It’s good news if you’re a small-wristed feller. Small-face men’s watches are making a comeback. Here are some great examples.
There is no arguing that men’s fashion trends come and go. Some stick around longer than others. For small-wristed guys, the idea of a small watch face was beginning to feel like a distant dream until recently. There were just so many big and bold designs flooding the market. It limited many options for those who couldn’t carry off the heft and bulk of a big case.
Now, the tides are turning. Men’s small-face watches, whether analog or digital, are back in vogue, and this list has some great examples.
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Small Watches Are Back in Fashion
If you note what A-listers and trend-setters are wearing recently, you’ll notice something. People are wearing smaller-sized watches. Brands are downsizing, and no one is complaining. It seems like downsizing has been a shift that collectors have been eagerly anticipating for some time. It’s big news for us here at The Slender Wrist. Now, with more choices than ever, we’re excited to show you what we’ve been rounding up.
A resurgence in small watches makes it much easier for brands to reinvent popular models from a bygone era. Vintage watches couldn’t be more popular now, and manufacturers are happy about it. In the past, many important horological feats came in small packages. As trends evolved and times moved on, brands began re-issuing collectibles but in bigger, more modern dimensions. Now, they don’t have to. Retro watches from yesteryear now offer a true-to-form size, and even modern watches are slimming down, too!
The Best Small-Face Men’s Watches
There are many small-faced watches for men on the market. If you’re overwhelmed by your choices, you’re certainly not alone. Great news for you: this list of the best men’s watches with small faces covers every price point and every style. At the very least, these picks give you a starting point on your watch hunt. Let’s dive straight in.
1. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical – 38mm
The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical watch is a through-and-through bang-for-your-buck design. It offers the H-10 movement with an 80-hour power reserve, which sits inside a black-coated steel case. This sleek and stealthy number measures 9mm in thickness and 38mm in diameter. A black matte dial creates a superb canvas for the contrasting white lume-coated Arabic numeral hour markers. You also get a 24-hour track and tapering central hands in a beige lume. The hands sit lower into the case because Hamilton paints the numerals onto this dial. This assists with the watch’s thin case profile. Also, check out the ultra-cool NATO strap on this watch!
2. Seiko SRPK29 – 38mm
The Seiko SRPK29 is one of very few SKX models that actually measure under 40mm! It’s an absolute gem of a dive watch. Its 44mm lug-to-lug measurement is crucial, allowing the watch to wear much smaller than it looks on paper. My article outlining how to measure a watch case correctly explains how variables in case measurements significantly impact the wrist. A diameter alone does not tell the whole story of how a watch will wear once on the wrist. It’s important to remember this when measuring your wrist size, too. The lug-to-lug of the Seiko SRPK29 saves it from becoming a bulky tonneau-shaped piece of metal on the wrist. Instead, it’s an excellent fit for a small wrist.
It typifies the SKX look with a clean, legible black dial layout. It also features a day-date window, Hardlex glass, and lume-coated hands and hour markers. The easy-grip bezel is unidirectionally rotating, and the steel case is 100 meters water resistant. A see-through case back exposes an automatic movement through the rear, complete with a 41-hour power reserve. The solid links of the steel bracelet are sturdy and very Seiko-like, with two adjustment positions offering plenty of flexibility.
3. Zenith Defy Revival – 37mm
A throwback to the 60s is just what any retro dive watch collector calls for. What’s more, the dimensions of this Zenith Defy Revival watch are true to the original, with an impressively compact 37mm diameter. This is a watch for serious divers. It has a 600-meter water-resistant capability, a vibrant black and orange colorway, and a tinted orange sapphire bezel insert. The Elite 670 automatic movement sits inside this steel case, storing a 50-hour power reserve within its barrel. The offset crown and vivid, punchy hour hands in orange are winning features in this design.
4. Timex Expedition Field Mechanical – 38mm
Timex is a go-to brand for affordability, but it is genius that it offers a mechanical field watch in a 38mm housing. We reviewed the Timex Expedition Scout and thought it was a functional, bang-for-your-buck timepiece.
I love the grainy texture of the matte black dial, and splashes of orange Timex chooses for the hour locations. Its traditional military-inspired design will appeal to field watch lovers of every kind. The compact steel case has a matte finish to enhance a tool-like aesthetic, and I love the leather strap. This is an Ecco™ DriTan™ band that, as its name suggests, reflects eco-friendly manufacturing methods.
The quality of a Timex watch can sometimes disappoint collectors, but the brand pulls out all the stops with its Expedition Field Mechanical. Lastly, a sapphire glass front protects 12 Arabic numeral hour markers and an additional 24-hour track in true field watch style.
5. Longines Spirit – 37mm
The Longines Spirit doesn’t exactly recreate a heritage timepiece (though other examples in its catalog do that). Moreover, it pays homage to the spirit of aviation and its contribution to the industry. The watch sports a 37mm diameter and features a steel case that frames a deep blue dial.
The polishing and brushing on the case evoke aviation vibes, but it’s pretty clear this design is modern. The five stars on the dial symbolize the COSC certification of the movement that sits within this 100M case. The blue leather band with white contrast stitching down the side is durable and classic. This feature alone gives you the option to pair it with most wardrobes. You can dress it up in sophisticated attire or dress it down for the weekend with jeans.
6. Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical – 36mm
Tonneau-shaped watches are awesome at bringing dimensions in. They feature the all-important tapering at the end of the case. This clean-looking pilot’s watch has some retro charm about it. Its design is reminiscent of a much earlier pilot watch Hamilton gave to the British Royal Air Force in the 1970s. It’s a perfect 36mm size, sporting a matte white dial and a great NATO strap that’s ideal for the summer. I like the Hamilton Khaki Aviation’s black railroad-style hour track and the fact it sits in the sub-$1000 category.
7. Lorier Falcon SIII – 36mm
I could forgive you for mistaking this watch for an Omega Seamaster at first glance. The similarities lie in the hour markers and the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock markers at the cardinal points. However, New York-based Lorier is an affordable brand that creates stylish timepieces that deliver a lot for their price. The design boasts a nice balance between dressy and sporty. I particularly like the signature honeycomb dial texture in black.
The Lorier Falcon SIII watch measures 44 mm lug-to-lug and features a 20mm strap width. The latter gives you plenty of scope to switch things up with a different strap style. The Falcon brings back an era of debonair exploration, boasting many cool old-school features like the Hesalite crystal. It’s clear that Loerier wants to revitalize that era when rugged tool-like companions became dress watches. The Falcon SIII is an excellent example of fusing yesteryear charm with modern practicality.
8. Nomos Club Ref 701.1 – 36mm
Nomos Club watches are fun because they often play with color, though not in the usual way. Take, for example, this Nomos Club Ref 701.1. The 36mm watch features red-filled central hands that illuminate the same color as the Arabic numeral hour markers. This is an unusual feature since the Arabic numerals differ in appearance and color. The case of this watch boasts classic Nomos thinness—the lugs curve, enabling them to hug the wrist. And Nomos experts finish it on a comfortable leather band that looks classic and old-fashioned (but in a good way).
As is the norm for a Nomos Club, the small seconds take up residence at their familiar 6 o’clock location. With many unique attributes, the watch draws from Bauhaus inspiration to bring timekeeping to life in the dial. Even the movement is unique since the Alpha Calibre was the brand’s first in-house creation. Nomos prices this hand-wound movement so affordably, and based on what it offers, this is excellent value for money. I personally love Nomos; they’re my favorite brand. But even those unfamiliar with the German watchmaker couldn’t fault this design.
9. Oris x Cervo Volante Big Crown – 38mm
Are you looking for a classic watch with a shot of color and a twist of retro? The Oris Big Crown offers that in a compact 38mm steel case. This edition in light blue features a deer leather strap that Oris sources sustainably from Cervo Volante.
The company focuses on a Swiss population control program that aligns with Oris’ Change for the Better campaign. A sapphire crystal dome top protects cathedral hands, a date ring, a date pointer hand, and a fluted bezel. Its bright blue dial is hard to miss and makes timekeeping easy and fun. The signature red rotor is also visible through an exhibition case back in true Oris style. What’s not to love? It’s bright, eco-friendly, compact, and stylish.
10. TUDOR Black Bay 36 – 36mm
Ok, the Black Bay 36 may not feature the unidirectional rotating bezel of its larger siblings like the Black Bay GMT. But it does capture all the lovable qualities of this favorite collectible. You can pick up a timepiece like this for a much more wallet-friendly price than the Rolex Sub. The 36mm blue model features a stainless steel bracelet with a TUDOR-engraved clasp and 100 meters of water resistance. Quality materials and features continue with a screw-own crown, sapphire glass front, and COSC-certified movement.
This is often what I refer to as a weekend-friendly watch. You can take it off on Friday evening and return to it on Monday morning, and it won’t miss a beat. One of the most attractive features of the Black Bay is snowflake hands. In this reference, TUDOR offsets them beautifully against a blue dial, treating them with a generous coating of luminous material.
FAQs:
These FAQs cover some important facts and information about small watches and what case size may suit you.
What Watch Size Is Best for Small Wrists?
The best watch size for small male wrists is anywhere between 34mm and 40mm. Unfortunately, those sitting towards the bottom end tend to lean towards the more female designs. It makes shopping for small watches particularly challenging if you’re a guy. Remember that if a lug-to-lug measurement is not too large, even a 40mm model can wear much smaller.
Are Small Face Watches in Style?
Yes, small-face men’s watches are both trendy and stylish. The transition from large to small began in 2023, with noteworthy brands making the bold leap first. Many mid-range brands soon followed. Small watches offer many advantages for the modern wrist. Some blend vintage elements with simple, minimalist dials, promising comfort for all-day wear. Others are Bauhaus-inspired or clean and contemporary.
Is a 32mm Watch Too Small for a Man?
Whether 32mm is too small for a man’s wrist is a matter of personal preference. Men’s watches tend to occupy the 38mm+ range, while anywhere between 34 and 40mm is ideal for smaller wrists.
Closing Thoughts
Remember, shopping for small-face men’s watches is about more than just case diameter. An ideal lug-to-lug measurement is around 75-90% of the overall width of your wrist. Bear in mind that the dial and bezel design can also impact the wrist and how a watch looks and feels.
The excellent news for small-wristed males is that there are now more choices than ever. Brands are beginning to realize the demand for sub-40mm watches and are broadening their offerings considerably. Here’s the bottom line. You don’t need a big watch to look manly. These gems are fun, compact, functional, and stylish. If you happen to have a wrist diameter that is less than average, don’t worry. It doesn’t make you any less of a man.
I advise getting stuck in and embracing the resurgence of small watches. Stock up with designs like these featured above. After all, who knows when fashion will change again?
What’s your favourite 34-40mm watch? Let us know your sweet spot and what you like to rock on your slender wrist!
