.
- The luminous markers and hour hands make this water super simple to read in low light.
Cons
- The date window doesn’t have a magnifier and the print is really hard to read.
- The bezel is really tight and is almost impossible to turn with wet hands.
6) VOSTOK Amphibian Military Diver Wrist Watch
- Classic Vostok model made by the official supplier of the Defense Department of the Soviet Union and modern Russian Army.
- 200 m (20 Bar) Water Resistant
- Dimensions: approx. 39x46x15 mm. Lug size 18mm
- Automatic VOSTOK self-winding movement with 31 ruby jewels (no hands winding required, but watch can still be wound up with winding stem if it has not worn been worn for some time) Fully wound watches run at least 31 hours. Anti-shock (shock resistant) balance, Central second hand, Graduated rotated bezel
- Luminous hands and dots. The watch assembled for US sales by Sputnik TM technology.
Now for something completely different! The VOSTOK Amphibian Military Diver Wrist Watch is an offbeat Russian classic which was a thing long before anyone knew what an email address was. The striking soft blue dial contrasts perfectly with the stainless steel case and band, making for perhaps the most aesthetically striking option on this list. It’s also fantastically durable, built to withstand diving missions and long school days just the same.
Specs
Display Type: Analog
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 39 mm
Case Thickness: 12 mm
Band Material: Stainless Steel
Band Width: 18 mm
Band Color: Metallic
Dial Color: Blue
Bezel Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistant Depth: 200Meters
Movement: Automatic
Pros
- We just love its unique style. It’s the kind of time piece that may get you noticed by that cutie in the library.
- It’s as rugged as watches come for under $100. It has a scratch-resistant dial window and the strong overall body which can withstand whatever you throw at it.
- The bracelet has removable links which allow you size the bracelet to your liking.
Cons
- The Russian design scheme makes it hard to do self repairs.
- The date window is hard to read in low light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best watch for the money?
It has to be the Casio F91W-1 Casual Sport Watch, doesn’t it? At a price point less than that of some movie tickets, you get a retro chic watch with a design which remains in fashion some three decades after its initial release. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some of the more expensive watches on our list, but it’s the kind of time piece which forgoes all of that for a level of budget-friendly quality rarely seen in the marketplace.
Who makes the best watches for students?
We lean towards watch brands like Casio or Seiko — both of which are companies responsible for some of the best mens watches out there today. Not only do they make the best watches men clamor for, but they make the kind of durable, cost efficient watches that make great gifts for college students of any gender.
When college life gets hectic and you need a reliable time piece that would also make any true watch enthusiast smile, you can’t go wrong with these two brands. They are our pick for the best brand watch for mens fashion and college students alike.
What are nice watch brands for men?
The mens watches best associated with value and class include the aforementioned Casio and Seiko. Other brands to consider are VOSTOK, Orient, Hamilton, Tissot, Swatch, Triga, and Skagen. There are also plenty of great mid-level and luxury brands such as Citizen and Rolex, but the previously mentioned brands are better options for men who also happen to be students and on a budget.
In short, there’s a watch brand for everyone and their own particular financial circumstances.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re a student that needs a quality watch both for keeping appointments and just to look great, the six watches on the above list are the best of the best for college students on a budget. Even if you’re not currently a college student or don’t plan to enroll for awhile, these watches remain fantastic options for anyone looking for both functionality and fashion at a fair price point. Study hard and keep the time with one of the six amazing time pieces highlighted above.