Slim watches trending in 2025
Slim timepieces signal both refined comfort and a link to watchmaking’s historic roots – and that may be why they are trending right now.
Watch trends are constantly shifting, but in 2025 one tendency is clear: large, heavy cases are on the decline, while slim models are gaining ground. These are watches that feel light on the wrist, slip easily under a cuff, and convey refinement rather than dominance.
From oversized cases to classic proportions
In the 2000s and 2010s, watches over 42 mm in diameter with tall cases were in demand. Many collectors saw size as a symbol of strength and masculinity. But like fashion, trends move in cycles. Today, both new buyers and experienced collectors are turning back to proportions reminiscent of the 1950s and 60s, when 36–39 mm was standard and cases were rarely thicker than 10 mm.
This shift is not only nostalgic. A thin watch is simply more comfortable for everyday wear.
Technical challenges of making slim watches
Reducing thickness is not just a matter of design. It requires movements with precise tolerances and optimized components such as the dial, caseback, and crystal. Many brands rely on low-profile automatic calibers, or in some cases quartz, which naturally requires less space.
Slim watches therefore represent a meeting point between innovation and tradition.
Seven strong options under 1,500 EUR
Today, there are many attractive models under 1,500 EUR that combine slim design with high quality:
- Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 – modern classic with integrated bracelet, automatic movement, 10.9 mm case height.
- Seiko Presage Cocktail Time – dress watch with 11.8 mm profile and elegant sunburst dial.
- Hamilton Jazzmaster Thinline – ultra-thin at just 7 mm, ideal for formal wear.
- Junghans Max Bill Automatic – Bauhaus-inspired icon, under 10 mm, minimalist aesthetics.
- Certina DS-8 – robust quartz watch, under 10 mm, sporty look and strong value.
- Longines Conquest Classic Quartz – versatile classic, typically 9–10 mm in height.
- Orient Bambino (version IV) – affordable mechanical option at about 11 mm, with vintage charm.
Why slim watches appeal to collectors
For newcomers, a thin watch is a natural entry point – light, wearable, and versatile. For collectors, these pieces connect back to vintage traditions and icons. Many of the most celebrated watches in history, such as the Jaeger-LeCoultre Ultra Thin or Patek Philippe Calatrava, are known for their elegant slim profile.
A trend with staying power
All signs suggest that slim watches are not just a passing fashion. With a focus on comfort, aesthetics, and timeless proportions, they are here to stay. At the same time, more brands are developing new calibers that enable slim designs on a larger scale.
