5 Best Ultra Thin Watches for Men and Women in 2023

The goal of making ultra-thin watches has been pursued for decades, but the effort accelerates in recent years. We can’t deny that sometimes the information about watch thickness often slips away. Compared to the diameter measurement, people mostly ignore how thick a timepiece is considering a watch size. Meanwhile, thickness is an important factor to consider in how comfortable the watch is once it’s strapped on the wrist.

So, what’s the deal about having the best thin watches in your collection? Simply, I would say that thin watches are a good example of the intricacy of making a timepiece. Basically, we’re not only talking about how slim or dressy the watch is and how comfortable they are — it’s also about appreciating the craftsmanship in making one.

It’s still a wondrous thing to amaze at how watchmakers put every part and cram them in a small space behind a watch dial. The mainspring and gears should be put in such a way that they can work appropriately. At the same time, the watchmakers also need to consider the slim design to make it looks appealing and elegant.

That said, it’s always an interesting topic to revisit and compile a collection of ultra-thin watches for men and women. A slim packaging that carries a passion for watchmaking, let’s take a variety of options for thin watches in this article.

What Makes Ultra-Thin Watches?

Explaining the name, most of us can easily grasp the idea that thin watches are timepieces with little thickness. But, how thin is it? In fact, there isn’t any exact measurement for a timepiece called a thin watch. Anyone can have their own definition to categorize a thin watch, such as based on the comfortability when the watch is worn.

Some others might also define thin watches with a wristwatch that can easily slip under a tight-fitting dress. However, the majority of people in the watchmaking industry come to the settlement that it should be in single-digit millimeters. That said, a timepiece that measures maximally 10mm (from crystal to the bottom case) can be considered a thin watch.

As for this article, the list will be limited to only mechanical watches (manual- and self-winding), meaning that quartz watches are excluded. For me, the beauty and value of ultra-thin watches heavily rely on how the watchmakers make a delicate timepiece while stuffing every movement part in a small space.

On the other hand, quartz watches are indeed already thinner as it only uses a battery without complex parts (gears and springs). So, making bulky quartz watches would sound quite unnecessary. Therefore, to give a special appreciation to mechanical timepieces engineering for making thin watches, this article will focus on them.

5 Stunning Ultra-Thin Watches for Women and Men

Along with the emerging thin watches trend in the market, there are a lot of options you can choose from. Here, Gnomon has compiled some of the best thin watches. Check out the list.

1. Mido Baroncelli Smiling Moon Gent Blue Ref. M027.407.11.040.00

A smiling Moon pattern with a chic and cool appearance, who can expect that the watch only measures 7.3mm in thickness? The Mido Baroncelli Smiling Moon Gent Blue showcases a fascinating view through its watch dial. The smiling Moon is actually Mido’s unique way to display the moonphase on the dial. Featuring a blue-grained dial, the dial does show a splendid view of the night sky.

Talking about its dimension, the watch is incredibly wonderful, especially considering how Mido can keep the automatic moonphase movement so thin. Lies inside this thin watch is the Automatic Mido Caliber 72 that runs the overall function, including operating the rotating disc that reveals the eight main phases of the Moon.

2. Ball Watch Co. Fireman Victory Ladies Silver

Finished to a high standard, the next thin watch on the list comes from Ball Watch with the Fireman Victory Ladies Silver. Appeared in a tough and understated appearance, the watch boasts its tritium gas tubes for a bright glow in the dark. Powered by Ball RR1103 automatic movement, it is delicately packaged inside a small case that measures only 10.4mm in thickness.

That makes this thin watch suitable for daily occasions, especially considering its simple and minimalist look. Meant for daily wear, you can still expect robustness despite its dressier outlook. To further enhance the watch, it comes with a polished bezel that has a bevel with a sapphire crystal attached to it. It’s classic and minimalist but reliable enough for your daily buddy.

3. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Handwinding Bronze

The next timepiece would be one of the best thin watches for men with its bold-looking yet handy dimensions. The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Handwinding Bronze is meant to be a reliable field watch – as indicated by the name. Yet, it doesn’t stop Hamilton to design the watch in a delicate size to further show its craftsmanship.

Looking all bronze, the watch measures 38mm in diameter, 47mm lug to lug, and 9.5mm in thickness. Interesting right? Within these dimensions, the thin watch houses the Hamilton H-50 movement with an incredible 80 hours of power reserve. Paired with a brown Nato strap, the watch has a complete look to be all-classy outside yet modern inside.

4. Hamilton Jazzmaster Thinline Auto

Still with the Hamilton edition but it’s getting thinner. The Hamilton Jazzmaster Thinline Auto comes with dressier and slimmer dimensions. It measures 40mm in diameter and only 8.5mm in thickness which makes it looks more slender than the previous one.

The watch also appears in a simple look and warm color hues, allowing the wearer to match it with any style. Inside this thin watch runs an automatic 2892-A2 movement that offers 42 hours of power reserve. As for durability and reliability, you can always expect Hamilton for the best despite a dressier look.

5. Nomos Glashuette Tangente Neomatik 177

A midnight blue dial, slim hands, and markers make this ultra-thin watch for men appears more modern. Along with this dandy appearance, the Nomos Glashuette Tangente 177 is paired with a black leather strap to further enhance its style. The watch measures 35mm in diameter yet is so thin at only 6.9mm in thickness giving a more comfortable wrap on the wrist.

At the heart of the watch is the DUW 3001 automatic caliber that fits delicately under the Bauhaus-inspired dial. It gives power reserve for up to 42 hours with reliability and accuracy. Along with its understated aesthetics, this thin watch for men can give you the finest definition of a fashion statement.

A Slim Profile for An Elegant Style

Thin watches do indeed invite an interesting and distinctive persona for the wearer. Not only that they appear slim but also have a minimalist design that tends to follow this type of watch. In addition to that, ultra-thin watches also give a good resemblance to what watchmaking is about – the level of intricacy and passionate effort in assembling a timepiece.

It’s more about the value that I dear so much about thin watches. Looking at how the intricate movements are crammed inside a small space yet still showcasing a delicate beauty. That said, have you considered grabbing one for your collection?

You might also like: 10 Best 38 mm Men’s Watches for A Mighty and Proportional Look