TL;DR
High-End Minimalist Watches
For those with a budget up to $1,000, the Junghans Max Bill is frequently recommended as a symbol of minimalist design [1:1]. Nomos also offers watches in the Bauhaus style, known for their clean dials and elegant simplicity
[3:1]. The Nomos Ludwig line, particularly the enamel white edition, has been praised for its understated elegance
[3:4].
Classic Minimalism
Mondaine watches are celebrated for their timeless, minimal design inspired by Swiss train station clocks [1:2],
[4:3]. Braun watches are another excellent choice for those seeking a minimalist aesthetic, often compared to the style of Apple Watches
[4:4].
Affordable Quality Options
Seiko is highly recommended for its balance of price and quality, offering minimalist designs that are durable and reliable [2:1]. Orient Bambino is another popular choice, appreciated for its classic design and affordability
[1:6].
Unique and Budget-Friendly Choices
For those looking for something unique, wooden watches offer a distinct minimalist vibe and are environmentally friendly [1:5]. For budget-conscious buyers, brands like Timex and Swatch provide minimalist designs at an accessible price point
[4:2].
Mechanical Minimalist Watches
If you prefer mechanical watches, options like the Defakto Mono Superluminova and Stowa Fliegers offer simple designs without additional features like date windows or logos [3:2],
[3:6]. The Seestern S382 is a homage to the Nomos Tangente and offers minimalist design at a very affordable price
[5:3].
These recommendations span a range of styles, budgets, and functionalities, ensuring that there is a minimalist watch out there to suit every preference.
Hey All,
I am looking to downsize my watch collection and to only one watch. If there was one watch you would downsize to which one would it be? Price range is up to 1K.
Definitely a Mondaine. They have a timeless, minimal, classy, versatile design and a great history. This is the watch that I bought for my boyfriend and he is wearing it very often, even if he has several watches. And this is the only watch that I own, I’ve received it as a gift, it was a special edition.
look really nice reminds me of the Nomos design. Thanks !
Huge watch guy here, also into minimalism.
It would be helpful to determine if you want one watch that's versatile (can be worn daily/to a wedding) so that your *collection* is minimalist
OR
Do you want a minimalist watch? for example, one with a very plain dial, easy to read, that isn't flashy?
I guess looking for something that fills most occasions and can be timeless. I was looking at the Sin 556 i but not sure yet.
Sinn makes a great watch and are a great value for that price point. Stowa has similar designs. I would also check out Junghans, Nomos, and Bell & Ross.
I think it comes down to your personality and lifestyle more than anything. Think of the watch as an extension of yourself - to me, that's what makes a really great choice of watch in the first place. Which one grabs you the most?
If I get a watch, it'd be the Orient Bambino 2nd Gen Version 3 with a grey face. Simple, classic dress watch that would suit my aesthetic well - equally at home with a suit or dressed in all black on stage with my bands.
The Orient watches are great. I actually have an Orient Ray II. But the Bambino is a beautiful one.
Thanks!
This is likely not what you're looking for if your budget is 1K, but wooden watches are amazing. Every time I wear mine out somewhere people comment on it. Cost me like £30 or something though I'm sure you could get a big budget wooden watch if you wanted.
It fits into every outfit I've tried, from work attire (a suit), smart casual Friday night out all the way to popping to the shops.
Plus, being wood, it's a renewable if you're into that and they can't be gadgety, as it's made of fucking wood, so fits that minimalist vibe
Nice! which one do you have? Curious to how long it will last if it cost 30.
Thanks!
It's a Redear watch, not sure the exact model. I've had it over a year now, and apart from when I lost it behind a chest of drawers for a month, it has stood up to daily use. No signs of any wear and tear.
I'm supposed to treat it with oil, as it is made of bamboo, but I never do. I just try to remember to take it off before I wash my hands so it doesn't get wet, though I tend to just wash my hands a bit more carefully as that's too much much of a hassle
Junghans Max Bill, basically a symbol of minimalist watches. With this budget you can additionaly get Casio G-Shock DW-5600 or GX-56 for sports, work etc.
Wow the Junghans Max Bill looks amazing great find. Definitely keeping as one of my top choices. Thanks!
I am a watch nerd/collector. I constantly want to buy a new watch. In an age where we are surrounded by screens and technology, I was thinking about getting a minimalist wrist watch I can wear everyday. Need some more analog in my life.
Any recommendations?
Nomos is a great brand but obviously nothing beats the god tier f91-w
Don’t you already have a watch?
I have too many
Whilst I don’t agree with The Minimalists on some things, I do agree on their stance in terms of collecting/collections. Its a dangerous and slippery slope into compulsive shopping. Its an excuse to acquire more rather than a curation of specific beloved pieces. Take your request for example. You don’t even know what to buy, you just want to acquire. So you’re turning to internet strangers for a list of items to shop around for. Even if you aren’t planning on actually purchasing anything you’ve set yourself up to. I would full till stop. Pull out your collection and take a second look and what you already have. Do you absolutely love each one? If you had to buy it again, would you? At what point will you stop? What number will indicate to you that you have to many? Do you wear each one on the regular or reach for the same one every time? If you’re just here for minimalism the fashion aesthetic then ignore me. But if you’re really looking to incorporate more meaningful actions into your life then I urge you to wait. Read up on some minimalism lifestyle blogs and take a 30 days break from shopping to clear your mind. Unsubscribe from shopping emails and delete the shop apps. After 30 days slowly incorporate it back in one at a time IF you want to. But I think it will begin a change in your mindset.
Braun makes several watches in this style
If you’re looking for real analog I’d recommend a thrift store. Affordable and usually have a huge selection of analog watches.
This sounds like an excuse to buy another watch
You caught me
Professional jeweler here. For minimalism, quality and durability I would recommend a basic Seiko watch. The ingenuity of the Japanese is really astounding! They can make it as minimalistic or crazy as possible. Very good price/quality balance too, far better then our European fashion brands that have you pay more for worse quality.
Good luck in your choice :)
I'm having a really tough time finding a mechanical watch that's not crammed with features or just looks generally busy.
Can anyone recommend a simple mechanical watch? One without any features other than telling the time (No date window, I hate those) and zero branding on the face? If not zero branding then at least nothing super in your face.
Price isn't a consideration, I just want something well built and simple.
A few I've selected over a period of time:
Bijouone B001: https://www.bijouone.hk/collections/b001
Braun AW10 (re-issue): https://braun-clocks.com/products/aw-10-classic-watch-with-leather-strap
Solios Solar: https://www.solioswatches.com/product/solar-black-black-mesh?caseColor=matte-black&dialSize=36mm&gender=men
Defakto Mono Superluminova: https://www.defakto-watches.com/watches/mono/superluminova/649/ (personal favourite)
ICE solar power: https://www.ice-watch.com/en/watch/ice-solar-power-rock-mesh-medium-018392
Instrmnt Everyday: https://www.instrmnt.co.uk/products/everyday-watch
Triwa Midnight Falken: https://www.triwa.com/product/all-watches/midnight-falken
Sternglas Naos White: https://www.sternglas.com/products/naos-white?variant=21155406544955
Nava Ora Lattea: https://www.navadesign.com/ora-lattea-wristwatch-with-36-mm-case-designer-watches-490_prod
Stock Watch S001W: https://www.stockwatches.com.au/collections/watches/products/s001w
Normal Tokiji SeriesT21-M18SS: https://normaltimepieces.com/en/products/t21-m18ss
May I ask you about the Defakto Mono Superluminova? If you own one, how is the readability at night? Thanks!
Sadly, I own none of the watches on that list.
Stowa, Junghans, Orient Bambino Bauhaus, Mondaine, Braun's wristwatches, Nomos
Nomos does a ton in the bauhaus style. Very clean dials. I have a Minimatik!
I think you may have provided the winner. This is the best one I've been able to find.
thanks for the rec!
Those enamel dials are gorgeous. They also did a 175th anniversary edition of the Ludwig line featuring more stylized hands.
Stowa does Fliegers in several sizes. You can configure whether or not you want a logo or date window. They are one of the original manufacturers of flieger watches. The type A flieger is a classic design that’s really versatile.
Original fliegers actually did come without date windows and without logos, so no-date and no-logo is faithful to the style.
Maratac Field Watch
I’m pretty new to watches and currently wear an Apple Watch everyday (am I allowed to say that here?) — however, I’ve sort of always been into the idea of watches ever since I got a Casio calculator watch when I was 10 years old haha
I’m finally trying to broaden my horizons and buy an “actual” watch that I can wear on days I don’t want to wear my Apple Watch — especially because the Apple Watch doesn’t work with some outfits.
In particular, I want something minimalist but also something with some character. The Braun watch in the image is a good example of my style. I’m looking for something with a light face and neutral colours (so no gold or silver) but totally fine if there are bright, tasteful, accents. I also really like the numerals being there but that’s negotiable.
My budget is in the <$300 range.
Any ideas or recommendations? Any other info/opinions are also welcome! Excited to learn more about watches!
Edit: apart from Braun from the picture that I personally really like.
These are even below €100. If you want to go fancier:
Timex's weekender is one. Orient's Maestro too, maybe.
My tastes are pretty minimalist.
Here's my line up:
Too left: Sternglas Topograph
Top right: Slow Round 06 (24hr single hand)
Middle: Normal Timepieces F43 (black-grey and steel-white)
Bottom left: Defakto Dialog Superluminova Black
Bottom right: Defakto Struktur Schneeweiss
What kind of band is that on your schneeweiss?
Is it the forest green from their website or did you attach your own?
Mondaine are so cool because they look exactly like the iconic swiss train station watches. Another brand with nice minimalist watches is Nomos
As a former Braun owner, the Mondaine is probably the first choice. Not only is the Swiss Railway a nice minimal design, the Mondaine Helvetica watch is a super clean design reminiscent of Dieter Rams style.
I would note that the Braun will be familiar feeling to the Apple Watch in style, not sure if that is a good thing.
Gorgeous watch! Congratulations!
Skagen isn't bad for the money
Sternglas Naos Quartz should be what you’re looking for
Thanks for this suggestion. The sternglas Naos Edition Kuste is incredible looking
Just got a Sternglas Naos and love it. I think it is one of the most beautiful Bauhaus designs out there
I came here to recommend sternglasas well. love mine.
I’m on a hunt for a clean daily wearer that ticks a few boxes
Anyone got some good recommendations?
Seestern S382. Homage of the Nomos Tangente, which I feel counts as a minimalist design.
38mm diameter. Only 9.4mm thick, inclusive of crystal. Runs on the mechanical ST1701 movement - note that it doesn't hack, although you can use the backhacking trick
All that for just $70 on Ali, but the finishing is equivalent to watches in the $150-200 range, by my reckoning.
Strap here is my own.
I really like the watch but I want a smaller size like 36mm. Do you know if there is one?
Militado intends to release a 36mm version, but it will be quartz: https://www.reddit.com/r/ChineseWatches/s/JnCad0f30c
I have the ‘airy blue’ color - love it.
Seconded! Beautiful watch with a few nice color options. I'm wearing mine as I type this.
10mm thick, mechanical under 200 is a bit though Not considering quartz ?
manual wind Shanghai/Zuanshi watches. (34-37mm)
This Farasute fits these criteria. Think it's 9.1mm thick
How much is the new Baltany?.
Did you ask a question, then take a screenshot of the listing, without posting the price? 😂
Hi mates, I'm looking for a minimalist men's watch (not a smart watch) for my daily wear. I'm planning to buy something which can also last long. Any suggestions from you guys pls!
Self confesed watch geek here.
Yes it's all about budget. If you want a minimalist style (classic 3 hands, nothing more) then I would suggest looking at these. Two affordable, two higher end.
Timex Marlin - classic 60s design, won't break the bank
Orient Bambino - a simple watch, slightly more contemporary than the Timex
Junghans Max Bill - Bauhaus style icon
Nomos Tangente - another high quality, minimalist option
And for everyone suggesting the Casio F-91, it's a great versatile super cheap watch but I'm not sure I'd call it minimalist (other than price!)
>And for everyone suggesting the Casio F-91, it's a great versatile super cheap watch but I'm not sure I'd call it minimalist (other than price!)
Casio does have some cheap analog watches that are pretty minimalist and decent looking. Like this one. It's no Max Bill or Nomos, but I got one a while back as a beater watch (I know the G-Shock is the typical watch geek beater watch, but most of them are too busy looking for me).
What do you think about my one watch choice - Seiko skx013?
I wanted a ‘simple’, small, mechanical divers watch. It’s now coming up four years of daily wear, and still think it’s great!
For something a little unique yet minimalist in the range between Junghans and Nomos there is MeisterSinger with their collection of one handed watches which are pretty cool IMO.
I love my Skagen, got a simple titanium face, date, and steel mesh band. Super thin and light, goes with everything, and still running strong after about 8 years. I change the battery about every 2 years for maybe $10.
Got this one
Seconding Skagen, and they're pretty reliable for the price.
My old boss had a watch that was designed for blind people, but was visually very minimalistic and actually quite cool looking. He got compliments on it daily.
I don't recall the brand, but something like this https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26920782
Edit: texted him and confirmed that the watch in the article is his
I like the Seiko automatic dive watches. No battery, simple movements, quality watches but simple face.
Casio F91W is light, functional, durable, and cheap
No charging hassle so it will last you at least a decade, and when the battery finally dies on you just buy another
Oh and you can dive with it
Agree with this. Partially where my username comes from.
I have one on my wrist, bought nine years ago. One on the dash of my car, the clock stopped working a few years ago. And one on my motorbike, wrapped around the handlebars.
The straps are a weak point, but it's cheap and easy to fit a Nato fabric strap.
You can also replace the battery, there are screws on the back and it takes about 1 minute. The person you're replying to is being tongue-in-cheek, jokingly referri g to the watch's affordability by saying that "it's so cheap that people just get a new one rather than replace the battery" - not actually suggesting that OP do so.
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checkout out zeppelin - they have a few very old school, beige, neat and minimal dial watches. I absolutely love them and would be planning to buy a few next year.
Sure,it's on the list 😁
Hi, I'm someone who doesn't wear a watch, but I'm in a phase of work where I need to check the time regularly with speed and it's impractical to check my phone.
I bought a digital watch from Decathlon which is what I like: all black, only shows the time, less than €20. The only thing I prefer is if it were smaller like a wrist band.
Any suggestions? I'm looking for something like Casio F91W, but even more minimal: all black (no blue strip), and ONLY shows the time. No need to see the weekday, date, seconds, etc.
I love the Casio A168WEM-1EF line. It is simular to the F91W, but seems a bit more upscale.
Yes, it does have the seconds, day and so on, but the blacked out display makes it less visible.
If only Casio made an even simpler model
If you want a simple Casio, that's relatively inexpensive - you can never go wrong with a G-Shock. The DW5600-1v is a great model, and has almost nothing flashy; just a backlight and alarm function, the same as most digital watches.
Casio a700 look at that one
F28w or f14w
I like my Freestyle Shark watch!
Those are usually about $65
I use a Casio world time. Takes care of time zones, timers, multiple alarms, stop watch
Komono has some good looking basic watches!
Thanks. I can't find digital ones
SKMEI 1666
Hey guys!!
I’ve started my adventure of going smartphone less for a few months now!! I’ve been needing a watch for time checking, alarms and timers would u guys have any recommendations? older ones are preferable.
thanks!!! :3
Casio G-Shock 5610U, the only watch you will ever need (it’s solar rechargeable, and it synchronize every night the time to have it right, and it’s indestructible)
Casio watch. Preferably digital
Casio
A cheap old digital Casio may work for you.
Casio F-91W, got mine for under £10, has an alarm, stopwatch, a not so great backlight but you can upgrade that if its essential. It's robust too, I wear it daily including trips hillwalking in Scotland and travelling abroad and it's still in great condition. Best part though is no constant notifications constantly pinging on your wrist!
[Question] I have a 1000$ budget and am interested in buying my first automatic watch. I am looking for a simple minimalist watch with a timeless look
Tissot Gentleman, has a powermatic 80 automatic movement and timeless styling that goes with everything. It’s my GADA watch.
Couple of us got this for my buddy’s 40th. Great watch. As an Aqua Terra owner, I’m a little biased with this style, but I think as good as it gets for GADA
Try the Junghans Max Bill automatic, definitely available for just under 1000
I haven’t seen it that cheap? Is it sub 1000 on the grey market ?
I got one last year for $800 on Chrono24. The price has gone up a few hundred, as newer models are fitted with crystal glass rather than acrylic.
Max Bill was my first mechanical for a similar reason. Such a clean and sharp design. One thing to note is they optically wear large despite super small lug to lug bc they’re all dial (especially white)
Sinn 556 🤰🏼
Where can one find a Sinn 556 for under $1K?
The cheapest beat up used examples with no bracelet are all over $1k with no bracelet before shipping fees on chrono24 right now. The Sinn fanboys can safely be ignored here.
just ordered one, 556i on bracelet came to $1700 :,)
The Hamilton Khaki Field Murph is an excellent option under $1000. Classy and durable, should last the test of time (heh)
Make sure you get the 38mm version unless you have massive bear arms
best minimalist watches
Key Considerations for Minimalist Watches
Design Aesthetics: Look for clean lines, simple dials, and a lack of excessive features. Minimalist watches typically have a straightforward design that emphasizes elegance.
Material Quality: Consider the materials used for the case, strap, and glass. Stainless steel, leather, and sapphire crystal are common choices that enhance durability and style.
Size and Fit: Choose a watch that fits comfortably on your wrist. Minimalist watches often have a smaller case size (36mm-40mm) for a subtle look.
Movement Type: Decide between quartz (battery-powered) for accuracy and low maintenance, or mechanical (automatic or manual) for craftsmanship and tradition.
Brand Reputation: Research brands known for minimalist designs, as they often have a better track record for quality and customer satisfaction.
Recommendations:
Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield: Known for its sleek design and interchangeable straps, this watch is versatile and stylish.
MVMT Minimalist Watch: Offers a variety of styles at an affordable price point, with a focus on modern aesthetics.
Skagen Holst: Features a Danish design with a slim profile and clean dial, perfect for a minimalist look.
Nomos Glashütte Tangente: A higher-end option, this German watch is renowned for its craftsmanship and timeless design.
Choosing a minimalist watch ultimately depends on your personal style and budget, but these options are well-regarded in the minimalist watch community.
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