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Men’s watches are shrinking. Or, another way of looking at it: Men’s watches are returning to their correct size.
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Through the Forties, Fifties, and Sixties, men’s watch cases were almost never larger than 36 millimeters (save for specialized military pieces). Then, watches started getting bigger, until things peaked in the late Nineties and early Oughts when guys were rocking huge hunks of metal on their wrists.
Recently, however, a correction has been happening. Stylish guys’ watches are getting smaller — much smaller. Petite vintage timepieces like sub-30-millimeter Cartier Tanks and 34 or 36-millimeter Rolexes are now the cool kids on the block, while affordable brands like Timex and Seiko are offering some fantastic small watches as well.
The Best Small Watches for Men
If you’re looking to downsize your wrist candy, read on. We’ve rounded up a few of the best small watches for men that you can buy online, including budget-friendly timepieces and flexes that all nail the trend.
1. Timex Marlin
Timex was way ahead of the curve when they released this Marlin a few years ago. Featuring a minimal, 34-millimeter case and a black leather strap, the watch boasts a true mid-century look. It looks like something Don Draper might have worn to work, but, like straight-fit slacks and knit polos, the watch looks even better today than it would have sixty years ago.
Timex Marlin
Price: $199.00 $189.00 at Amazon
Buy On Amazon
2. Casio F91W-1
Casio’s digital watches have graced some of the wealthiest, most famous wrists in the world, from Ryan Gosling to Bill Gates to Pope Francis. And many of them cost about as much as a sit-down lunch. Some, like this 35-millimeter MQ24-7B2 (currently $15 on Amazon), also nail the current small watch trend.
Casio MQ24-7B2
Price: $22.95 $15.50 at Amazon
Buy On Amazon
3. Seiko SWR052
Looking for an affordable alternative to the Cartier Tank? Grab this Seiko SWR052. The dress watch looks almost identical to the Tank, showcasing a slim, rectangular case that measures 28 millimeters across. Like all Seiko watches, you can expect the quartz movement in this one to run for years, if not decades — despite its affordable price tag.
Seiko SWR052
Price: $215.00 $161.25 at Amazon
Buy On Amazon
4. Seiko 5 SNXS73K
For some reason, cheap watch brands often make bigger watches while luxury brands trend smaller. But not Seiko. The beloved Japanese watchmaker is one of the best budget-friendly options for reasonably sized watches. This slick Seiko 5 SNXS73K, for example, features a versatile 38-millimeter stainless steel case (and it looks quite a bit like a Rolex OysterDate).
Seiko 5 SNXS73K
Price: $185.00 at Amazon
Buy On Amazon
5. Nixon Time Teller
At 37 millimeters, Nixon’s best-selling Time Teller will look at home on almost any wrist. The stainless steel watch boasts a classic, no-frills silhouette, and it comes in several colorways to match your personal style. Plus, despite its size, the watch features an impressive 100-meter water resistance, which means it’s safe to shower and swim with.
Nixon Time Teller
Price: $125 at Nixon
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6. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200
When shopping for the best small watches for men, don’t be afraid to check the ladies section. This ladies TAG Heuer Aquaracer 200, for example, has a 30-millimeter case that would absolutely work on a guy’s wrist — think of it in between a bracelet and a watch. You also get TAG’s extreme durability, including 200 meters of water resistance for deep submersion.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer 200
Price: $1,950 at Saks Fifth Ave
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7. Hamilton Khaki Aviator Pilot Pioneer
If you like the field watch look but want a downsized version, grab this Hamilton Khaki Aviator Pilot Pioneer. The watch’s oval case measures 36 by 33 millimeters, which works wonderfully with the timepiece’s throwback design. It’s also mechanical, which means you get to wind the watch in the morning (a plus in our book).
Hamilton Khaki Aviator Pilot Pioneer
Price: $845 at Nordstrom
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8. Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34
In the current small watch epoch, a vintage Rolex Oyster 34 is an easy choice. Measuring 34 millimeters across, the watch is small but still substantial, and, like any Rolex, there’s no reason to convince anyone that it looks great.
Vintage Rolex
Price: $Starting at ~$3,000 at eBay
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9. Cartier Tank
Another one of the best-ever small watches for men is the Cartier Tank, one of the most iconic watches in history. You can buy them new for a few grand, but we recommend perusing the used market for a special piece at a bit of a discount.
Cartier Tank
Price: $Starting at ~$1,200 at eBay
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What Size Is a Small Watch for Men?
Watch sizing of course depends on the size of the wearer’s wrist, but, generally, men’s watches that are 34 millimeters or smaller can be considered small. Watches from 34-38 millimeters might be small or medium-sized, depending on how big your wrist is, while anything over 40 millimeters will almost certainly look chunky.
For this list, we looked for watches smaller than 38 millimeters, but we made sure to include some as slim as 28 millimeters so that even guys with smaller wrists can enjoy the small watch look.
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