Category: Watch Reviews

If you are reading this, you are probably tired of heavy and bulky dive watches, and you need a sleek design. You’re in luck. The Exquisite Timepieces team scoured depths to uncover the 15 best thin dive watches.

These watches combine a relatively slim profile with a regular dive watch’s renowned durability and precision timekeeping. As a result, they are versatile and stylish dive watches. Portable enough to style formal wear and lightweight for everyday fashion without bugging your wrist.

While they all have a similar design architecture, you’ll find a variety of svelte styles for different budgets to choose from on our list. So let’s get to it.  

About Thin Dive Watches

When you think of a dive watch, you probably envision something big, bulky, and built like a tank – which is true. It’s no surprise when they are designed to survive deep-sea diving. Ideally, they feature overengineered, often oversized cases with superior durability, legibility, luminosity, and water resistance, boosting their general demand and not being restricted to divers only. 

You most likely thought, “you want all these quirks but in a streamlined and elegant case” when you embarked on the journey for thin dive watches. The good thing is there are quite a few quality timepieces that fit the category. However, you’ll be out of luck if you expect models like the ultra-thin 2.4mm Bulgari Octto Finnissimo. Thin dive watches range from around 6mm to 13mm, and most fall within the 11mm range. 

On the bright side, they are comfortable to wear for long periods and can be dressed up without getting caught under your sleeve or jacket cuff. Slim divers can serve you on formal occasions or in their element for casual or sports wear. 

Thin dive watches are no pushovers, either. Some models can be slightly tougher than regular or oversized ones. However, they suffer no compromise to structural integrity due to the slimmer profile. They also maintain essential dive watch features such as a unidirectional bezel, water resistance, and luminosity. Plus, technological advancements have allowed for the creation of thinner movements that don’t sacrifice accuracy.

Should You Buy A Thin Dive Watch?

It’s no secret that more than half of the people who buy diver watches are not divers or into sports. Most enthusiasts buy them because they love the design, which is subjective. At the same time, another set of folks uses the unidirectional bezel to time an array of activities other than underwater duration.

For what it’s worth, the closest action my dive watch sees is recording 20-minute intervals for regular breaks from work. Another thing is even bulky dive watches are designed to fit under a wetsuit. They are tool watches, so they fit perfectly under overalls if you work in an industry.

But a thin dive watch is your best bet if you want a low-profile model you can style with a dress shirt. It gives you that bold look, unmatched visibility, and functionality in a small case. Plus, they are a great choice for small wrists that struggle to wear divers without having the fit of an Omnitrix. Slim dive watches fit better and stylishly.

The Best Thin Dive Watches

We’ve compiled this list of the absolute best quality divers with cases thinner than 13mm. The selections are according to their value and respect among enthusiasts, not by size.

1. Tudor Black Bay 58 Blue (ref. M79030B-0001)

Starts from approximately $3,300

The Tudor Black Bay 58 Blue (ref. M79030B-0001) is a thin dive watch masterpiece with a vintage appeal. It has a 39mm case, slightly smaller than the conventional 40mm and 45mm, and is only 12mm thick – a perfect size for both men and women. It has a durable, corrosion-resistant case made from 316L stainless steel.

Its blue unidirectional bezel is a classic design with 10-minute Arabic-numbered intervals to 60 minutes. The aluminum bezel is fluted for non-slippery handling with gloves or underwater. Also, its markers are Super-LumiNova treated – meaning they glow in the dark. This “glow in the dark” feature extends to the hour marker and hands on the dial.

Speaking of the dial, it’s yet another classic look, but in blue. It sports a domed dial plate, trademark round markers, and snowflake hands, which are simple yet aesthetic. You’d love the attention to detail in the finish of the Black Bay. Its case is polished down to the lugs, while the bracelet is a rough, bold, and dressy satin finish.

The Tudor Black Bay’s standout function is arguably its long-lasting 70-hour power reserve. That’s about three days’ worth of juice powered by a COSC-certified in-house movement, the MT5402.

2. Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe (ref. 5000 1110 B52A)

Starts from approximately $11,500

Since introducing the original Bathyscaphe watch, Blancpain has committed to creating smaller-sized sports diving watches, and the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe (ref. 5000 1110 B52A) is no exception. 

This luxury dive watch stands out for its thin profile and sleek design. It’s housed in a 43mm case of only 13.4mm thickness. And this size might not seem thin to casual wearers, but it falls in the sweet spot for professionals. 

While this Bathyscaphe might seem relatively thin compared to dress watches, it is noteworthy for a dive watch, which typically requires a thicker case to withstand the pressures of deep-sea exploration.

In addition, the slim and flat bezel enhances the watch’s thin profile with its ceramic inlay and Liquidmetal markers and numerals. The 23mm width between the horns also enhances its slim profile. 

What I admire most about this dive watch is how Blancpain kept up with typical features while trying to achieve a slim profile. As a result, the watch maintains a high water resistance (300 meters), an impeccable 120-hour power reserve, and a high resistance to shock and magnetism.

3. Glashütte Original SeaQ (ref. 1-39-11-06-80-70)

Starts from approximately $11,900

They say looks can be deceiving, and that’s exactly the case with this Glashütte Original SeaQ model. Its gigantic numeral Arabic numerals can be misleading of its actual weight and frame. But it’s only the brand’s way of prioritizing visibility for underwater and low-light environments or reading the time at an angle.

But its enormous feature goes no deeper than the numbers. The SeaQ has a polished stainless steel case, possibly one of the thinnest certified dive watches. It’s only 39.5mm and has a height of 12.15mm, which is impressive considering the watch’s 200-meter water resistance rating. A small detail I loved about this diver is the representation of its 20-bar (200 meters) water resistance on the case back with 20 waves.

You’ll also love its innovative dial design. It’s a radiant combination of large orange Arabic numerals, baton markers on a sunburst black dial, and the date window at 3 o’clock.

Regarding functionality, SeaQ has all makings of a professional dive watch. It has a fully graduated 60-minute unidirectional bezel, luminescent markers, and hands. The brushed stainless steel bracelet is nice, but you also have more dive-friendly options of rubber and synthetic straps. 

In addition, it comes with a Glashutte Original automatic caliber 39-11 with a 40-hour power reserve running at 28,000 frequency. Plus, the watch meets DIN 8306 and ISO 6425 diving standards.

4. Longines Legend Diver 36mm (ref. L3.374.4.50.6)

Starts from approximately $2,300

This watch is another small adaptation of a classic diver – the Legend Diver – as a 10th-anniversary model. As its name implies, its round measures only 36mm, 11.90mm thick, with a 19mm lug width. Give it to Longines to add class and style to their rugged tool watches, as this Diver 36 gets a Milanese (mesh) bracelet. It’s easily mistakable for a dress watch considering its skinny profile and unisex appeal.

The Longines Legend Diver 36mm (ref. L3.374.4.50.6) is remarkable for more than its sleek design, though. I love how its dial is caricature-like as it packs many functions into its portable 36mm case. For example, it has an inner bezel rather than a robust unidirectional bezel to stay thin and fashionable. And has distinct stick indices and mixed hour markers that make it even easier to read the time, despite the clutter. 

Additionally, with water resistance of up to 300 meters, the Legend Diver L3.374.4.50.6 proves you don’t need a 50mm thick case to go some distance underwater. It runs on a 45-hour power reserve in-house caliber L592.

5. Oris Divers Sixty-Five (ref. 01 733 7707 4055-07 8 20 18)

Starts from approximately $2,700

The Oris Divers Sixty-Five is another relatively thin dive watch worth taking a shot at. It’s a sleek and fashionable diver of 40mm diameter and 13mm thick. I particularly like that you can make a statement wearing this watch on any outfit, whether a suit and tie or dressing down for a beach outing.

Aside from having a low-slung profile, Oris’s (ref. 01 733 7707 4055-07 8 20 18) watch doesn’t really strike all the right chords for me. For a watch that is 13mm thick, you’d expect it to have some high water resistance, which is not the case. The watch only has a 10 bar water resistance which is quite good if you don’t intend to submerge it in water.

6. Seiko SNE573

Starts from approximately $500

If you are not a fan of big dive watches or you have a small wrist, consider buying the Seiko SNE573 watch. It is small, only 10.6mm thick, and barely wide (38.5mm diameter). Although the watch is small, it is not uncomfortable.

The dial and bezel have legible numerals and markers with a LumiBrite coating. So, even underwater, you can tell the time clearly. It also has a very comfortable silicone rubber strap that doesn’t bite into or leave marks on your skin. Despite a small frame and entry-level price point, this Seiko SNE573 houses impressive features.

One standout feature is the solar-powered quartz movement, which is very accurate and long-lasting. When fully charged, it can last for up to 10 months. And with its 200m water resistance, you can descend with this watch into deep waters – just be sure to ascend in ten months.

7. NOVE Trident E009-02

Starts from approximately $370

Now, this definitely has to be the slimmest dive watch you’ll ever find. It is only 6.8mm thick, even though it has a relatively large 46mm case. So, if you want an extremely thin watch but with a huge face, the NOVE Trident E009-02 would be the perfect candidate for your collection. It’s lightweight and among the most affordable luxury dive watches on the market.

In addition to a slim profile, the NOVE Trident E009-02 has a unique three-level stopper bezel system. They are designed to help the bezel stay unidirectional and are easy to clean after underwater use. Note, though, that only the hour and minute hands are luminous. It may not be ideal for use in dark or low-light environments, as the hour and minute markers on the dial and bezel lack applied Superluminova.

8. Glycine Combat Sub (ref. GL0076)

Starts from approximately $1,300

Here’s another watch on our list of thin dive watches. Admittedly, the Combat Sub isn’t exceptionally thin compared to the NOVE Trident E009-02 or Seiko SNE573. But at 11mm thick, it more than paints the perfect picture of a thin dive watch. 

The case is 42mm in diameter and houses a very busy dial. Busy in the sense that there are 24-hour markers on the black dial – who cares about military time in this age? And only the 1 to 12-hour markers are visible in low-light conditions. So why include the other hour markers? If I’m a fan of military time, I’ll want to use it in the light and the dark.

But then, different strokes for different folks, right? Still, on the cluttered dial, there is a date window at the 3 o’clock position and many brand and model name engravings. The dial is a bit choked up.

My issue with the dial aside, the Glycine Combat Sub (ref. GL0076) is a high-performance watch. It has all the kicks and perks of true dive watches – a unidirectional bezel, screw-down crown, water resistance, and powerful movement.

9. Mido Ocean Star 200 (ref. M026.430.11.051.00)

Starts from approximately $1,100

The Mido Ocean Star 200 (ref. M026.430.11.051.00) is also a top contender for those in the market for a thin dive watch. It has a thin case that is 11.8mm thick and 42.50mm wide. The case has a screw-down back, crown, and 20 bar water resistance.

What strikes me most about this watch is the dial’s simplicity. Don’t get me wrong; sometimes, complicated dials can be beautiful and functional. In fact, Mido has some watches in the Ocean Star collection with insane clutter.

But the simplicity of this model is quite intriguing. It features white stick markers and skeletonized hands on a black dial and bezel. Only the 15th, 30th, and 45th minutes on the bezel are numbered. Inside the Ocean Star, 200 is a COSC-certified Mido Caliber 80 (base ETA C07.621) with an 80-hour power reserve.

10. Christopher Ward C60 Trident Pro 300 38mm

Starts from approximately $1,150

What’s more exciting to an enthusiast than a watch with an open case back? Probably a thin dive watch with the same case back or anyone with a worthy movement to display. Luckily, Christopher Ward’s C60 Trident Pro ticks both boxes at a price I’d like to call a steal.

This C60 Trident is an ultra-thin (11mm) and portable (38mm) masterpiece, sporting a lightweight polished stainless case and bracelet. It’s also highly customizable, with options to add an engraving or resize the bracelet for a token.

Not to mention, the bracelet is marine-grade stainless steel with micro-adjustment mechanisms (and screw links), a useful feature even top luxury watchmakers ignore.  The Trident’s dial and bezel are exceptionally stylish while staying rugged. It features a plain white dial, white markers and hands highlighted with black for contrast, and a black-on-white bezel with Arabic numerals.

One detail that particularly caught my eye was the Trident on the seconds hand. Finally, it uses an automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve, date display, and an Elaboré’ Colimaçoné’ finish.

11. Baltic Aquascaphe Black Cream

Starts from approximately $735 

Next on our list of thin dive watches is the Baltic Aquascaphe Black Cream watch. Its stainless steel case is 39mm wide and 12mm thin. The watch offers a vintage charm with a modern performance. Its retro-inspired design draws inspiration from classic dive watches. However, it incorporates modern elements that make the watch safe and stylish.

The case and bezel are covered with double-domed sapphire glass. Being one of the toughest materials in the watchmaking industry, this solid sapphire glass is poised to protect the watch from scratches and breakage. So go ahead and surf the seas, knowing that your watch can take hard hits. Avoid bumping it intentionally into things because even the strongest materials have a breaking point.

In addition to a sturdy case and glass covering, the dial is powered by the iconic automatic winding Miyota 9309 movement, which has a 42-hour power reserve. This movement also powers the unidirectional rotating bezel and its 120-minute graduation.

12. Sinn U50 (ref. 1050.010)

Starts from approximately $3,500

Sinn U50 (ref. 1050.010) is a mid-sized version of the highly durable U1 watch. It offers nearly all the benefits of the U1 version but in a 41mm case instead of the 44mm. The U50 combines the rugged durability and water resistance of the U1 with the sleek and slim profile of a dress watch – its case is only 11.15mm thick. 

But don’t be fooled by the aesthetics and slim profile. The U50 is a super functional instrument watch and one of the most rugged dive watches ever made. The case is made of submarine steel, an antimagnetic material that’s highly resistant to seawater corrosion and “tegimented” to prevent scratches.

And unlike conventional luxury dive watches, the U50 has a remarkable 500-meter depth capacity. It’s powered by an efficient Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement with 25 jewels and 28,800 running frequency.

Its dial and bezel have an eye-catching toolsy aesthetic. The contrast of orange and white markers on its matte black dial is an ode to legibility in and out of water. It’s an even more striking beauty when the dial’s luminescent applications come to life in the dark.

The only gripe is that it uses a leather band, which can be an advantage if you get the U50 for casual and formal dressing. However, you’d need to buy a Sinn rubber replacement for diving purposes. 

13. Orion Calamity Void

Starts from approximately $1,650

The Orion Calamity Void is a thin dive watch (11.3mm) with a bold face. It’s only 39.5mm but has a double-domed anti-reflective coating and shielding lug design that covers the crown. So while it may appear large, it can fit small wrist sizes and dress cloths.

The dial also accentuates its bold and masculine appeal. The black-on-black combination with the bezel, sharp white hour markers, and hands, and oversized orange seconds hand are far from a calamity. However, it has a high-gloss finish that shines on its satin-brushed case and bracelet, making it a choice evening watch. 

Furthermore, the Calamity has a 200-meter water resistance rating) and an exhibition case back. It displays the automatic Sellita SW300 movement with Geneva stripes and a gold Orion logo. Overall, the Orion Calamity Void is a mystifying combination of the hardiness of dive watches in a thin and stylish frame capable of dressy wear. 

14. Formex Reef Automatic Chronometer

Starts from approximately $2,100

This watch is a bad boy in every sense. It’s a true diver by design, with a case similar to an old diving helmet. While the case is 42mm across, it’s only 11.4mm thick and built with the toughest materials all around.

The Reef’s case uses the same 316L stainless steel as our number 1 pick, the Tudor Black Bay 58 Blue. And features a scratch-resistant zirconium oxide ceramic bezel with 3D graduations of 60 minutes. It’s the only watch on the list with a 3D effect engraving on the bezel.

The exceptional bezel glows in the dark with its Rehault-syle baton markers on its sunray-finished dial. You can take this beauty down to 300m, which is also impressive since most thin dive watches only have the standard 200m water resistance or less.

However, a patented micro-adjustment system sets the Formex Reef Automatic Chronometer apart from the crowd. This rubber strap has a patent clasp that allows seamless adjustment and safe lock in all conditions.

The Reef also has a stainless steel bracelet with screw links for easy adjustment to any wrist size. Further, inside the 11mm thin dive watch is a COSC-certified movement. It’s a Sellita SW300-1 with 56 hours of power reserve.

15. Ole Mathiesen Navy Diver 40 (ref. OM12.40A1.NA)

Starts from approximately $2,500

At just 10mm thick, the Ole Mathiesen Navy Diver 40 (ref. OM12.40A1.NA) is one of the thinnest dive watches on the market. But some of its features are less impressive than other thin dive watches on the list. Particularly, the 12-bar water resistance rating is too low. There are thinner watches with higher water resistance. So don’t attempt submerging this watch into deep waters. 

Despite its low water resistance, it is still one of the best thin dive watches on the market. The black dial is accented with white luminous indices allowing easy readability. And the case also has a tough crystal made from scratch-proof convex sapphire.

Conclusion

There are plenty of options if you’re in the market to own your first stylish and functional thin dive watch or add to your collection. But options start to shrink when you have a size, thickness, and design in mind. Otherwise, getting lost in a sea of slim dive watches is easy, and buying all or nothing is possible.

Regardless of the size or features you prioritize, you’ll find that these 15 models are the best options for your budget. Hopefully, this list informs you of the best thin dive watch for your style or points you to suitable alternatives.

Modern timekeeping by virtue of mechanical clocks was first introduced during the 13th century. Since then, innovation has taken its natural course to make timekeeping far more accessible to us. 

With the pursuit of accuracy and reliability, timekeeping devices have consistently evolved into more robust, tougher, and better-built instruments in the modern day. They have become essential tools capable of being used in the harshest and most alien environments known to man.

About Tough Watches

Prior to the 20th century, watches were mainly used by aristocrats and carried in a pocket in the form of pocket watches. They are now considered delicate, simply revealing that technology and modern use cases for timekeeping were not invented back then. 

By 1904, this changed with the launch of the Cartier Santos Dumont, the first wristwatch, pilot’s watch, and, as a result, the first tough tool watch.

Wartime would inspire more tool-oriented innovation across watchmakers to produce watches that could survive the elements. “Trench watches”, as they called them, became essential tools for survival. Water resistance was in its infancy during this era, with watchmakers like Hamilton experimenting with Canteen-styled crowns.

In 1953, we saw the dawning of the first dive watches invented by Blancpain and Rolex. The world’s fascination with underwater exploration proved to be the ultimate test of the toughness of wristwatches. To this day, water resistance is an essential characteristic of a tough watch.

By today’s standards, a tough watch must be built with durable materials, be antimagnetic, accurate, shock-resistant, water-resistant, and have its form follow function. Technology today has made tough watches abundant for us; their purpose, however, may vary based on their use case.

What to Look for When Buying Tough Watches

Aficionados will be familiar with identifying the unique characteristics watches of today make available to us in the form of toughness. Many popular models – like the Submariner, Explorer, Seamaster, SKX, and many more that have now become versatile daily drivers – have a proven tool watch DNA that often inspires and reassures our purchase.

Design & Materials

When considering the design and the materials used for tough watches, both characteristics must go hand in hand with the notion that form follows function. Tough watches are easy to identify for their intended purpose, be it diving, flight, fieldwork, or exploration. 

They are made available with different features such as dive or navigation bezels, crown guards or protectors, legible dials (with lume), protective grills, straps or bracelets, and rugged case shapes or sizes to withstand the elements it was designed for. 

Materials also stretch the imagination with variations in steels, bronzes, plastics, rubber, titanium, ceramics, and carbon composites in order to complement their design, purpose, look, and feel.

Build Quality & Durability

Build quality and durability in the form of case construction, accuracy, anti-magnetism, shock resistance, water resistance, and anti-corrosion are key aspects to consider when buying a tough watch. 

Even some $100 resin G-Shock models have carbon core guards for increased toughness, rigidity, and durability over time. Superior water resistance is usually the most favored characteristic in this segment, as higher water resistance often boasts a higher level of engineering implemented into a watch case design.

Price

Technology has made tough watches far more accessible in terms of price, with many variations of timepieces that can perform a challenging task or live a tough life. 

It may be a manual-wind Panerai or even a digital G-Shock Mudmaster; if your budget is deep or shallow, you can still match the specifications and get equal amounts of toughness with different novelties to be enjoyed by different watchmakers.

15 Toughest Watches in the Market

With that said, let’s have a look at the 15 best tough watches you can buy today:

Timex Ironman Original 30 Shock

The Ironman Original 30 Shock is a digital watch designed with outdoor athletes in mind and inspired by the original 1986 Ironman model offered by Timex. In its heyday, this was the Apple Watch Ultra, but today, it can be considered a timeless essential with its “unimposing” retro design, feature set, and price (of only $70).

It comes equipped with three main functions: a countdown timer, an Indiglo light-up dial (invented by Timex in the 90s), and an alarm function. For many, this will be all they need in terms of functionality. It has a 42mm resin case inspired in design by minimalism, a simple black/grey colorway, and uses pops of yellow text hinting at its outdoor-appropriate sportiness.

It is attached to a resin strap, making it perfect for outdoor activities and contributing to a weightless wearing experience. It is also water-resistant to 200 meters, making it suitable for almost any sports environment.

Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GWG-2000

The GWG-2000 is the ultimate G-Shock, built to endure the harshest field environments. As its name implies, the Mudmaster’s party trick is its Mud-Resist structure push-buttons (now improved) that will never allow any mud, grit, sand, or concrete to enter your watch. 

This is the newest iteration of the Mudmaster, replacing the GWG-1000. In its evolution, it is now 1.9mm slimmer and 13 grams lighter than its predecessor, thanks to the usage of a carbon core guard structure—new to this series—that also improves its overall strength. 

It is the first G-Shock to feature forged carbon components, contributing to its lightness, toughness, and supercar-like aesthetics. Its rugged exterior design is inspired by professional gear, with fine texturing on its resin band, checked surface texture on its crown, and ribbed guards to protect its front buttons, amplifying its toughness.

Not only is it built and looks ready for the battlefield, but it also has an endless toolbox of features that you can count on when you need them most. Other aesthetically tough features include its sapphire glass and a highly legible (analog/digital) fully lumed dial with a “Super Illuminator” double LED light. Being one of Casio’s flagship models, it will cost you $800.

Victorinox I.N.O.X. Professional Diver (ref. 241813.2)

Victorinox is world-famous for its knives and tools. They also make tool watches, and for their 130th anniversary, they decided to make a watch that symbolizes and celebrates the tough tool ethos of the brand.

To achieve this, they devised a series of 130 extreme homologation tests, including a 10-meter drop resistance test, a temperature shock resistance test, and an 8-ton pressure resistance test (driving a 64-ton tank over a watch). The result was the I.N.O.X watch collection, standing for “Impact Neutralizing Object for the Xtremes”.

The 241813 is a Quartz Professional Diver variant, water resistant to 200m, that is ISO-625 certified. It is characterized by a chunky design with bulky dimensions of 45mm x 14mm, made entirely of sandblasted titanium, with crown guards and a 60-minute graduated unidirectional dive bezel with deep beveling reminiscing an octagonal shape for easy manipulation. 

Protected by sapphire crystal, it has a unique blue camouflage dial, fully lumed, with legible round and square numerals. Paying tribute to its nautical roots, it is equipped with a paracord strap that fits securely over a wetsuit. It also comes with a rubber strap. This watch is now discontinued (replaced with a steel variant) and can be found for upwards of $600. 

Citizen Promaster Tough (ref. BN0211-50E)

The Promaster Tough is a field watch from Citizen with a spec sheet that fully lives up to its name. It features a monocoque case made of a 2-piece construction without needing a caseback, offering extreme rigidity, shock resistance, and anti-magnetism.

It also uses a “Super Titanium” coating on its steel case and bracelet, making it 5 times harder than traditional stainless steel. With a 42mm diameter case featuring a flat raised bezel and crown guards, it offers the sportiness and legibility expected of a tough field watch.

Yet, thanks to its slimness of only 10.1mm and its well-made h-link bracelet, it is extremely versatile and can easily slide under a cuff. Protected by a sapphire crystal, its black, fully lumed dial adds to its versatility with an elegant and clean approach to its design.

Housed inside is Citizens own Eco-Drive technology (solar), allowing it to run purely on light. This is a discontinued model with an original retail price of $495.

Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Series 3741

The Bear Grylls Survival Series 3741 is an outdoor timepiece that embodies British adventurer Bear Grylls “survival” lifestyle. Made by Luminox, a brand that is famous for its cutting-edge luminosity and has been a partner of the Navy Seals for over 25 years, its watches have proven to be so tough and capable that they are considered “first-line gear”. 

The 3741 is a quartz-powered watch equipped with a chronograph function, a date, and a removable compass attached to its rubber strap. It sports an all-black aesthetic, with hints of orange and white adding contrast and sportiness. 

It has a 45mm by 14mm case made of Carbonox, a carbon composite that is six times lighter than steel and three times lighter than titanium and is shock and scratch-resistant. Attached is a matching Carbonox notched dive bezel that has 60-minute indications, a tachymeter scale, and a lume pip at zero.

Under its sapphire crystal is an intricate dial with a three-register chronograph layout and a date window at 6 o’clock. What is special about the Luminox lume is that it uses tritium gas tubes, providing a constant glow for up to 25 years. This watch is priced at $995. 

Marathon Official USMC Pilot’s Navigator (ref. WW194013BK)

Since 1941, Marathon has been supplying watches and timing instruments to the allied forces for military use. It operates from Canada, producing its timepieces in Switzerland. The Pilot’s Navigator was created in the 1980s as an answer to the U.S. armed forces, whose pilots needed a legible watch in the cockpit that was able to handle pressure changes and g-forces endured during flight.

This model is fully made with High-Impact Composite Fibreshell, finished in a matte black that gives it a stealth aesthetic. Its case is 41mm by 14mm, attached to a nato-strap, and offers versatility in its sizing due to its block construction, which helps the lugs feel like part of the case.

The case is asymmetrical, rounded off at 3 o’clock, allowing it to act as a crown guard. Its bezel is bi-directional with white contrasting 12-hour markings and a lume pip at 12 o’clock. Under its sapphire crystal is a black dial with white contrasting Arabic numerals in a 12-hour and 24-hour (military) layout.

It also features a date window at 4.30 and a red-tipped (fighter plane-shaped) second hand. It is powered by a quartz movement and is 50m water resistant. This watch is available for civilians to purchase for $480.

Damasko DSub50

Damasko, founded in 1994, has a history of making high-performance materials for the aviation industry; they also supplied watch cases to Sinn. The DSub50 is a heavily engineered serious dive watch from the German watchmaker, featuring a case made of austenitic German submarine steel, which is nearly twice the strength of regular steel, highly corrosion-resistant, and anti-magnetic.

It has a 43mm by 12.6mm case, and it wears smaller due to its short, steep lugs, allowing its rubber strap to contour to smaller wrists. Its case and bezel are coated fully with black DAMEST, and its uni-directional dive bezel has contrasting white 60-minute indications with a lume pip at zero. 

Under its sapphire crystal, it is complemented with a matching black dial (fully lumed), with white contrasting hands and markings, and without unnecessary text beside the brand logo, making it highly legible. There is a date window at 4.30 o’clock in black that also blends in well. It has an overall very clean design and makes for a serious-looking dive watch, perfect on a dark wetsuit.

This model is water-resistant to 300m and has a screw-in crown that can be used underwater. It is powered by the Damasko caliber A26-2 (with a 42-hour power reserve). It comes at a price of approximately $2,700, offering value for its uncompromising engineering and design. It is what we call a no-nonsense tool watch.

Hamilton Khaki BeLOWZERO (ref. H78585333)

Launched in 2008, the now-updated BeLOWZERO has become a mainstay in Hamilton’s Khaki collection. Many would know this watch to feature in two recent blockbuster films, The Martian, its main character, and Tenet, in which it was part of the narrative. They were sci-fi action plots set in the future, a tribute to the tough and futuristic design personality of this timepiece.

Made fully of titanium that is DLC-coated, in a case size of 46mm by 15.7mm, it is a large dive watch offering an incredible 1,000m of water resistance. Its design is submarine inspired, with 4 hex screws dominating the corners of its cushion-shaped case. 

It comes equipped with a rugged yet simple dive bezel. To reduce its visual heft, its crown guards are sunken into the profile of its case, and it also has short lugs. They are double stemmed, offering extra protection to the rubber strap it comes attached to. 

The combination of its lightweight titanium case, short lugs, and rubber strap allows the piece to wear smaller than its dimensions would suggest. It uses an H10 Movement with an 80-hour power reserve. It is priced at $1,845, great value for a super tough dive watch with movie credibility.

Sinn UX EZM 2B (ref. 403.030)

Sinn is a German tool watch brand that does not rely on a lot of marketing, yet they are hugely respected within the watch community for making the most incredible and over-engineered tool watches. The Sinn UX EZM 2B is no exception and is arguably the most hardcore dive watch on the market.

Its case, bezel, and bracelet are made entirely of German U-Boat steel (submarine steel), which is twice the hardness of regular 316L steel, scratch-resistant, and highly anti-corrosive. Its dive-bezel is TEGIMENTED (carbon diffused) and 1,200 Vickers hard, offering even more scratch resistance (nearly three times) than the rest of the watch. 

It is also a captive bezel, which means it is held on by screws rather than snapped on, making it more resilient to hard hits. The watch is completely media blasted, and due to its U-Boat steel, it has a champagne hue. Its dial is matte black, fully lumed, with white and red contrasts. The watch overall is easily recognizable and versatile for even a civilian lifestyle.

It has a case diameter of 44mm, purposefully sized to be legible underwater. With the HYDRO technology, it is one of the only timepieces outside of Ressence that is completely oil-filled, therefore having zero distortion to its dial and making it incredibly resistant to depth pressure.

This allows for a monstrous water resistance of 5,000m with a svelte case thickness of only 13.3mm. It is quartz-powered and has a price of $2,700. It is a watch so good that it has a cult following.

Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Spacemaster Orbital II (ref. DC3036C-SA-BK)

Ball was founded in the United States in 1891 and made a name for itself by establishing the Railroad Standard, a timekeeping standard that was relied upon for the safe operation of the railroad industry. Today, Ball is a Swiss brand that produces its watches in Switzerland.

The Engineer Hydrocarbon Spacemaster Orbital II is Ball’s expression of the ultimate explorer’s watch. It has a titanium case measures 45mm in diameter and 18.3mm in thickness. It is attached to a well-built titanium bracelet with a folding buckle and extension system, with great articulation and fitment on the wrist.

It is powered by an Automatic-Caliber BALL RR1404, which is essentially an ETA Valjoux 7750, modified to include a GMT function. Under a 3mm thick sapphire crystal, it has a black dial sporting a vertical 3-register chronograph layout with contrasting silver numerals, hands, an additional navigation scale, and an independent 24-hour scale in orange to match its orange GMT hand. 

Additionally, there is a date window at 3 o’clock with a magnifier lens for easy readability. Ball is famous for using tritium gas tubes, 39 of which are used on this model and feature on its hands, hour markers, and even its chronograph pushers.

Besides being antimagnetic and water-resistant to 100m, it features an Amoriser shock system to protect its movement in high-shock environments. This model is now discontinued and had an original retail price of $5,300.

Breitling Aerospace Evo (ref. E79363101B1E1)

Originally launched in 1985, the Aerospace was a super-accurate flight watch. It used an analog and digital display to provide a wide range of information that was impossible to obtain from an analog-only timepiece. This model is a refreshed iteration, and even today, it can be considered one of the few luxury watches that serve as true professional equipment to be used in the cockpit.

It is a titanium offering with a case diameter of 43mm, making it highly legible and sporty in appearance. It has a thickness of only 10.8mm, offering incredible versatility in wearing it even under a cuff. It is attached to Breitling’s Professional 3 bracelet with diagonal links that are iconic to the brand. It comes equipped with a unidirectional diving bezel attached by screws, offering more resistance to hits, which will be useful underwater with its 100m water resistance.

Its analog black dial is lumed, which helps with legibility in low-light conditions. It is complemented by two backlit digital displays that offer a host of information, such as a 1/100th of a second chronograph, perpetual calendar, countdown timer, 2nd timezone, alarm, and minute repeater, that can be operated in a user-friendly manner via its crown. 

Powering its technology is a SuperQuartz movement that is chronometer-certified and thermocompensated. It is currently discontinued and had an original retail price of approximately $4,400.

Tudor Pelagos (ref. M25600TB-0001)

The Pelagos, equipped with a snowflake dial, is the model that champions the legacy of the iconic Snowflake Submariner. It features a 42mm by 14.4mm titanium case equipped with a helium escape valve and pointed crown guards (lending aesthetics to vintage Snowflake Submariners).

It is attached to a titanium bracelet with an extension-equipped clasp. As a result, it is extra lightweight and offers a high-quality wearing experience for daily use or diving. Also included is a diving rubber strap.

This model is available in a phenomenal shade of blue, an updated tone of the color made popular by its Snowflake predecessor. It is equipped with a scratch-resistant matte ceramic dive-bezel that is fully lumed, combined with a fully lumed stepped dial using snowflake indexes, snowflake hands, and a date window at 3 o’clock. 

The benefit of the snowflake layout is that it allows for less negative space on the dial and more surface area for luminosity. As a fully-lumed watch, it offers ultimate legibility in low-light conditions, fitting for a high-performance diver.

It is equipped with an in-house MT-5612 (COSC) calibre with a useful 70-hour power reserve. With a retail price of $5,000, it is an incredibly versatile and well-designed offering that is great value for money, something Tudor has built a reputation for.

Omega Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer (ref. 318.90.45.79.01.003)

The first X-33 released in 1998 was a revolution of the iconic Moonwatch. Developed, tested, and qualified by the ESA (European Space Agency), it was more capable for NASA astronauts and cosmonauts to perform onboard activities on the International Space Station.

It was also dubbed the “Mars watch”. The X-33 Marstimer is Omega’s fourth attempt in this series. The difference from its predecessors is that it now tracks Mars time. The Marstimer borrows its design from the original Moonwatch. Like its X-33 predecessors, it sports a 45mm by 14.9mm case in Grade-2 titanium attached to a Grade-2 and 5 titanium five-link bracelet.

It has a new rotatable anodized aluminum bezel in a red hematite color meant to be reminiscent of the dust on Mars. This color can be found on its upper left pusher as well as on its black-to-red second hand. Like all X-33s, its main design cue is its analog and digital display, which allows for a vast number of functions.

New to this model is a Mars Time Coordinated function (accounting for 39 minutes and 35 seconds longer days on Mars than on Earth) and a solar compass, which allows tracking of true north on both Earth and Mars. It is powered by the Omega-5622. With a retail price of $6,400, this is a bold chapter in the space exploration legacy of the Speedmaster.

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 (ref. 226627-0001)

The Yacht-Master is an alternate luxury diver from Rolex, embodying its ties with the sport of sailing. Released in 2023, the Yacht-Master 42 arrives as the brand’s second-only titanium offering, featuring a case and bracelet made fully of its proprietary RLX titanium.

Its 42mm case has a thickness of 11.6mm, with wonderfully integrated crown guards that are among the best seen in the industry. The case returns to chamfered edges, reminiscent of the aesthetics seen on the brand’s vintage models. Its bezel is bi-directional, with a matte black ceramic insert and raised polished numerals. 

This is matched to a matte black dial (fully lumed) that retains the famous and legible Submariner style template, with round plots and a Mercedes hand in white gold. Its markings are maxi-sized, offering more visibility than traditional Submariners due to its larger dial. 

It is fitted to an Oyster bracelet that is fully brushed like its case. Almost anything with an Oyster bracelet can be praised for its articulation and wearability; combined with its slim and proportional case and all-titanium construction (nearly 50% lighter than a regular steel 40mm Yacht-Master), this watch over-delivers. 

It is equipped with an in-house 3235 calibre, which is a Superlative Chronometer with a 70-hour power reserve. With a retail price of $14,000, it stands as a revolutionary model in the Rolex lineup, not shying away from experimentation to deliver us a truly modern luxury tool watch. It is quite a looker, fit for a luxury yacht or a sports yacht.

Panerai Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech™ (ref. PAM02979

Panerai’s inception as a watchmaker was influenced by the needs of tough men. It was in 1936 that the Italian Royal Navy commissioned the company to build a watch for their frogmen, who needed a way of keeping time in the murky depths.

These men rode torpedoes like bicycles as a means of competing with their Allies’ warships during WWII. Fast-forward to today and the Submersible serves as its true professional dive watch. The PAM02979 carries the form factor of the Luminor it was originally based on.

It carries the iconic security lock on the side of its case, which offers more impact protection than a simple shouldered crown. It has a 60-minute dive bezel and 300m of water resistance, two features reserved just for this model.

As a template for advanced engineering, this model is made of forged carbon, which is also used on the dial, giving it a tactical look that suits the hardcore nature of the watch. Its dial is clean and legible, featuring full lume. There is a date window at 3 o’clock and a small second counter at 9 o’clock. 

The watch is 47mm in diameter, a large size that will fit perfectly on a wetsuit or offer heavy wrist presence. It is attached via a quick-release system to a rubber strap with bellows and a pattern molded in to give it flexibility and a rugged look. It comes equipped with an automatic P.9010 calibre with a 3-day power reserve. $20,000 plus tax is the price to pay for the quintessential dive watchmaker’s most advanced piece.

Conclusion

As we venture into the unknown, our timepieces have now become vessels for our memories. Many watchmakers have built legacies on the journeys their creations have endured on pioneers’ wrists.  Innovation, a storied history, and sheer diversity in the application of modern-day timepieces reassure us that they can not only handle the harshest of elements but can even save our lives if needed.

Telemetry can be defined as using specialized equipment to send, receive, and measure data over a long distance. The equipment for the purposes of this article is the wristwatch. We will be reviewing 15 of the best telemeter chronograph watches.

Before we jump into the background of telemeter watches, watch complications are often focused on aesthetic design rather than function. As a result of modern technology, such as smartphones and smartwatches, wristwatches have become obsolete. 

For example, scuba divers typically use dive computers rather than dive watches for timing purposes. However, this is not to say wristwatches with interesting complications should no longer be produced. So let’s begin the journey of highlighting telemeter scale watches. 

About Telemeter Watches

The telemeter scale is based on the speed of sound in relation to distance, an example being calculating the distance from when the event first becomes visible to when it becomes audible. You may use a telemeter scale with a chronograph watch to determine your distance in various situations. Thus, telemeter scales tend to go hand in hand with chronographs due to the multiple timing capabilities.

Telemeter Watches Purpose

Soldiers used telemeter watches during World War II as it allowed them to determine their distance from their target. For example, a soldier would fire missiles and start the chronograph timer. Once the soldier heard the target being hit by the missile, they would stop the timer.

They would then read the telemeter scale of the wristwatch, and the reading would allow the soldier to know the distance they are from the target that was hit. Another instance where the telemeter scale may be used is to measure a lightning storm.

For example, one would start the chronograph once the flash of lighting can be seen and then stop once the sound is heard. The chronograph hand lines up with the telemeter scale, and one would then read the scale and know how far away the storm is.

The Best Telemeter Watches

Now let’s look at the specific telemeter watches.

Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope (ref. 329.30.43.51.03.001)

With all the recent commotion of the Omega MoonSwatch, the Speedmaster Chronoscope is a breath of fresh air because this is a Speedmaster without the hype. This timepiece combines the Speedmaster Moonwatch with Omega Chronographs of the 1940s. Our focus here will be the steel version of the Chronoscope.

The Chronoscope comes in at 43mm in diameter, 13.22mm thick, 48mm lug-to-lug length, and a lug width of 21mm. It wears excellently given the larger dimensions; the lug-to-lug length allows it to be maintainable on the wrist for medium to smaller-sized wrists. 

Also, the watch comes in three dial variants in the stainless steel models, a blue dial with silver sub-dials, a silver dial, and a panda configuration (silver dial with black sub-dial layout). The Chronoscope uses a two-register sub-dial layout with a snail dial design in the center.

The movement housed in this timepiece is the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 9908. It is accurate to between 0 and +5 seconds per day variance, making this the most accurate watch movement on the list.

The only negative is the odd 21mm lug width, as 21mm straps are more difficult to source. Either way, this watch looks best on the stainless steel bracelet that Omega created.

Overall, I feel that Omega has produced a fine timepiece that strays slightly off the path from your standard Speedy watch. The Omega Chronoscope is priced at $8,600 (leather strap) or $9,000 (steel bracelet)  

Patek Philippe 175th Anniversary Chronograph (ref. 5975R-001)

Patek Philippe is part of the “Holy Trinity” of watchmaking and arguably the best watchmaker in the world. They are also renowned for their complications, including annual calendars, moon phases, and chronographs. 

The particular model we will review is the 175th Anniversary Chronograph in rose gold. Patek produced only 400 models in the rose gold version, making it an extremely sought watch, and even now, it rarely appears on the secondary market.

In terms of case sizing, the Patek is compact for a chronograph with a diameter of 40mm and 10.25mm thick. This means that it is extremely wearable for daily wear and can easily tuck under a tight cuff. 

The movement within the 5975R-001 is the caliber 28-520 base. This caliber maintains a power reserve of up to 55 hours. This movement features a column wheel and a flyback function that allows for continuous timing capability.

These features come together uniformly and establish the 5975R-001 as a premium chronograph and appropriate for the 175^th anniversary edition timepiece. A critique of this timepiece would be its availability, given that it is an anniversary edition and is limited. Thus, if you intend to purchase this, the secondary market would be your best option.

Longines Telemeter Chronograph (ref. L2.780.4.18.2)

Longines has an illustrious history dating all the way back to 1832. They were once considered a rival to Rolex before the Quartz Crisis, but times have changed. Nonetheless, this means that Longines has a rich heritage in its archives to refer to. Many of Longines’ recent releases have been stunning, and the Telemeter Chronograph is no different.

The design of the Telemeter timepiece is based on a chronograph watch produced by Longines in 1933. The watch measures a round case of 41mm and houses the Caliber L688, an automatic movement with a column-wheel chronograph. The column wheel within the movement makes this timepiece special, as this typically appears in high-end chronographs.

The Telemeter Chronograph features a sapphire crystal and an exhibition case to view the movement. The timepiece’s dial features a three-register sub-dial layout with a 4:30 date position. The dial is white lacquered with black numerals. The watch features blue steel Breguet hands that exude elegance and finesse.

A few negatives of this watch are the lack of water resistance and the date wheel. This watch is 30m water resistant, which means, at most, you can wear it while washing your hands. The second is subjective; the date wheel is positioned at 4:30 and is awkward. 

Tissot Telemeter 1938 Chronograph (ref. T142.462.16.032.00)

Tissot is currently hitting it out of the park with its heritage-inspired pieces, and this includes the Telemeter 1938 Chronograph. This timepiece is exquisite in design. It features a two-register sub-dial layout, measuring running seconds and chronograph minutes.

Two dial variants are available, black with gilt accents and a silver dial with blue hands. The watch is 42mm in diameter, 13.9mm in thickness, and 22mm lug width. The chronograph pushers are ovular in shape. There is no lume on the dial.

Thus, these design elements make it a dressier design. The timepiece features a sapphire crystal and an exhibition case for the wearer to marvel at or show others, as this could be a conversation starter.

The numbers and sizing lean towards a medium to large wrist size. However, I recommend trying on the watch in person before making a decision. The price of the watch is $2,025.00

Oris Big Crown Telemeter Chronograph (ref. 01 674 7569 4064-07 5 21 56)

The Big Crown series of Oris watches was built to be used as pilot military watches. The Telemeter Chronograph within the Big Crown series seems very fitting due to the nature of the telemeter scale and its association with the military. 

This is a true tool watch in form and function. Each detail of this watch has a reason for it, from the lume to the plexiglass crystal and more. We will highlight some of the key features below.

The Oris is 43mm in diameter, 21mm lug width, and features an exterior telemeter bezel insert. The crystal is actually a plexi-domed material; this harkens to vintage watches. 

I’ll add that plexiglass may scratch easily, but you can buff out scratches with Polywatch and a microfiber cloth. The large crown allows wearers with gloves to access and wind the movement. So, Oris considered a variety of users when creating this timepiece.

Negatives of this Oris timepiece are the odd lug width of 21mm and the lack of water resistance at 3 bar. One would hope that a military field watch could withstand harsh environments and be able to take a beating on the battlefield. The watch is priced at $2,025.00 

Eterna 1940 Chronograph Telemeter (ref. 7950.78.54.1261)

Eterna has had a significant impact on the watch industry. Without Eterna, there would be no ETA and no Swatch Group dominance within the watch industry. So we should appreciate their existence along with their Chronograph Telemeter timepiece.

This timepiece screams 1940s design and takes the wearer back to when watches were utilitarian tools. The telemeter has a case diameter of 42mm and 14.1mm thickness. It features a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, making it less reflective when worn outdoors or under intense lighting.

The Telemeter features large rectangular pushers and a large crown for easy access. There are two variants, one with a black dial and gilt accents and the other with a black dial and silvery white accents.

The movement is unique as it is a flyback chronograph. This means that the user can reset the chronograph timer without stopping it, which is convenient when timing something continuously. In my opinion, this is a beautiful timepiece.

The case is curvaceous, and it wears comfortably on the wrist. However, a couple of critiques are that it may be difficult to find an authorized dealer to try on Eterna watches and the 4:30 date wheel that disrupts the symmetry of the dial.

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 18 (ref. CAR221A .FC6353)

The Carrera and Monaco are icons of TAG Heuer. But the Carrera Calibre 18 will be in the spotlight here. The Carrera has all the features you would want from TAG Heuer. There is no “TAG” on the dial; the dial features a panda configuration (silvery dial with two grayish sub-dial registers) and multi-faceted lugs associated with the Carrera case. 

Also, this watch is extremely wearable compared to the Monaco, which wears large due to the flat case back and slab-like sides. Let’s inspect the details of the Carrera.

The Carrera watch wears svelte with a 39mm case diameter. It features a sapphire crystal for protection. The dial layout is clean and simple with minimal information on the dial. The Carrera features a date wheel at the 6 o’clock position, which can easily be missed, thus maintaining symmetry on this gorgeous yet simple dial. 

The watch is 100m water resistant, which is a nice feature to have as it means you can technically swim with it. Overall, this timepiece maintains lovely vintage styling in modern form.

A negative aspect of this Carrera model is that it is discontinued. So, you would have to source this from a third party or secondary market.

Zenith Captain Chronograph (ref. 03.2117.4002/23.C704)

Zenith is known for creating one of the first automatic chronograph movements in 1969, the El Primero. But Zenith is also known for their military pilot watches; we will inspect one of them here. 

The Captain Chronograph features a dual-register sub-dial layout. Therefore, unlike the typical three sub-dial layout, it is extremely legible, and the dial is not cluttered. There is plenty of lume on the dial of this Zenith to make it ideal for activities in the skies.

The watch measures 42mm in diameter, 12.5mm in thickness, and 50.2mm lug-to-lug length and features a sapphire crystal and an exhibition case back to view the gorgeous automatic movement. 

The winding crown is large for easy gripping, and the chronograph pushers are rectangular with vintage styling. The case of the Zenith is mainly brushed with very little polishing, which is appropriate as this is not a dress watch.

The Zenith features the 4002 caliber movement that allows for approximately 52 hours of power reserve and is a high-beat movement. An interesting aspect of this particular El Primero movement is that the second position of the crown (typically associated with adjusting the time) allows the user to adjust the date. 

Junghans Meister Telemeter (ref. 27/3380.02)

Within Junghans, there are two iconic collections, the Max Bill and Meister collection. For this list, we will be looking at the latter collection, specifically the Telemeter chronograph watch. 

This modern watch draws inspiration from Junghans’ first telemeter and tachymeter scale chronograph watch created in 1951. The Meister Telemeter is a vintage style yet features a casual enough appearance. It is available in a black dial as well as a silvery white dial variant.

The case of the watch measures 40.8mm in diameter and 12.6mm thick. It comes with the option of a steel bracelet or leather band. I recommend the stainless steel bracelet because it is easier to source a good aftermarket strap than a bracelet. 

The watch comes with a domed sapphire crystal and exhibition case back, showing off the nicely decorated movement. The chronograph pushers are ovular in shape. It is also 50m water resistant, which is not bad for a dressier chronograph watch. Having experienced this watch in Asia, photos do not do it justice.

The sapphire crystal is highly domed, and it wears very comfortably on the wrist due to the compact case profile and slimness of the watch. I was tempted to purchase it at the time but held back. The watch retails for €2,290.00

Alpina Alpiner Chronograph (ref. AL-750SG4E6)

Alpina is associated with classically styled sports and tool watches. The Alpiner Chronograph is part of that heritage. The Alpiner Chronograph is similar to the Heuer Carrera mentioned above as it features a silver dial with two grayish sub-dials.

The difference is that the sub-dials here are in a vertical arrangement, thus adding a nice touch to differentiate it from other chronograph watches. The case size is 41mm in diameter, and there is a sapphire crystal protecting the watch dial.

Upon first inspection, it appears that this Alpiner is a two-register sub-dial arrangement; however, it features three sub-dials. The running seconds sub-dial is nicely camouflaged at the 9 o’clock position. There is also a date wheel at the 6 o’clock position.

Despite the layout arrangement, this watch appears symmetrical. Moreover, a great added design element is the pump-style chronograph pushers. This is just tempting the wearer to start the chronograph timer of this timepiece.

Although this watch is discontinued in production, it is possible to source this through the secondary market, given the lack of demand for the brand. But a positive is that it can be bought at a bargain price.

Dan Henry 1939 Military Chronograph

Dan Henry is a well-known watch collector within the community. He set out to create great-looking watches with vintage styling. He also intended these watches to be accessible and affordable to a large audience. One of those timepieces is the 1939 military chronograph. 

According to Dan Henry, he wished to pay tribute to chronograph watches of the 1930s because of their beautiful dials, along with the vast amount of information on the dials. Surprisingly, Dan Henry watches offer enough variations in their watch models that will likely suit a lot of people. Let’s inspect the 1939 chronograph in more detail below.

In terms of sizing, the case measures 41mm in diameter, 13.9mm in thickness, and 49.2mm in lug length. The watch features a 22mm lug width, so you can easily swap out the strap for a host of aftermarket options. Thus, this watch wears beautifully and comfortably on the wrist. 

The timepiece features a sapphire crystal and is available with two dial color options; chocolate with gilts accents and silver with blue accents. There are two sub-dial registers on the dial. Also, date and no-date options are available for this timepiece, but I am drawn toward symmetry, so I’d recommend the no-date version.

Also, might I add that this is also the most affordable of all the watches discussed today due to it housing a quartz movement manufactured by Miyota. Lastly, the 1939 chronograph is limited in production so get them while you still can. The watch is priced at $270.00 

Hanhart Pioneer TachyTele

The Hanhart Pioneer TachyTele has a military history that dates back to 1939. According to Hanhart, the watch’s name comes from the two sets of scales on the dial, the tachymeter (used for measuring speed) and the telemeter. 

The Hanhart’s lower chronograph pusher has a distinctive red covering, and this was introduced in 1938 as a warning mechanism to prevent pilots from resetting the stop timer. The red color on the pusher was previously a red lacquer painted over the chronograph pusher, but it is now manufactured out of ceramic/ plastic to ensure longevity.

The Pioneer wears remarkably well, given the case diameter of 40mm and 15mm thick. The watch features a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. The dial is available in off-white or black; both colors contrast well and are easily readable. 

The ETA 7753 automatic movement is the watch’s heartbeat, with 42 hours of power reserve. This is a good, tried, and tested movement. Overall this is a solid timepiece with excellent build quality, and it will impress the wearer.

I find it difficult to criticize this timepiece as it is a “Swiss Army Knife” given the 100m water resistance, screw-down case back, lumed hands, and numerals, along with a fluted rotating bezel. This is as much of a tool watch as one could buy without many compromises. Pricing of this watch starts at €1,990.00 

Poljot Strela Chronograph (ref. OF38CYS)

Many may have not heard of the brand Poljot Strela since the brand comes from Russia. The Poljot Strela Chronograph’s greatest claim to fame is being the first watch to go to space on the 18^th of March, 1965, as it was used during the mission. 

So this is Russia’s equivalent of the Speedmaster Moonwatch. This was significant at that time because Russia was engaged with the USA in the Cold War and the “Space Race”.

The Poljot Chronograph watch has a case diameter of 38mm, a thickness of 14.8mm, and a lug-to-lug length of 46mm, thus making it a very compact and wearable watch on the wrist. The dial of the watch is white with a two-register sub-dial layout. The dial is unique as it features multiple concentric circle patterns on the main center dial and sub-dials.

The movement contained within the watch is the Poljot manual winding Caliber 3133. The movement can be seen through the exhibition case back. It is nicely decorated with Geneve stripes. The movement features a power reserve of 48 hours, which is decent.

But the magic of manual winding watches is the wearer’s connection with the watch because you need to engage with it by winding it at least every 2 days; otherwise, it will stop.

Although this timepiece is limited to 300 pieces, it is also the most affordable mechanical watch on this list today, coming in at under $900. Several online stores sell this watch from Europe. So, if you are interested in purchasing it, then do some research before taking the “giant leap”. 

RGM 455-CE Classic Chronograph Enamel

RGM is an American watchmaking company that was established in 1992 and coincidentally the year of my birth, making us both 31 years of age at the time of this article. Watches of the 1940s inspired the design of the 455 classic chronograph model. 

The particular model being highlighted is the enamel version. Enamel is a difficult material to work with, and this tends to result in more failures than successes due to the heat treatment applied to the dial. 

However, RGM has performed an outstanding job in their ability to produce the Grand Feu real glass-fired enamel dial. The white enamel dial compliments the steel blue hands. The center of the dial features the snail-like tachymeter scale, adding a subtle touch to this timepiece.

The case size of the watch is 38.2mm and 13.9mm thick. Lug-to-lug length is 47mm, and lug width is 20mm, which ensures plenty of aftermarket strap options. For me, these measurements are the sweet spot, as I prefer watches that are 50mm or under in lug-to-lug length. 

According to RGM, the automatic movement is decorated with Cote de Geneve stripes and perlage finishing. But a downside is that this movement is covered by the stainless steel case back. The watch retails for $7,950.00 

Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph (ref. MB125581)

The final watch is the Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph. This is arguably the most unique in design and function. As this is a Monopusher chronograph, there is only one pusher on the watch that controls the chronograph timer. The pusher is an extension of the crown. 

In addition, the 1858 line of watches is part of the high-end range of the Minerva watch collection from Montblanc. This collection is gaining more attraction, and what better way to start than with their Monopusher Chronograph.

The timepiece has a 42mm case diameter, and the stainless steel case is finished immaculately with satin brushing. The dial features two tones, namely black and cream/ beige color. There are two sub dials on the dial, making it simple and convenient to read from. 

This watch features a sapphire dome crystal that shows off the vintage style. The timepiece features lume on the handset and numerals. The Monopusher is also 100m water resistant. In my opinion, these features help to make this timepiece a great GADA watch (Go Anywhere Do Anything).

A negative of this watch is the branding; Montblanc watches are not that popular. But this means discounts can be obtained on their timepieces. This Monopusher Chronograph sells for $5,400.00  

Conclusion

In conclusion, watches with telemeter scales are not exactly a new or groundbreaking technology. Those who appreciate the chronograph complication along with the scale will likely do so for aesthetic reasons. The watches listed above are not intended to be a full guide of telemeter scale watches.

But they are a gateway into telemeter timepieces. And to end on a quirky note, John F. Kennedy once stated that “we must use time as a tool, not as a couch”, and so a reminder that watches are made to be used as tools.

While tuna might hold the record for being the world’s most consumed fish, I can understand why the general population might be hesitant to wear a watch called the Seiko ‘Tuna’ on their wrists. It’s not necessarily the most appealing nickname for a timepiece.

In this article, I want to check out some of the popular Seiko Tunas from the brand’s catalog. I’ll also briefly introduce the world of the Tuna and understand the differences between the MANY variations offered.

What’s So Special about the Seiko Tuna

The Tuna’s history is one of the most impressive yet overlooked within Seiko’s dive watch offerings. The Tuna dive series was introduced in 1975 and has been improving in terms of specifications throughout the years. Seiko has created dive watches since 1965. However, it all changed when the company received a letter from a professional saturation diver from Kure City in Japan.

According to him, several Seiko divers’ watches faced problems with retaining Helium gas, which would increase the inner pressure and pop the crystal, destroying the timepiece. From then on, Ikuo Tokunaga and his team of engineers sought to create the ultimate professional dive watch. Thus, the Tuna design was born. What makes the Tuna iconic is its shrouded case design.

This unconventional design feature was Seiko’s answer to the Helium Escape Valve (which helps prevent the watch from enduring damage during saturation diving, specifically by allowing helium gas to escape during the decompression process). Instead of including a Helium Escape Valve, Seiko invented a new case shape, which, combined with its L-type gasket, made for an almost impenetrable watch.

Why Is It Called ‘Tuna’?

The Tuna is just a nickname adopted by Seiko enthusiasts on a forum back when the internet was still in its infancy. This nickname has little to do with any overlaps in the characteristics between the fish and the actual watches but was instead inspired by the case design that resembled an open tuna can.

Differences between the Seiko Tuna Models

Seiko has released several variations of Tunas since its first release in 1975. You’d be surprised to discover the sheer number of differences that watches within the same design family can have between them.
With variations between different case dimensions, colorways, materials, straps, water resistance, movements, and prices, the options are truly endless! But one thing is for sure – there’s a Tuna for everyone!

General things to know about the Seiko Tuna

1. Like the nickname ‘Tuna’, several other nicknames are given to certain models (e.g., Baby Tuna, Darth Tuna, Emperor Tuna, etc.). All of these adopted aliases are based on specific characteristics of the models in question.
2. Unlike traditional divers, the Tuna watches wear much smaller than the case size would suggest. This is due to the nearly non-existent lugs that inevitably result in the timepiece having an overly rounded case format.
3. All the Tuna models come with protective shrouds on the case, which are constructed with different materials for different models.
4. The Tuna falls under Seiko’s Prospex (Professional Specifications) line, with many models also falling within the Marinemaster collection. As a result, you can find a wide range of water resistance within the Tuna line, starting at 200 m and going up to a whopping 1000 m.
5. As capable divers, all the modern Tuna models come with unidirectional bezels, screw-down crowns, and one of the best lume applications in the watch industry – Lumibrite!

Popular Seiko Tuna Watches From The Past

Since the first ever Seiko Tuna in 1975, the collection has had several different iterations, each being unique in its own way. Several models, in particular, are very rare and thus coveted by collectors. Here are some of the most popular and sought-after Tuna references from the past:

The “Grandfather Tuna” ref. 6159-7010

The first ever Seiko Tuna was released in 1975 and has since been dubbed the “Grandfather Tuna”. The ref. 6159-7010 was a big and bulky dive watch made to withstand the harshest conditions. It featured over 20 patents and is one of the few Tunas powered by a mechanical movement, the caliber 6159.

Due to its unique nature, the Grandfather Tuna remains one of the market’s most expensive and highly collectible Tunas. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Seiko released the SBDX005 in 2000, a watch that was limited to 1000 pieces and shared many design philosophies with the Grandfather.

The “Golden Tuna” ref. 7549-7009

The “Golden Tuna” family was the second generation of the Seiko Tuna. The first Golden Tuna (ref. 7549-7009) was released in 1978 and got its nickname from its nitride-plated titanium case that had a distinct gold color. The watch was also slightly smaller than the Grandfather and featured a quartz movement instead of a mechanical one.

There have been several Golden Tuna references throughout the decades; however, the original remains one of the most collectible ones. Its desirability is further aided by its brief appearance in the 1981 James Bond movie “For Your Eyes Only”.

The Seiko “Arnie” ref. H558-5000

Another movie icon and a unique timepiece is the Seiko Tuna ref. H558-5000, mostly known as the “Arnie” or “Arnold”. The watch got its nickname from famous actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who used to wear several versions of this watch in some of his popular movies.

This particular Seiko watch features the Tuna case design, albeit in a smaller frame of about 45mm. However, it’s still a large watch that can withstand almost anything you throw at it. What makes it stand out, though, is its unique Ana-Digi layout, with an analog dial and a small LCD on the top that displays the day and date.

The Best Seiko Tuna Watches You Can Buy Today

Seiko SUT403P1

The SUT403P1 is the perfect gateway into the Tuna line-up, offered in one of the smaller case sizes within the Tuna design format. This model is part of Seiko’s new ‘Street Series’, which is a bit more experimental and playful with colorways and dial textures than the traditional Tunas. 

The Seiko ‘Street Series’ is a relatively recent collection within the Prospex line that re-introduces the Tuna’s popular case design, making it fancier. With a fully stainless-steel case that comes in at just under 40 mm, V131 solar-powered movement, along with 200 m of water resistance, this is truly a value-packed ‘Mini Tuna’.

It’s also much more versatile than the traditional Tuna because of its smaller case size and dark blue and beige colors. When paired with a smart-casual outfit, these features present the option to be dressed up without looking out of place.

• Movement: Solar V131 (6 months battery when fully charged)
• Water resistance: 200 m / 660 ft
• Diameter: 38.7 mm
• Crystal: Hardlex
• Price: $500

Seiko SNE547P1

The SNE547P1 is another Tuna model from the brand’s recent “Street Series” collection. It comes in a black and forest-green colorway, combined with orange accents on the second hand, crown, and under the bezel insert. Like SUT403P1, this model has also considered a gateway into the Street Series ‘Safari Edition’. However, there are a few key differences between both these models.

Unlike the V131 caliber housed within the SUT403P1, this watch houses the V157 solar-powered movement, which comes with an impressive 10 months of power reserve when fully charged. It also features a date window at 4 o’clock and wears much larger with a 46.7 mm case diameter and a height of 12.6 mm.

• Movement: Solar V157 (10 months battery when fully charged)
• Water resistance: 200 m / 660 ft
• Diameter: 46.7 mm
• Crystal: Hardlex
• Price: $500

Seiko SRPE29J1

Alternatively, you could also go with the SRPE29J1. This time, the watch comes with mostly beige elements combined with black accents. Unlike the solar-powered movements seen in the previous two models, the SRPE29J1 is powered by the in-house automatic caliber 4R36, which is considered a solid, workhorse movement.

This model also comes with a stainless-steel case with a hard coating, making it highly durable and offering a more premium feel. This is a great, attainable model with a mechanical movement within the Street Series. Combined with Seiko’s very own Hardlex crystal (which is more robust than the traditional mineral crystal) and the hard coating on the stainless-steel case, you can wear this as a daily watch without worrying about scratching the case.

• Movement: Automatic 4R36 (with approx. 41 hrs of power reserve)
• Water resistance: 200 m / 660 ft
• Diameter: 43.2 mm
• Crystal: Hardlex
• Price: $550

Seiko SRPH77

While the Seiko ‘Tuna’ has traditionally been less ‘explorative’ with its dial (to maximize clarity), Seiko has broken that general ‘rule’ by giving us a taste of its legendary dial-finishing techniques in this SRPH77 Special Edition. According to Seiko, this release is a tribute to the brand’s ‘Save the Ocean’ initiative, which aims to assist with environmental research and ocean conservation.

The finishing on the dial resembles the deep blue ocean, achieved through a gradient blue color with brushed strokes. The swimming penguins on the dial act as a subtle yet clever nod to the brand’s environmental initiative.

Whether it’s the radially engraved stainless-steel bezel or the impressive finishing on the dial, the details on this watch make it appear and feel significantly more premium than its price would suggest, making it a worthy contender to consider.

• Movement: Automatic 4R35 (approx. 41 hours of power reserve)
• Water resistance: 200 m / 660 ft
• Diameter: 43.2 mm
• Crystal: Hardlex
• Price: $550

Seiko S23633

The S23633 is a mid-sized, no-nonsense Seiko ‘Tuna’, featuring professional-grade specifications. Coming in with a stainless-steel case size of 47.7 mm, with added super hard coating for additional durability, the S23633 is undoubtedly a robust ‘mid-sized’ offering within the Tuna line.

Inside the tough, shrouded case, you have Seiko’s in-house quartz caliber 7C46 with an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month and an impressive 5-year battery life, making this a perfect ‘wear and forget’ type of watch.

But with features like the 300 m / 1000 ft of water resistance and a sapphire crystal (with inner reflective coating), this model is well-suited for someone looking for a serious dive watch but without exorbitant wrist presence.

• Movement: Quartz 7C46 (high-torque caliber)
• Water resistance: 300 m / 1000 ft
• Diameter: 47.7 mm
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Price: approx. $1,800 (GPB 1,500)

Seiko SBBN047

The SBBN047 (also known as S23631) offers all of the professional Prospex diver specifications but in an extremely lightweight one-piece case structure. This model is dubbed the ‘Darth Tuna’ because of its monochromatic appearance, which gives it a stealthy look. It is on the larger side with a 49.4 mm case diameter. But, thanks to the Tuna design format with nearly non-existent lugs, the watch wears much smaller and will easily fit most wrists.

This is a professional Tuna, capable of 1000 m / 3300 ft of saturation diving, and comes in a titanium inner case and ceramic shroud that’s treated with Seiko’s proprietary Dia-shield hard coating, which provides additional scratch resistance and durability to the DLC-coated case. This is undoubtedly one of the most popular and collectible Tunas. Unfortunately, as it is a JDM model (and a highly coveted one at that), it’s not the easiest to get hold of.

• Movement: 7C46 (high-torque quartz)
• Water resistance: 1000 m / 3300 ft
• Diameter: 49.4 mm
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Price: $1,800-$2,000

Seiko S23635

In 2021, Seiko released the S23635, a special watch to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the 1986 Quartz Diver. The S2365 is part of Seiko’s Limited Edition release, celebrating a landmark technological achievement of the 1986 release.

The 1986 Quartz Diver combined the Tuna’s original design format with 1000 m of water resistance and a ground-breaking quartz movement. This unique combination of highly advanced technologies (of the time) resulted in the birth of the new and improved Tuna, which was much more robust and accurate than the original Tuna.

The S2365 was limited to only 1200 pieces at the time of its release. The watch comes with a beautiful gradient blue dial, mimicking the ocean’s depth (i.e. darker at the bottom and lighter at the top). The case is constructed with a titanium inner case and a ceramic protective shroud on the outside and comes with two pairs of extra-strength silicone straps, which provide additional durability for deep-dive expeditions.

• Movement: 7C46 (high-torque quartz)
• Water resistance: 1000 m / 3300 ft (saturation diving)
• Diameter: 49.4 mm
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Price: $2,600

Seiko SBDX014

If you want to go all out with the optimum specifications, you can get within the Seiko Prospex ‘Tuna’ family, go for the SBDX014, also known by its notorious nickname… the ‘Emperor Tuna’.

With the SBDX014, you’re getting a titanium shroud with a rose gold-plated ceramic case and an outstanding water resistance of 1000 m. However, this Marine Master comes in at a larger case of 52.4 mm diameter and a height of 17.2 mm, making this one of the largest offerings within the ‘Tuna’ lineup.

The rose gold-plated inner ceramic case, crown, and screws give this model a more premium look, not a common feature ordinarily seen in the Seiko Tuna models. This fan-favorite JDM model is priced at JPY 350,000 on Seiko Japan’s website (approx. $2600 today).

• Movement: Automatic 8L35 (approx. 50 hours of power reserve)
• Water resistance: 1000 m / 3300 ft
• Diameter: 52.4 mm
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Price: approx. $2600 (JPY 350,000)

Wristwatches are great accessories that often tell a lot about an individual’s personality, social status, and taste. Hence, most people love to wear the best wristwatches to make a statement. One can tell if you love luxury, sports, or regular wristwatches by simpling glancing at your wrist. Although wristwatches could make you look cool, wearing the wrong type could do the opposite.

Most people tend to wear wristwatches bigger than their wrists. However, what happens when you wear such watches? When you wear a watch bigger than your wrist, it makes your arms and hands look smaller. The issue is that most people don’t even realize this because more oversized watches have trended over the past decade.

Hence, you are likely to pick a more oversized watch since most brands produce watches with case sizes more than 40mm. Moreover, why keep up with the trend when it’s doing you no good? Instead, you need to pick out a watch that makes a bold statement about you. What if we tell you that you can pick a watch that is both trendy and can also fit your small wrist? We know choosing such a watch could prove difficult for you. Hence, our article outlines the 25 best wristwatches for small wrists you could consider.

Top Wristwatches for Men With Small Wrists

You can find several small wristwatches based on various features or characteristics. For convenience, we will sort our list based on the pricing to include budget wristwatches that cost less than a thousand dollars and luxury wristwatches more than $1000. 

You can also find that these wristwatches have several types, including formal watches (black/white tie or business formal), smart wristwatches (smart or business casual), and casual wristwatches (jeans, shorts and t-shirt, gym wear, etc.). The table below summarizes the best wristwatches for small wrists.

S/N	NAME	PRICE RANGE	CASE SIZE (mm)	WATCH TYPE
1	Casio F91W Sports Watch	A	33	Casual
2	Timex Easy Reader	A	35	Smart
3	Casio MQ24-E1 Black Resin	A	35	Casual
4	Timex T5E901 Ironman	A	38	Casual
5	Casio W89HB-5AV Illuminator	A	35	Casual
6	Nixon A045511 Time Teller	B	37	Smart
7	Nixon A377 Sentry 38	B	38	Smart
8	Bulova 98H51	B	37	Dress
9	Seiko 5 SNK807	B	37	Smart
10	Seiko 5 SNK793	B	36	Smart
11	Seiko SNE124 Dress Watch	B	39	Dress
12	MK1 Mechanical 36mm	B	36	Casual
13	Mondaine Classic Gents	B	36	Casual
14	Citizen BM8240-03E	B	36	Dress
15	Bertucci A-1r	A	36	Casual
16	Bulova Military Hack 96A246	B	38	Casual
17	Lorier Falcon II	C	36	Casual
18	Frederique Constant FC-245M4S5	D	37	Dress
19	Tissot PR100	C	33	Dress
20	Frederique Constant FC306MC4S36	E	39	Dress
21	Junghans MAX Bill	D	34	Dress
22	Tudor Black Bay	E	36	Dress
23	Rolex Explorer	E	36	Dress
24	Nomos Ludwig 33	E	33	Dress
25	Oris Divers Sixty Five	E	36	Casual

Key

A = Less than $50

B = $50 to $200

C = $200 to $500

D = $500 to $1000

E = $1000 and above

Best Wristwatches for Small Wrists Under $50

We have included bare-minimum, budget-friendly wristwatches for men with small wrists to help people with a tight budget get something to wear. Don’t worry; there are renowned names in this category, and one such famous name is Casio. Here are the watches you can get for $50 and under.

Casio F91W Sports Watch

The first thing you will notice about this timepiece is the classic resin strap that comes with it. The digital sports watch is rectangular and features a chronograph, night light, and alarm functions. Additionally, the watch case measures 33mm and has a mineral dial window. 

The Casio F91W-1 Sports Watch also features a unique digital display and Quartz movement. On top of that, the watch comes with a water resistance feature and a buckle closure attached to a black ribbed resin band. The watch has high accuracy and can serve as a stopwatch with 1/100-second accuracy. 

With this watch, you can enjoy the hourly time signal feature, an auto calendar, and a day/date feature. The watch has an overall accuracy of +/- 30 seconds per month, which is perfect for the pricing. The watch weighs 1.94 ounces, making it light enough to wear without any issues. 

You also enjoy a stationary bezel with a gray dial color that contrasts the digital black information display. Also, you will not feel uncomfortable after wearing the watch for extended periods due to the plastic band material. Overall, this watch is a great piece considering the price.

Bertucci A-1r

Bertucci A-1r is a comfort watch that fits any occasion. The watch is one of the most rugged 36mm timepieces for small wrists. Interestingly, this watch has a reinforced polycarbonate case that makes it one of the strongest watches you can buy. Also, the watch features a scratch-resistant mineral glass crystal that prevents long-term scratches. 

A good feature of this watch is that it is super lightweight. The stainless steel case back and the rugged case combined with a 50m water resistance allows this watch to withstand momentary water splashes. You will also enjoy a Matte-finished 12/24 dial with luminescent markers and hands. Hence, you can easily see in the dark. The watch also has an ergonomically offset stainless steel crown and a long-lasting comfort Webb band, making it easier to wear for longer durations. 

Timex Easy Reader

The Timex Men’s Easy Reader is another good option if you want to buy a budget-friendly watch. This watch is quite the opposite of the Casio F91W Sports Watch we reviewed. Unlike the Casio watch, the Timex Easy Reader comes with an 18mm adjustable brown leather strap that can fit even on an 8-inch wrist circumference. 

Also, the watch has a white, easy-to-read dial that contains a day and date window at the 3 O’clock marker. On top of that, the watch uses full Arabic numerals for its markers. This watch has a case circumference of 35mm and is made from brass and a mineral glass crystal to prevent long-term scratches. 

The watch also features an Indiglo light-up dial and a water resistance of 30m. Hence, this watch withstands brief immersions in water or momentary splashes. The leather material and water resistance tell you that this watch is unsuitable for bathing or swimming.  

Casio MQ24-E1 Black Resin

This Casio watch is one of this brand’s best budget-friendly analog watches. The watch has an approximate battery life of two years and features a three-hand analog display. On top of that, this round watch has a stainless steel case that measures 35mm in diameter. 

The watch features a Resin glass dial window for clarity and protection. Furthermore, the Casio MQ24-E1 Black Resin watch features a silicone band measuring 18mm in width. The black band color matches the dial and Resin bezel material. Although the brand claims the watch is water resistant, you will not find any information on the resistance level. 

Timex T5E901 Ironman

This watch is one of the best sports watches for small wrists. The brand built this watch to portray a lightweight design featuring an irresistible water resistance feature. In addition, the watch has a five-button design that offers direct access to all alarms, timers, and the trademark Indiglo night light. 

One outstanding feature about this timepiece is that it is a stopwatch that has a 30-lap memory. You will also find a countdown timer and a customizable alarm that comes in handy at all times. It is impressive to see that this watch has a water resistance of 100m. The resistance is enough for you to go for light swimming and showers without damaging the watch. However, you cannot use this watch for deep diving activities. 

This timepiece also has a 99-lap counter, a 100-hour chronograph, and a customizable menu that allows you to remove unused modes. You will also enjoy on-screen prompts that make settings easy. Overall, this watch has many features for a timepiece under $50. 

Casio W89HB-5AV Illuminator

Casio’s W89HB-5AV Illuminator is a casual digital watch with a light brown dial and a stainless steel case measuring 35mm in diameter. Additionally, the watch has a date/day function and a mineral dial window, making the display more legible. 

Another feature worthy of note is the Quartz movement that matches the digital display. For a budget watch, the water resistance is enough (50m) for short swimming (recreational) periods. However, you must not use this watch for snorkeling or deep diving. 

Best Wristwatches for Small Wrists From $50 to $200

Here are some wristwatches for thin-wrist males with budgets ranging from $50 to $200.

Nixon A045511 Time Teller

Nixon is one brand that produces some of the best 34mm watches for men with small wrists. Not only that, but the brand also has watches of other wrist sizes. It can accommodate people from all fashion tastes. This piece, the Time Teller Gold, is an original design from the brand. 

The timepiece uses a Japanese Quartz movement to ensure precision. Additionally, it has a stainless steel bezel material with a single-locking Fold-over clasp. The watch has an analog display with a mineral dial window. 

One of the timepieces’ special features is a second hand. Also, the product has a surprisingly high water resistance capacity (100m) for a watch in this price range. Also, the Watch has a GMT bezel function that allows you to compare time with other geographical locations. 

Nixon A377 Sentry 38

This Japanese brown gator features a round dial with a logo and a three-hand analog display. The watch has a 38m stainless steel case and a mineral dial window. Another thing you will notice about this watch is its Quartz movement. On top of that, the watch has leather calfskin to support more extended periods of wearing. Also, the watch has a buckle closure that makes adjustment easier. Furthermore, the watch has a water resistance of 100m and a stationary bezel.

Bulova 98H51

This 37mm timepiece from Bulova is a round watch with a polished gold-tone dial case and white-textured dial display. The dial display has a date window and slim stick hands. This watch has a 30m water resistance, so you cannot use it for recreational swimming or snorkeling.

Agreeably so, the watch features a Croco-embossed brown leather strap. The watch has a chronograph and a Japanese Quartz movement. Also, this Bulova timepiece has a lightweight design, making it easier to carry around all day without feeling uncomfortable. 

Seiko 5 SNK807

Seiko has some of the best men’s watches for thin wrists. This timepiece is a round watch with a blue dial display with a day and date window at the three O’clock dial marker. Additionally, the watch has three luminous sword-shaped hands that light up in low lighting conditions. You will also find a textured off-center crown on this watch. 

This 37mm stainless-steel timepiece has a Hardlex dial window that supports a scratch-resistant interface. You will also enjoy an automatic self-wind movement with an analog display. The case back features a skeleton design which allows you to see the watch’s movement. The watch has a water resistance of 30mm and a canvas strap to match. The watch only withstands brief immersion in water and splashes of water but nothing serious.

Seiko 5 SNK793

This Seiko watch is one of the best 36mm watches you can find on the market. You will agree after using this watch that it is a classic timepiece. The watch has a unique stainless steel bracelet for a strap and features a mind-blowing exhibition back. Additionally, the watch has a blue sunray dial and features a day/date window on display.

The timepiece’s scratch-resistant Hardlex dial window protects the tri-hand analog display underneath. The silver-toned bracelet has a deployment-clasp closure to make the adjustment easier. Although this watch has excellent features, you cannot expose it to extended water splashes or scuba diving. However, you can use the watch for recreational swimming and snorkeling. 

Seiko SNE124 Dress Watch

Seiko also produces some of the best dress watches for slim wrists. One such watch is the Seiko SNE124 Dress Watch. The watch features a navy blue dial with a date display on the three O’clock dial marker. Additionally, the watch has a three-hand analog display with a Seiko logo.

This watch has a 38mm watch case and solar-powered technology. Hence, you can power this watch with a high-performance electricity solar cell. Also, the watch has a long power reserve and a stainless steel bracelet. The watch has a stationary bezel and an efficient Quartz movement.  

Timex MK1 Mechanical 36mm

You will probably see many Timex watches in this review because they have outstanding timepieces for small wrists. This timepiece has a stainless steel top ring with a quick-release fabric strap. Also, the watch has a 20-jewel hand-wound movement that offers a vintage vibe that resembles its watches from the ’80s. 

This mechanical watch also features a two-piece canvas strap and a buckle closure for easy adjustment. Furthermore, the timepiece has a green dial color with full Arabic markings and an acrylic lens. The watch has a water resistance of 50m, enough to withstand momentary splashes and recreational swimming.

Mondaine Classic Gents

This 2011 watch has an analog display, a mineral dial window, and a stainless steel case. The white dial color makes it easier to read the time with black analog watch hands. The case measures 36mm in diameter and has a thickness of 8mm. Also, the brand uses a Faux Leather material for this watch’s band. 

The watch has a stainless steel stationary bezel with a Swiss Quartz movement. Furthermore, the watch weighs 1.31 ounces which is lightweight enough for you to wear for extended periods without feeling uncomfortable. Also, the watch has a water pressure resistance of 3 bar and water resistance of 30m. Thus, the watch can withstand routine splashes of water.       

Citizen BM8240-03E

Everything about this watch describes class and taste. The timepiece is round and solar-powered. Also, the timepiece features a black dial with Arabic markers on the 12, 4, and 8 O’clock markers. The watch also has a magnified day/date window at the 3 O’clock marker. 

This 36mm stainless steel watch has an analog display featuring a mineral window and a Japanese Quartz movement. The watch also features a genuine leather strap and a buckle closure for comfort and easy adjustments. Also, the timepiece can withstand splashes or brief water immersions because it has a 30m water resistance feature. 

Note, however, that you can not use this watch for swimming, snorkeling, or taking showers. Furthermore, you cannot use this watch for scuba diving or any activity that exposes the watch to water for extended periods. 

Bulova Military Hack 96A246

This watch got its design from Bulova’s vintage watches and military heritage. The watch incorporates the history of a contemporary lifestyle to produce one of the neatest watch designs from the brand. As an update, the watch has some new features, including a tri-hand 21-jewel automatic movement. Additionally, the watch boasts a 42-hour power reserve.

The stainless steel case houses an ivory dial and luminescent markers and hands. Additionally, the watch has a center track on the dial that displays the 24H time. Another feature you will find interesting with this watch is the black leather NATO strap that complements the watch. Also, the watch has a double-domed mineral crystal window that protects the analog display.  

Best Wristwatches for Small Wrists From $200 to $500

If you have more money to budget on wristwatches, you can consider some mid-range, budget-friendly choices. We will look at some of the best watches under $500.

Lorier Falcon II

The timepiece features an exciting dial with a design that fits any adventure. One feature you notice with this series is taht it has a Miyota 90S5 automatic movement. Also, the timepiece has a 316L marine-grade stainless steel case that enhances the watch’s durability. 

The watch has a screw-down crown and a dome-hesalite crystal. You will also find a marine-grade bracelet that has solid end links. This timepiece also features Swiss Superluminova watch hands that light up in poor conditions. Also, you can enjoy the push-button clasp with three micro-adjustment slots to make the clasp adjustment easier. 

Tissot PR100

This watch has a stainless steel case and a black leather strap. Additionally, the timepiece has a fixed stainless steel bezel and a black dial. The black dial contains luminous silver-tone index hour markers and hands that light up at night. Also, the watch has an analog dial and a date display just above the six O’clock marker. 

The Tissot PR100 uses a Quartz movement and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that protects the display window. Another great feature of this watch is the solid 33mm case with a case thickness of 9mm. The watch has a Tang clasp with a strap width of 16mm. Furthermore, the watch has a 100m water resistance feature. 

Best Wristwatches for Small Wrists Under $1000

There are many good wristwatches for thin wrist male timepiece lovers with over $500 and less than $1000 to spend on watches. These timepieces seem like alternatives to the best luxury watches for small wrists. We will look at the best options you can consider when looking for good watches to buy that cost less than $1000.

Frederique Constant FC-245M4S5

This slimline men’s wristwatch for small wrists has a yellow-gold plating and a diamond-textured dial. The dial display features Roman numeral indices with pomme hands and a subdial for seconds. This 37mm watch has an anti-reflective sapphire dial window, making it easier to tell time. 

You can enjoy the Swiss quartz movement, which regulates the watch’s analog display. In addition, the watch also contains an alligator-embossed leather band and a buckle closure for easy adjustment. You also enjoy a water resistance of 30m, enough to withstand water splashes but not snorkeling or swimming.   

Junghans MAX Bill

This 2018 timepiece is a round analog watch with a silver-tone case and a white dial display. Additionally, the watch has Roman numeral indices and well-calibrated exterior minute Roman numerals to help with time telling. The watch also has a hard plexiglass crystal that protects the analog display. 

Just below the 6 O’clock hour marker, you will see the water resistance of this timepiece. This watch has a water resistance of 30m, which makes it resistant to momentary water splashes but not deliberate immersions in water. The watch has a case diameter of 34mm and a light brown calfskin leather strap to match. You will enjoy this watch if you like mechanical hand winds. The watch has the most remarkable mechanical hand wind feature you will find in a watch of this category. 

Best Luxury Watches for Small Wrists

Now that we have considered budget watches for men with small wrists, we will now like to look at the best luxury watches for small wrists. Most watches above $1000 find themselves in the luxury watch category. However, this classification depends on the brand. We will consider some budget watches above $1000 and expensive options for people looking to spend cash on their timepieces.

Frederique Constant FC306MC4S36

Frederique’s Constant FC306MC4S36 is a classic “Slim Line” timepiece for men who love Swiss watches. The watch has a multi-patterned white dial that contains a date window at six O’Clock and Arabic numerals on each hour marker. 

This 39mm timepiece has a textured stainless steel case and an anti-reflective sapphire dial window. The sapphire dial window is scratch-resistant and protects the white analog display underneath it. Also, the watch has a Swiss automatic movement for precise and accurate time measurement. 

The watch also has a black alligator leather band and a buckle closure for easy adjustment. In addition, the watch has a water resistance of 30m which does not make it suitable for swimming. or scuba diving. You can use this watch for any occasion as it matches well with all outfits.

Tudor Black Bay

Tudor Black Bay is a beautiful timepiece with a 36mm steel case and a polished satin finish. The watch has a smooth steel bezel with a glossy finish and a black dial that houses the white analog display made up of hour markers. Also, the watch has a sapphire crystal window which is scratch-resistant and prevents long-term scratches. 

The Tudor Black Bay timepiece has a self-winding mechanical movement (Calibre T600). Additionally, the watch has a power reserve of 38 hours which is relatively low considering the price. This timepiece has a screw-down winding crown and a TUDOR rose in the relief. The watch also has an anodized (black) aluminum winding crown tube.

Rolex Explorer

This list won’t be complete if we fail to mention a luxury watch from Rolex. The brand is one of the timepieces regarding high-end and pricier designs. Also, the watch comes with a stainless steel case and a bracelet of a similar design to match. The watch also has a fixed stainless steel bezel, silver-tone hands (luminous), and index markers. 

You will find Arabic numerals on the three, six, and nine o’clock positions. Additionally, the watch has minute markers around the watch’s outer rim. This watch has an analog dial with a Rolex caliber 3230 automatic movements. Also, the watch has an impressive 70-hour power reserve which sounds about right for a timepiece of such caliber. 

The watch features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a screw-down crown. Additionally, the watch has a solid case back and a round case shape with a case size of 36mm. This watch has a water resistance of 100m which is not impressive. However, given that it is not for diving, we can say the resistance is quite suitable. 

Nomos Ludwig 33

This watch has perfect proportions, classic beauty, and an inner depth housed in a smaller 33mm case. The watch has a NOMOS caliber Alpha hidden beneath a white dial. Additionally, the watch has an analog display with Roman numerals. The watch hands come from tempered blue steel, while the strap comes from velour leather—this watch suits all delicate wrists and matches all kinds of wears.

Oris Divers Sixty Five

This timepiece has a multi-piece stainless steel case with a diameter of 36mm. Also, the watch contains a minutes scale top ring and a top glass made from sapphire crystals. The top glass has an anti-reflective coating inside and is domed on both sides. 

The watch’s case back features a stainless steel material and unique engravings. Also, the watch has a stainless steel security crown and an inter-horn width of 17mm. You can enjoy the automatic winding movement with this watch. The Oris Divers Sixty Five has a blue dial display and a rubber strap for convenience.

Buying Guide

Our review considers some of the best watches for thin wrists. However, even with this list, you will find several exciting choices. Hence, picking the best timepiece could pose a serious problem for you. We understand how challenging it is to choose a watch that suits your every need. Thus, we have outlined this detailed buying guide to help you make the best decisions when buying timepieces for small wrists.

Consider the Wrist Size

The first thing you need to consider before buying a watch for your wrist type is the size. All timepieces have wrist sizes. Hence, you must check your wrist size before picking a watch that best suits you. The wrist size for watches is usually the case diameter. You must purchase wristwatches with a smaller case diameter if you have a smaller wrist. These wristwatches will better fit your hand than those that make your wrist and arm look smaller.

Leverage Reputable Brands

Several reputable wristwatch brands produce the best timepieces for small wrists. You need to patronize such brands to get the best out of the product you want to purchase. If you want a budget wristwatch for your small wrist, you could consider the best Casio watch for small-wrist males. Additionally, these brands have watches for thin-wrist female timepiece enthusiasts. If you love luxury watches, you can consider Rolex and other reputable brands that have built a reputation in the luxury watch industry.

Check the Prices

You can find several wristwatches to buy depending on your budget. You can get budget timepieces that cost less than $50. Also, you can obtain luxury watches that cost more than $10,000, depending on your budget. We have included several categories of watches for small wrists in our review. You can review these choices to select a watch that fits your budget.

Consider the Purpose

We usually buy watches for various reasons. There are dress watches, business timepieces, and watches you wear for sport. Each timepiece has unique features that make it stand out. It will not be nice to wear a sports wristwatch to a business meeting and vice versa. Always pick a watch that speaks well of the occasion you want to attend. Also, you can select multipurpose watches that you can use for various events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which watch is best for a small wrist

There are many good wristwatches for small wrists. The choice of the best timepiece for you depends on your preference, the occasion, and your budget. We have included watches at different prices and other events on our list. You can select any of them depending on these factors.

Do watches look good on small wrists?

Of course. Watches look good on small wrists when worn correctly. If you have a small wrist, the best timepiece for you is the one with a small case diameter. You cannot, however, wear a watch with a big case as it would make your hand and arms look smaller. Instead, you need to go for a watch with a smaller case diameter. Such watches make your hands look bigger. Additionally, a neatly worn timepiece makes you look bold and confident.

What type of watch suits a thin wrist?

The best type of watch for a thin wrist is one with a small case diameter. Such a wristwatch makes you look more competent and more confident. Additionally, your wristwatch makes you stand out if you wear the correct type of timepiece.

What is a small wrist for a man?

A small wrist is somewhat of a relative term, depending on your height and body frame. A man of height 5′ 5″ has a small wrist size, while men of height 5′ 5″ to 6′ 5″ have medium wrist size.

Conclusion

In our article, we considered the 25 best wristwatches for small wrists. We classified our wristwatches based on small wrist sizes and their prices. Our list contains timepieces from reputable brands. Also, these brands have the best products for men with small wrists. You can obtain watches for as low as $50 or less or as high as $1,000 or more. 

We also included a detailed buying guide and a “frequently asked questions” section to help you gain insight into the best wristwatches for men with small wrists. You can go through our article to select some of the best products you can find on the market.

Cover image courtesy of The Modest Man.