The Best Watches for Small Wrists: A Buyers Guide From $400

At Wrist Enthusiast, we try to provide insight and advice to fellow watch enthusiasts as we see questions being asked around watch circles. One of the more recent trends, and one that we’re personally excited about, is that a lot more brands are bringing out more modest-sized watches, or small watches. For a long time, the trend seemed to be bigger, sportier, and more In-your-face production models.

So today we thought we’d outline some solid watches across a number of price points for smaller and skinnier wrists. These are modestly sized watches aimed at enthusiasts with a wrist size less than 6.5”. In this cool trend of watch sizes trending down, we thought it could be a useful buyers guide for someone with a small wrist, and who doesn’t really know where to start when buying a watch - Whether it’s a first watch or a seasoned collector. So what are the best watches for a smaller wrist?

Rolex Datejust 36mm

The Rolex Datejust has been one of the most popular models of any three-handed wristwatch since it was first released all the way back in 1945. Over the years, many different dial colors combined with the signature Rolex jubilee and oyster bracelets have made for a multitude of great options. Rolex is constantly changing the available colorways of the Datejust, so there truly is a model for everyone. At any point in time, a collector can choose from fluted or smooth bezel, jubilee or oyster bracelet, steel, yellow gold, or rose gold (or a combination of steel and gold), as well as from dozens of dial colors.

The fact that Rolex makes the Datejust available in not only 36mm, but 33mm and 41mm, means any wrist size can pull off this classic. And since the Datejust is already a fairly thin watch, adding smaller size options and materials really makes it a contender for one of, if not THE, best all-around watch for Skinny wrists. The Rolex Datejust 36mm in stainless steel, with fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet, retails for $8,750 USD.

Cartier Santos de Cartier Medium

The Santos De Cartier has a very interesting history in aviation. The Santos originally was designed for a friend of Louis Cartier by the name of Alberto Santos-Dumont, who complained of pocket watches being impractical for use in aviation. Cartier then designed a square-cased wristwatch with screws on the bezel to screw down the crystal securely in place. The Santos De Cartier was the world’s first purpose-built wristwatch, and the world’s first pilots watch. There is even a 1904 video of Santos-Dumont’s flight with a Santos on his wrist. The Santos is a piece of aviation and watchmaking history, so it’s therefore firmly rooted as a collector’s item.

Regularly, the watch would come in a 41mm case size, which, due to its square nature would feel hefty on a smaller or skinnier wrist. With the Medium version measuring in at a more modest 35mm the Santos de Cartier Medium allows for those with a skinnier wrist to still get away with rocking a square piece of history, beauty, and simplicity. The Santos De Cartier Medium costs $6,800 USD.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15550 37mm

The timeless Audemars Piguet Royal Oak design has remained relatively unchanged for decades. The octagonal case and waffle-textured dial are unmistakable trademarks of the Audemars Piguet brand. Their 37mm offering is no different than the rest of their Royal Oak lineup, featuring the same heritage and craftsmanship that all of the Royal Oaks possess in a slightly smaller, slightly thinner package. The blue dial adds a pop of color and gives some contrast to the case and bracelet.

This is a great watch for those with a smaller wrist size, who also want to retain the look, heritage, and craftsmanship of a 41mm Royal Oak. This blue dial variant of the 37mm Royal Oak will set you back $25,300 USD.

Tudor Black Bay 36

The Tudor Black Bay 36 features a “no-frills” design but holds tons of character. Tudor historically has held a special place amongst it’s Black Bay models for people with smaller wrists, or even people who don’t want oversized Dive or Sport watches. With many of their models coming in with smaller sizes, the brand offers many alternatives to the industry standard of sports watches.

With the Black Bay 36, the unique Tudor “snowflake” hands and the matte black dial give amazing contrast to one another. It features a mix of satin and polished finishes throughout the case. The explorer-type indices make this watch seemingly beg for adventure, it seems as if it’s pushing you to, well, explore. This adventurous watch costs $3,050 USD as shown on a bracelet or just $2,725 USD on a leather or fabric strap.

Oris Big Crown Bronze Pointer Date 36mm

Oris offers many watches in more compact 36mm cases, but one of their best is the Big Crown Pointer Date. It has become a very popular model in recent years, and for good reason. The militaristic styling paired with beautifully colored dials makes every colorway stand out. The bronze cased models are slightly more expensive but develop a beautiful patina over time while providing great contrast with their colorful dials.

The 36mm Pointer Date has a unique complication that fits well into the smaller case package - It’s almost a dressier option over a sporty one. For those looking for an alternative material, the bronze case with Pointer-Date function is both (well) functional, and aesthetically classic - Making it a really cool option for smaller wrists. The bronze-cased edition as shown will set you back $2,000 USD, making this watch a more budget-friendly option than our last few competitors. You can pick one up at Oris’s website.

Panerai Luminor Due PAM00755 38mm

You didn’t think we would put a Panerai on our list of watches for skinny wrists, did you? Although the Panerai Luminor Due (PAM00755) is not the smallest watch on this list by any means, it is certainly small by Panerai’s standards. While most of Panerai’s popular models range between 44mm and 47mm, the 38mm Luminor Due is modest. This model doesn’t miss out on any of that recognizable Panerai styling, however. The large crown guard, the small second’s hand at 9:00, the sandwich dial, and the classic Panerai case shape are all still an integral part of this watch’s design. And since Panerais are meant to be a big presence on the wrist, 38mm won’t look out of place even on a smaller wrist. The Panerai Luminor Due PAM00755 retails for $6,200 USD.

IWC Pilot‘s Watch Automatic 36

The IWC brand has its roots buried deeply in aviation. Their 36mm Pilot’s Watch has the IWC characteristics with a modern, sleek look. The 36mm sizing also means this watch is an amazing three-hand option for those who find IWC’s larger options a little too unwieldy. The easily legible dial means the smaller size doesn’t affect readability in the slightest. The model shown retails for $4,250 USD.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300 Co-Axial Chronometer 36.25mm

The Omega Seamaster is one of the most recognizable divers of all time, right beside the Rolex Submariner. One thing the Submariner doesn’t have, however, is varying sizes for those with smaller wrists. This Seamaster’s 36.25mm size makes it incredibly versatile and wearable on various wrist sizes. Not too many dive watches can say the same. The Seamaster isn’t a slouch in performance either, housing an Omega Co-Axial Calibre 2500 movement which is also Chronometer Certified. This is an overall great diver for those who feel other divers are simply too large for their taste. This 36.25mm model retailed for $3682.60 USD.

Breitling Chronomat Automatic 36

The Breitling Chronomat Automatic 36mm is a sporty take on a watchmaking icon. The original Chronomat involved the use of a slide rule around the bezel to enable the wearer to make basic calculations on their timepiece in just a few seconds. This newer, simpler iteration removes the complication of the slide rule and replaces it with a less cluttered design for those looking for a more elegant and graceful timepiece.

Breitling’s 36mm case is only 10mm thick, making it incredibly wearable for almost any wrist size. It should be noted that this is technically a women’s model, but it shouldn’t deter the buyer, as 36mm is plenty of size to keep the watch from seeming too feminine, especially if the wearer has smaller wrists. The model shown retails for $4,850 USD.

Longines Legend Diver 36mm

The Longines Legend Diver utilizes a “compressor” style case and bezel, with two crowns. One is used as a typical winding/time setting crown, while the second is used as a knob to turn the outer dial ring. This case style is typically found in much larger case sizes, usually 40mm or larger. Longines utilizes a smaller case style for this watch, which would be ideal for those who love the compressor-style bezel but find the typical diver in this style slightly too large.

Longines offers this model in several dial variations, including the blue shown below, which is reminiscent of the deep sea. This model shown will set you back $2,250 USD.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 37mm

Vacheron Constantin is one of the most highly regarded watchmakers in the world, so it’s no surprise that their smaller models receive the same scrutiny and care as any other. Their Historiques 222 is no different, with a specially engraved rotor for this model. The Historiques 222 is a revised edition of their 1970’s jumbo 222 model.

This watch features Vacheron’s Calibre 2455/2, featuring 194 different parts and a thickness of just 3.6mm making it remarkably thin for how complicated it is. This sport-styled gold design sets it apart from the rest of Vacheron Constantin’s more traditional lineup though firmly rooted in the brands history. This version of the Historiques 222 will set you back $69,000 USD.

Brew Watches Metric 36mm

Brew Watches has been gaining popularity in recent times, and for good reason. Their Brew Metric model is sized at 36mm for an incredibly versatile watch to fit almost any wrist size. Their retro-inspired design is an incredibly unique touch that is undoubtedly eye-catching. This model utilizes a Seiko VK68 mecha-quartz movement, giving all the accuracy of a quartz movement, but with the sweeping seconds of a mechanical chronograph.

Most chronographs with similar designs are 40mm or larger, but the smaller 36mm size of the Metric makes it a great contender on this list. Having personally handled the Metric, despite it’s square shape and size, it wears very understatedly despite its more funky dial design. It’s a great entry to our list of small watches for men. The model shown will cost you $425 USD.

Tissot PRX 35mm Quartz

The Tissot PRX is another fan-favorite model on this list, with its larger Powermatic configuration gaining more popularity in recent times. We recently reviewed the PRX Chronograph and it got us to thinking about the smaller model. This smaller PRX quartz model is far better suited to those with smaller wrists with its 35mm case. The smaller model retains the same sleek, flowing case and integrated bracelet design as its larger model. It even adds more of a splash of color with its sunburst dial configurations. There’s a reason the PRX design is so popular, it’s an elegantly flowing design with a small pop of color that adds some charm. The sunburst green model shown will cost you just $327 USD.

Zodiac Olympos Automatic Black 37mm

The last of our more affordable options is the Zodiac Olympos Automatic in 37mm. Zodiac has seen a bit of a resurgence in the recent weeks, and the military inspired (and utilized) brand has spent a lot of time and effort in slimming down the design profiles of their watches. We recently reviewed the new Super Sea Wolf Skin which got some great improvements to it’s design. The Olympos falls right into that category as well.

The slimmed down case in 37mm has all the vintage military charm one could ask for - it even has the “Ears” and crosshair dial. Further, the crown is at 2 o’clock making the watch wear even smaller and less intrusive. So, naturally, we have to include this watch for Skinny Wrists. You can pick this watch up for $895 USD. You can purchase the Olympos at Zodiac’s website.

Seiko King Seiko 37mm

The Seiko King Seiko is one of Seiko's more traditional offerings. It has a bracelet similar to the Rolex jubilee bracelet with a more traditional dial. It is a good stand-in for the Rolex Datejust we have already featured in this article but at a cheaper price point. With a variety of dial color options, there should be something for everyone and at 37mm it is very wearable for anyone with a smaller wrist. The King Seiko is, however, a little on the pricier side for a Seiko. It retails for $1,700 USD.

Hublot Classic Fusion 38mm

Hublot gets a lot of hate in watch circles, but the classic fusion is one of our favorite pieces the brand produces. The Classic Fusion is somewhat of a toned-down Big Bang, that has a classic look. Yes, some may think it has similarities to a Royal Oak, but the watch can really stand on its own. At 38mm it may be on the larger side for a smaller wrist, but we still think it's wearable. The 38mm Hublot Classic Fusion in titanium retails for $7,300 USD.

Vaer A3 Atlas Navy USA Auto 36mm

For those that want a modern watch with classic touches, the Vaer A3 Atlas is a great option. The A3 Atlast is one of Vaer's collection of watches that is assembled in the United States. That doesn't mean that the watch uses an American made movement, as some brands have started to do in recent years. The watch runs on a reliable Miyota 9015 movement out of Japan. That said, it's a fine looking watch that comes in at 36mm and a reasonable price of $629 USD.

Nomos Glashütte Club 36mm

The German watchmaker Nomos has always been something of an anomaly in the watch industry. Nomos represented a brand that never took itself too seriously, which is showcased in the playfulness of their watches. The 36mm Nomos Club is a great example of this. The Club represents something of a modern field watch, perhaps mixed with Scandinavian sensibility, and it just works. The little pop of orange on the white dial is welcome for a watch that is otherwise pretty traditional. At the end of the day, the Club is quintessentially Nomos, and we like that. The Nomos Club retails for $1,550 USD.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Moon

Who doesn’t like to see the technical achievement of putting a technically complicated movement into a small (and especially, thin) case? Well Jaeger-LeCoultre achieve both with the Master Ultra Thin Moon. The Caliber 925 movement is on full display through the open caseback and it really is a work of art. While technically a women’s watch, this beautiful steel dress watch can be worn by anyone. The Master Ultra Thin Moon retails for $10,400 USD.

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5066A 36mm

As a bonus, we are adding the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5066A. Because truly, we would be run down and beaten by the watch Gods that be if we excluded one of the most notorious Pateks in 36mm. The Aquanaut is a true classic in the Industry, and there are few Patek models that roll into the sub-40mm size category that aren’t Dress Watches. The 5066A features a sapphire caseback to appreciate the 330SC movement, and since the dial uses Tritium lume, it often has a cool vintage patina that appeals to both contemporary enthusiasts looking for a sporty watch, or vintage enthusiasts who like the look of an older model. With the prices coming down so much lately, I’ve found some 5066A going for under $50,000 USD.