Functional, stylish wrist watches perfect for graduation, Mother’s & Father’s Day gifting

A classic digital or analog wristwatch is convenient and elevates your look.

March 24, 2026, 10:51 AM
Shop top watches for men and women
Shop top watches for men and women
Macy's, Amazon, Nordstrom, Kendra Scott, Adobe

The humble analog or digital wristwatch may seem like an antiquated relic of the past, but there are still plenty of reasons to invest in one for yourself or when gifting others.

Whether you're celebrating a graduation milestone or marking Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, a watch carries a sense of occasion that goes beyond the moment. It’s both timeless and personal, making it a thoughtful way to honor where someone’s been and where they’re headed next.

Here's why you should consider it.

Fewer distractions

While your phone is an easy way to tell the time, it can be easy to get distracted by endless notifications throughout the day that beckon you to scroll away.

Instead of succumbing to all those alerts, switch to an analog watch so you can glance down to see the time and go about your life.

Style

A great watch can instantly make you look "put together" thanks to the combination of style and utility.

Add a simple leather-band watch to your favorite suit to look even more professional, or elevate the mood of a casual and comfortable day-off ensemble with a shiny gold or silver timepiece.

Watch faces can be wearable works of art, too. Popular examples are the mother-of-pearl face, a feminine, luminous look that elevates any outfit, or so-called "skeleton" watches that showcase the full mechanisms behind the movement, adding transparency and interest to your accessory.

An appreciation for craftsmanship

Watch prices range from the very affordable to the astronomically expensive, but connoisseurs of every budget can appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into watchmaking regardless of the monetary value.

Below, we've offered a variety of price points, with options ranging from less than $60 for a Casio classic to $2,195 for a breathtaking, special-edition Citizen men's watch that would make a stunning gift for a special occasion.

Keep reading to shop these and more of our top picks for men's and women's watches.

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Men's watches

G-Shock watches are always a top pick for men thanks to their combination of style, tough construction and relatively budget-friendly price point. Seiko and Bulova are more classic, business-oriented pieces to check out if you're in a suit regularly.

Macy's

Lacoste Men's L.12.12 Green Silicone Strap Watch 42mm

  • $95.00
  • Macy's
27% off
Amazon

Timex Men's Easy Reader Watch

  • $43.00
  • $59.00
  • Amazon
Citizen

Attesa Super Titanium / Satellite Timekeeping

  • $2195.00
  • Citizen
G-Shock

G-Shock GA100GGB-1A9

  • $145.00
  • G-Shock
49% off
Macy's

Bulova Men's Millennia Diamond-Accent Gray Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch 42mm

  • $263.00
  • $525.00
  • Macy's
Citizen

TSUYOSA Automatic

  • $420.00
  • Citizen
20% off
Citizen

TSUYOSA Automatic

  • $380.00
  • $475.00
  • Citizen
25% off
Macy's

Seiko Men's Essentials Silver Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch

  • $337.50
  • $450.00
  • Macy's
G-Shock

G-Shock GW5000U-1

  • $330.00
  • G-Shock

Women's watches

Top picks for women include Citizen's new Fio series, featuring gorgeous, feminine timepieces that are great alone or with a bracelet stack. We also love Rag & Bone's Carrie bracelet watch and it's unique face, as well as classic options like the Baby G.

Kendra Scott

Eye Alex Gold Tone Stainless Steel 35mm Narrow Watch

  • $239.97
  • Kendra Scott
Nordstrom

Citizen TSUYOSA Automatic Bracelet Watch, 37mm

  • $475.00
  • Nordstrom
15% off
Macy's

DKNY Women's Uptown Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch, 36mm

  • $114.75
  • $135.00
  • Macy's
Citizen

Citizen Fio (Red Leather)

  • $295.00
  • Citizen
Citizen

Citizen Fio

  • $350.00
  • Fio
Rag & Bone

Carrie Bracelet Watch, 35mm Gold Stainless Steel

  • $335.00
  • Rag & Bone
Revolve

Isobel Watch by Cendre

  • $142.00
  • Revolve
Casio

Casio Vinage AQ230A-7AVT

  • $59.95
  • Casio
Casio

Casio Baby G Women BGD565-4

  • $99.00
  • Casio
70% off
Macy's

Stuhrling Womens 4083 Bezel Chronograph Watch with Mother of Pearl Dial and Silver Bracelet Watches

  • $298.50
  • $995.00
  • Macy's

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