Are you interested in picking up minimalist watches for men? Good idea. Here are some great ones!
There’s no style of watch that’s more versatile than a minimalist one.
They make the perfect everyday timepiece and can be transformed with a change of a strap. (You may be surprised by the subtle but effective change wearing a brown leather strap versus a sleek black one can make.) So, men’s minimalist watches are highly effective for one-watch collections.
Even more, lacking detail doesn’t have to mean the model doesn’t have any personality — as you’ll see from this round-up.
And yes, we love our stark Scandinavian compositions, clean Bauhaus dials, and Jakob Wagner-esque designs. However, they aren’t the only paths to minimalism.
Check out what we’ve got here. You’ll see that there’s a minimalist watch model for every personal style.
Table of Contents
Men’s Minimalist Watches: 15 Choices in 3 Different Categories
Here they are! The best part is that every price point and every style is represented.
Luxury Minimalist Watches
We’re going to start with the investment pieces and then move on to some budget models!
Patek Phillipe Calatrava
The Patek Calatrava is known for its understated silhouette and dial, as well as its elegant contours. It’s a living holdover of the world’s first dress watches, constructed of precious metals like rose gold, yellow gold, and white gold.
Different versions feature different indices, but the batons are definitely the most minimalist and have a similar aesthetic to their sword hands.
- Dimensions: 39mm diameter, 9.24mm thickness
- Case Material: gold
- Water resistance: 30m
In addition to pairing well with literally any outfit, this dress watch is known for being a typically reliable investment.
Omega Geneve
The vintage Omega Geneve plays an important role in the brand’s history. In the ‘50s, the professional trifecta, the Seamaster, Speedmaster, and Railmaster, came out.
The Geneve, meant to represent a stripped-down core Omega, fell out of popularity and into the new line’s shadow. It really should’ve been to Omega what the Oyster Perpetual is to Rolex.
However, it’s the fact it isn’t purpose-built that makes it so versatile. And that it’s elusive to our collective memory makes it seem rarer than it is.
- Dimensions: 35mm diameter, 10.5mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 30m
This beautiful vintage timepiece can be found in secondary markets all over the internet. Sometimes, the price tag is around several thousand, sometimes, it’s as low as $600.
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony
The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony has a similar vibe to the Calatrava but is even more minimal and less ornate.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s still super elegant. But, it features a smaller, close-to-body crown, a straight-forward, non-dimensional bezel, and stick hands. Even the indices are thinner, giving more negative space on the dial and a peppered look.
- Dimensions: 40mm diameter, 6.8mm thickness
- Case Material: Gold
- Water resistance: 30m
It’s a great option if you want a high-class watch that isn’t ornamental at all. Plus, this gold-constructed timepiece is just under 6.8 millimeters thin, sitting comfortably on all wrist sizes.
Longines La Grande Classique
I love how the Longines La Grande Classique shoves just enough secret details into its design while remaining well within the bounds of minimalism.
The Roman indices add a stately touch, but they’re long and constrained enough that they register as abstract rectangles. It also helps that they’re marks, not applications.
Even more, the back is truly beautiful. The lugs and window frame of the exhibition caseback are one piece, creating a hanging aesthetic. And, of course, all of this is the stage for the exquisite multi-layered movement that you can watch in action.
- Dimensions: 38mm diameter, 8.1mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 30m
Two grand is definitely an investment, but you get a lot, considering how minimal the whole construction is.
Oris Art Blakey Limited Edition
The Oris Art Blakey Limited Edition is proof that even with minimal details and elements you can still get an innovative design.
Handset aside, the outer track is all you’ve got here. There are eight claws on the marked circle, and the caseback is shaped like a cymbal.
- Dimensions: 38mm diameter, 10.8mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 30m
It’s simple yet fascinating and flat yet dimensional. Most importantly, it’s as versatile as any minimal watch and can be worn with anything.
Cheap Minimalist Watches
To get a good minimal watch, you don’t have to drop a few grand or even a few hundred. Here are a few elegant timepieces that still deliver the minimalist designs we love.
Skagen Signature Three-Hand
You can always count on the Danish sensibilities of Skagen to serve up a nice, clean, and still interesting timepiece.
This Signature Three-Hand has a line-forward design. This not only makes it incredibly tidy looking but super legible since the indices literally point back at the hands.
- Dimensions: 40mm diameter, 8mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 50m
Even more, the gunmetal construction and bar lugs add a sleek yet strong aesthetic that’s borderline industrial without taking away from its universality.
Mondaine Official Swiss Railway Watch
Based on a classic design, this watch, despite its budget status, has the street cred of being based on the Official Swiss Railway Clock as well as being legitimately Swiss-made.
A national icon in Switzerland, this iconic, blocky composition was designed by Swiss engineer Hans Hilfiker.
It’s one of the most important pieces of 20th-century design and is even included in London’s Design Museum and New York’s Museum of Modern Art.
- Dimensions: 32mm diameter, 8mm thickness
- Case Material: Polyamide
- Water resistance: 100m
And at only 32 millimeters, with a polyamide case, this watch is exceedingly comfortable on small wrists.
Casio MTP-V001D-7B Easy Reader
Imagine pouring the iconic digital square Casio design into a more traditional, round silhouette with an analog dial. That’s what the Casio Easy Reader (MTP-V001D-7B) is — only with extra shine.
The stainless steel bracelet features side links accented with lines towards the center, giving it the strapped-in look of a Seamaster 300 Pro.
- Dimensions: 42mm diameter, 8mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 30m
Between that and the hard-edged Arabic indices, this watch has a borderline sci-fi vibe that makes it fun without taking away from its versatility.
Skagen Aaren Silicone Watch
The Aaren Silicone Watch has that Scandinavian minimalism look to it while also being playful. It’s part of Skagen’s Kulor line, which is a Danish word that translates to “adding color and fun.”
The white version is the cleanest and most adaptable, though it doesn’t lack the liveliness of its brighter-colored counterparts.
It’s a modern yet classic timepiece with cool extra details that are subtle enough to keep the minimalist style.
- Dimensions: 36mm diameter, 8.9mm thickness
- Case Material: Aluminum
- Water resistance: 30m
Some examples include the recessed subdial and sandblasted case. The line as a whole has a delightful Swatch-like collectibility about it.
Unimatic UC2
At a little over $400, the Unimatic UC2 isn’t cheap per se. But it’s well within the affordable category, or at least the reasonable category, considering how much you get out of it. First off, how cool is it that you can get a minimalist dive-style field watch?
It’s not a true diver (nor is it meant to be) since it can’t time ascent and descent. Still, its Submariner-like indices, combined with a robust, pseudo-lugged case design, make it really distinct.
It has a lithe and agile way about it while still being grounded in an athletic and brawny build.
- Dimensions: 38.5mm diameter, 13.5mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 300m
It runs on an automatic movement, has a brilliant lume, and is equipped with a domed, impact-resistant sapphire crystal.
Minimalist Leather Watch
The best thing about minimalist watches is that they can go from everyday watches to dress watches just by switching over to leather straps.
Here are a few models that have de facto leather straps but can also be worn as everyday watches.
Bulova Classic 98A167
This Bulova Classic doesn’t have tons of design elements, but each element that’s there makes a statement. The thin sword hands and doubled-up 12 index are sleek, emanating a warm gold tone.
Meanwhile, the concentric composition on the black dial provides dimensionality and ornateness without going overboard.
It’s the perfect watch for someone who wants pizazz but not loudness. The alligator strap it comes with is okay.
- Dimensions: 40mm diameter, 5.6mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 30m
It’s not bad for the price of the watch, but you can always replace it. Interchangeable straps are a smart way to customize your watches and add variety to your collection.
Timex Marlin
The 34-millimeter Timex Marlin is truly one of our favorites here at TSW (check out the hands-on review here).
From the Art-Nouveau-inspired indices to the silky dial, this watch has an undeniable swank to it. It’s even more impressive that Timex achieves this with such a minimal watch.
- Dimensions: 34mm diameter, 10mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 30m
And as I’ve mentioned in the past, I love the manual-winding movement because it provides tactility and era accuracy. After all, this model is one of Timex’s archive reissues!
Seiko Dolce SACM171
The elegant minimalism of the Dolce is arguably a style the core Seiko no longer offers. Fortunately, this SACM171 is easy to find on the secondary market.
These days, Seiko’s dressier pieces are pretty glitzy (like their Presage line), and their minimal watches are pretty sporty.
Not only is this watch thin and comfortable, but it is likely the most versatile option on the list. Yes, it looks great with its leather strap, but you can also pair it with stainless steel strap options for an elevated pseudo-sporty look.
- Dimensions: 33.5mm diameter, 5.3mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: Splash resistant
This is probably why this model is such a low-key legend.
Stowa Antea 1919
The Stowa Antea 1919 proves that you can rock a leather watch strap without looking dressy. It’s based on some of the original watches developed for the German Air Force in WWII.
The 1919 is a classy everyday watch for those who want an elevated casual look. The silhouette is straightforward, with long, sporty lugs, while the black and white dials add a cool, stark touch. Every element is a literal stick figuration.
- Dimensions: 39mm diameter, 8.2mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 50m
Turn the case around, and you’ll see the beautiful, multi-layered automatic movement, which flaunts golds, silvers, and jewels.
Laco Heidelberg 862094
If you want a minimalist watch with street cred, you can’t go wrong with a classic pilot. The Laco Heidelberg is based on 1940s aviation watches and is practical as it is high-class.
It’s wildly legible, thanks to the blue-highlighted handset, which also adds a pop of color and the Arabic indices.
- Dimensions: 39mm diameter, 12.15mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 100m
On top of that, the onion crown adds elegance and user-friendliness, while the calfskin leather strap is super supple. Did I mention the Swiss automatic movement?
Conclusion
I really hope that was helpful! I know a lot of people can be turned off by the idea of minimalist watches since it’s easy to assume they might not have any character.
But, from the ‘60s swank of the Marlin to the innovative Oris, you now know! Any guy can find a men’s minimalist watch that matches their style and has a universal look.
Do you like minimalism in general or just minimalist watches? Let me know in the comments!
I love watches in general, minimalist ones, too! Great article!
Most are too plain and not worth the money. The Bulova looks quite nice.
The Skagen.… I have two, bought for their colour. I have a bright green one ( to go with my car) and an orange one; also an earlier titanium, minimalist blue faced, two hand model. Also have a red strapped Mondaine.