Graduation Gift Guide: Hats Off to the Class of 2025

Are you or someone close to you graduating this season? Graduation is one of the most exciting moments in many people’s lives, and it represents an incredible achievement in one’s academic and career pursuits. Maybe your brother just defended his dissertation and is on his way to becoming a clinical psychologist. Maybe your wife finished up her MBA and is ready to kick-start her journey in entrepreneurship. Or maybe your son-in-law is wrapping up the grueling journey of medical school and is excited to begin his career helping others.

In 2025 alone, over 2 million bachelor’s degrees will be awarded in the United States. That does not even account for all of the graduate and postgraduate degrees being conferred, nor does it account for high school graduations. Either way, it is clear that countless students across America and abroad are celebrating one of the most important accomplishments in their lives over the next few weeks. How are you going to help them celebrate?

As you attend graduation parties, dinners, and ceremonies over the next month or so, consider marking this momentous occasion with a gift that will truly last a lifetime: a luxury watch, of course. At Avi & Co., we have an incredible selection of elite timepieces that are perfect for commemorating life’s big moments. Today, we are going to take a closer look at some truly one-of-a-kind watches that will surely make a splash on graduation day.

When someone close to you graduates from their course of study, you want to show them that you recognize the scope of their achievement. You want to give them a gift that speaks to your hopes and dreams for their future and your confidence that they will go on to achieve amazing things. A luxury watch says all of that and more.

Luxe timepieces from globally renowned brands such as Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and Patek Philippe are imbued with heritage and tradition that speak volumes. When you give your favorite graduate a watch from one of these hallowed manufacturers, you are making it clear that you truly see and appreciate their laudable hard work.

These watches are heirlooms that you can pass down through generations. When you gift one of these opulent accessories, you can be sure that they will think of you every time they strap it around their wrist. When they are feeling down or discouraged at work (and honestly, everyone does from time to time), they can look at their watch and remember your confidence in their abilities and all of the amazing things ahead of them.

The only question that remains is, which watch is the right option for the graduate in your life? Here are some of our favorite options to go all out for your 2025 grad.

Graduation season is a celebration of excellence, achievement, and meeting (or even exceeding) one’s goals. When you give your graduate a luxury watch, you are effectively submitting your vote of confidence for their capabilities. When it comes to graduation, do not skimp on the timepiece you choose. Instead, go big with gifts that will surely take the cake.

Your graduate has been studying and working their butt off for years in pursuit of their diploma. Now, it is time for them to revel in their accomplishments. Better yet, they can revel in the shine and sparkle of this jaw-dropping Richard Mille watch. Crafted from 18K white gold, this beautiful RM 07-01 timepiece catches the light from every angle with countless diamonds on its bezel, face, and bracelet. This watch was designed with true horological connoisseurs in mind. Its case measures 45 mm, offering a substantial silhouette that is sure to catch the eye.

If the diamond-covered, skeletonized dial did not seal the deal for you, we are sure that the intricately crafted bracelet will. This Richard Mille creation perfectly balances on the tightrope between watches and jewelry, and it commands attention with its bold profile and elegant craftsmanship. If your graduate is someone who exudes sophistication, class, and taste, this Richard Mille watch is the perfect choice. Now this is a gift they can truly treasure for life.

For many graduates, their alma mater is a major point of pride. With Avi & Co.’s Hue Collection, you can choose a timepiece that matches the colors of their higher education institution. For instance, this red ruby watch would be perfect if you are trying to evoke the Harvard Crimson, the Alabama Crimson Tide, or Cornell’s Big Red. Luckily, the Hue Collection is available in four different shades to match any hue you are dreaming of.

In addition to the red ruby timepiece pictured above, you can get your hands on Hue Collection watches in blue sapphire, green tsavorite, and pink sapphire. These statement watches are entirely decked out in precious gems and are crafted from prestigious metals like 18K white gold and 18K rose gold. They are available in both 44 mm and 37 mm case sizes, meaning that you can find the perfect option for any wrist on your shopping list. Your graduate will also be proud to own a celebrity favorite watch: When the Hue Collection was first released in 2024, it was immediately grabbed off the shelves by American boxing professional Floyd Mayweather, who scooped up the entire four-piece collection for $1 million.

Talk about an iconic watch. This Rolex Daytona is an ultimate expression of personality and craftsmanship and makes for a truly above-and-beyond graduation gift. The 18K rose gold Oyster bracelet is both chic and sleek, but the true masterpiece of this watch is its sapphire-set bezel. The 40 mm case is surrounded by 36 sapphires that make up a vibrant gradient of gemstones, moving from red (12 o’clock) to yellow (3 o’clock) to blue (6 o’clock) to pink (9 o’clock). On the black index dial, you will find diamond hour markers and three chronograph subdials in rose gold that make this piece instantly recognizable as part of the Daytona line.

If you are drooling over this rainbow watch, you are not the only one. The rainbow Rolex Daytona is a much-loved piece that has made appearances on the wrists of athletes like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes as well as celebrities like Mark Wahlberg, Post Malone, and Kevin Hart. Really, the collection of A-listers who are crazy about this timepiece is endless. Show your graduate that they belong with this upper echelon group with a truly show-stopping watch.

When it comes to iconic watch lines, the Patek Philippe Nautilus collection might just take the cake. These watches were initially released as a revolutionary luxury stainless steel sports watch in the 1970s, but in the half-century since, the Nautilus line has diversified and become even more upscale than ever before. We have been loving the recent jewelry-esque additions to the Nautilus line, which include this gorgeous diamond-set watch complete with eye-catching emerald hour markers.

This Nautilus watch is meticulously crafted from 18K yellow gold, and the bracelet is set with diamonds on each middle link. The cushion-shaped bezel is also covered in pavé diamonds, as is the dial. With a 38 mm case, this watch is versatile and functional, appropriate for wearers of any gender. There is no better graduation gift than a memorable Swiss watch.

Sometimes, you come across a watch that simply steals your heart. For us, that is this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, which is crafted from light yet durable titanium and features an intricate skeletonized dial. This gorgeous tourbillon chronograph watch is a rare and compelling combination of precision engineering and cutting-edge design, yielding a head-turning look that is sure to become a favorite wrist accessory.

The watch elevates staple components of the Royal Oak line, including the octagonal bezel with exposed screws. The bold 44 mm case delivers an entrancing presence yet is light and wearable enough to become an everyday staple. Limited to just 25 pieces, this gorgeous Royal Oak model is a must-have for any savvy watch collector.

There is rarely an occasion as momentous and worthy of celebration as graduation. Receiving a diploma after years of study is the perfect time to give someone in your life a memorable and sentimental gift, and a luxury watch like the ones featured in this article is a great choice. Want to explore luxury watches in person? Head into one of our three Avi & Co. locations in Manhattan, Miami, or Aspen.

Make an appointment today to lock in your personalized shopping spot.