Once I turned 30, me and my skinny wrists decided it was time to buy a luxury timepiece. It was a celebratory moment—only slightly dampened by having to remove so many links that I was frightened the watch was going to disintegrate into my hand.
But gents, a tiny ticker is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, the best watches for small wrists can pack a big enough punch to easily rival their larger, showier counterparts. You simply need to know where to look and what to look for (which is where I come in).
Helped by my own personal struggles, I’ll be pulling together a selection of brands that offer the finest watches for small wrists. Picking out an array of suitable designs perfect for every style, occasion, and budget.
Key Takeaways
You know what they say about tiny wrists, right? They require a small timepiece, of course. But how do you know which one to choose? I’ve rounded up the very best men’s watches for small wrists, including the Q Timex and NOMOS Glashütte’s Tetra 408. You’ll also find some pointers on what to look out for when deciding which type of watch is the one for you.
When wearing a watch, it should be framed by your wrist—not the other way around. Which is why guys with less meat around their lower arms should be a little more careful when it comes to finding a new timepiece. Luckily, the Q Timex fits the required criteria.
A reissue of the original style released in 1979, the vintage watch allows a new generation to enjoy the diver-inspired stainless steel bracelet, rotating top ring, and luminescent paint. You’ll also find a handy date window, plus a reliable quartz movement ticking inside. Wear it with a suit or sweats, the outcome is the same: seriously cool. Just don’t go plunging into water deeper than 50 meters.
Material: Stainless Steel | Case Size: 38mm | Thickness: 11.5mm | Movement: Quartz
For those with big budgets, you’re able to gain exclusive access to some super slick small watches. But with such a plethora of options on the table, it can prove a little daunting deciding on which one to choose.
NOMOS Glashütte’s Tetra 408 is a pretty good place to start. Measuring a rather modest 29.5 by 29.5mm, it’s perfectly sized for skinny wrists. And it’s not only the dimensions that are impressive. Powered by a manually wound Alpha caliber, it features a white silver-plated dial and tempered blue hands for a timeless look that can complement a wide range of outfits.
Material: Stainless Steel | Case Size: 29.5mm | Thickness: 6.3mm | Movement: Manual
Having only been founded in 2008, Void Watches is considered a newbie in the world of luxury timepieces. But they’ve certainly made up for lost time. Working with geometric shapes and a streamlined design aesthetic, they offer a range of on-trend watches that will improve any ensemble.
Understated and unapologetically classy, the PKG01 is presented with a 38mm case that’s only 7mm thick—the thinnest in the label’s collection. Available in a variety of colors, each one comes with a red accent on the second hand and modest branding on the face and buckle.
Material: Stainless Steel | Case Size: 38mm | Thickness: 7mm | Movement: Quartz
Finding a dress watch for dainty wrists is perhaps the most simple of sartorial searches. They’re supposed to be refined—which often means they have smaller cases to keep with the sleek aesthetic.
This one from Nixon is the kind you’ll want to show off at client lunches or family get-togethers. You can smugly sip your beer (or coffee) as your company marvels over its impressive simplicity and unique angular case.
Material: Stainless Steel | Case Size: 38.5mm | Thickness: 7.5mm | Movement: Multifunction Digital
Of course, Amazon has a selection of the best watches for small wrists. Are you surprised? Probably not. But I bet you didn’t expect them to have one quite so sweet as this. Tissot’s PRX is a must-have for every guy—whether you’re a collector or first-time buyer.
A remake of the 1978 classic, it’ll be particularly attractive for those looking for a sophisticated timepiece with a timeless retro feel. It features a slender 35mm case with a stainless steel bracelet and small date window. The water-resistant blue face offers a splash of color that’ll pop when teamed with your formal or smart-casual attire.
Material: Stainless Steel | Case Size: 35mm | Thickness: 9.6mm | Movement: Quartz
Once worn by nerds and mathematics teachers, digital watches are now officially cool. And thanks to the endless options on the web, finding watches for small wrists is easier than ever before. But there’s no need to go on a wild goose chase. Casio’s F91W-1 is the one you need.
Iconic and effortlessly stylish, it’s a simple yet effective timepiece that can tell the time, set an alarm, and keep count of your laps. You can also take it underwater. Not bad for under $30, eh? The only drawback is it’s a little on the casual side, so you’d be best keeping it away from suits.
Material: Resin | Case Size: 38.2mm | Thickness: 8.5mm | Movement: Quartz
If you can tell your Tudors from your Tissots, you’ll probably know that the Swiss are to thank for some of the finest watches in the world—including the best watches for small wrists. You may, however, struggle to narrow down your options.
To help, I highly recommend the Speedmaster ’57 from Omega. A 60th-anniversary tribute to a 1957 classic, this stylish chronograph is one of only 3,557 pieces (so you’ll be welcomed into an exclusive club if you decide to hit purchase). Perfectly matching the original, it’s cased in brushed and polished stainless steel with a black ‘tropical’ dial and vintage indexes that glow in the dark.
Material: Stainless Steel | Case Size: 38.6mm | Thickness: Not Specified | Movement: Manual
We all love the idea of building a collection of five-figure timepieces. But the truth is, no watch wardrobe can be truly complete without the more wallet-friendly everydayers. The kind you can wear from Monday to Sunday without any outfit restrictions. And anyhow, who has that kind of money nowadays?
My favorite is this one from Timex. Sporty but seriously smart, the Waterbury Traditional is perfect for city explorers and outdoor adventurers alike. Showcasing a sleek 39mm case, it comes with a quick-release leather black strap and a fourth hand that can track additional time zones. You can wear it with your walking gear, or dress it up with a shirt and slacks.
Material: Stainless Steel | Case Size: 39mm | Thickness: 11.5mm | Movement: Quartz
The best watches for small wrists don’t have to cost a fortune. There are plenty of affordable timepieces on the market that look far fancier than their price tag suggests. Case in point is the Solar Classic from Solios.
Ideal for days in the office and weekends with friends, it’s a sleek yet sturdy design that’s made from recycled stainless steel with a minimalistic face and subtle branding. Better yet, it’s solar-powered—so you’ll save money on battery replacements too.
Material: Stainless Steel | Case Size: 40 / 36mm | Thickness: 8mm | Movement: Solar
If you’re planning on spending some time in the water, finding the best men’s watches for small wrists is doubly important. Get the wrong size dive watch and you could end up watching your beloved timepiece plunge to the bottom of the sea (or pool). And nobody wants that.
Hamilton’s Scuba Quartz is designed to fit any wrist, so it’ll remain tight and won’t fall off. The 37mm case features an unidirectional bezel, easy-to-read dial, and a textile strap. While the hands and hour indexes glow up in low lighting. Take it on vacation for unrivaled style, whether you’re swimming or alfresco dining.
Material: Stainless Steel | Case Size: 37mm | Thickness: 10.77mm | Movement: Quartz
What To Look For In The Best Watches For Small Wrists
Size
For guys with small wrists, you should be giving extra thought to the size of your watch. And while thickness, strap circumference, and lug-to-lug measurements should all be considered, the easiest way to find the perfect fit is by looking at the dimensions of the case. 34-38mm is ideal. Go too big, and not only will it feel uncomfortable, but it’s a sure-fire way to raise question marks over your outfits.
Style
From chronograph watches to dive watches, there are various styles of timepieces on offer. Which one you choose will depend as much on personal preference as the occasions you’re dressing for. For example, sports watches are an excellent everyday option, while a dress watch is perfect for wearing with a suit. Narrow down your potentials and opt for the one you will wear the most.
Movement
The inner workings of a watch are otherwise referred to as the movements. Of which there are three: mechanical, automatic, and quartz. Each has its own advantages and comes with varying price tags. Quartz watches are the most convenient and affordable, while automatic timepieces are often slightly more expensive and are wound by natural movement. Mechanical movements will likely take you into a much higher price point and you’ll need to wind the watch yourself.
Final Verdict
So there you have it: the best watches for small wrists. I knew my boney arms would come in handy one day. Thanks, Mom. I’ll now leave it up to you to decide which of these little tickers is your favorite. But if you’re after a nudge in a particular direction, my suggestion would be the 38mm Q Timex.
Not just easy on the eye, it’s affordable and comes with some pretty neat features that will make your time-telling experience extra special. There’s a rotating top ring, luminescent markers, and a date window to keep you on track. What more could you want?
FAQ
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If you have thin wrists, you should choose a watch with a case diameter between 34-40mm. For the skinniest wrists, you would be best wearing watches that are 38mm or smaller.
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Certainly not. 38mm is considered the ideal size for men with small wrists. Not only that, as the popularity of smaller watches rises, they’ve become a classy option for all guys (regardless of wrist size).
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Typically, men’s wrists range in size from roughly six inches to eight—with the average man’s wrist measuring around 7 inches. Anything below this can be considered on the smaller side.
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