This article covers everything you need to know about minimalist watches and has our top recommendations.

There’s an unfortunate trend in men’s watches where a manufacturer, usually lacking any actual horological heritage, mislabels a watch they designed as “minimalist.”

In actuality, many of these watches are just dull and plain. Or, they create a watch so complicated in their attempt to be minimalist that it comes across as ugly or like the manufacturer is trying too hard—the exact opposite of what a minimalist watch should be.

Minimalism takes actual design chops. Someone has to know what they’re doing to pull it off.

The idea is not to be boring; it’s to be graceful, thoughtful, and purposeful, all while creating something straightforward and clean.

Contrary to what some might think, creating a great minimalist watch takes a lot of effort.

Table of Contents

The following is a quick primer on what most would consider the primary hallmarks of a minimalist design. Keep in mind that these are general rules, and they don’t encompass all there is to minimalism.

Minimalist Watch Case Design

Generally speaking, minimalist watches have simple case designs. Lug widths are 20mm and under.

Rarely will you find any pronounced bezels and crown guards. Polished stainless steel is the material of choice.

Image caption: Many vintage watches feature minimalist design details, even though minimalism wasn’t so popular when they were made.

Cases are usually around 40mm and under in width, while relatively thin in height. They slide under a dress shirt easily, making some minimalist designs perfect for dressy occasions.

Straps and Bracelets on Minimalist Watches

Again, in general, minimalist watches come on leather straps under 20mm wide.