The struggle is over for small-wristed males. These automatic watches for small wrists are perfect for those measuring between 6.5 and 7.5 inches. Let’s go!
Are you one of the lucky few who attend key watch industry events like Geneva Watch Days and Watches & Wonders? If you are, you may be noticing something.
Watches are getting smaller, and nearly every leading manufacturer is in agreeance with this movement. Large, bold watch designs are downsizing, no matter how influential and powerful, and no one is complaining about them.
Could it be because men aren’t all that comfortable wearing behemoths on their wrists anyway? Possibly so because, believe it or not, men’s wrists aren’t all that big. Fine by us; we’re here for the influx of automatic watches for small wrists.
We’ve been riding the wave of oversized watches for some time now. While some wrists could just about carry off a beefy 45mm model, others were drowning in metal. The struggle might be over because today, there are more choices than ever in the sub-40mm category.
Are you unsure of where to start? We’ve compiled this guide to the best automatic watches for those with small or slender wrists. But before we dive into the details, let’s closely examine the small watch movement.
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Why Are Watch Sizes Getting Smaller?
The transition from large to small watches also has much to do with trends. Smaller watches are just more en vogue these days. Plus, smaller timepieces resonate with those who love to explore and collect vintage watches.
Whether you’re into retro military or vintage dive watches, a true-to-form case size is best. Even hard hitters like Rolex, Breitling, Hublot, and TUDOR are doing well at shaving millimeters of their most collectible timepieces.
It took the industry a long time, but finally, it got the message. We don’t need 45mm watches to justify a higher price tag.
Large watches that feel heavier and bulkier made us subconsciously associate them with better quality. Today, the watch enthusiast wants a cleaner, thinner watch that screams refinement.
Plus, not all wrists can accommodate a massive chunk of metal. Did you know that most men have wrists that measure around 6.5 and 7.5 inches? That’s right, you’re not alone.
Is the Small Watch Trend Here To Stay?
Word is spreading that smaller watches are growing in popularity, and the trend is going nowhere. When industry giants like Rolex make a bold move, we know it means business. Others will naturally follow in its footsteps.
Today, Rolex has many smaller offerings. Take the Explorer ref 124270, for example.
Its small and compact size is perfect for those who struggle to carry this bold tool watch off. Aside from affordability, there’s now less of a need to hunt down Explorer alternatives.
Then, there are examples like Tissot PRX 35. This more affordable steel sports watch is perfectly manageable for slender wrists. It comes with all the features that collectors love about the covetable steel sports watch.
From 40mm watches to unimposing 35mm models, small watches are filling this increasingly popular space by the day. The fact that big Swiss brands are leading the way in this field shows that the trend is not going anywhere.
Automatic Men’s Watches for Small Wrists
Automatic men’s watches for small wrists remain the apple of many collectors’ eyes. In particular, they appeal to those who love to collect vintage-inspired timepieces.
The trouble is that although many look vintage-infused, they rarely measure and wear that way.
Over the last 18 months, however, manufacturers have been honing in on the advantages that small watches bring to the table. Here are some excellent examples of brands getting it right.
1. Certina DS Action Diver 38 Powermatic 80
One thing that makes an automatic diver watch seamless underwater is a lightweight case. Certina produces the popular DS Action Diver 38mm in a titanium exterior, promising all-around comfort.
The DS Action Diver watch has long been a favorite of dive watch collectors.
Its contemporary and compact design promises legibility through luminous blue markers and hands. They combine beautifully with the dark luster of the model’s titanium case and bracelet.
This superb automatic dive watch promises 300-meter water resistance, a sapphire glass front, and an aluminum bezel with unidirectional rotation.
Moreover, the “DS” refers to Certina’s exceptional Double Security concept. It promises superior capability, even in the most challenging of conditions.
2. Junghans Max Bill Kleine
If you love Bauhaus-inspired wristwatches, Junghans is your brand. Moreover, you can enjoy a mix of alluring German aesthetics and a minimalist design language in compact proportions.
This model measures a discreet 34mm and looks just as masculine as its counterparts for larger wrists.
This size precisely mirrors an original design from the year 1961. A sapphire crystal glass front, date display, and clean, minimalist dial are some of the watch’s best attributes.
The Junghans Max Bill Kleine is any slender-wristed man’s best friend. This small automatic watch features the self-winding Calibre J800.1 at its center.
This silver-dialed model secures comfortably to the wrist with a classic brown leather strap, perfectly finishing its timeless look.
3. Nomo Club Sport Neomatik Petrol
Take in all 37 millimeters of this super sporty Nomos watch from the Club collection. Imbued with so much classic, sporty character, the watch boasts a petrol green dial that looks the bomb!
It features a round stainless steel case that perfectly reflects its proportions. Inside the Nomos Club Sport watch is the in-house Calibre DUW 3001, which loses no time thanks to its Swing System escapement.
Nomos is a go-to brand for slender proportions and clean, minimalist styling. It’s my ultimate favorite brand for many reasons. For other small Nomos watch designs, look to collections like the Minimatik and Orion.
4. Tudor Heritage Black Bay 36
The best part about Rolex’s little brother, Tudor, is that you often get Rolex-level timepieces at lower prices.
They make for great, affordable Rolex alternatives. On top of that, you can enjoy Tudor-specific design features in more compact dimensions. The Heritage Black Bay 36 features a mesmerizing deep blue dial with the iconic “Snowflake” hands.
This versatile watch benefits from the accuracy of a tried-and-tested movement. The MT5400 is COSC-certified, delivering an impressive power reserve of 70 hours.
Overall, this is a versatile watch. The polishing and satin-brushed finishes across the case and bracelet complete its professional look.
So, if you’re looking for more affordable alternatives to icons like the Submariner, the Black Bay may just be it. The Black Bay has only been around since 2012. But in that short time, it has drastically grown in popularity.
Many versions now make up the collection, including the Black Bay 58. This is another option that promises a small and compact design. The Black Bay 58 is the brand’s most true-to-form size, replicating the look and feel of TUDOR’s first dive watch.
5. Rolex Explorer 36
Speaking of Rolex watches, it may surprise you that the brand offers iconic watches like the Explorer in smaller proportions.
As I mentioned earlier, the 36mm version of the Explorer II is perfect for the outdoorsy type. But it also suits the small-wristed wearer down to a tee.
The watch is classic-looking and very understated. It still features all the favorite design features of its larger counterparts but in a more compact 36mm build.
The Rolex Explorer 36mm has a distinctive black dial with Chromalight luminescence on the hands and hour markers. Its sober, clean lines boast a smooth bezel, perfecting the harmony of the Explorer’s iconic simplicity.
Its Oystersteel case uses 904L stainless steel, a material used extensively in the aerospace and chemical industries. The ingenious design includes a crown-stamped dial and a comfortable Oysterlock mechanism on the bracelet.
Since this is an expensive option on this list of the best small automatic watches, expect some premium features. These include an Oysterlock folding clasp with an EasyLink comfort extension link for extending the strap by 5mm.
6. Bell & Ross BR V1-92 Military
With dimensions of 38mm in diameter, the Bell & Ross BR V1-92 Military packs in a ton of military-infused elements. Its black dial has white double-digit numerals and beige Super-LumiNova hands. This is a perfect option if you love military tool watches but usually struggle to find a small enough size.
This model promises 100 meters of water resistance, a curved sapphire glass front, and a smart brown calfskin strap. Bell & Ross breaks the mold with this watch as experts in crafting military and aviation instruments.
The brand shows it’s more than just the manufacturer of the iconic circle-within-a-square watch. And since square and rectangular watches can overpower the wrist, this sub-40mm option is perfect for smaller wrist sizes.
Affordable Automatic Watches for Small Wrists
Half the battle in acquiring a small wristwatch is finding an affordable option. These mid-range and budget-friendly options should suffice for those who can’t afford to drop thousands on a high-end investment.
If, like me, you’ll dig these affordable automatic watches for small wrists.
1. Timex Giorgio Galli Automatic Watch
A 38mm automatic watch from Timex is pretty simple and affordable. The design is compact and refined, bridging the gap between classic and contemporary.
This model features a fully custom stainless steel case design and a dome-shaped sapphire top. It also features a deep blue dial with thin, simple stick indexes for easy timekeeping.
This is the kind of watch you can wear with a sweater during winter. On summer evenings, however, its simplistic design will effortlessly complement a cotton shirt. Timex keeps costs low by outsourcing third-party movements.
Examples include Miyota movements, which are often the first choice for reliability.
This watch is the result of design director Giorgio Galli. Using his creative vision, the model promises quality, accessibility, and a great design. Its soft synthetic rubber strap in blue is comfortable enough for daily wear.
Look closer at the dial; you’ll see a synthetic red sapphire stone set in the Atlantic Blue dial.
This detail will catch your eye each time you reference the time. Moreover, the back of the case affords a clear view of the automatic movement as it performs effortlessly behind a sapphire glass.
2. Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 Watch
If you’re looking for a classic gentleman’s wristwatch, you should focus on affordable Tissot models like this Le Locle model.
Tissot has been making timepieces since the late 1800s and prides itself on classic, timeless designs. If you’re wondering if Tissot watches are good, we’re happy to announce that the brand makes a good watch.
This particular model has a 39.5mm case and a textured pattern on the inner dial section. Roman numerals feature around the hour track, while the Powermatic 80 movement effortlessly propels a set of leaf-shaped hands.
The engine produces a useful power reserve of 80 hours. The watch features a 7-link stainless steel bracelet, lending itself an extra layer of refinement.
3. Hamilton Khaki Field Murph
Large, hefty modern-day military watches are a thing of the past. Hamilton keeps it real with a five-star field watch. It ticks all the necessary boxes in a legible, practical daily timekeeping tool.
Take, for example, its rich black dial featuring luminous cathedral hands, this time without the 24-hour track.
Offering even greater value for money is the H-10 Calibre. Not only does it provide an 80-hour power reserve, but it also features a Nivachron balance spring. This component resists the negative impacts of magnetic damage on the movement.
What I really love about this design is its beige-colored triangular hands. They harken back to a bygone era of military tools used during World War II. This is a great automatic watch for small wrists, measuring 38mm.
Its steel case features a traditional-looking black leather band with retro-white contrast stitching. It uses an H-engraved steel pin buckle to secure it comfortably around the wrist.
4. Seiko SNKK71K1
For under $200, you can pick up a robust and reliable automatic watch from one of the best Japanese watch brands: Seiko. This model is a 30-meter water-resistant steel companion with a 38mm diameter.
Its round case is perfect for small wrists and features a polished bezel, elevating it to dress watch level by night.
I like that the stainless steel bracelet adds another layer of versatility to this design. You can wear it every day of the week, whether dining out or attending a work meeting.
The hard-wearing parts of Seiko’s in-house automatic movements ensure longevity and high performance. This design is a day-date complication, enabling you to track the passing days of each month easily.
The Takeaway
Don’t worry if you’re a smaller-wristed male navigating through oceans of massive mechanical timepieces. The struggle is over. More and more brands are releasing smaller, compact designs for people like you to enjoy.
Even brands that build their fame on aggressive, in-your-face designs are joining the party.
Hopefully, this list of the best automatic watches for small wrists has given you many ideas for your next purchase. Small watches are no longer passé; they’re part of a new wave – a new movement.
Between the demand for authentic reissues and new, trendy classics, it’s an excellent time to be a small-wristed watch collector.
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Thanks for including a couple inexpensive ones for us proletariats to consider!
Thank you very much for this good explanation. It’s really a nice and helpful piece of info. I’m happy that you shared this helpful information with us.
The Speedmaster 321 is a manual wind, always has been.
Great list, thank you! Finding good looking new men’s/unisex watches under 40 mm is not easy, and under 38 mm is very hard indeed.