We’re told we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but we all do it anyway. We weigh up a person’s character by the way they look, the way they speak and how they behave. For instance, a student who wears a suit will immediately appear studious and well-organised. A student with a more avant-garde style will give off a more artsy vibe. If you can judge someone’s identity by how they dress, what does their watch say about them? Whether you’re a novice collector (like me), a watch pro or a seasoned collector, the world of watches is accessible to everyone. That’s why I decided to compile a list of my watch recommendations for the new school year. I gave myself a budget I thought was reasonable for a university student – between CHF 1,000 and 2,000.
Business Studies
As we all know, a good business school student must be well-organised and prepared to give dozens of presentations each week. As a business student myself, I have to manage long working hours with strict deadlines and there’s no room for mistakes, believe me. So I asked my good friend Matteo Brignoli which watch he would recommend for a management student. His answer was the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, and it’s a choice I wholeheartedly endorse. It’s a timeless and elegant timepiece that never goes unnoticed. But the budget might be an issue, given that it’s a little over CHF 6,000. So if you’re looking for a similar model at a more affordable price point, I recommend the Baume & Mercier Classima 10453. At CHF 1850 it’s a refined and elegant watch that is equally arresting in its own way. According to Matteo, it’s important to project a good image, and this watch will confirm that you’re a responsible and professional student.
Medecine
Future doctors may wish to go back in time to the early days of their chosen profession. I suggest the Doxa Syfygmos Pulsometer Mono Pusher Chronograph Nos. This watch looks different: it’s refined in appearance, but it also features pulsometer functions which create a direct link between medicine and watchmaking. This watch will not only help you be more meticulous in your work, but it will also help the people around you. We know that, in the medical professions, the hours are long and the breaks are few. But with a watch like this on your wrist, you’ll have a much more positive relationship with time!
Design/ illustration/ marketing
If your studies are in a more artistic domain, you’ll no doubt be looking for something a little out of the ordinary. That’s why I recommend a modern and elegant timepiece – the Aikon Tide #Benzilla by Maurice Lacroix. This special edition brings together watchmaking and street art. As you can see, the watch speaks for itself. It’s fun, but highly practical. The price is relatively affordable, at CHF 750. We know you have an active lifestyle, so don’t worry – the rubber strap will feel so secure and comfortable on your wrist, you’ll hardly know you’re wearing it!
Sport
Future athletes will be looking for modern styling, but also a watch that can help out in every possible situation. At the end of the day, sport is about self-development and, in my opinion, the TAG Heuer Connected is a perfect fit. It can be yours for CHF 1,600, which is relatively high for a student, but I believe it’s justifiable. It has lots going for it: heart rate monitor, a compass, and a full day on one charge, including 1.5 hours of sport and GPS. Its elegance and vitality will become part of your own personality. It will help you overcome every challenge, wherever you are. There’s nothing more motivating than having a high-performance instrument to monitor your sports performance. Give it a try!
Aviation
For future commercial pilots, a watch is not only a tool for telling the time, or measuring how far you’ve travelled – it’s a symbol of exploration. When I was younger, I was captivated by films like Top Gun, which defined the image of the superhero with his oversized watch. Hollywood heroes never go out of style, and there’s always a place for watchmaking tradition. That’s why I suggest that future pilots look at the Startimer Pilot Quartz Chronograph Big Date from Alpina. The price – CHF 995 – is eminently reasonable for a watch with superior precision that conveys a spirit of adventure. It’s sure to make an impression!
