This guide to the best chronograph watches for small wrists will make your search much easier.
Chronograph watches are the perfect blend of form and function. They look great and can assist you with simple daily tasks, too. We can use chronographs to measure stopwatch timings and speed based on distance. Boiling an egg and need a timer? Use a chronograph. Fancy measuring a lap around the race track? You can do that too! Some even offer a split-second chronograph function. Time the kids simultaneously as they lap the park, and it’s sure to settle a few disputes! Other variations include the Flyback chronograph, which enables you to stop, start, and reset timing with one simple button push.
Chronograph watches are one of the most functional wrist-worn tools you can get. They’re a superb complication to add to your collection, and you can get them in many styles. But some can measure big on the wrist. In this article, I recommend some great chronographs for small wrists. If you’re not yet familiar with how to use one, you may learn a thing or two while you choose!
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Why Chronograph Watches for Small Wrists Are Returning
The one downside to the chronograph design is that it can wear large on the wrist. It’s a type of sports watch that often goes hand-in-hand with bold proportions and a rugged silhouette. Saying that, many brands are realizing the importance of a compact companion for smaller-wristed guys. Moreover, manufacturers enjoy faithfully recreating vintage models from their past. To do this accurately, they need to downsize since many traditional wristwatches measure much smaller than today’s offerings.
So, the bottom line is that small chronograph watches are back in fashion. We are seeing a resurgence in models measuring around the 38-40mm mark, which is great for those with slender wrists. Before we get into these excellent pickings, let’s look at how to choose a small chronograph.
How To Choose a Chronograph for a Small Wrist
If you want to avoid chunky, hefty-looking sports watches, here’s how to do it. First, think about the case size itself. Watches for smaller wrists should measure anywhere between 34mm and 40mm. If you’re unsure of your wrist size, learn how to measure it correctly. Remember that a thicker case on a chronograph will stand out more and hack into cuff space. The thicker the case, the less easily it will slip under an office shirt.
Next, for ideal proportions, aim for a watch band that is half the diameter of the case itself. If you opt for a chronograph on a metal bracelet, one that tapers will help it wear smaller. Remember that the type of strap you choose can also impact how the watch wears and looks on the wrist. A chunky rubber band and a thick bezel on a hefty diver will swamp a small wrist.
Above all, choose a watch that you like the style of. Dial color, functions, case material, and movement type should all factor into your final decision. There are no hard and fast rules on case sizes for specific wrist diameters. You’ll get a feel for a watch when you put it on. A lug-to-lug measurement is often more important than knowing what the case width measures. Generally, an ideal watch case should fill 70-95% of your wrist width and not overspill.
Best Chronographs for Small Wrists
Most chronographs are naturally large, as they typically contain complex movements since their dials display a lot of information. However, guys don’t need to settle for a 44-millimeter behemoth. These sporty designs are perfect for smaller wrists. Let’s take a look at the best chronographs for small wrists.
1. Longines Record Chronograph
Longines manufactures some very classic-looking chronographs. Take this Record Chronograph watch, for example. It features a black dial with gold-colored markings that stand out with excellent contrast. Thanks to its 13 mm thickness, this 40mm model wears comfortably on the wrist. The 30-meter water-resistant watch holds the L895 movement at its center.
The automatic engine beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers a power reserve of 59 hours. A 30-minute and small-second function at 9 and 3 o’clock creates outstanding balance across the dial. Longines experts equip this watch with a tan-brown leather strap to achieve a retro-inspired aesthetic. The contrast white stitching down the edges and traditional pin buckle fastening tastefully combine the design.
2. Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope Day-Date
Bauhaus-inspired wristwatch lovers will enjoy the simple, bezel-less appeal of this Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope watch. The minimalist chronograph presents a 30-minute and 12-hour totalizer on a north-south axis against an anthracite display. Junghans experts give the dial a shot of color with sand Arabic numerals and black-filled day-date functions.
I love the brown calf leather band on this watch, but what’s even nicer are the easy-switch straps. Junghans offers many authentic leather straps to experiment with; you can find these on the brand’s website. But I’d love to see this model on a military Zulu strap for a fun twist. The J880.2 powers the hands around this 40mm chronograph. The automatic movement guarantees all-day accuracy and a 48-hour power reserve.
3. Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC813
As far as small chronograph watches go, this one hits the mark. It measures 39 mm in diameter and promises accurate stopwatch features. The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer is giving me Speedmaster vibes. The sub-counters are legible, and the hands and hour markers are LumiBrite-coated for superior readability. This classic panda dial sits inside a black tachymeter scale for measuring distance based on speed. Seiko opts for sapphire glass over Hardlex crystal in this design, finishing it with a solid steel bracelet.
4. Seagull 1963 Chronograph
It’s the color play I love so much about this small chronograph watch. Look at the vibrant turquoise hands paired with a rustic bronze case. The vibrant chronograph hand is punchy and bold and begs for attention against a retro cream dial. Somehow, this vintage-inspired watch looks faded and aged but resolutely modern. Perhaps because vintage field watches are back in fashion? This one is a harmonious blend of both old and new.
For under $500, the Seagull 1963 chronograph is a rare find. As you’ll guess, it takes inspiration from earlier 1963 chronographs and comes on this stylish red and beige NATO strap. What’s more, this is an ergonomic design. Its 38mm diameter and lug-to-lug measurement of 45mm combine with a depth of 13mm, achieving slender proportions for a chronograph.
5. TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Glassbox
The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Glassbox watch only measures 39mm. Yet, its reimagined design, harking back to the Carrera watches of the 1960s, creates a considerable wrist presence. This is a chronograph that any watch lover will recognize a mile off. Its timeless reverse-panda dial features silver concentric circle-filled sub-dials and a date at the 12-hour mark. Covering this tri-compax layout is the dramatic sapphire crystal glass, curving prominently and seamlessly sealing a tachymeter scale. The shape of the crystal is significant here. It recalls the Hesalite crystals of the brand’s 1960s models, making for a beautiful modern take on a vintage collectible.
6. Sinn 356 Sa Pilot
Sinn is famous for its TEGIMENT and Ar-Dehumidifying technologies, which prevent fogging and case scratching. But it also makes perfectly compact chronograph watches for smaller wrists. The German tool watch specialist offers the 365 Sa Pilot watch in a 38mm satin stainless steel case. The front sapphire crystal is a dome shape, while the back provides a clear view of the SW 500 movement, beating away. The combination of the black dial and crisp white details is resolutely pilot-inspired. If you like your chronographs infused with a touch of aviation spirit, the Sinn 356 Sa ticks that box.
7. Breitling Premier B09 “Pistachio”
This elegant gent’s chronograph watch for small wrists combines the classic stopwatch timers with an unusual pistachio green dial color. Models from Breitling’s Premier watch collection are historically significant. This one features period-style Arabic markers that nod to Léon, Gaston & Willy Breitling’s early chronographs. The model is a heritage-revived design with distinctive grooves on the case side, vintage-inspired hands, and a sapphire glass caseback. I especially love the interaction between the latte-colored brown leather strap and that unique green dial shade. Its in-house manufactured B01 movement is even more appealing, sitting inside a 40mm case. The movement is chronometer-certified, promising superior accuracy.
8. TAG Heuer Monaco
The Monaco made its debut in 1969. It ascended into pop culture as one of the most popular watches in movie history when the legendary Steve McQueen styled it on his wrist. Since then, it has been the ultimate style icon for motorsport fans and lovers of the classic chronograph. This TAG Heuer Monaco measures 39mm in diameter and comes in a sleek black, lightweight titanium outfit. It’s undoubtedly a bold and modern spin on the square-faced watch, but it’s fun, edgy, and perfect for sporty attire.
9. Zenith Chronomaster Original
We couldn’t curate a list of excellent chronographs without mentioning Zenith. The brand influenced the evolution of the stopwatch complication massively in 1969 with its legendary El Primero movement. The sub-dials of this Zenith Chronomaster watch add an unusual splash of color to the dial. The watch features a compact 38mm steel case and a special 1/10th of a second scale. If you want your chronograph to scream, “I know a lot about watches,” the El Primero, meaning the “first,” will do just that. The brand’s Calibre 11 was the first automatic chronograph movement in the industry, becoming world-famous for its efficiency.
FAQs
Do you still have questions about the chronograph watch? These Q&As may help.
What Is a Chronograph Watch?
A chronograph is like a stopwatch you can wear on your wrist. It can count seconds, minutes, and hours while simultaneously displaying the current time. Two pushers at the side of the case allow you to start and stop a chronograph. Chronographs come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and sizes.
Why Are Chronograph Watches Big?
A chronograph movement must hold more components to deliver multiple functions. A larger movement means a larger case, so chronographs are sometimes thicker and broader than standard watches.
Is It Okay To Wear a Big Watch on a Small Wrist?
You can wear a large watch on a small wrist, but it may not be the most practical or comfortable choice. Today, many brands offer compact chronograph designs within their collection, measuring around 38-40mm.
Wrapping Up
Those were just a few of the best chronographs for small wrists. Any one of them would make an excellent addition to a collection. Should any of the chosen models not excite you, use the tips above to find the perfect chronograph. Now, you can boil an egg or settle the debate about which of your kids is faster!
Did I miss any important options off this list? What are your favorite chronograph watches for small wrists? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter at The Slender Wrist today!
