25 Best Affordable Thin Watches for Budget-Friendly Style Upgrade

In this day and age — when it comes to fashion and lifestyle — less is more. Even with regard to watches, most people prefer minimalist and sleek designs. Not only are they style staples but they also provide comfort to the wearer. Talk about an all-around accessory! With recent releases of thin watches, the watch industry is certainly keeping up with the trend.

We’ve seen Piaget and the Altiplano Ultimate 910P. This watch was regarded as one of the thinnest in the market at 4.30mm thickness. But Bulgari didn’t waste a second at upstaging Piaget with its line of thin watches. The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater raises the bar (or thins it out, pun intended) at 3.12mm.

However, these watches also prove to be the priciest in the market. The Piaget Altiplano Ultimate 910P costs around $26,000 to $27,000. Meanwhile, a Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater will set you back around $160,000 to $170,000. But you need not break the bank to be able to afford comfort, style, and functionality that these thin watches bring.

In our search to provide you only the best, most affordable timepieces in the market, we searched far and wide for the best ultra-thin watches at fair prices. From Fossil to Hamilton, these watches don’t disappoint even for the price that fits your budget. Revel in the complexities and sleek features that will keep you up with the trends with these watches. From $25 to $$950 budget, you’ll be able to carry your ultra-thin watches in style.

How Do Thin Watches Work?

A thin watch is one of horology’s greatest inventions. It will surprise you how complexities work underneath its thin surface. Not only does style concern these creations but also the movements underneath its aesthetics. To this day, it takes great watchmaking specialization to create flat watches.

To understand further, we must look back to the 20th century when thin watches have become a trend across Europe. Jaeger-LeCoultre responds to the market’s demands by crafting movements under 2mm thick. For instance, the Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 145 movement has only 1.38mm thick and was available until the mid-’60s.

There are a few things being considered to craft a thin watch. Firstly, watchmakers must look at how to power these watches. There should be enough power to keep the watch’s accuracy. This is where the specialization comes in. Every watchmaker creating a thin watch must precisely assemble the movement. This is specifically done to avoid power loss due to friction.

Secondly, the architecture of each movement is at stake just by adjusting thickness. These changes affect both the depth and the performance of the movement. But with the right changes, it ultimately becomes the base of any flat watch.

Making ultra-thin watches will likely be easier in the future given the advancements in technology. With this in mind, we can only look forward to a sleeker future for the watch industry. We’ll continue to see stylishly functional pieces that will blow us away by its depth. Not to mention, the greatest complexities might come at more affordable prices as well.

25 Affordable Ultra-Thin Watches

You don’t have to break the bank to be able to afford an ultra-thin watch. This list will prove you just that as you find a selection of watches that fits your budget — whether it’s $25, $250 or $950! But definitely, nothing goes beyond $1000!

1. Songdu Slim Dress Watch

Contrary to popular belief, ultra-slim watches can be affordable, too! Not everything has to be painfully pricey or incredibly hard to obtain. This thin watch from Songdu boasts only 6.6mm of thickness, and it only costs less than $25! The watch features a simple round dial with a date window. It’s also scratch and wear-resistant, making it durable for its price. It’s powered by a Japanese quartz movement with an analog display. But every wearer gets more for its price for its wearability. Be it a 9 to 5 or a weekend party, this watch will keep you company for most of your adventures.

2. Tonnier Stainless Steel Slim Watch

The Tonnier TO1289 is the ultimate basic slim watch. It stands 8mm tall on your wrist with a snug strap to ensure comfort while wearing it. But fear not with its incredibly affordable price as it comes with durable convex glass. It’s designed to resist scratches and wear and tear. Talk about quality at a fair price! The model also has an independent second hand dial for better and accurate reading. You’re sure to be on time with its Japanese quartz movement.

 

3. Burei Minimalist Wrist Watch

Known for their intricate designs, Burei is one of the industry’s known affordable watch brands. But the brand swerves to a different lane with this model. The Burei Minimalist features classic Nordic design. It’s identifiable with clear and fine lines that lay easy on every matching outfit. The dark gray brass dial also includes an analog date window at 3 o’clock. Powered by Japanese quartz movement, the watch is perfect for any casual outdoor activity.

 

4. OLEVS Ladies’ Slim Watch

Women’s watches are compact and much smaller than men’s. That’s why it’s impressive when we find a woman’s watch that’s just as small as it is thin. For instance, the Olevs Slim Watch. It features an understated design that’s perfect for any outfit, occasion, and function. It’s elegant on its own but also great paired with some accessories. It stands at 6.5 mm on the wrist and also includes a date window for convenience.

 

5. Timex Unisex Fairfield

Timex’s Fairfield collection is a refreshing take on minimalist timepieces. Inspired by watches from the ’60s, this thin watch is a classic as well as innovative. The Unisex Fairfield especially gives it quite a boost in wearability. The case is 41mm big but only 8.5mm thin. It’s easily sporty and ultimately classy. It comes with interchangeable slip-thru and quick-release straps. Furthermore, the Indiglo back light makes it extremely readable even in the dark.

6. Stuhrling Original Ascot 

Stührling Original takes on simplicity with its Ascot Series. Standing at only 6mm thin, the watch is light and easy to wear with any wardrobe or style. It most especially won’t feel out of place at high-brow formal events. Its fine hands not only remain readable but make the watch even classier than it already is. Furthermore, the watch runs on a Swiss quartz movement for precision and reliability. It ultimately becomes every man’s basic watch.

 

7. Kenneth Cole New York Dress Watch

Kenneth Cole is a brand that everyone regards when it comes to style. It’s an easy fashion choice that’s why it’s not far off for them to ultimately take on the watch industry especially with thin watches. Not only are their watches stylish but they are of the utmost quality as well. As part of the Geneva Watch Group, urban style, and classic design meet in their products. This model takes that to account with its sleek design. Even minimalist will bask on its simplicity. It’s also the perfect companion for any activity. Not to mention, it is one of the thinnest watches in the selection at only 3mm thin.

8. Michael Kors Pyper 

Michael Kors is a leader in women’s fashion. From bags to accessories, the brand is complete with all the style essentials a woman needs. The brand’s Pyper watches are also one of the thinnest watches in the market. It’s an everyday watch that transcends day and night activities. Ladies may also adore its Swarovski® crystal details for a higher cost to contrast its minimalist dial. But it’s just as elegant with gold details! It stands at 7mm high and is 32mm wide.

 

9. Fossil The Minimalist

Fossil is one of the watch industry’s staple brands. The brand provides patrons with all the basic timepieces that will keep you in style. They are also one of the most affordable brands out there. That’s why minimalists easily find The Minimalist a necessity. It’s dial, while on the darker tone, is also readable. It boasts water resistance of up to 5 ATM perfect for short periods on water. The watch can be your companion through travels beyond borders.

 

10. MVMT Boulevard Marble Edition

MVMT Watches may be fairly new in the industry but they’re already a force to be reckoned with. With the Boulevard collection, we find a minimalist take on ladies’ watches. Not only will it sit pretty on your wrist but also give you a lightweight feeling. It’s only 6 mm thick despite the marble dial. It’s stylish and affordable making it every millennial’s first choice.

11. M&Co. Onomatopoeia

M&Co plays on graphics with the Onomatopoeia. This iconoclastic design not only sits pretty on a clean dial but also thinly at 6.35 mm. It’s 33 mm in diameter for the right size to fit anybody. The design is for every artsy and adventurous patron who doesn’t want to waste a single moment. For instance, the symbols include a tree and a cat indicating the numbers three and nine respectively.

12. STORM Terelo

STORM produces innovative designs that catch the attention of the bold. The Terelo, for instance, is modern and made for anyone who is not afraid to stand out. Not only is it trendy and vibrant, but it’s also effortlessly stylish, giving you that needed pop of color in your wardrobe. The uniqueness of it lies on its dial that’s ready for the streets. At 7.50mm thick and a mesh strap, the Terelo puts comfort before anything else. Not to mention, it’s splash-resistant, ready for any adventure with its bearer.

 

13. Skagen Men’s Sundby 

Skagen’s Sundby Titanium watch is strong on its appeal among thin watches. With titanium detailing, no one will ever think that it’s only 8mm thick. The luminous hands and Arabic numerals not only make reading easier but also accurate. The titanium case makes it an easy choice for durability and the mesh band for its comfort. Moreover, it’s water-resistant, ready for brief water encounters.

14. HUGO #JUMP

The HUGO #JUMP collection is an urban take on thin watches. It’s sporty as it is sleek. Not only does it offer a clean design but also a modern look that every fashionista is after. However, style is just second to its main features. This HUGO #JUMP watch is scratch resistant and accurate, powered by a quartz movement. All this within a case that’s just 8mm thick and 41mm wide.

 

15. Frederique Constant Slimline Date

Frederique Constant watches are one of the industry’s finest. The brand provides affordable luxury that appeals to everyone. For the ultra-slim line of watches, they show off their craftsmanship with the Slimline Auto watches. Inspired by elegant cars, the Slimline watches are sleek. Each watch fits easily with any wardrobe as well as any occasion. With a thickness of only 5mm, this Slimline Date the perfect dress watch for any gentleman. What’s more, it can also stand brief water encounters with its 30m water resistance.

16. Skagen Kristoffer 

As the second Skagen watch on the list, it’s only right that we give tribute to the Kristoffer SKW6498 model. Just like the Sundby Titanium, it is sleek and functional. If you’re into a more understated design, this is the watch for you. Moreover, it’s highly water-resistant at 50 meters. Not only can you wear it on your daily engagements but also for high contact water sports.

17. Bering Time Solar

Solar-powered watches are as ahead of their time than thin watches. BERING launched a solar watch collection that is lightweight at only 8mm thick. Any kind of light will keep it running and when fully-charged, the watch can run for up to 12 months. It also features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal for durability. The collection is not only eco-friendly but also sleek with its minimal design.

 

18. AARK Collective Eclipse

Australian brand AÃRK boasts a minimalist design. Their designs are not only easy on the eyes but they’re stylish as well. The Eclipse, according to AÃRK, is an exploration of the brand’s relationship with time. The dual-tone plating refers to night and day. Hand-dipped in gold, the case contrasts the dial that is either in white or black. Not to mention, the dial evokes the moon’s movement in relation to the earth and the sun. It’s truly a thought-provoking process to have it right on your wrist. All these within a timepiece that’s only 8.33mm thick.

19. Daniel Wellington Classic Bayswater

Daniel Wellington embraces minimalist Scandinavian design on its watches. The Classic Bayswater watch is made to look and feel featherlight but just as efficient with its ultra-thin cases at only 6mm. It also has the ideal balance between the index hour markers and the hour hands. It’s elegant on its own making it an easy style staple.

20. Frederique Constant Slimline Small Seconds

Another Frederique Constant watch in the selection is the Slimline Small Seconds. The highlight of its white dial is the sub-dial for small seconds at 6 o’clock. At only 6mm in thickness, you can easily tuck this dress watch under a dress shirt of your tuxedo for a subtle yet elegant touch. After all, the classic white dial and black leather strap combo never fails to up any gentleman’s style game.

21. Citizen Eco-Drive Stiletto

Sleek as any thin watch can be, Citizen comes up with the Eco-Drive Stiletto. The watch is only 4.7mm thick and 38mm in diameter. It also has a Guilloche dial that makes its designs stand out from the competition. What’s more, the watch also needs no batteries with its Eco-Drive technology. Talk about being eco-friendly and stylish at the same time!

 

22. Tissot Tradition

Nostalgia lives in the Tissot Tradition family. Its modern technology matches the vintage style it comes with. From gently curved cases to guilloche decorations, the Tradition collection is stylish on its own. Sleek and sophisticated, the Tissot Tradition timepieces are the epitome of classic dress watches for the hardworking, professional gentlemen.

 

23. Titan Edge

The Titan Edge watch comes in two designs: the traditional round case and an innovative rectangular case. Both of which are slim and sleek, with a touch of both modern and traditional watchmaking designs. From office goers to college students, anyone can pull off the Titan Edge. Made from materials that are comfortable around the wrist, the watch is also one of the thinnest in the selection — only 4.4mm.

24. Hamilton Jazzmaster Thinline Auto

Hamilton boasts American spirit and Swiss precision in its watches. With these two combined, style and functionality come easy on their designs. The Jazzmaster Thinline Auto is one of its most iconic releases. It doesn’t only make it styling easier for everyday efficiency, but it’s also comfy and lightweight. Not to mention, it has a 42-hour power reserve and 50m water resistance.

25. Seiko Solar Dress Watch

Another elegant solar dress watch in the selection is this Seiko number in a classic white, gold and black combo. Its rectangular 28.5mm stainless steel case houses a white dial with a luxurious yellow gold-tone bezel. Keeping the design elegant is a classsic black leather strap. And because it is powered by a solar quartz movement, this watch is not only stylish, it’s eco-friendly too! What’s more, at only 6mm thick, it’s a perfect everyday watch to take you from business meetings to happy hours without compromising on style and functionality.

 

Style on a Budget

Being stylish doesn’t have to dent your wallet. With the right research and fashion inspiration, you can always find a watch that suits your style. As for thin watches, the options are endless! You can always opt to get a $150,000 luxury watch or a nice $150 stylish timepiece. The choice is yours.

 

If you’re in the market for eco-friendly watches that won’t break the bank, check out our selection of the best solar-powered watches you can get for less than $300.