Distilling watches into their purest essence, the best minimalist watches for men retain only the essentials. Doing away with unnecessary complications, adornments, and embellishments, you won’t find moon phases or jewelled bezels on a minimalist watch. Instead, minimalist watches will tell you the time—and possibly the date—in a sleek, pared-back format.
Shunning extraneous elements, watches that employ the principles of minimalist design feature clean, uncluttered dials. It’s important to note that the best minimalist watches do not represent an absence of design, but the presence of restraint. Creating the perfect minimalist watch doesn’t simply entail getting rid of unnecessary accouterments; watchmakers must possess a certain level of craftsmanship and have an eye for good design. Otherwise, it’s just yet another watch in an already saturated market.
Typically erring on the slightly dressier side, minimalist watches for men look good peeking out from under shirt cuffs or with elevated yet casual ‘fits. While microbrands have been dominating the minimalist watch movement, the style can be found in both the budget and luxury sectors as well as with automatic or quartz movements.
What defines a minimalist watch?
Many of the most popular minimalist watches are underpinned by the Bauhaus movement of the early 20th century. Founded in 1919 by German architect Walter Gropius, the Bauhaus movement combined fine art with craftsmanship and centred on the philosophy of ‘form follows function’, emphasising the importance of creating designs that were both practical and aesthetically pleasing. In Bauhaus design, components of an object should assist the object’s function while remaining visually appealing.
Translated to the world of watchmaking, this meant stripping away unnecessary decorative elements and focusing on the essential components. The best minimalist watches employ clean lines and unembellished dials — luxurious minimalist watches separate themselves from the masses by paying attention to minute details and employing impeccable craftsmanship. It’s detail and craftsmanship that distinguish minimalist watches from Nomos Glashütte from the Daniel Wellingtons of the world.
Overview of the best minimalist watches for men
While we endorse all the minimalist watches on this list, these are a few highlights that pique our interests.
- Best minimalist dress watch for men: IWC Portofino Automatic
- Best complicated minimalist watch for men: Ressence Type 8
- Best unique minimalist watch for men: Eone Bradley
- Best minimalist pilot’s watch for men: Laco Augsberg 39
The best luxury minimalist watches for men
These luxury minimalist watches for men prioritise restrained design and technical prowess in equal measure. Not looking to shell out a month’s rent? Jump ahead for the best minimalist watches for men on a budget.
1. Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738P
When it comes to a timepiece like the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse 5738P, the devil truly is in the details. Employing the ‘golden ratio’ studied and elucidated by ancient Greek mathematicians—wherein the ratios of 1:1.618 are used as the basis for some of the most beautiful and impactful works of art and architecture—the Golden Ellipse 5738P is crafted from platinum and features applied white gold hour markers on its blue sunburst dial. The ultra-thin automatic movement allow for a slim case that’s eminently wearable, while the ellipse case shape quietly sets it apart from the plethora of circular watches on the market.
Price: $96,000AUD
Model: Golden Ellipse 5738P
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 34.5mm x 39.5mm
2. IWC Portofino
Schaffhausen manufacture IWC may be a go-to for its utilitarian pilot’s watches, but it also makes a good minimalist dress watch. Inspired by the allure of the Mediterranean, the IWC Portofino is suffused with an undeniable sense of glamour, while retaining its minimalist credentials. The classic three-hand model is devoid of superfluous detail, save for a subtle date window at 3 o’clock. It’s presented on an alligator leather strap and available in a plethora of case materials and dial colours, however we’re partial to the stainless steel case paired with a white dial with gold Roman numerals, presented on a black leather strap. The purist design philosophy has proved successful with IWC’s customers and has been one of the Schaffhausen-based watch manufacturer’s most popular lines since its inception in 1984.
Price: from $7600AUD
Model: Portofino Automatic
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 40mm
3. MeisterSinger Circularis
When it comes to minimalist watches for men, German manufacture MeisterSinger is perhaps the best embodiment of the category. After all, what’s more minimalist than a single-hand watch? Taking a truly essentialist form to timetelling, the MeisterSinger Circularis sees an uncluttered sunburst grey dial complemented by applied gold Arabic hour markers. The hour indices and single hand are in white, making the MeisterSinger Circularis both highly legible and aesthetically pleasing. A true (understated) conversation starter.
Price: from $4260USD
Model: Circularis
Movement: Hand-wound
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 43mm
4. Sinn 1736 Classic
Exuding vintage style, the Sinn 1736 Classic is striking in its simplicity. A lacquered white enamel dial plays host to Roman numerals on the edge, while a slightly oversized onion dial makes adjusting the time and date easy. A sapphire glass caseback allows for enjoyment of the automatic movement with blued screws. Unlike many dressier watches, the Sinn 1736 Classic boasts impressive water resistance of up to 100 metres.
Price: $2900AUD
Model: 1736 Classic
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 10ATM
Case Diameter: 36mm
5. Vacheron Constantin Patrinomy
Sitting comfortably within the upper echelons of watchmaking, the Vacheron Constantin Patrinomy is minimalist in both form and mechanism. A subtle silver sunburst dial with rose gold indices is housed within a white gold case, with the manual-winding movement within allowing for ultra-slim proportions, with the case measuring just 7.7mm thick. The manual-winding movement allows wearers to enjoy a visceral connection with their watch while winding, while the combination of white and rose gold details makes for a minimalist watch with flair.
Price: $42,000AUD
Model: Patrinomy 1410U/000G-H017
Movement: Manual winding
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 39mm
6. Junghans Max Bill
Subscribing to the Bauhaus school of design, the Junghans Max Bill holds minimalism at its core. Designed to direct the eye towards the time, it features a simple layout with slim stick indices and a delicate date window at 3 o’clock. Equipped with an automatic movement, the Junghans Max Bill comes on either a leather or mesh metal strap.
Price: €1425
Model: Max Bill
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 38mm
7. Ressence Type 8
Proving that minimalist watches can in fact be complicated, the Ressence Type 8 takes an avant-garde approach to telling the time. The large central dial displays the minutes, while an off-centre subdial showcases the hours. The unique mechanism allows the time to be set by winding the caseback, doing away with the need for a crown and — coupled with the barely there lugs — resulting in a decidedly minimalist case silhouette.
Price: $13,500CHF
Model: Type 8
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 1ATM
Case Diameter: 42.9mm
8. H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Centre Seconds Concept
Now what’s more minimalist than no indices or numbers? Taking minimalism to the extreme, the H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Centre Seconds Concept is striking in its simplicity. The lack of indicators and markers on the dial leaves the eye free to enjoy the hammered fumé green dial and elegant leaf-shaped hands. The stainless steel case is similarly sleek, with its sculpted form and curved lugs polished to perfection. One for those who don’t mind whipping out their phones to actually ascertain the time.
Price: $25,000CHF ($46,250AUD)
Model: Endeavour Centre Seconds Concept
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 40mm
9. Nomos Glashütte Tangente
When it comes to the best minimalist watches for men, Nomos Glashütte represents the platonic ideal. The German manufacture is heavily influenced by the Bauhaus movement, with the brand’s flagship Tangente model designed with both refinement and straightforwardness in mind. Every detail is considered here. The galvanised dial is silver-plated which lends it a subtle light-reflecting quality, while the typography was developed in-house and pays homage to the Bauhaus era. Cornflower blue hands add visual appeal to the otherwise black-and-white timepiece, with the 35mm case size wearing well on almost every wrist. The Nomos Glashütte Tangente is powered by the in-house Alpha calibre, a manually wound movement with a two-day power reserve. It’s everything a minimalist watch should be (and no more).
Price: $2610AUD
Model: Tangente
Movement: Manual winding
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 35mm
10. Laurent Ferrier Classic Micro-Rotor
Classicism on the front and exhibitionism on the back, the Laurent Ferrier Classic Micro-Rotor draws inspiration from the forms see in 19th century horology; in particular, the smooth pebble shape of pocket watches. Finding elegance in restraint, a rose gold case plays host to an understated dial with drop-shaped rose gold indices and a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. Flip it over and you’ll see a hidden touch of exhibitionism, with the self-winding micro-rotor movement decorated with Côtes de Genève visible through the sapphire glass caseback.
Price: $65,000CHF
Model: Classic Micro-Rotor
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 40mm
11. Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain
Young independent watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi’s brand Akrivia is dedicated to the art of traditional watchmaking. The Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain distinguished itself from the main lineup through a more pared-back approach, with the eponymous timepiece employing neoclassical design principles. Despite its minimalist appearance, no detail has gone unnoticed. The glossy grand feu enamel dial boasts depth that allows the rose gold appliques to pop, while the exhibition caseback reveals the manually wound in-house RR-01 calibre. The only element belying the minimalist philosophy is said movement, which sees both visible and hidden surfaces decorated with masterful precision.
Price: $102,000AUD
Model: Chronomètre Contemporain
Movement: Manual winding
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 38mm
12. Rolex Oyster Perpetual
While Rolex may not initially spring to mind when thinking of understated watches, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual is actually one of the OG minimalist watch. The only time-only timepiece in the Rolex repertoire, the Oyster Perpetual represents timeless classic style. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual comes in a slew of dial colours and is accompanied by an oystersteel case and three-link bracelet. Our favourites are the silver, blue, and black dials. As with all watches in the current Rolex lineup, it’s powered by an automatic movement.
Price: from $7400AUD
Model: Oyster Perpetual
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 10ATM
Case Diameter: 28/31/24/26/41mm
The best budget-friendly minimalist watches under $1000
The best minimalist watches for men aren’t all in the luxury category. Many affordable minimalist watches boast thoughtful design details and solid build quality; these are our favourites under $1000AUD.
13. Mondaine EVO2
Proving minimalist doesn’t equate to colourless, the Mondaine EVO2 watch exemplifies reductionism. Drawing inspiration from official Swiss railway clocks, a red seconds hand and chunky black rectangular baton hour and minute hands and indices appear atop a white dial.
Price: $549AUD
Model: EVO2
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 40mm
14. Nordgreen Philosopher
Minimalist but never dull, the Nordgreen Philosopher exemplifies subdued Danish style. A slightly asymmetrical seconds hand adds interest, while the subtle sector dial, clean case shape, and five-link bracelet create a refined effect.
Price: $207AUD
Model: Philosopher
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 40mm
15. Solios Black Solar Watch
Blending the principles of essentialism with eco-friendly style, this minimalist men’s watch exemplified pared-black elegance. Each watch from Canadian brand Solios is powered by a solar quartz movement with a six-month power reserve, designed to last a lifetime. Taking on a dress watch tone, the Solios Black Solar Watch can be paired with either a steel mesh bracelet or vegan leather strap; we personally like the black-on-black effect, with either a stainless steel or rose gold-toned case.
Price: $340AUD
Model: Black Solar Watch
Movement: Solar quartz
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 36/40mm
16. Orient Bambino
Representing one of the best value propositions, the Orient Bambino is a dress watch that combines minimalist style with a Japanese automatic movement (visible through the sapphire glass caseback), all for well under $150. A compact 38mm sits comfortable and unobtrusively on the wrist, while the convex dial and domed glass contribute to the Bambino’s effortless style.
Price: from $121AUD (varies between retailers)
Model: Bambino
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 38mm
17. Laco Augsberg 39
While many minimalist watches for men tend to be on the dressier side, the Laco Augsberg 39 exemplifies the archetypal pilot’s watch. Designed to be minimal to maximise efficiency in the cockpit, this watch does away with complications and quite simply just tells the time. Large Arabic numerals make timetelling a breeze, while the sturdy stainless steel case and brown leather strap boast rugged style.
Price: €340
Model: Augsberg 39
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 39mm
18. Bulova Classic Regatta
An elevated dress watch for men, the Bulova Classic Regatta has a clean white dial with slim Roman numerals. A seven-link bracelet and angled lugs pointing inwards create visual appeal and differentiate this minimalist watch from the crowd.
Price: $699AUD
Model: 96A232 Classic Regatta
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 38mm
19. Timex Marlin Automatic
Affordable yet beautifully designed, the Timex Marlin Automatic is a budget-friendly minimalist dress watch for men. With a steel case, sword-shaped hands, and grey leather strap, it’s a retro classic watch. Pair with a black turtleneck and a light frown for best results.
Price: $465AUD
Model: Marlin Automatic
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Diameter: 40mm
20. Baltic HMS 002
Drawing inspiration from dress watches of the 1940s, the Baltic HMS 002 seamlessly blends vintage and contemporary design codes. Featuring an elegant sector dial, the devil is in the details with this dressy timepiece; the matte sandblasted finish of the dial is contrasted by the satin brushed finish of the sector that houses the hour markers, resulting in an interesting interplay of light and texture.
Price: €360
Model: HMS 002
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Diameter: 38mm
21. Eone Bradley
Taking a decidedly different approach to minimalist watches, the Eone Bradley is designed as an accessible watch that can be used by both sighted and blind wearers. Devoid of hands, the Eone Bradley uses raised hour markers and two ball bearings in separate, recessed tracks; one on the outside edge of the watch case for the hours and one in the central sector of the dial for the minutes. This approach allows the time to be told through both tactile and visual forms. Given the tactile mode of telling the time, the Eone Bradley is crafted with durability in mind and constructed from hardwearing brushed titanium. The ideal conversation starter—not to mention the perfect watch for surreptitiously checking the time during boring meetings and dull coversations.
Price: $260USD
Model: Bradley
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: N/A
Case Diameter: 40mm
FAQ
Minimalist watches are those that eschew unnecessary complications, adornments, and embellishments in favour of sleek, clean designs. They’re often highly legible and typically time-only or time-and-date (at the most). Don’t expect to find subdials or additional functions on a minimalist watch; they’re usually two-hand or three-hand models.
The best luxury brands with minimalist watches are IWC, Sinn, Junghans, and MeisterSinger. For affordable minimalist watches, look to brands like Skagen, Mondaine, and Baltic.
Enjoyed this article on the best minimalist watches for men? Check out our watch guides here; covering everything from the types of watch movements to watch styles and complications. Plus, discover the best minimalist watches for women here.
Words by Theo Rosen
