22 Best Ultra Thin Watches at all Price-Points
There are times when you want your watch to stand out and there are others when it’s better to be discreet and hidden. Maybe you have an important business meeting and your thicker watches won’t fit in your suit sleeve. Maybe you’re a woodworker and your thicker watches could get caught in your tools. Or perhaps you merely prefer lightweight watches and enjoy slimmer, slender profiles for maximum comfort.
Regardless of the reason, thin watches are essential in everyone’s collection. As if on trend with society’s relationship with technology, numerous watchmakers have devoted themselves to creating thinner or more minimalistic watches in the twenty-first century. We applaud watchmakers for their work in this arena as we are big fans of ultra-thin watches. To that end, here are a few of our favorites. These are not contenders for the title of “world’s thinnest watch;” instead, these are watches in a variety of budgets that are slimmer than about 7.5mm (though a couple are a fraction of a mm over). Here are - in our opinion - 20 of the best ultra-thin watches around, not in any particular order.
Citizen Eco-Drive One
Historically, solar-powered watches trended on the thicker side because of the movement’s necessary components. However, Citizen - one of the frontrunners of the technology - has done the impossible by creating a solar movement that is just 1mm thick. Since creating this masterpiece, Citizen unleashed it in a collection of watches with a total thickness of 2.98mm to 3.88mm - and at a reasonable price too. While the styles vary slightly, they would likely all be considered dress watches by their simple hour indices, or Roman numeral hour markers. The timepieces in the collection either include integrated bracelets or leather straps and run for an incredible 12 months on a charge with an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month. Citizen’s Eco-Drive One collection ranges from $2,995 to $4,750 USD.
Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Manual
What does innovation in luxury watches look like? The Piaget Altiplano is a perfect example of innovation. Piaget changed the rules of the game with its 900P ultra-thin movement - a unique way of powering the 2.00mm thick watch where most of the movement’s mechanics are integrated into the dial instead of being contained beneath it. The unique movement leads to a unique timepiece, with an impressive 48-hour power reserve - a solid feat for an ultra-thin watch. Piaget’s Altiplano Ultimate Manual watch includes a smaller dial set on the face of the watch originating from the 10 o’clock position, as the face of the watch shares real estate with the movement’s baseplate, gears and jewels. The Altiplano starts at $33,500 USD.
Tissot T-Classic Tradition 5.5
From Swiss watchmaker Tissot came a surprising timepiece. Why is it surprising? Tissot has produced an ultra-thin watch at 5.2mm with a Swiss-made quartz movement, a classy design, and a price tag within most any budget. As one could expect from the title “Tradition,” the T-Classic embraces a traditional dress watch aesthetic. Most watches in the T-Classic collection sport a simple dial, inclusive of Roman numerals and straightforward hour indices. The T-Classic utilizes a 39mm, 316L stainless steel case and a leather strap. Perhaps the best feature of the T-Classic is its retail price, which starts at $375 USD.
Breguet Classique 5157 Ultra Slim
Tenured companies are not often known for innovation but Breguet has done just that. Introducing the Classique 5157 from a nearly 250 year-old Swiss watchmaker. In the Classique, traditional, dress watch style meets ultra-thin mechanical timekeeping in a 5.4mm timepiece. The Classique is available in an 18k white, rose, and yellow gold case. All variants have a dial that is the perfect blend between simple and complex; Roman numeral indices surround a textured dial center that is only interrupted by blue metal hands. Breguet’s Classique 5157 retails for $19,800 USD.
A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin
Another entry with 18k gold, the Saxonia Thin by A. Lange and Sohne is a beauty with a minimalist design. This German-made powerhouse sits at just under 6mm (5.9) yet has a phenomenal power reserve of 72 hours. Available in 3 colorways, the pink gold variant and one of the white gold varieties feature an argente-colored dial that the watchmakers craft from solid silver. The third colorway is really impressive - a dial made of silver but with a dark-blue gold flux to give the appearance of a starry night. To appeal to as many watch aficionados as possible, the Saxonia Thin is available in 37mm and 39mm case sizes. A. Lange & Sohne’s Saxonia Thin retails at $23,500 USD for the argente-colored dials on brown leather strap and price is available upon request for the dark blue.
Nomos Glashutte Tangente 35 and 38
Also hailing from Germany, Nomos Glashutte excels in the minimalist look. With that in mind, Nomos has created the Tangente collection. Dials on the Tangente models include numbers at the 2, 4, 8, 10, and 12 marks as well as simple indices at the remaining hours and minutes. At the 6 mark is a minimal seconds subdial. Both the 35mm and 38mm models are less than 7mm thick, coming in at 6.6mm and 6.8mm respectively. Nomos Glashutte’s manual Alpha movement powers the Tangente and has a power reserve of 43 hours. The Tangente retails for $1,900 USD.
Nomos Glashutte Tetra Neomatik 39
In the event that you’re looking for an ultra-thin square watch, Nomos Glashutte has you covered. With its Tetra Neomatik 39, Nomos presents a similar design scheme to the Tangente discussed above but in a square case. This watch has 33mm of edge length, a 46mm diagonal diameter, and a thickness of just 7.3mm. Nomos produced the Tetra Neomatik 39 in 3 colorways - all in various shades of silver and black. Each of the timepieces includes a pop of color, the specifics of which depend on the colorway. As in the Tangente above, the Tetra includes an automatic movement with a 43-hour power reserve. The Nomos Glashutte Tetra Neomatik 39 retails for $3,980 USD.
Cartier Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat
From the world’s frontrunner of square and rectangular watches comes an ultra-thin watch with an atypical shape. The Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat watch combines a square and a circle in something of a rounded square, the case of which is 39mm wide, 6.6mm thick, and is made of steel. This timepiece stands out not just because of the case shape, but also because of its intricate dial - a dial done in a silver color but with a patterned center and seconds subdial. Standing against the silver of the dial are the blue hands, blue alligator-skin strap, and the blue synthetic spinel on the octagonal crown. This rarity from Cartier retails for $7,880 USD.
Nordgreen Native
Out of Copenhagen comes a classic Scandinavian design in an ultra-thin package. Meet the Nordgreen Native. A versatile watch, the Native is available in 4 different case sizes - 28mm, 32mm, 36mm, and 40mm. Case thickness varies with the increasing cases, which are 6.7mm, 7mm, 7.6mm, and 8.35mm. A masterpiece of simplicity, the Native only has plain hour indices and a logo exposed most of the time. As a fun nod to higher complexity watches, the Native has minute marks that only appear when exposed to direct light. To keep the Native an entry-level watch for any budget, Nordgreen uses a Japanese quartz movement. The Native retails for just $189 USD.
Bering Ultra Slim
Bering finds its inspiration from Danish minimalism and Arctic beauty. In its Ultra Slim collection, Bering reduces thickness to just 4.8mm - 7mm, depending on the model. Many of Bering’s Ultra Slim models have a simple appearance and feature a colored sunray-style or textured pattern dial. Some models include a date window while others maintain the single timekeeping function. The Ultra Slim models are available in a myriad of colorways and case sizes, from 39mm - 42mm diameters. Beyond the minamilist look, perhaps the best feature of the Ultra Slim: they start at just $179 USD.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Date
From Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre - a watch company renowned for its timeless style - comes an ultra thin model that perfectly merges the classic and the modern. Meet the Master Ultra Thin collection. While many of the models in the collection are over our maximum thickness by 1-2mm, the Master Ultra Thin Date is our favorite as it measures just 7.8mm. The stainless steel case of the Date perfectly complements the silver sunray-style dial as well as the silver hour indices. This watch has “professional” metaphorically written all over it due to its discreet yet classy approach to timekeeping. Unlike some date models, the Ultra Thin Date does not call much attention to its date, keeping in style with the other elements of the watch. The Master Ultra Thin Date retails for $9,550 USD.
Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955
No frills added, minimalistic watch? Yes. Once the world’s thinnest mechanical watch? Also yes! We’re talking about the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955. Introduced in 2010, it was the thinnest mechanical watch in the world upon its launch, landing at 4.1mm thick. Swiss-made ingenuity at its finest, the 1955 includes a movement that is just 1.64mm thick. Due to its thin size, the 1955 has a 31-hour power reserve. The Historiques Ultra-Fine includes a pink gold case, at a diameter of 36mm. Said pink gold complements the dial to help the watch flow seamlessly from dial to case. While this may not be the flashiest watch, it is incredibly well-made and it will excel in being a discreet business watch in 18k pink gold. The Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955 has been discontinued, but you can find it on the secondary market for around $26,000 USD.
Cartier Prive Cloche de Cartier
While many of the models we’ve discussed have a few elements in common, this timepiece is a class by itself. Introducing the one-of-a-kind Cartier Prive Cloche de Cartier, landing at 6.2mm thick. Even if this wasn’t an ultra-thin watch, it would find its way on many collectors’ list because of its case distinct shape, dial orientation, and rarity. The distinguishing feature of the Cloche collection is that the watch is “sideways” on the wrist, meaning the 12 o’clock hour mark is on the traditional 3 o’clock position, the 6 is on the traditional 9 o’clock mark, etc. To complete the look, the crown remains at traditional position but that is the 12 o’clock hour on the Cloche - essentially on top of the watch face. All elements work together to give the appearance of a vintage clock and the timepiece is available in a variety of case materials and colorways. If you are looking for a little sophistication, this is the watch for you. The Cloche de Cartier starts at $36,200 USD.
Hamilton Jazzmaster Thinline Small Second Quartz
Hamilton - one of today’s most popular watch brands - is not known for thin cases. As the brand has become known for its military and utility watches, most of its men’s models range from 9-12mm thick. But Hamilton has a few tricks up its sleeve with the Jazzmaster Thinline. Utilizing a quartz movement to keep the cost of the ultra-thin watch low, the Jazzmaster Thinline Small Second is an impressive blend between modern and military styles. In terms of dial design, Thinline Small Second borrows inspiration from a military or pilot’s watch, with large bold 1-12 digits set against a dark background. Available in 3 reflective colorways - blue with leather strap, blue with a stainless steel bracelet, and charcoal with a stainless steel bracelet - the 40mm case ends with a thickness of 7.35mm. The Jazzmaster Thinline Small Second Quartz starts at $575 USD.
Mido Baroncelli Heritage Gent
Swiss watch brand Mido may have made the perfect ultra thin watch - especially if you want colorway choices. Available in 6 colorways comprised of a variety of bracelet / strap options and dial colors of white, black, or rose-gold, the Baroncelli Heritage Gent was made to turn heads. The watch design itself embraces a minimalistic dial - with line hour indices and dot minute markers - as well as a small date window. Mido’s branding is tasteful and does not detract from the dial. To complete the timepiece, the hands are either silver, rosegold, or blue. At 39mm in diameter, 7.3mm in height, and just 51g of weight, the Baroncelli was made for comfort. Also of note, Mido fine-tuned their Mido Automatic ETA Caliber movement to get a solid 42 hours of power reserve from it - and the movement is visible through an exhibition caseback. Mido’s Baroncelli Heritage Gent starts at $1,040 USD.
Junghans Meister Driver Handaufzug
The “Driver” in German watchmaker Junghans’ Meister Driver Handaufzug is pays homage to early modern motor vehicles. Thus, with this entry in our ultra-thin watch guide we get a subtle nod to the automotive industry: the dial resembling a vintage speedometer. Meister Driver’s nod continues in its colorway - using a beige color akin to car interiors for the strap, center of the dial, and seconds subdial. The beige is complemented by a charcoal outer dial and stainless steel 37.7mm case. Junghans pulled out all the stops by using its calibre J815.1 automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve yet a total thickness of just 7.3mm. Of note, Junghans also produces a more traditional design with the same thickness in their Meister Handaufzug. The Junghans Meister Driver Handaufzug retails for $1,600 USD.
Chopard L.U.C. XP
Chopard calls its L.U.C. XP timepiece a product of “absolute purity.” The L.U.C. XP is uncluttered and minimalistic - only telling time and doing so without a seconds hand. Reference points at 12, 3, 6, and 9 still make for easy timetelling. Chopard used a satin-brushed blue dial on the L.U.C. X.P. and kept the contrast level high with rose gold accents and hands. The 40mm stainless steel case houses Chopard’s L.U.C. 96.53-L automatic movement, which boasts a 58-hour power reserve. Chopard’s movement includes a tungsten alloy micro-rotor which is visible through a slightly-tinted exhibition caseback. As a worthy ultra-thin watch of the highest craftsmanship, it comes in at a thickness of 7.2mm. Chopard’s L.U.C. XP retails for $9,600 USD.
Rado True Thinline
If you’re looking for a colorful ultra-thin watch or one made out of ceramic, Rado has the collection for you. Introducing the True Thinline collection of watches. Available in a whopping 20 colorways inclusive of collaborations with Great Gardens of the World and Raquel Orozco, the True Thinline is a pretty unique watch collection. Distinguishing traits of the True Thinline include high-tech ceramic cases / bracelets, bright colors (as well as some muted options), and extremely minimalistic dials with only monochromatic hour indices. Measuring 39-40mm in diameter and just 5mm in thickness, the True Thinline models are technically unisex watches so you and your significant other can each snag your favorite color. With the True Thinline collection, Rado pioneered a new technique to make the ceramic cases called monobloc - a process which allowed Rado to create cases without needing to rely on a steel core as they historically had to do. While most all of the True Thinline models are round, there is also a square option available at the same thickness. Rado’s True Thinline starts at $2,100 USD.
Skagen Grenen Ultra Slim
Skagen is known for its thin watches at an entry-level price point and it has recently raised its bar even higher. With the Grenen Ultra Slim, Skagen slips under the 5mm mark with the 4.85mm models. Not only is Skagen bringing consumers and watch fanatics alike an under 5mm ultra slim watch at an entry-level price point, it is also using the watch as a springboard into sustainability. In producing the Grenen Ultra Slim, Skagen uses 50% or more of recycled stainless steel in each case - a fact not many watch brands can say. Grenen Ultra Slim includes Japanese movements and is available in multiple colorways - each embracing the Danish minimalism the brand is known for. If you are looking for an affordable watch with a slim profile, Skagen’s Grenen Ultra Slim retails for $195 USD.
Baume & Mercier 10600
Swiss watchmaker Baume & Mercier entered the ultra slim game with a unique offering that just looks extremely cool. The Baume 10600 has the crown at the 12 o’clock position - a fact that increases an ultra thin watch’s wearability to an even higher level. The 10600 is also unique in that it has extended lugs that give a look you don’t see everyday. Available in 6 colorways, the 10600 features interchangeable straps that are lined with cork for maximum comfort. At 41mm in diameter and 7.56mm thick, the 10600 includes a small seconds subdial and a date window to add functions to the minimalistic timepiece. The Baume retails for $650 USD.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Titanium
How can we leave off one of the most famous ultra thin watches on the market? The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Titanium utilizes Bulgari's signature eigh sided case and bezel. And obviously, as the name suggests, it comes in Titanium, makings ultra thin 5mm thickness especially impressive on a 40mm case size that wears a little bigger due to the octagonal shape. Indeed, the Octo Finissimo is even offered in different metals and even with different complications, such as a chronograph. And the best part, all models are extremely thin. The Octo Finissimo is definitely an industry darling, and this particular variation priced at $19,000 USD.
Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari
When it comes to ultra thin watches, there really is only one king at the moment and we saved the best for last. With a surprise hard launch last year, Richard Mille became the record-holder for the worlds thinnest watch with the UP-01 Ferrari. The watch measures in at an astonishing 1.75mm case height with a 45-hour power reserve and an automatic movement. The UP-01 took over 6000 hours of research and planning, and is built of Grade 5 Titanium. The watch is limited to 150 pieces, and runs $1,800,800 USD.