Best Minimalist Watches For Men – Stylish Bauhaus Watches Under $500 | Fashion Watch Alternatives
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Woaahhhh, before you reach for that Daniel Wellington or MVMT, give me your eyes for a second!
I reckon you've been had on…at least a little. You see, many of these watches are not what they are cracked up to be, at least in my experience.
Brands like Daniel Wellington and MVMT use the guise of 'minimalism' and aggressive influencer marketing campaigns to sell you generic, poorly-made pieces that you can often buy for far less on Chinese wholesale sites like AliExpress.
The near-$500 Daniel Wellington automatic I reviewed the other week was one of the worst offenders, with components and aesthetics worse than the $150 Orient Bambino. These new-age fashion companies would have you believe they are the only alternative to luxury brands costing thousands.
In reality, many higher-quality brands offer more attractive Bauhaus-inspired designs at fairer prices and with less marketing fluff. You just don't know about them yet, as they haven't been rammed down your throat by Z-list celebrities. Well, after this post, I guess you will know about them!
I've shortlisted the best options, so sit back, relax and enjoy the smug feeling of avoiding buyer's remorse! For your convenience, all the watches I'm mentioning are affiliate linked throughout this article.
I'll go from the most affordable brands to the most expensive, though prices are subject to change.
Burei & Chronos
So, the cheapest options. These typically come in the form of generic Chinese-made watches that are roughly equivalent to Daniel Wellington and MVMT but for a fraction of the cost. Two such brands are Burei and Chronos, though these private-label watches often sell under different brand names.
Most of these pieces are nothing special and look very formulaic, but most fashion watches are guilty of those shortcomings anyway, so these are a more logical purchase. Tied with DW and MVMT in terms of performance, they're consequently the worst quality on this list, so stick around for some more impressive alternatives.
Braun BN0020 Series Quartz
A German brand inherently tied to Bauhaus design is Braun. These are marketed as Braun ("brawn") in the UK, so that's how I pronounce it. Their watch and clock team has historically been headed by world-famous designers such as Dieter Rams and Dietrich Lubs, who specialized in proportional geometry and the golden ratio, two principles that were at the core of the Bauhaus movement. It's often claimed that Apple's design team copied multiple Braun designs because they were so impressive.
Undoubtedly, some of their watches are extremely attractive, though the quest for impressive visuals can cause issues. One of the models I previously reviewed looked fantastic but had a flawed lug design that, when combined with the stiff bracelet, rendered the watch unwearable for the vast majority of wrist sizes.
Now, I'll go through the few that are worth looking at.
First up, there are the BN0020 series of more affordable quartz watches. These offer a comparable aesthetic to some of these minimalist fashion brands, only better executed and with a lug-free design, including straps that slot into rear cutouts. It's strange that such subtle differences can make an item look much more pleasant, as, on the surface, these aren't far from the infamous brands I've roasted before.
These have run-of-the-mill 316L steel cases, mineral crystals, and Japanese quartz movements. The straps are slightly better, despite lacking quick-release pins, and the water resistance is also 5 bar, versus the 3 bar splashproof rating you'll find on most fashion watches. Outside of those minor changes and the more refined looks, the main differentiator is cost. These Braun watches are typically far less expensive than most comparably-specced fashion watches, often available for around the £50 or $60 mark when on sale. At that price, these are a decent deal.
The BN0020 range is 37.8mm wide and has a moderate 8.5mm thickness. For something larger, it might be worth looking at the 42mm BN0172, which is identical outside of some minor cosmetic alterations. Compared to Orient's offerings, all of these are less formal and target everyday usage.
The main thing to note with the BN0020 series is that the straps are pretty long, so they are ill-suited to the smallest wrists. If you're slim, you'll likely need to switch it.
Braun BN0030 Series Quartz
Alternatively, you can opt for the BN0030 series. That one is a bit more unique than the other Braun quartz options, with a raised chapter ring and a square integrated lug style that helps it look a little different.
It clocks in with a 40mm case, comparable to many DWs. It otherwise has the same performance and strap type as the previous Braun watches, though if I recall correctly, the strap is a fair amount shorter. Either that or I've lost more weight than I thought!
Braun Brass Quartz Watch
If you're super broke, Braun recently released a dirt-cheap minimalist watch with a brass case, which sometimes comes bundled with an alarm clock. Despite the inferior material, I think it's a fair deal considering the cost and could be a tremendous low-risk gift for someone. These are normally available for even less than the popular Timex Fairfield.
Braun Ceramic Concept Watch
If you do have some extra pennies lying around, Braun offers some more expensive options too.
The first is a ceramic concept watch that goes by the code number BN0171. Oddly, retailers can't agree on what gender this one is directed towards, though Braun lists it as unisex, which makes sense given the versatile 38mm size. The rest of the measurements are identical to the other lug-less Braun watches, though the dial here is the same ultra-minimalist one found on the larger BN0172. I purchased this version a while back for my upcoming case material scratch test, as I'm curious to see how this ceramic compares to regular materials like steel. It feels much better than the 'bio-ceramic' plastic watches from Swatch, so I'm interested to see the results.
It's also available in grey and white, as well as this subdued navy tone. The bracelet is good quality but uses a butterfly clasp with no micro-adjustment holes, meaning only link-sized changes are possible, potentially leaving an imperfect fit without a strap change. This ceramic watch does feel better than the steel Braun watches but is usually much more expensive and lacks a crystal upgrade. I think the viability of this watch depends on the price you can get it at, which often varies wildly, as well as how well the ceramic performs in our trials.
Braun Automatic Watches
Braun also has some little-known Seiko NH35 automatic watches that do use a sapphire crystal. Unfortunately, there aren't any reviews of these online, and I couldn't afford one for this article, so I can't comment on their performance, though I will say they seem quite pricey.
Braun AW10 & AW50
Over the years, I've also tried some of the more widely-known Braun designs that have been in production for decades. These are the AW10 and AW50. Both of these watches are made in Germany, unlike the others, which are made in China; all by a company called Zeon Ltd as far as I'm aware. While they say 'made in Germany', both AW models actually contain Swiss Ronda quartz movements. These are decent and tend to have a more consistent, lower-recoil tick than cheaper Miyota quartz movements, meaning you'll normally get better alignment with the markers. Still, they aren't entirely German-made, as the claim might have you believe.
They are at least wafer-thin, at 7mm and 6.6mm respectively, meaning they sit about as flush as wristwatches get; luckily, they aren't huge either, so they don't overhang your wrist in pancake-like fashion. The diminutive 2.4mm lugs give them an even slimmer appearance from side on, so if you want a watch that disappears under any cuff imaginable, these are an obvious choice.
The AW models are nothing special in terms of specifications, with a comparable stainless steel case, the same mineral crystal, and inferior water resistance than the lower-end models. Fortunately, the straps are better than the cheaper Braun models. I was concerned in my AW50 review, though I've worn this AW10 for much longer, and the strap has lasted better than anticipated.
The AW10 has a more traditional numbered black dial, with a three-hand arrangement, while the AW50 is further streamlined with a textured grey finish and no second markers whatsoever. Another difference between the two is the lug shape. The AW10 has small, bolt-straight lugs, resulting in a mere 40.4mm lug-to-lug length. The AW50 has longer lugs that stretch to 44.3mm, though these have a sharp taper, allowing the watch to conform to the curvature of your wrist. There's also the AW10 EVO, a variant of the AW10 that houses the angled lug style of the AW50. The EVO is perhaps the best-looking of all Braun models and is also available in a contemporary all-black color scheme.
While these are sexier than most fashion watches at the same price, I'd still be tempted to wait until these are on sale, given the underwhelming build quality and finishing.
Timex Fairfield
Timex is a mainstay of these minimalist watch roundups, primarily due to their affordable Fairfield dress watch. While a viable alternative to most fashion watches in years gone by, the eventual steady progress of fashion brands in the face of online ridicule has meant that these aren't quite as tempting as they once were.
They still look great, come in two sizes, as well as in sub-second and chronograph variants, which have quieter ticks. They each have class-leading Indiglo backlights too, making low-light situations a non-issue. Still, like the standard Weekender range, the Fairfield is only constructed of chromed brass. Admittedly, its application here looks and feels better than the cheaply done steel cases on the likes of MVMT and DW; however, in the long run, it will be susceptible to corrosion.
Timex Midtown
Fortunately, Timex has been making moves themselves, evident from the release of the Fairfield's spiritual successor, the Midtown. This piece is more vanilla on the surface, with a fairly traditional setup from square on. However, as you rotate the Midtown, you'll notice that the dial is curved upwards at the edges, providing a quirky extra dimension that sets this piece apart.
Aside from the experimentation, some upgrades over the Fairfield include a fully stainless steel case, with a mix of finishing styles on the flanks and a water resistance bump up to 50m. While the Midtown has been executed to a higher standard than its predecessor, it's not the slimmest watch on the list, at 9.5mm. It also lacks the handy Indiglo function, which is disappointing, though not entirely unexpected for a watch of this dressier style.
The standard version is 38mm, while the chronograph version is 40mm. These feel better quality than the Braun watches, though they are usually slightly more expensive. As with other Timex watches, you can save by shopping with third parties or using discount codes on Timex's website, which seem to be available on a daily basis.
Timex Galli S1
A standout watch that makes for a great alternative to the absurdly priced Daniel Wellington Automatic is the Timex Galli S1. I reviewed this distinctive piece back in March 2022 and absolutely loved it…aside from one thing. The unit they shipped me had an incorrectly cut bezel release notch. Eventually, they did send me a replacement, though the process to get there was frustrating. Timex's new head of customer service assured me they would be taking steps to reorganize their procedures, so hopefully, this won't happen moving forward.
Despite the issues I encountered, I'd honestly say the Galli is still worth a punt. It really is an impressive offering, and easily the most beautiful Timex watch, possibly the best looking piece I've covered on this blog full stop.
The dial has a gorgeous sunburst, but the injection-molded steel case is the star of the show. The brainchild of famous designer and Timex Creative Chief Giorgio Galli, it's nothing short of a work of art. There are alternating surface finishes and a chamfered high-polish lining on the cutaway side portions. You won't find a case like this anywhere else, it's stunning from just about every angle.
The luxury feel is evident elsewhere too. It's got a domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, a mirror-like rehaut that provides beautiful reflections of the dial, and a cutaway minute track that reveals a brighter surface beneath. The dial has a minuscule amount of text, remaining undeniably sleek despite the faceted indexes and synthetic ruby at the lower center. Sportier hints like the substantial brushing, rubber strap, and thicker bezel make this more versatile than other options, adeptly suiting both formal and casual scenarios with a quick strap change.
The strap itself is very unusual, with an exclusive rivet keeper system that secures the strap in a central groove, ensuring it doesn't flap around. It also features a flatter, rectangular quick-release system that's easier to operate and unnoticeable when fitted.
Originally released as a standalone 41mm watch in 2019, they added the 38mm option I reviewed in 2022, meaning you now have several options to pick from.
Unlike DW, Timex didn't cheapen out with the movement. They use the improved Miyota 9039 in the Galli S1, which avoids some of the design flaws of the lower-tier 8000 series. It's got a smoother sweep and good decoration, though the rotor is still a little noisy as it's been cut down substantially, resulting in a faster spinning speed.
There's simply no contest between this and the DW Automatic, despite them retailing for a similar amount. I would still own and wear this today had I opted for one of the more restrained colors, as the green looked good in the thumbnail but didn't really suit my wardrobe.
Casio MTP-VT01L
While Casio isn't known to be particularly fashion-forward, outside some of their hipster retro digitals, they surprisingly have several minimalist watches with far cleaner visuals.
The MTP-VT01L is very much Casio's version of a fashion watch, but usually for less money. It features the same materials, an identical movement, and a comparable design. It's nothing special, but if you're after a DW alternative available in multiple colors for at least half the price, it easily does the job without leaving you feeling hosed.
Casio MTS-110D
Alternatively, it may be worth considering the newer MTS-110D, not to be confused with the similarly-named MTS-100L or MTP-S110 both of which I've previously covered on Ben's Watch Club.
Yes, the naming scheme is braindead. Nevertheless, the 110 is a watch that I've had my eyes on for some time, as it's got a sleek design and great specs for the money, though until recently, it was only available in far-flung locations where the high shipping cost soured the deal.
Availability does seem to be slowly improving, which is great, as this watch offers a lot for typically under $60. It's slim at 8.8mm, is entirely constructed of stainless steel, has a better conforming shape than a quartz DW, and the sunburst dial on the grey version is shockingly better than the plain boring one on the near $500 Iconic Automatic from Daniel Wellington.
Water resistance is reasonable, and the stock bands and bracelets are a minor step up over most fashion watches, though the crystal is where the MTS-110D crushes the competition. This low-cost watch uses a sapphire crystal, which provides unbeatable scratch protection, as was evident in our scratch test post. Sapphire is normally only used in more expensive watches, as most brands claim it's 'too costly' to use, though Casio has never been a brand to under-deliver.
It also boasts a 10-year battery life between changes, which is printed right there on the dial. Admittedly, this could have been relegated to the rear to streamline the appearance, though it does make the upper and lower parts more symmetrical and is a tiny nitpick considering the many things this watch accomplishes. The MTS-110D comes in at 38.8mm wide, with a 45.9mm lug-to-lug, in addition to the previously mentioned thickness.
I like the grey version, though there are other options available. Whichever you choose, this is a little-known gem.
Parnis PA2123
Perhaps the cheapest automatic minimalist watch you can buy comes by way of AliExpress brand Parnis. This brand has been around since 2005 and primarily makes homage watches (or clones of famous watch designs); you can learn more about those in our recent post on the subject. Curiously, they have a handful of more original designs.
The PA2123 is one such example. This is a stainless steel watch with a domed mineral crystal, a Nomos-inspired design, and an automatic Sea-Gull movement for Casio-rivalling prices. Honestly, I don't know how they have accomplished this outside of questionable labor practices, as this piece has no right being this cheap.
While the majority of the dial is printed, the subdial still has an engraved texture, and the case has polishing that rivals others at twice the cost. The whole thing has a quality, weighty feel, aided by the automatic movement. As you might expect, this isn't anything revolutionary. It's apparently a Sea-gull 1731, for which I could find absolutely no information about online. I'm inclined to believe it is a genuine Sea-gull movement, as the finishing far exceeds that of the cheap Tongji movements that usually reside in most low-end Chinese automatics. Unbelievably, not only is this automatic, but it actually has a decorated rotor and support plates, unlike the barebones $500 Daniel Wellington. This watch cost me $60. Sixty!
What I can tell you about this movement is that it doesn't hack, but it is hand-windable and features a quick-set date, meaning it's probably better than some commonly-encountered Miyota 8000 series options. This unit clocked in between -13 and -15 seconds per day, which is fine and probably within spec.
Another ridiculous feat Parnis has pulled off is the strap. How a band this good is present on a watch at this price, I will never know. While it lacks quick-release tabs, so you will need a spring bar tool to change it, chances are, you won't want to change it anyway! The quality is outrageous. It's thick, yet supple, features a lovely graining, and has an impressive steel buckle that looks like it's been dropped in from a $500 watch. This strap will last well, I have no doubt, and it probably could command the retail price of the whole watch if sold separately. I'll link the store I purchased from in the below just to make sure, as sometimes different watch sellers provide different straps; you want this one, trust me.
The Parnis is 41mm across, with a lug-to-lug of 48.5mm and a thickness of 12.6mm, including the domed crystal, which is pretty thin for an automatic. It comes in a few colors and numbered variants that do look even more like a Nomos, though I like how this version looks a tad different.
Orient Bambino V3
Orient is widely considered one of the premier affordable watch brands, and for good reason. This Japanese manufacturer is a subsidiary of the Seiko Group, making it a sister to industry giant Seiko's wristwatch division. Orient tends to focus entirely on the mid to lower end of the market, and they do a damn good job with various impressive offerings that typically include in-house movements.
While they have some…interesting options, shall we say, their repertoire also includes sleeker pieces that easily displace the likes of Daniel Wellington or MVMT. First up is the much-loved Bambino. This dress watch doesn't just look like it commands its moderate retail price; it looks like it should exceed it! There are numerous versions of this best-seller, but a couple of variants are seemingly made for this article.
The one nicknamed the 'Bauhaus one' is the Version 3 (V3), which has a design clearly drawn from real German Bauhaus pieces like the Junghans Max Bill, evident from the similarly slim markers and domed crystal. This model is 40.5mm and has a thin profile when excluding the boxy crystal. It's best suited for average to large wrists and comes in a selection of classy, restrained colors that should go with most formal wear. Within is the Orient Caliber F6724 automatic movement. Indeed, despite costing the same as many rudimentary quartz watches, this Orient comes with a fully mechanical movement and a fairly decent one at that. Water resistance is low, and the strap is mediocre, though the sunburst dials, elegant shape, and weight finish help it supersede its price tag nonetheless.
Orient Bambino 38mm Version
If you've got a smaller arm, the recently released 38mm version is likely the perfect choice instead. The overall look here isn't quite so minimalist, with a different handset and slightly more shapely markers, but it's still clean and arguably better proportioned than the larger model.
For a retail price of $100 to $180 at the time of writing, these are excellent choices if you're after a dressier piece, though I wouldn't say they are the most versatile on this list.
Orient Maestro Automatic & Quartz
A closer match to Daniel Wellington comes in the form of the Orient Maestro. This is newer than the Bambino and has clearly been styled for a younger audience. Admittedly, it lacks some of the Bambino models' personality and distinctiveness, but it gives a cleaner, contemporary DW-like appearance, but with more finesse.
Quartz and automatic versions of this watch are available in a limited selection of colors; both are priced far better than their fashion watch counterparts while providing improved finishing and, in the case of the mechanical watch, an in-house movement.
One good thing about the quartz version is that it utilizes a small second hand in a subdial at the bottom center. This means alignment is far less of an issue than with traditional, extended second hands that are more prone to misalignment, or at least misalignment that you'll notice.
They also do a minimalist chronograph that's like an improved version of that offered in the Timex Fairfield range, which could be worth a look if it floats your boat.
Sternglas Naos & Tero
German Brand Sternglas is another I've recommended before on Ben's Watch Club. Their whole brand is oriented around Bauhaus designs, so they have a huge range of stylish options to pick from. To tell you the truth, some of them are overpriced. I didn't see the value in the Swiss-made Kanton that I reviewed back in 2020; it looked okay but was far too basic to justify the exorbitant cost. Luckily, there are some alternatives that make more sense.
The Naos, for instance, is a comparable watch to the Kanton for half the cost. It has a nuanced design that avoids looking as generic as other pieces on this list, with a minute track positioned closer to the center and hour markers protruding outwards. This watch won an Industrie Forum design award in 2020. Its face is undoubtedly very well-proportioned, similar to some Junghans models, which are also entirely printed yet much more expensive. While well-constructed, the dial is still rather plain, and the Miyota 8000 series movement inside is far from impressive for the price. The case is also a little bulbous for thinner arms.
Since my initial review, the automatic Naos has increased in price, making the quartz version the obvious choice in my eyes. That one is far thinner, with a case height of just 6mm. It also has a decent Ronda quartz movement, superior to the cheap Miyota quartz movements in most fashion watches. What's more, the quartz version was recently released in a rainbow of alternate colors, allowing you to cherry-pick your favorite tone. Both versions have sapphire crystals, as well as solid 5ATM water resistance ratings. They're each 38mm in width, though the quartz wears more compactly due to the reduced thickness.
All Sternglas watches come with smooth German leather straps that are outstandingly good, with a soft feeling and user-friendly quick-release tabs. While I'm yet to try the bracelet models, I wouldn't shy away from the bands if you get the chance.
I've also tried the Tero, though that one never appeared on the channel. It's essentially a limited edition variant of the quartz Naos, with minor cosmetic differences. For the right price, it may make for a good alternative.
Sternglas Aesthet
For me, the best automatic Sternglas is the Aesthet. It's comparably priced to the Naos but is way thinner, at a remarkable 10.8mm, including the domed crystal, with a case height of only 8.5mm. Those dimensions are comparable to most quartz watches, which is an excellent achievement for a non-luxury watch brand. Inside is also the improved Miyota 9015, which is superior to the 8000 module in the Naos and the DW Automatic, with a higher beat rate and, consequently, smoother sweeping second hand. This unit is also quieter than the similar Miyota inside the Timex Galli, possibly due to the more standardized rotor; this time, it's not viewable, as the Aesthet uses a sealed rear.
While the dial is again only printed, it's got a concave shape, a little like the Timex Midtown mentioned earlier, mirroring the curvature of the lower half of the case. It almost looks like the housing is cradling the dial within it. The steel structure is neatly contoured, and while I like the sandblasting, which increases versatility, similar results can be seen on other watches that retail for far less.
As with the other Sternglas watches, I'd hang on for discount codes, which are available semi-regularly. There's also an ongoing 5% newsletter signup discount, which is worth using, though I'm unsure if the discounts stack. Many of their watches are now available via other retailers like WatchShop, meaning they could be cheaper there.
Junkers/Iron Annie 100 Year Bauhaus
Another German brand with even firmer ties to Bauhaus minimalism is Junkers. The founder of the Junkers aircraft company, designer Hugo Junkers worked closely with Bauhaus Director Walter Gropius on a range of other non-military products, some of which were used in the Bauhaus building in Dessau itself.
Nearly 100 years later, watches under the Junkers banner are produced by family-run German manufacturer POINTtec.
Their designs, along with those produced under the 'Bauhaus' subbrand, are visually akin to those produced by fellow German company Junghans, but for significantly less money. Junkers watches are also sold under the brand name Iron Annie in some regions. It's a peculiar name, though the watches ooze timelessness and look great for the money.
The most economical options are those in the 100-year Bauhaus collection, like the one I reviewed back in early 2020. That came with a vintage-style domed acrylic crystal, a sunburst champagne dial, and a slim steel case for an affordable price. The leather strap was serviceable, the water resistance was better than expected at 5ATM, and while the case finishing was simple, it was still compelling enough overall to receive a recommendation from me.
They've since revised this model, and now I think it looks much better, with a raised set of numbers that add some much-needed depth to the printed dial.
I'd certainly shop around if you're considering this brand. They currently retail for far less on sites like Watchshop than on Amazon, though that may change.
Bauhaus (Junkers Sub-brand)
The newer Bauhaus brand, also produced by Pointtec, is a Junkers sub-brand from what I can gather, foregoing the aviation models in favor of exclusively minimalist options. I haven't technically tried these, but they appear to offer identical quality to the other Junkers watches, given they are built by the same company. Think of these as additional options with a brand name that sounds much better in English!
A wide range of both quartz and automatic options are already available in this newly conceived series. Personally, I'm glad they've done this, I look forward to testing these at some point with the naming bugbear eliminated.
Sea-Gull Mechanical 819.17.6004
Similarly, there's the great quality but bizarrely-named Seagull Watch Company. I covered this Chinese brand recently, when analyzing their astoundingly good 1963 chronograph, which is the best value chronograph money can buy.
While the 1963 is their best-known piece in the West, this watchmaking juggernaut has an extensive back catalog of other watches, including an insane number of Bauhaus-inspired minimalist pieces. Some of them are unsightly, there's no doubt. Nevertheless, their sheer frequency means multiple options still hit all the right notes.
I didn't know what to make of their Nomos lookalike at first. At a glance, the polished case, thin snapback rear, and simplistic dial echo the likes of Daniel Wellington. The strap, too, is diconcertingly plasticky. Don't jump to conclusions, though, as this Sea-Gull has some tricks up its sleeve. For less than most entry-level fashion watches, it not only houses a premium sapphire crystal but even squeezes a mechanical movement into its wafer-thin housing, something I was unaware of when ordering. I'd assumed it was quartz, given the slimness, so this was a welcome surprise. Impressively, the hand-wound movement here is much quieter than that in the famous 1963, which is much appreciated.
All three of these Chinese watches are nicely proportioned, considering the movements they use. The other two contain exuberantly decorated Seagull automatics for only a marginal price and size increase. The Nomos lookalike, code ending in 6100 (819.93.6100), is a mere 8.5mm tall, including the domed crystal, meaning it's really more like 7mm, undercutting most quartz watches.
This watch is available in this configuration, and a variant with additional numbers at 9 and 3, closer matching the Nomos Tangente aesthetic. Still, it's not an exact copy, with a less rounded profile and larger, curved lugs that do differentiate it. You can often get this model supplied with a mesh bracelet, which is less rubbish.
Sea-Gull Automatic 6075 & 6100
Out of the other two they sent across, the 6075 is the more familiar, with a vanilla design that brings little new to the table but provides the stylish, minimalist appearance that many of you will be looking for. It's a little more complex than the previous Sea-Gull, with applied markers, a textured subdial, and a mixture of case finishes, including brushed sides and a polished upper portion, though other elements like the dial surface and strap remain underwhelming.
While it is quite thin, at only 10.5mm, I'd say the 40.3mm diameter makes this a stretch for the thinnest of arms, though most of you should have no trouble fitting into it.
The rear on this and the other automatic are more functional than the hand-wound model, with an exhibition window on each, as well as boosted 50m water resistance ratings.
The other automatic, the 6100, has a downsized glossy rear instead, as well as a more distinctive design language overall. It maintains the complication at the bottom center but boasts a colored internal ring, surrounded by an attractive bubble-effect chapter ring that helps the watch stand out from its competitors.
It's steel case comes in at a versatile 38.8mm width, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 48.2mm and a thickness of 10mm. Despite their length, the curvature of the lugs helps this model better conform to smaller wrists if necessary. As with the others, this is rocking a sapphire crystal and full steel construction.
By default, it comes on probably the least rubbish strap out of the three, as well as an extra Zulu-type band that you can switch it out for. The 6100 would be my pick of the bunch, though all make more sense than the outrageously priced DW automatic, that retails for triple the cost.
SEIKO SNE520 Series
A few years back, I recommended the SNE479, a surprisingly capable Seiko that looked nothing like the vast majority of their repertoire. It not only had a super-sleek design, featuring a dark sunburst dial and an integrated bracelet, but it even boasted solar functionality, a feature not commonly found on this style of watch.
Unfortunately, it appears Seiko has since discontinued the SNE479, as the watch has vanished from most online stores.
The closest purchasable equivalent is the newer SNE520 series, which could well be a spiritual successor to the previous model, given the similar design and codename. This one, available in a few colors, carries over a similar Bauhaus dial, with slim markers, a near-identical sunburst effect, and a minuscule amount of text.
Admittedly, the 520 series lacks its forebearer's raw slickness, with a slightly thicker bezel and more traditional lugs; though, this means you can use the watch with either the included bracelet or third-party straps if you wish. Case finishing also sees an improvement over the 400 series, with a larger assortment of finishes, including chamfered edges on the lugs.
You'll also notice the half-frosted handset, akin to that on the highly-praised and more expensive Orient Star automatic. Not only do these look great, but they simultaneously add some much-needed legibility, especially to grey or black dial versions like this one.
Other notable features include the well-integrated dark date wheel and the raised chapter ring that curves up the sides, taking the place of the rehaut.
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time 39mm
If that one doesn't float your boat, or if you prefer mechanical watches instead, it may be worth examining the Seiko Presage line for inspiration.
The newer 39.5mm version I looked at back in October wipes the floor with the DW Iconic Link Automatic, with a better movement and an intricate dial surface that exudes quality. Compared to the prominent beams showcased on the older Cocktail Time models, this particular selection gives a more understated look due to the subtler ridges, enhancing the watch's versatility. The hands and many of the hour markers have also been trimmed down, giving a more contemporary, minimalist appearance.
As mentioned previously, the case finishing isn't the best and the bracelet, while reasonable, lacks micro-adjustments due to the butterfly deployant mechanism. While the tall boxed crystal also adds a touch of class, it is only mineral crystal, which is poor for the price. Still, the aesthetic is what's important here, and boy does the Presage offer up one of the most impressive dials for the money.
Tissot Everytime
A widely-known alternative to the likes of Daniel Wellington is the Tissot Everytime range. Many of these Swiss watches look near-identical to the former, with a run-of-the-mill minimalist arrangement that usually involves a plain black or white dial. They even do an automatic version, the Everytime Swissmatic, which is much the same, just with a unique movement drawn from the quirky Swatch Sistem51; with an impressive 80-hour power reserve.
Thanks to WatchShop, I've managed to get my hands on one of the newer iterations of this watch, which I'd argue is far more inspiring. This green option has a beautiful dial that gradually fades toward the edges, creating an eye-catching look that might actually get you genuine compliments – not the fake compliments you see dished out for garbage watches in fashion brand ads.
The handset is slightly different on this variant, though the rest of the watch has a very similar shape to the hyped-up fashion watches, with a slim 7.2mm thickness, 40mm diameter, and 46.8mm lug-to-lug length. Build quality here is better than the bargain-bucket Chinese watches, though undoubtedly, some of your money is going toward the Swiss-made 'tax' rather than a substantial upgrade in finishing. For that reason, I'm not a huge proponent of most Swiss-made brands, as they tend to offer less material value than options from the East. Nevertheless, versus those options, you'll usually get superior quality control, as well as a higher resale value here due to the prestigious name and heritage.
Another improvement is in the band department. This Tissot has an impressive Milanese bracelet with handy quick-release tabs and a brushed double foldover clasp, ensuring the watch doesn't unexpectedly take a trip off your wrist. This is much more useable than that supplied with most other watches, where the minimal viable product tends to be the norm.
CITIZEN Axiom BM7580-51L
If there's a watch brand I didn't expect to feature on this list, it's Citizen. Like Seiko, Citizen is a very traditional watchmaker, normally prioritizing function over form, with technology like Eco-Drive and radio control featuring at the forefront of their collection. Surprisingly, I managed to hunt down a space-age Citizen that is a phenomenal option for anyone after a good looking, versatile watch. Nicknamed the "Axiom", the new BM7580 is one of the more unique timepieces on this list, with a futuristic design that includes a well-integrated bracelet and dynamic hooded lugs. This curvature is complimented by the domed glass, which provides a smooth, flowing silhouette from a side-on perspective; incredibly satisfying for those of you with OCD.
This angle also exposes how skinny this watch is, at just 9.2mm with the crystal and 7.2mm without it. Like some of the others on this list, this one is very flat to the arm. While the final links may lack flexibility, if this Citizen can fit on my small wrist, it will almost certainly fit yours! While most aspects of the face are reminiscent of other standard offerings, it does have a vibrant, bright blue sunburst for a fresh, modern look.
As you can see from the Eco-Drive text at the bottom center, this one also boasts solar technology, meaning you'll never have to worry about battery changes. It's one of the cleanest options you can get and looks killer on the wrist. Given the lack of social media content about this watch, nobody has caught on to this one yet, so it could be a pretty exclusive option.
The Achilles heel here is the underwhelming mineral glass at a price point where sapphire is the standard. It looks fantastic but is more susceptible to scratches than it should be. Also, the bracelet, while aesthetically awesome, completely lacks micro-adjustment holes. The links are small, but adding or removing them may still not provide the perfect fit.
Nixon Time Teller
If you're after even more flashiness, then the Nixon Time Teller could be worth a punt, especially if you're on a tight budget. While this is a fashion watch through and through, with mediocre build quality and average finishing, it is well-priced and comes in a huge variety of color combinations, most of which have lively sunbursts which add interest to the simplistic designs. It's also nicely sized, at 37.5mm in diameter, meaning it fits the average wrist better than most fashion watches, which often exceed 41mm.
Oddly, the Nixon actually has a very solid 100m water resistance rating, meaning it will cope well when submerged. If you want a sportier, fashion piece you could do a lot worse than this one.
Honorable mentions:
I also have some honorable mentions that didn't quite make the main list for one reason or another.
Rotary Ultra Slim
Possibly the thinnest, lightest watches purchasable for under $200, the Rotary Ultra Slim range offers timepieces that are under 6mm in thickness. Rotary sent me one of these a while back, but I ultimately returned it. When possible, I'd rather source watches from retailers rather than the brands directly to reduce potential bias.
The watch was alright, with moderate finishing and a nice dial. That said, likely due to the flatness, it was very lightweight and felt a bit fragile in the hands. Additionally, the pieces available were all a little dressier, with vintage cues that didn't quite make them an ideal fit for this list. If you like the classic, traditional styling, those may still be a good option.
Seiko SRPH89
The popular SRPH89 series may not have received much fanfare on social media, however you'll find this Seiko in almost every jeweler's window. It's also one of the watches with the highest review count on Amazon, so a lot of people are clearly buying this one.
Again, this one isn't a perfect stylistic match to most fashion watches, with a slightly chunkier bezel and handset. I thought it was at least worth mentioning anyway, as it still provides a clean aesthetic, with only a couple of lines of text and fairly small markers. It's also got some unexpected assets like a legibility-enhancing half-frosted effect on both of the larger hands, which is usually only seen on more expensive watches.
The green version I have oozes a chic dark green flare in the right lighting conditions, making for an elegant dress piece that would look equally at home on a formal leather band. As far as bracelets go, the stock one is better than most Seiko 5s, though there are only two micro-adjustment holes, which is a little disappointing. One of the real pros of this piece is the price. Currently, it's far more affordable than the Presage range, despite not being far off in terms of finishing and performance. It's got a 4R35B movement, which is reasonable for the money, with a solid 10bar water resistance rating on top; higher than you'll ever need for this timepiece.
Seiko SUR399P1
The quartz version of the SRPH, the SUR399P1, is similar to its automatic counterpart in many ways. It's arguably a better fit for this list thanks to the slimmed handset, bezel, and marker arrangement, which combine to make the SUR feel like more of a Daniel Wellington killer.
Like the former, this one has hardlex crystal, which is better than standard mineral glass, but not close to sapphire in terms of scratch resistance. The bracelet and finishing are the same as the SRPH, though there is a small downgrade to 5 bar water resistance; the reduction from 12mm to 8.5mm in thickness may make this a worthy tradeoff.
Swatch Irony Skin Range
In my books, the only type of Swatch worth buying, the steel-cased Irony range, has a huge variety of experimental watches to choose from. The 'Skin' range in particular, offered some extremely thin quartz watches that made for perfect DW substitutes. Unfortunately, the 'Skin Flag' model that I reviewed a couple of years back has indeed been discontinued, as I predicted in that post. As such, you may have to browse for one of their other 38mm Skin models; the most similar is probably the 'Optical White' version.
These have much better build quality than the cheap, plastic models and retain some fan-favorite features like the quick-access battery hatch and a Swiss quartz movement. As with most other Swatch watches, the finishing is rudimentary, though the one I tested did have a splendid high-polish rehaut that caught the light in all the right ways.
I'll link what I can find below, I'd recommend steering clear of the official Swatch site, as the prices are unreasonably high compared to elsewhere.
