From sundial to digital clocks and watches, we have indeed traversed across time, evolving and adapting over time. But no matter how much we grow, nothing compares to the elegance and charm of wrist minimalist watches.
Going like a pro with every outfit, these watches are nothing but the cherry on top of your entire look. Simple and stunning, they are a perfect thing that pairs well with a wide variety of outfits.
Well, with numerous such watches available in the market, choosing the one that suits your needs and makes you look great can be pretty daunting. However, if that is your quest, you have landed in the right place as we have mentioned some of the top brands from where you can buy your exotic minimal watch.
But before that, let’s delve deeper and understand what exactly a minimalist watch is in its entirety!
What is a Minimalist Watch?
A minimalist watch is simply designed and has a monochromatic color. It focuses on displaying the main function, which is time. In other words, these watches possess everything that is required to tell the time but are devoid of any other elements that are extravagant or lead to clutter.
Why Wear a Minimalist Watch?
Well, there happen to be various benefits of wearing minimalist watches, and we will look at each closely:-
1. Versatility
We all know that the best way to pull ourselves together is by wearing a good outfit that is well-balanced. Any accessory over and above will not add to the look but rather make us look unpolished. The most practical way to avoid this mishappening is by going for a minimal watch since their neutrality makes them extremely versatile, something you can wear with almost any outfit throughout the day.
2. Easy Schedule Monitoring
A minimal wristwatch allows individuals to track time and see how much time they spend on each task. This way monitoring any schedule becomes relatively easy.
3. Convenient
The best part about wearing watches is that they are convenient to look at, especially in places where checking time might seem impolite, such as office meetings.
The 24 Best Minimalist Watch Designs for Men & Women in 2024
Well, here is an overview of some of the best minimalist watches from various top brands that you can go for in 2024:
- Timex
- Skagen
- Mondaine
- Seiko
- Movado
- Daniel Wellington
- Nomos Glashütte
- Casio
- Komono
- Rossling & Co.
- Fossil
- Maven Watches
- Nordgreen
- Unimatic
- Tissot
- Fizili
- Burei
- Junghans
- Rado
- Sinn
- Citizen
- Braun
- Michael Kors
- Golden Hour
1. Timex
Best for: Automatic Minimalist Watch
Amongst watch brands, Timex is a renowned name that has served the market for a long time now. Offering a wide variety of options, they manufacture watches for women, men, boys, and girls. Trendy yet simple, their watches are full of elegance and aura that is one of a kind.
Of all the minimalist watches, the one that we like the most is the Timex Marlin. Water-resistant, this option has a stainless-steel built along with a quick-release strap. A timeless watch, it will add to your look in a minimalist and wholesome way.
Technical Specifications:
| Case size | 40 mm |
| Diameter | 12.09 x 3.23 x 1.93 inches |
| Crystal | Domed Acrylic Crystal |
| Movement | Miyota 8215 |
| Battery Life | No |
| Strap | Quick-Release Leather Strap |
| Hand Winding? | No |
| Water Resistance | 50 m |
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- Easy Reader 38mm Leather Strap Watch
- Harborside Coast 43mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch
Price: $218
2. Skagen
Best for: Minimalist Gold Watch
From minimalist men’s watches to classic women’s watches, Skagen has it all. Celebrating a Danish pattern of life, their watches are made with a modern twist that further adds to the beauty of each watch. Ideal for almost all occasions, these watches make a style statement wherever they are worn.
One of our favorites from Skagen’s collection is Skagen Signature. With a stainless steel case, this watch has a sandblast dial and an analog display. It is also water-resistant and has a leather band equipped with a buckle closure attached to it, making it easier to interchange it with the 22mm Skagen band.
Technical Specifications:
| Case size | 41 mm |
| Diameter | 1.42 x 1.38 x 0.59 inches |
| Crystal | Mineral Crystal |
| Movement | Quartz movement |
| Battery Life | 3 years |
| Strap | Brown Leather Strap |
| Hand Winding? | No |
| Water Resistance | 50 m |
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- Signature Lille Two-Hand Ocean Blue Leather Watch
- Kuppel Two-Hand Sub-Second Brown Leather Watch
Price: $71.89
Official Website: Skagen
3. Mondaine
Best for: Swiss Quality Watch
If you’re eyeing minimalist watches for women, then head straight to Mondaine. A classic example of Swiss watchmaking, this brand offers a plethora of elegant minimal options that you’ll invariably be spoilt for choices.
While going through their inventory, we came across Mondaine Official Swiss Railways Automatic Watch EVO2, which is a must-buy. With a tang-buckle, it has an analog display and a stainless steel case material. It is also water-resistant.
Technical Specifications:
| Case size | 41 mm |
| Diameter | 11.1 x 3.03 x 1.3 inches |
| Crystal | Sapphire Crystal |
| Movement | Quartz |
| Battery Life | 2 years |
| Strap | White/Black Leather strap |
| Hand Winding? | No |
| Water Resistance | 30 m |
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- EVO2 Stainless Steel, 26 mm
- Classic Brushed Case, Black Vegan Grape Leather, 40 mm
Price: $625
Official Website: Mondaine
4. Seiko
Best for: Japanese Minimalist Watch
Adept at manufacturing minimalist luxury watches for more than 140 years, the Seiko brand has tons of options for you. No matter what your likes and preferences are, their timeless watches are sure to make your eyes roll and make your hearts flutter in no time.
One of their best watches for us is the SEIKO SRPB46 Presage Men’s Watch Brown 40.5mm Stainless Steel. With a fold-over clasp, this watch has a push button. It has a stainless steel case material and an analog display. Not only is this product water-resistant, but it even has a calendar in it that you can access at any time of the day.
Technical specifications:
| Case size | 40.5 mm |
| Diameter | 5 x 5 x 3.75 inches |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Movement | Automatic along with manual winding |
| Battery Life | 70 Hours |
| Strap | Leather |
| Hand Winding? | Yes |
| Water Resistance | 50 m |
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- SNKN43
- SNE031
Price: $371.25
Official Website: Seiko
5. Movado
Best for: Gold Minimalist Watch
With several gold minimalist watch designs, Movado has a true command over watch craftsmanship. Classy and elegant, each of the options from this brand is simply mind-boggling and an epitome of exoticism and serenity.
One of their top watches that is our favorite is Movado Men’s Core Museum Classic – 0607272. With a buckle clasp, this watch has an analog display and a stainless steel case that has a gold PVD finish. The product is also water-resistant.
Technical Specifications:
| Case size | 40 mm |
| Diameter | Height: 40 mm, Width: 40 mm, Depth: 7 mm |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Movement | Swiss Quartz Movement |
| Battery Life | 3 years |
| Strap | Adjustable black calfskin strap |
| Water Resistance | 50 m |
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- Movado Face
- Movado BOLD Fusion
Price: $399
Official Website: Movado
6. Daniel Wellington
Best for: Affordable Minimalist Luxury Watch
With myriad choices on minimalist watches, Daniel Wellington has great popularity across the globe. Elegant and classy, this Swedish brand provides stunning minimal designs that make each of its products unmatched and one-of-a-kind.
Amongst their various watches, we love the Daniel Wellington Iconic Watch Rose Gold Stainless Steel (316L). Based on a Scandinavian style, this timepiece has a silver finish that invariably adds to its look. With a stainless steel case material, this product possesses a push-button clasp. Not only is the watch durable, but water-resistant, too.
Technical Specifications:
| Case size | 32 mm |
| Diameter | 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.04 inches |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Movement | Japanese Quartz Movement |
| Battery Life | 4 years |
| Strap | Stainless Steel |
| Hand Winding? | No |
| Water Resistance | 30 m |
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- Petite Sheffield
- Classic Bristol
Price: $199
Official Website: Daniel Wellington
7. Nomos Glashütte
Best for: Mechanical Minimalist Watch
Specialized in making artisan manual winding, Nomos Glashütte is a German Company that offers a wide variety of minimalist men’s watches and other related options. With their award-winning watches, they have made their mark across the globe.
While going through their collection, Nomos Club Galvanized Automatic White Dial Men’s Watch 775 caught our attention. With a scratch-proof sapphire crystal dial window, this watch has a tang buckle and an analog display. It also has a silver-tone case and a blue-black band attached to it.
Technical Specifications:
| Case size | 41.5 mm |
| Diameter | 5.91 x 5.91 x 5.91 inches |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Movement | Automatic |
| Battery Life | 43 hours |
| Strap | Textile |
| Hand Winding? | Yes |
| Water Resistance | 200 m |
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- Tangente Neomatik 39 Platinum Gray
- Tangente Sport Neomatik 42 Date Marine Black
Price: $2,750
Official Website: Nomos Glashütte
8. Casio
Best For: Durable Minimalist Watch
Manufacturing stunning minimalist watches for women, Casio is one of the leading watch brands. With timeless designs, this company offers innovative designs and exemplary watchpieces that will instantly make you fall in love with them.
Their Casio Men’s MDV106-1AV 200 M WR Black Dive Watch (MDV106-1A) is our personal favorite. It has a stainless steel case, and 200 M water resistance. The product even has a rotating bezel and mineral glass.
Technical Specifications:
| Case size | 48 mm |
| Diameter | 9.84 x 1.57 x 0.79 inches |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Movement | Casio Quartz Movement |
| Battery Life | 10 years |
| Strap | Resin strap |
| Hand Winding? | Yes |
| Water Resistance | 3200 m |
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- GAB2100CY-1A
- DIGITAL 5600 SERIEs- GWB5600CY-1
Price: $49.92
Official Website: Casio
9. Komono
Best for: Offbeat Minimalist Watch
Minimalist luxury watches are taken a notch higher with Komono, a Belgian watch brand. Offering stunning color palettes and classy designs, their watches have minimal aesthetics that are simply mind-boggling and hard to overlook.
KOMONO W1802 WATCH from their collection is loved the most by us. With buckle closure, this product has water-resistant power. The item even comes with a manufacturer warranty of up to one year.
Technical Specifications:
| Case size | 37 mm |
| Diameter | 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches |
| Crystal | Mineral Crystal |
| Movement | Japanese Quartz Movement |
| Battery Life | 5 years |
| Strap | Italian Leather |
| Hand Winding? | Yes |
| Water Resistance | 30 m |
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- Mono Electro Blush
- Kate Wave Royale Silver Maroon
Price: $37.99
Official Website: Komono
10. Rossling & Co.
Best for: Quality Minimalist Watches
Founded in Montreal, Rossling & Co. manufactures some of the best minimalist watches in the world. Sleek and beautifully designed, these watches are subtle yet stylish in their way. A true testimony of craftsmanship, each of their watches is enough to ratchet up your occasion.
Out of their offerings, the Rossling & Co. Modern 36mm Rogart Watch turned out to be our favorite. With a slim case, the watch has a sleek dial inside a silver case. The best part about this item is that it is also shock-resistant.
Technical Specifications:
| Case size | 36 mm |
| Diameter | 36 mm |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Movement | Japanese Quartz |
| Battery Life | 2 years |
| Strap | Leather |
| Hand Winding? | Yes |
| Water Resistance | 100 m |
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- Continental – Glencoe
- Mulholland – Gold Greenock
Price: $107.40
Official Website: Rossling & Co.
11. Fossil
Best for: Uniquely Designed Minimal Watch
Manufacturing a stunning minimalist watch, Fossil has come a long way, making its mark through different generations. Complementing their personal style, these watches are an epitome of beauty and charisma that remains unparalleled compared to many of their counterparts.
The Fossil Riley Women’s Watch with Crystal Accents and Stainless Steel Bracelet Band is one of our favorites from their exclusive minimal collection. With a stainless steel case, this watch has a gold-tone dial and bracelet band. The product is also water-resistant. The best part about this watch is that the company allows customization of the product per your likes, which includes complimentary engraving.
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- The Minimalist Three-Hand Brown Leather Watch
- Minimalist Two-Hand Black Leather Watch
Case Size: 38mm
Strap: Stainless Steel
Movement: Quartz
Price: $104.25
Official Website: Fossil
12. Maven Watches
Best for: Classic and Versatile Minimalist Watch
Manufacturing one of the best minimalist watches, Maven is a renowned brand across the world. Offering versatile minimal watches, the design of the brand is inspired by creative forms, art, and architecture, and the quality is one of a kind.
We love MUS-01 ORANGE P 40MM from Maven’s collection. With a high-end finish, this watch is designed in a classic retro style. The product has sapphire crystal glass and is also water resistant.
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- MUS-01 KHAKI P 40MM
- MUS+02 NAVY P AUTO
Case Size: 40mm
Strap: Elastic Parachute
Movement: Swiss Quartz
Price: $178
Official Website: Maven Watches
13. Nordgreen
Best for: Scandinavian Minimalist Watch
Amongst minimalist watch brands, Nordgreen has a name of its own. Designed by Jakob Wagner, each of the watches from this company exudes minimal Scandinavian designs that are truly amazing. The best part about these watches is that they are all carbon neutral.
Nordgreen Philosopher’s Scandinavian Silver Watch with Interchangeable Straps is one of our favorites in their collection. With scratch-resistant properties, this watch has a silver buckle and an interchangeable leather strap. It also comes with a two-year warranty.
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- Native White Dial – Black Leather
- Philosopher Brown Leather
Case Size: 36mm
Strap: Leather
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Price: $219
Official Website: Nordgreen
14. Unimatic
Best for: Versatile Minimalist Watch
Unimatic has dived deep into manufacturing minimalist men’s watches and other options that are truly mind-boggling. Made in Italy, these watches are extremely versatile and elegant, making you look the best in your chosen attire.
U1 CLASSIC – UC1 is one of the best watches that we liked from their Classic series. Featuring a black dive dial, the watch has a stainless steel case and is highly water-resistant. It is believed to have the best possible performance in various conditions, which is at par with many of its counterparts.
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- Professional Diver Modello Uno U1S-PD3
- U4 CLASSIC – UC4
Case Size: 41.5mm
Strap: Unimatic Nylon Nato Strap
Movement: Automatic
Price: $525
Official Website: Unimatic
15. Tissot
Best for: Minimalist Dress Watch
If you’re up for a minimalist watch that surpasses your expectations every time you wear it, all you need to do is head straight to the Tissot brand. This Swiss company has so much to offer you with minimal choices that we bet you will be spoilt for choices.
From their exclusive collection, we loved the Tissot Men’s Classic Dream Stainless Steel Dress Watch. With an interchangeable bracelet, this watch has a Roman dial type and a stunning design that remains unmatched.
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- Tissot Classic Dream
- Tissot Classic Dream Lady
Case Size: 42mm
Strap: Stainless Steel
Movement: Swiss Quartz
Price: $275
Official Website: Tissot
16. Fizili
Best for: Minimalist Watch with Textured Dial
To purchase classic minimalist luxury watches, head to Fizili, which is renowned for its ultra-thin timepieces. Offering a wide array of options, the watches here have a lot more to offer than you can imagine.
Out of their exotic collections, we loved the Men’s Watch Ultra-Thin Minimalist Waterproof-Fashion Wrist Watch for Men Unisex Dress with Leather Band, which is ultra-thin. With a unique dial texture, this watch is ideal to be worn on various occasions without a doubt.
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- CRRJU 2150 Men’s Watches Leather Band
- FIZILI 1097 Ultra Thin Minimalist Men Wristwatch
Case Size: 40mm
Strap: Leather
Movement: Quartz
Price: $42.98
Official Website: Fizili
17. Burei
Best for: High-Quality Minimalist Watch
An imaginative brand, Burei is known for its sophisticated and elegant minimalist watches. Providing a wide choice of creative minimal watches, this brand knows exactly what a customer looks for in a watch and how to offer them a plethora of head-turner watches.
BUREI Fashion Minimalist Business Men’s Wrist Watches Stainless Steel Waterproof Quartz Watch for Man turns out to be our favorite. Stylishly designed, the watch is completely waterproof and has a tang buckle attached to it.
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- BUREI Men’s Fashion Minimalist Wrist Watch Analog White Date with Brown Leather Band
- BUREI Men’s Luxury Automatic Watch Two Tones Stainless Steel Dress Wrist Watches Self-Winding
Case Size: 44mm
Strap: Stainless Steel
Movement: Quartz
Price: $29.99
Official Website: Burei
18. Junghans
Best for: Elegant Minimalist Watch
Providing stunning minimalist watches, Junghans proves to be one of the best watch brands that need no introduction. With numerous options available for you, Junghans will make every occasion of yours worthwhile.
JUNGHANS Max Bill Handaufzug Hand-Winding Sapphire Crystal Beige Leather Watch is our personal favorite. This product has a hand-winding movement and stainless steel case material. It also has water-proof elements in it.
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- 1972 Chronoscope Solar
- FORM A
Case Size: 34mm
Strap: Leather
Movement: Mechanical Hand Wind
Official Website: Junghans
19. Rado
Best for: Innovative Designed Minimalist Watch
Offering the best minimalist watches, Rado has unparalleled appeal amongst people. Offering durable and nicely designed watches, this brand has come up with such unique designs that you will never have a second thought as to what to wear with them and when.
Rado Ladies DiaStar Original Swiss Automatic Watch 27.3 mm turned out to be our favorite out of all. The best part about this watch is that it provides a 38-hour movement power reserve and a deployment clasp.
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- True Square Thinline Les Couleurs™ Le Corbusier
- DiaStar Original Skeleton
Case Size: 27.3 millimeters
Strap: Stainless Steel
Movement: Swiss Automatic
Official Website: Rado
20. Sinn
Best for: Elegant Minimalist Watch
Manufacturing stunning minimalist watches, Sinn just knows what they are offering to their customers. With a clean design and spectacular looks, their watches are the epitome of elegance and exoticism.
Made of stainless steel, 356 PILOT Classic Anniversary is our top pick. Waterproof, this watch has a transparent case back and sapphire crystal glass that is one of a kind.
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- 103 St Sa Commerzbank
- 356 Sa PILOT III Commerzbank
Case Size: 38.5mm
Strap: Leather Strap
Movement: Mechanical
Official Website: Sinn
21. Citizen
Best for: Sporty Minimalist Watch
If you wish to purchase elegant minimalist men’s watches, visit Citizen Brand, a popular name in the world. Offering an exquisite range of minimal watches, this company indubitably lends a timeless experience.
Out of their collection, we greatly liked their Promaster Dive watch, which is one of a kind. With a stainless steel case, this watch has a three-hand dial and is sustainably powered, which further makes it a good option to consider.
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- Marvel Heros
- Weekender
Case Size: 46mm
Strap: Polyurethane
Movement: Motion
Price: $380
Official Website: Citizen
22. Braun
Best for: Automatic Minimalist Watch
For buying excellent minimalist luxury watches, Braun can be your next best option. They provide quality watches, and each of their items is inspired by renowned designers who are themselves icons.
For us, the Braun Gents BN0278 Automatic Watch is our favorite in their collection, although other options are no less. This product is water-resistant and possesses a sapphire-front crystal. It also comes with a five-year guarantee.
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- AW50 Classic Watch with Leather Strap
- Gents BN0211 Classic Slim Watch – Black Dial and Gold Mesh Bracelet
Case Size: 40mm
Strap: Rubber
Movement: Automatic
Price: $600
Official Website: Braun
23. Michael Kors
Best for: Minimalist Luxury Watch
Michael Kors and its minimalist watches are one of a kind. World-renowned, the brand has also won awards for its luxury accessories and other chic items apart from spectacular minimal watches.
Michael Kors Pyper Women’s Watch, a Stainless Steel Watch for Women with Steel, Leather, or Silicone Band is one of their classic pieces that we loved. With an analog display, this watch is also scratch-resistant. It is also resistant to water.
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- Michael Kors Oversized Everest Pavé Two-Tone Watch
- Michael Kors Pyper Gold-Tone Leather Watch
Case Size: 38mm
Strap: Leather
Movement: Quartz movement
Official Website: Michael Kors
24. Golden Hour
Best for: Multi-Functional Minimalist Wrist Watch
With exquisite workmanship, Golden Hour manufactures the world’s best minimalist watches that are simply innovative and attractive. Offering classic and exotic designs, the watches from this brand are beyond imagination.
GOLDEN HOUR Mens Watch Fashion Sleek Minimalist Quartz Analog Mesh Stainless Steel Waterproof Chronograph Watches for Men with Auto Date is our favorite pick from their collection. A multi-functional product, it has everything that you wish to have in your wristwatch.
Our Other Favorite Picks:
- GOLDEN HOUR Men’s Watches Slim Minimalist Runway Plated Stainless Steel Quartz Analog Watch
- GOLDEN HOUR Luxury Stainless Steel Analog Digital Watches for Men Male Outdoor Sport Waterproof Big Heavy Wristwatch
Case Size: 1.65 inches
Strap: Stainless Steel
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Price: Approx. $29.99
So, these were some of the most popular minimalist watch brands that you can go for to add to your look. In time, you can explore other options too, but as of now, trying the mentioned brands is surely a must!
Things to Look for in a Minimalist Watch
Before buying minimalist watches, here are a few things that you should keep in mind:-
1. Look and Design
To keep up with the minimalist vibe and aesthetic, it is invariably good to go for designs that possess just one or two elements rather than overcrowded or cluttered designs.
2. Movement
A watch has an element inside that makes it tick, and this is known as “movement”. Primarily, it is of three types, automatic, quartz, and mechanical. As such, the type you choose depends on your convenience and budget. However, it is essential to remember that automatic and mechanical movements tend to enhance the watch’s value, while quartz doesn’t.
3. Strap
Companies offer a wide variety of choices when it comes to the watch strap. For a sober look, you can choose a stainless steel strap that surely goes well with a lot of outfits. You can even select the traditional leather strap in black or brown color as it pairs well with most formal dresses.
4. Digital vs Analog Watch
If you wish to have a minimalist watch, go for analog watches, and not digital ones, as the former is extremely classic.
5. Water-Resistance
It may happen that you accidentally end up getting your watch wet. These days, watches do provide water resistance to a certain level but this degree varies. It is the least in dress watch, and hence, if you’re someone who has to visit places like the beach or pool now and then, then go for other types of watches that are water-resistant.
6. Inventory
Always consider what you wear most and then decide what kind of watches to buy in the market. As such, if you’re more of a casual person who undertakes a lot of outdoor activities, then choosing a field watch is your best option.
How We Selected the Brands?
Since there exist several minimalist watches from various brands in the market, choosing the top ones requires some considerations. As such, we took into consideration the price, ratings, reviews, quality, and special features of each of the brands before coming up with the listicle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a minimalist watch?
A minimalist watch tends to be made with a monochromatic color and has a simple design. Unlike its counterparts, this type of watch is free of any other aesthetic detail.
What are some of the most popular minimalist watch brands?
Although there exist several watch brands in the market, mentioned below are some of the most popular ones:-
1. Timex
2. Skagen
3. Mondaine
4. Seiko
5. Movado
Why wear a minimalist watch?
A minimalist watch has a lot of benefits but one stark difference between these watches and their counterparts is that they can be paired with various outfits without having to think twice. It is also convenient to wear.
Are minimalist watches expensive?
Depending on the brand, the prices of each of the minimalist watches vary.But, more often than not these watches are affordable. However, the type of watch you buy, their overall make, and the movement they use, all contribute to the price.
Why are minimalist watches becoming popular?
Due to their simple designs and monochromatic colors, people love minimalist watches. Also, since these watches go well with almost any outfit, they are becoming extremely popular.
Takeaway (Final Thoughts)
Minimalist watches are a great way to add to your looks that exude just elegance and exoticism. With different brands offering a wide range of such watches, there exists no dearth of these items in the market. However, with our listicle, we hope you get the ideal minimal watch that helps you put your best foot forward.
Well, once you find a suitable watch, do let us know which of the brands you turned to and which option you bought for yourself in our comment section below!
