Best Minimalist Watches in 2024 – Top 15 Elegant & Affordable Picks
Minimalist watches are all the rage in 2024 for their simple and elegant aesthetics. With clean dial designs and slim cases, these timepieces allow the wearer to make a subtle yet stylish statement. In this post, we will discuss the 15 best minimalist watches that you can buy in 2024. Whether you prefer an affordable minimalist watch or are willing to splurge on a luxury model, there’s something for everyone.
To compile this list, we researched dozens of minimalist watches from both high-end and affordable brands. We looked at critical specifications like the movement, case material, strap options, and overall design. Based on these factors, we picked the top 15 minimalist watches that combine form and function.
Contents
- 1. Skagen Jorn Medium Brown Leather Watch
- 2. Timex Marlin Hand Wound
- 3. Tissot Everytime Swissmatic Watch
- 4. MVMT Black Sandstone Watch
- 5. Mondaine Evo2 Stainless Steel Watch
- 6. Linjer Classic Watch
- 7. Junghans Max Bill Automatic
- 8. Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch
- 9. Sinn 556 I RS
- 10. Bulova Classic Watch
- 11. Oris Divers Sixty-Five
- 12. Orient Bambino Version 7
- 13. Relic by Fossil Rylan Quartz watch
- 14. Seiko Tank SWR049 watch
- 15. Bulova Classic Rectangle Watch
1. Skagen Jorn Medium Brown Leather Watch
The Skagen Jorn is the perfect minimalist watch for everyday wear. It has a round 40mm stainless steel case paired with a leather strap. The dial comes in several color options and only features the Skagen logo at 3 o’clock. It is powered by a reliable quartz movement. With a clean and streamlined design, the Skagen Holst retails for around $135. The combination of its versatile styling, comfortable strap, and affordable price point makes it an ideal starter minimalist watch.
2. Timex Marlin Hand Wound
For fans of vintage styling, the Timex Marlin is an excellent hand-wound minimalist watch. It has a polished stainless steel case measuring 34mm in diameter and a leather strap. The silver-tone dial only includes the Timex logo at 12 o’clock. Powered by a manual movement, the Timex Marlin costs approximately $209. Its domed acrylic crystal and classic leather strap give it a retro charm, while the hand-winding mechanism provides a mechanical feel.
3. Tissot Everytime Swissmatic Watch
The Tissot Everytime Swissmatic watch features a minimalist aesthetic in an affordable Swiss-made timepiece. It has a slim 40mm stainless steel case housing a silver dial with stick indices. The date window is subtly placed at 3 o’clock. With a Swissmatic automatic movement and leather strap, it costs around $475. For those wanting an entry-level Swiss automatic minimalist watch, the Tissot Everytime is a stylish and well-priced option.
4. MVMT Black Sandstone Watch
The MVMT Black collection features a sandstone leather strap that provides an earthy, minimalist look. The 45mm gunmetal ion-plated stainless steel has a rugged yet refined feel. Covered with a mineral crystal, the minimalist black dial features a small date window and chronograph subdials.
It runs on a reliable quartz movement. Costing just $158, the MVMT Black watch is great for the minimalist buyer on a budget. While affordable, it still exudes class with its blacked-out aesthetic and sandstone leather strap.
5. Mondaine Evo2 Stainless Steel Watch
Swiss brand Mondaine is famous for its iconic railway clocks. The Evo2 watch replicates that retro minimalism in a compact wristwatch. It has a brushed stainless steel case, a clean dial with bold hands, and a big date window.
The quartz movement ensures precise timekeeping. Priced around $365, the Mondaine Evo2 is perfect for minimalist watch aficionados. Capture the classic train station clock aesthetic with this bold and legible minimalist watch.
6. Linjer Classic Watch
Sweden-based Linjer makes elegant minimalist watches with Japanese movements. The Classic model has a 41mm stainless steel case and Italian leather strap. The dial only includes a small date window and doesn’t have any logo. Super slim at just 8mm thick, the Linjer Classic costs around $259. With its versatile styling and ultra-slim profile, the Linjer Classic is ideal for those seeking a minimalist timepiece for business or casual wear.
7. Junghans Max Bill Automatic
This Bauhaus-inspired timepiece designed by German architect Max Bill has become an icon of minimalism. The case measures 38mm across and houses a dial with applied indices and subtle Junghans branding.
A hand-wound mechanical movement powers this legendary timepiece. It costs around $1,350. The Max Bill sets the bar for minimalist watches with its archetypal styling and flawless execution from renowned German brand Junghans.
8. Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch
With its military-inspired dial, the Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler is a rugged minimalist field watch. It has a 37mm stainless steel case and nylon strap. The black dial has large luminous hands and markers. It is powered by Citizen’s Eco-Drive solar technology. Priced at around $250, it combines utility with minimalist design.
9. Sinn 556 I RS
With its stoic dial and case shape, the Sinn 556 I RS is a pilot-inspired minimalist watch. It features a 38.5mm stainless steel case and bracelet. The glossy black dial features simple stick indices and muted Sinn branding, providing excellent legibility. Powering the watch is an automatic movement that can be seen through the sapphire crystal caseback.
Its 200m of water resistance combined with a screw-down crown make the Sinn 556 I RS suitable for recreational diving. Priced around $1,530, this German-made timepiece offers rugged minimalism perfect for everyday wear. The combination of its versatile styling, precise automatic movement, and durability make the Sinn 556 I RS an excellent minimalist pilot’s watch.
10. Bulova Classic Watch
With its ultra-thin case and clean dial, the Bulova Classic watch is a minimalist’s dream. The stainless steel case measures just 5.9mm thick, and the silver dial features simple stick markers. With a Japanese quartz movement, it costs around $195. An ultra-slim profile and precise Japanese quartz movement give this Bulova minimalist watch a sleek, modern look at an affordable price point.
11. Oris Divers Sixty-Five
Oris adds vintage flair to the Divers Sixty-Five with a minimalist dial and slim profile. The 36mm stainless steel case features a screw-down crown that maintains its 100m water resistance. Inside is an Oris 733 automatic movement with 38 hours of power reserve. The minimalist blue dial provides a refined look while maintaining legibility with its simple indices and hands.
The watch comes on a metal bracelet or various leather and fabric straps. Priced at $2,000, the Oris Divers Sixty-Five adapts the retro styling of mid-century dive watches into an appealing minimalist timepiece. With its slender case, uncomplicated dial, and range of strap options, the Divers Sixty-Five offers versatility for daily wear as well as underwater adventures.
12. Orient Bambino Version 7
The Orient Bambino Version 7 brings an elegant and minimalist look to this affordable dress watch. The 38mm stainless steel case with its domed mineral crystal houses a striking silver-white dial. A small date window at 3 o’clock provides the only interruption on the otherwise stark dial. Polished silver-tone hands and indices stand out against the light backdrop.
Powering the watch is an Orient F6724 automatic movement that can be viewed through the exhibition caseback. The black leather strap complements the minimalist style. Priced affordably at around $270, the Orient Bambino Version 7 offers an exquisite minimalist aesthetic that punches well above its price point. With its domed crystal, simple dial, and thin case profile, it’s a refined and versatile minimalist timepiece for any occasion.
13. Relic by Fossil Rylan Quartz watch
The Relic by Fossil Rylan Quartz watch is an elegantly understated timepiece. It features a 45mm stainless steel case with a textured black dial protected by a mineral crystal. Silver-tone hands and hour markers provide a subtle pop of color against the black backdrop. Additionally, the sparkling diamond accent at the 12 position adds a touch of luxury.
The quartz movement ensures reliable timekeeping. Paired with a matte stainless steel bracelet, this Relic watch has a refined minimalist look. Priced at around $100, the Rylan offers the simplicity of a versatile black dial complemented by silver accents. With its clean dial design and stylish color scheme, this Relic timepiece makes an affordable yet sophisticated minimalist statement.
14. Seiko Tank SWR049 watch
Exuding elegance, the Seiko Tank SWR049 is a modern minimalist timepiece. Its slim stainless steel case measures just 6mm thick, with a striking rectangular shape reminiscent of Cartier Tank watches. The cream dial has thin black hands and Roman numerals.
The simple dial design epitomizes minimalist appeal. Running on a precise Japanese quartz movement, this Seiko watch comes paired with a black leather strap. Priced affordably at around $195, the SWR049 offers the slim profile and Art Deco-inspired styling of a luxury tank watch in an accessible minimalist package from Seiko. With its ultra-thin case and uncluttered rectangular dial, the SWR049 is an elegant nod to minimalist watch designs of the past.
Complete In-depth Review: Seiko Tank SWR049 Watch Review
15. Bulova Classic Rectangle Watch
With its slender rectangular case and clean dial, the Bulova Classic Rectangle watch is a minimalist’s dream. The stainless steel case measures 24mm wide and 8mm thin, encapsulating a stark gray-black dial. Silver baton indices and pencil hands display the time with utmost simplicity. The watch runs on a precise Japanese quartz movement.
Paired with a two-tone sleek stainless steel bracelet, this Bulova timepiece exudes refined minimalism. Priced around $375, the understated elegance of the Classic Rectangle makes it a versatile minimalist watch for both casual and formal wear. Its thin rectangular case and absence of decorative elements epitomize the “less is more” ethos that defines quintessential minimalist design.
Conclusion:
In summary, minimalist watches come in many shapes and sizes to suit individual tastes and budgets. Iconic yet affordable models from brands like Skagen, MVMT, and Mondaine offer stellar minimalist styling. Luxury minimalist timepieces from Junghans, Oris, and Citizen take things up a notch. Ultimately, the perfect minimalist watch comes down to your personal style and budget preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Minimalist watches have clean dial designs without too many decorative elements. They often lack numerals, indices, or extra sub-dials. Stick hands and slim cases further enhance the minimalist aesthetic.
While not universally “better,” minimalist watches offer versatile styling that can be dressed up or down. Many are also more affordable than complex luxury watches.
Yes, minimalist watches are very on-trend right now for their versatility and contemporary, understated aesthetic. The minimalist style works for both dressy and casual occasions.
Look for thin cases, clean dials with simple indices/hands, minimal branding, neutral colorways, quartz or automatic movements, and leather, NATO, mesh, or Milanese straps.
Quartz watches offer affordability and accuracy. Automatics have smoother ticking, mechanical charm, and may need more care. Choose based on your preferences and budget.
Great recommendations for minimalist watches! As someone new to the style, do you have any advice on how to incorporate minimalist watches into outfits? Want to make sure I’m styling them properly and not overwhelming my look. Love the simplicity but still learning!
Thanks for reading! For styling minimalist watches, I typically recommend wearing them with cleaner, modern outfits free of loud patterns or bright colors. Solid color shirts, sleek boots, and fitted jeans tend to pair very nicely. The watch should subtly accent your look rather than compete. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find what works best for you.