The minimalist watch trend has changed significantly over the last few years as start-up brands have exited the market and luxury brands have taken over with these changing trends. The truth is, most of the watches you see advertised from smaller brands are not worth your time or money. However, we’ve tested the most popular options on the market and highlighted those watches that have stood the test of time with simplistic designs and straightforward time-telling mechanisms. Despite being some of the most functional and best-looking watches out there, they’re also some of the most reasonably priced. Let’s check them out!
Best Minimalist Watches at a Glance
Highlights from our list include the following options:
Now you’ve read our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.
Table of Contents
1. RADO True Round Thinline
Price: from AU$3,850
- Pros: Ultra-slim and resoundingly sturdy, the True Round Thinline makes for a pure style statement.
- Cons: Timekeeping is a loose term for this kind of display, and the price is a bit high for a quartz watch.
Swiss luxury watchmaker Rado takes minimalism to a glorious extreme on the True Round Thinline, a quartz-powered head turner that does more with less. Presented on an ultra-slim monobloc case of high-tech ceramic, its sleek display eschews standard details in favour of pure visual prowess. In spite of its sturdy construction, the piece is also very light and comfortable on the wrist.
Case material: plasma high-tech ceramic, titanium
Case diameter: 39mm
Case thickness: 5mm
Movement: quartz 03.140.021
Water resistance: 30M
Crystal type: sapphire
2. NOMOS Glashutte ORION
Price: from AU$2,770
- Pros: Orion uses sparing classical details to render a masterful minimalist impression while functioning to the highest standards, making it a steal for the price.
- Cons: Some men might find that a case diameter of 35mm is simply too small for a watch such as this one.
The design is right and so is the price on this unisex stunner, one of many minimalist entries from German watchmaker Nomos Glashutte. It draws expertly from the Bauhaus influence and turns minimalist markers into a work of art. Peer close to observe subtle details like the enhanced grooves on the circular subdial or the tiny dot at 6 o’clock. Under the skin, manual-winding Alpha calibre movement keeps the operation running smoothly and precisely.
Case material: stainless steel
Case diameter: 35mm
Case thickness: 7.4mm
Movement: Alpha manual winding
Power reserve: 43 hours
Water resistance: 30M
Crystal type: domed sapphire
3. A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin
Price: from AU$37,000
- Pros: This versatile dress watch is supremely wearable, expertly understated, and constructed from luxurious materials such as white gold.
- Cons: Potential owners may want a bit more bang for their buck, even if the watch is generally cheaper than the manufacturer’s other output.
A. Lange & Söhne’s thinnest watch to date is a masterpiece of design and material, flanking a dial of solid silver in a white gold case. On the minimalist display, silver markers and hands and refined printing are boldly presented over an argenté-coloured, soft-grain backdrop. A stylish alligator leather strap makes this lightweight piece all the more ergonomic on the wrist. And if the cost seems too high, wait until you see the other price points from this luxury manufacture.
Case material: 18-carat white gold
Case diameter: 37mm
Case thickness: 5.89mm
Movement: manually-wound L093.1
Power reserve: 72
Water resistance: 30M
4. Longines La Grande Classique De Longines
Price: from AU$2,125
- Pros: Since 1992, La Grande Classique De Longines has delivered a quintessential balance between high performance and refined detail.
- Cons: Roman indices can be an acquired taste and some wearers might find the watch to be a bit too stuffy or antiquated.
Slim and sophisticated, La Grande Classique De Longines emanates with an effortless allure. An expansive white dial backdrop draws heightened attention to the elegant Roman indices, sleek hands, modest printing, and iconic winged emblem. This one comes available in a variety of different styles and colourways, each one imparting its own unique sense of minimalist harmony.
Case material: stainless steel
Case diameter: 38mm
Case thickness: 5.4mm
Movement: quartz L420
Water resistance: 30M
Crystal type: sapphire
5. Grand Seiko SBGW259
Price: from AU$12,400
- Pros: Crafted in the spirit of the first-ever Grand Seiko, this modern incarnation updates materials and mechanics to deliver the best of all worlds.
- Cons: The watch’s high price point doesn’t necessarily reflect its everyday wearability and somewhat casual style.
Grand Seiko’s SBGW259 is a 60th-anniversary tribute to the watchmaker’s first-ever release, which blends the past and present with considerable panache. Faithfully re-creating the contours and curves of its predecessor, the updated model increases the case size and employs modern materials such as hard titanium and crystal sapphire. Put it all together and you get a timeless tribute to minimalist aesthetics and one of the most wearable watches that money can buy.
Case material: hard titanium
Case diameter: 38mm
Case thickness: 10.9mm
Movement: Grand Seiko cal. 9S64
Power reserve: 72 hours
Water resistance: 30M
Crystal type: sapphire
6. Sinn 1739 AG B
Price: from AU$3,000
- Pros: The 1739 AG B distils watchmaking to its most essential form, using quality materials and a striking blue dial to render its stylish statement.
- Cons: Sinn isn’t primarily known for dress watches and that may cause some hesitation among collectors.
This minimalist watch from Germany’s Sinn demands your attention with its electroplated blue dial and rhodium-plated appliqués. Each marker was applied by hand, lending the model an extra tier of craftsmanship and care. A case of solid silver rounds out the interplay between colours while driving home the watch’s essential allure. The piece simply pops.
Case material: solid silver
Case diameter: 39mm
Movement: calibre SW300-1
Crystal type: sapphire
7. Vacheron Constantin Patrimony
Price: from AU$36,800
- Pros: This thin and handsome dress watch emanates with understated elegance and occupies the top shelf of construction and design.
- Cons: The Patrimony has a weaker resale value than certain counterparts and doesn’t necessarily make for a wise investment.
Leave it to Vacheron Constantin to craft one of the most wearable minimalist watches of all time. Dubbed the Patrimony, the piece imparts pure luxury without resorting to extreme gestures and appears that much cooler as a result. It runs on a famously thin movement with a similarly slim case design, feeling quite light on the wrist. For all the millionaires and billionaires, this versatile wristwear is the perfect addition to a full spectrum of stylish ensembles. Strap up and go.
Case material: white gold
Case diameter: 40mm
Case thickness: 6.79mm
Movement: manual-winding calibre 1400
Power reserve: 38 hours
Water resistance: 30M
8. JUNGHANS Max Bill Automatic
Price: from AU$2,300
- Pros: The name Max Bill inspires awe and this timepiece follows suit, using meticulous details to generate a heritage all its own.
- Cons: Owners have claimed that the watch’s performance leaves something to be desired, making this a potential example of form over function.
The origins of this iconic piece go back to the 1950s, when Bauhaus designer Max Bill first teamed up with Junghans to create the original stunner. Its beautifully round case and thin hands draw the affection of collectors and experts to this day. One might best describe it as a gentlemen’s watch—and a timeless one at that. On this particular model, the combination of white dial, silver case, and mesh bracelet renders a uniform impression while cultivating a certain retro charm (leather strap models are also available). And so the legend continues.
Case material: stainless steel
Case diameter: 38mm
Case thickness: 10mm
Movement: self-winding calibre J800.1
Power reserve: 38 hours
Water resistance: 50M
Crystal type: sapphire
9. Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738P
Price: from AU$90,600
- Pros: A radical case design injects this refined classic with a touch of the avant-garde, while a sleek blue dial face drives home its visual prowess.
- Cons: The radical case design plus the lofty price will definitely make this watch something of an acquired taste.
Got tens of thousands of dollars to spare? If so, consider the Golden Ellipse from Patek Philippe, a masterpiece of striking colour and experimental shape. Perched within a thin, elliptical case of pure platinum is an eye-popping blue sunburst display with gold-applied markers and an 18k gold dial plate. The unusual case design—inspired by the golden ratio in mathematics—turned heads when the first model debuted in 1968 and continues to do so in the modern era. Of course, you knew it was one of the best minimalist watches as soon as you saw the name of the manufacture that made it.
Case material: platinum
Case diameter: 34.5 x 39.5mm
Case thickness: 5.9mm
Movement: ultra-thin self-winding calibre 240
Power reserve: 48 hours
Water resistance: 30M
Crystal type: sapphire
10. Hamilton Jazzmaster Thinline Auto
Price: from AU$1,600
- Pros: Slim and handsome, the Jazzmaster Thinline Auto checks all the necessary boxes and cranks up the customisation factor by way of various dial-and-strap combinations.
- Cons: The absence of a seconds hand might irk some collectors while the build quality is indicative of the price point.
The beauty of minimalist horology is that it makes personalisation a relative breeze. Enter Swiss watchmaker Hamilton and the Jazzmaster Thinline Auto, which comes available in a variety of different strap and dial combinations. Peruse the options until you’ve arrived at the wristwear that best suits your individual style.
Case material: stainless steel
Case diameter: 40mm
Case thickness: 8.45mm
Movement: calibre 2892-A2
Power reserve: 42 hours
Water resistance: 50M
Crystal type: sapphire
11. Miansai M12 Swiss Silver Brown Shark
Price: from AU$875
- Pros: Elegant and distinctive, the M12’s spotted Italian leather strap makes it all the more visually interesting.
- Cons: This one runs on quartz movement, making it arguably less collectible than its mechanical counterparts.
With the crown at the unconventional 4 o’clock position and a case that is only 6mm thick, the M12 is sure to catch anyone’s attention. We love the balanced dial layout and the subtle grey facade. If we’re honest, it’s near perfect. It is extremely modern-looking and very clean. The hands are nicely designed, and the overall case architecture ensures comfort and wearability. Meanwhile, we can’t look away from the sexy leather strap and its leopard spot-like patterning. Wear this one with everyday work attire or a fun summer outfit. A very beautiful minimalist watch from Miansai.
Case material: stainless steel
Case diameter: 39mm
Movement: Swiss Ronda 582 quartz
Water resistance: 30M
Crystal type: mineral glass
12. Tissot Carson Premium Powermatic 80
Price: from AU$1,170
- Pros: A transfixing dial uses the interplay between lines and a compact date window to make a bold visual statement on this iconic watch.
- Cons: The aesthetic of this minimalist watch might be a bit too retro for some collectors.
This premium iteration of Tissot’s Powermatic 80 turns assorted lines and markers into a minimalist mode of expression…and that’s just the display. Flip the piece over for artistry of a different sort as you peer through the exhibition caseback and behold the meticulous construction of a Swiss automatic movement. Rounding out the watch’s charms are high-performance specs such as an 80-hour power reserve and a protective dome of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.
Case material: stainless steel
Case diameter: 40mm
Case thickness: 10.3mm
Movement: Swiss automatic
Power reserve: 80 hours
Water resistance: 50M
Crystal type: sapphire
13. Bulova 98H51 Classic
Price: from AU$250
- Pros: Bulova’s Classic sticks to the basics to provide refined visuals at a terrific price.
- Cons: Any watch priced this low is going to leave something to be desired in terms of materials and performance.
The price of this ultra-thin watch will have you doing a double take, especially after you take in its elegant minimalist design. Rose gold markers perform a delicate dance over an ivory dial face with subtle grooves, while a brown leather strap brings in the perfect touch of additional colour contrast. This piece runs on quartz but you knew that much as soon as you saw the aforementioned price. Classic, indeed.
Case material: stainless steel
Case diameter: 37mm
Case thickness: 6mm
Movement: quartz
Water resistance: 30M
Crystal type: mineral glass
14. BIJOUONE B001
Price: from AU$148
- Pros: Bijouone offers this affordable model in a slew of different versions so as to leave no wearer behind.
- Cons: You get what you pay for in this world and the watch costs less than $200 AUD—do the math.
Just when you thought minimalist watches couldn’t get more affordable, Bijouone’s B001 is like, “Hold my beer.” Available in two different sizes and a variety of iterations, the piece eradicates numbers and apertures in favour of simplistic lines and striking colours. We’re particularly fond of the gunmetal case model with a white dial, black hands and markers, and a blue nylon strap. Find the one that speaks to you and gear up in style.
Case material: varies
Case diameter: 36 or 40mm
Case thickness: 7.6mm
Movement: Ronda 763 Swiss quartz movement
Water resistance: 30M
Crystal type: hardened mineral
15. Daniel Wellington Classic St. Mawes
Price: from AU$298
- Pros: Equal parts thin and handsome, the Classic St. Mawes goes to show that you can get stately style and trusty performance without breaking the bank.
- Cons: If you’re looking for features such as sapphire crystal, an automatic movement, or even a date window, look elsewhere.
Swiss watchmaker Daniel Wellington has been growing steadily since their 2011 launch and it’s not hard to see why. The brand’s Classic St Mawes delivers high style at a low price, streamlining handsome colours and details to encapsulate pure Scandi design. Thanks to the minimalist tapestry, one is all the more attuned to the backward “D” on the display, which imparts perfect contrast without compromising the harmonious vibe.
Case material: stainless steel
Case diameter: 40mm
Case thickness: 6mm
Movement: Japanese quartz
Water resistance: 30M
Crystal type: hardened mineral
16. Skagen Signatur
Price: from AU$255
- Pros: Small dots, stark lines, and compact numerals lend this piece an almost mathematical quality, making it a prime slice of Danish design.
- Cons: There are vendors in the USA that sell this watch for under USD$60 so take from that what you will.
Our journey through budget-friendly terrain continues with Skagen’s Signatur, a top-selling Danish watch that, with its functional but minimal layout, nearly resembles a tool. The price is great, and so is the design, so choose between various colourways and bring some new wristwear into your life. And that’s all we’re going to say about that!
Case material: stainless steel
Case diameter: 40mm
Case thickness: 7mm
Movement: Japanese quartz
Water resistance: 50M
17. Solios The Solar Classic
Price: from AU$280
- Pros: Crafted with recycled materials and equipped with a solar cell, The Solar Classic is sustainable watchmaking done right.
- Cons: This is a relatively new watch from a relatively new brand using relatively new technology so it’s tough to gauge the piece’s durability and performance over time.
The solar-powered quartz revolution is underway and touching down across a slew of minimalist classics. This particular model was the launch point for its creator, Solios (the world’s first B Corp-certified watch company), and an instant manifestation of the brand’s design philosophy. Within its slim 8mm case is an advanced solar cell, which uses both natural and artificial light to recharge itself and even comes with a 6-month power reserve. On the outside, we get a prime fusion of versatile style and seamless wearability.
Case material: recycled stainless steel
Case diameter: 36 or 40mm
Case thickness: 8mm
Movement: quartz solar powered
Power reserve: 6-month energy reserve
Water resistance: 30M
Crystal type: hardened mineral glass with sapphire coating
18. Projects 5 O’Clock
Price: from AU$178
- Pros: This artistic watch is unlike any other and a visual standout in its respective domain.
- Cons: This variety’s minimalistic design will not please everyone, nor will the 33mm case diameter which isn’t suitable for smaller wrist sizes.
Creativity reigns supreme at Projects Watches and the 5 O’Clock is here to prove it. Placing black details over a white expanse, the dial rises above functionality and into the realm of art and imagination. The lone numeral of 5 reinforces the theme on every front, giving the piece its singular aura. A low price point makes this conversation starter a steal. Pair it with a casual or smart casual ensemble and prepare to turn heads.
Case material: black IP stainless steel
Case diameter: 33mm
Case thickness: 6.35mm
Movement: Japanese quartz
Water resistance: 30M
Alternatives to These Minimalist Watches
The marketplace is overflowing with minimalist watches and we can never cover them all. However, that’s not going to stop us from trying! If you don’t find what you’re looking for on the list above, consider the following alternatives.
- Vincero the Kairos II (from AU$262): This casual wristwear is downright aggressive in its use of colour and detail on the bold display. As with all Vincero watches, it offers terrific quality at an accessible price. Sealing the deal is a full-grain Ecco leather strap and custom-etched engravings on the case back.
- Braun Gents BN0172 (from AU$450): This watch’s 42-mm case of sturdy ceramic makes it seem larger than life, while an orange seconds hand dials up the visual detail. Call it a timepiece that’s every bit as sturdy as the brand name would suggest.
- Defakto Kinetic Duro (from AU$2358): Defakto drew inspiration from Bauhaus design and used its own in-house materials to construct this powerhouse of a watch. Features include skeletonized hands, deliberate scratch marks on the special dial, and Superluminova-coated indices. This one pops on the wrist and emanates with symmetry and purpose while in motion.
- Brathwait Classic Slim (from AU$217): Brathwait’s Classic Slim punches above its price tag by employing domed sapphire crystal and a top-grain Italian leather strap, among other high-quality materials. Elegant at first sight, it covers the basics in superb style.
- Shore Projects Poole (from AU$258): This minimalist explorer watch conjures a familiar vibe and there’s nothing wrong with that. Wearers can expect steadfast precision and an ergonomic feel as they take it from one adventure to the next.
- Movado Museum Classic (from AU$1,715): Movado’s Museum Classic is museum-worthy indeed, with an artistic display that would turn heads at any size. Silver markers and a solitary concave dot adorn the otherwise black display to utterly distinguished effect. With its 29mm case diameter, this one goes out to the ladies.
If you think there’s a watch we should test for a spot on this list, please contact us via our contact form.
Why You Should Trust Our List
We’ve been running one of the best watch blogs on the internet for years and have a team of experts dedicated to determining what makes a great minimalist watch. Each year, we travel from our home base in Sydney, Australia, to the other side of the world to visit the ‘Watches & Wonders’ convention, where we try out and test the best watches in the world, including plenty of minimalist options. We put these watches on our wrists, take notes, and then test them when we get back home to determine the quality of the pieces themselves. However, on the rare occasion that we don’t have first-hand experience with a watch, we must use our (and industry professional’s advice) to compile our lists.
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