17 of the BEST Minimalist Watches from Affordable to Luxury

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One of my all time favorite design concepts in the world of watches is minimalism. So in this video, what I wanted to do was to share of my favorite minimalist and Bauhaus inspired watch designs. The tried and true favorites are of course here, but there are a few watches that might surprise you as well! If you think I missed some great minimalist options, be sure to comment your picks down below!
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[@danielshearer6741]

I’m an Architect and hear people try to define “Minimalism” a lot - that’s one of the best definitions I’ve heard. Thank you.

[@Brew2point0]

"Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." The Credor Eichi II is another fine example.

[@chia-mingyang5804]

Eichi II is the first watch showing in my mind when I see this video title..

[@davidhunternyc1]

I’ve written about the Eichi II extensively. It’s a minimalist masterpiece without equal. I wrote to this channel about it too but they have yet to take an interest in it. Perhaps because Credor isn’t a brand they deal with?

[@chia-mingyang5804]

@@davidhunternyc1 Maybe it's rare even for boutiques.

[@davidhunternyc1]

@@chia-mingyang5804 Yes, but the Eichi II is a minimalist masterpiece. For Teddy Baldassarre not to include this watch in this list because he can’t profit from it is disingenuous.

[@chicagotypewriter2094]

The Credor Eichi is too minimalist for me. I genuinely find it stupid when the movement looks better than the watch dial

[@thenotanclan]

Honourable mention - Mondaine Swiss Railway watch (minimalist design icon) - fun mention - Timex Weekender (classic gateway watch on a budget)

[@PBrown-mg4wy]

An inexpensive brand that leans heavily into minimal design is Skagen. As a teenager, they were one of the first brands I really gravitated to because of the clean design and super thin cases and really "inspired" me to start collecting watches. Always felt they were solid value when you could pick up used ones for $50-$100

[@Oliver0200]

I love their design but they are Chinese unfortunately

[@PBrown-mg4wy]

@@Oliver0200 Not surprised they're made in China, but owned by the Fossil group. But having a "Swiss Made" label really doesn't mean much these days either.

[@Evan10007]

Bro thanks for the suggestion I just ordered an SKW6355. I’ve been wanting a cheep minimalist watch to try out but I wasn’t sure where to look.

[@PBrown-mg4wy]

@@Evan10007 nice, just looked that reference and it's a great looking watch! Blue dial and the brown band are a great combo!

[@sputnik94115]

Skagen has made watches that hold up to any of these in looks. That said, what a wonderful selection of minimalist watches in this video!

[@baxoutthebox5682]

I got the SBGW259 in the mail this week. It’s stunning. Ordered a bunch of straps and a beads of rice bracelet that also arrived today. Glad to see it here. Hoping later this year I can get the ultimate in understatement and craft, the Credor Eichi II.

[@goodjob6582]

Always fun videos to watch! Thanks Teddy!I would have included Cartier Tank as it is a classic minimal watch

[@uhrologe2596]

01:19 You can definatly say it's a BRAUN because the second hand never hits the index 😅

[@vaclav_fejt]

Does it ever with any affordable quartz watches, though?

[@thomasmclaughlin7086]

I have bought two watches and a watch strap from your website. I have to say your customer service is absolutely amazing and will definitely be a long time customer!

[@veyuslavic2590]

I bought a Tissot Visodate from Teddy's site and I can definitely attest to the quality customer service.

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

This is great! Now if someone calls my Timex Weekender 38 simple, I can tell them minimalism is sophisticated.

[@jpdemer5]

Worth mentioning is that the Seiko Dolce is an incredible 5.3 mm thin ... and the dial is not plain white - it looks like super-fine white beach sand. Tremendous looks and value at $350.

[@kieferonline]

I like the domed crystals. The distortion of light around the edges always creates something interesting to look at. It plays on the color and curves what ought to be straight. I can't look away!

[@shawnvegavelez121]

EXCELLENT video!!! Minimalism is a style that should be embraced more in designs.

I only have a couple of watches. Casio Duro, Bambino, F-91, Braun. I try to buy cheap, because my limited watches and also because I am still figuring out which one is my kind of watch. When I first started, I was looking up to the swiss but this video confirmed something I was feeling, German watches are my thing. Clean, beautiful, watches. Now I Know where to aim. Thank you!

[@mathieuf.2788]

Nice selection! Thanks for going through these.

[@444Justinas]

I'm in love with 2 watches, thanks for sharing. It definitely helps to find my favourite watch

[@user-ge8xm4kd4g]

4:28 SEIKO DOLCE SACM171 is incredible slim and light. It is not only looks like Grand Seiko but also the precision(+/-10 seconds per year). But not expensive as GS. A real bargain.

[@CampingShadowComplex]

Junghans and Nomos are my favourite

[@flabbybum9562]

Great selection of watches, and your accompanying explanations clarified things nicely.

[@soerenwizard]

The most important role of the seconds hand, is that you can if you watch is running within a seconds glance.

[@tpoz48]

I have gotten several compliments on my Junghans Max Bill. Although the case and dial are simple, the watch has a striking presence on the wrist.

[@EmperorOfSomething]

It's a stunning watch!

[@Ryan-mj6rc]

That meistersinger watch is so cool! I’m buying one. Thanks for the video teddy!

[@josevi5835]

All those models are stunning!!! Thanks Teddy for rhe video.

[@ebehrendsen]

Nice collection of watches for those that could get by with just ONE watch. I couldn't, but if I had to, I would pick the Vacheron Constantin Overseas with a blue dial -- that for me is the bomb!

[@martinkaplan1805]

Great category. I realize my preferences tend to be this style. I’ve got two of the watches you described.

[@deedee8568]

Ooh that Oris James with it's paired-back speedometer cue. Love it Love it 💫✨💫💫

[@1969EType]

That Moser Green Dragon should be called The Face Of God. What a stunning execution of design and function. Thank you for my introduction to the brand, Teddy.

[@r1cky337]

Congrats on the engagement!🍾🍾

[@robcameron9351]

Obsessed with those dials from anOrdain. Wow. Great video Teddy, as always!

[@ivandolz]

Hi Teddy, do you know how to get anOrdain watches or how long is the waiting list? Thank you!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

So good. Great people over there as well

[@rickfanning5647]

Dolz - anOrdain just shifted their production method. They were doing batches and opening them up for purchase at an announced time. The problem was they had a batch of 40 (which is a lot for them as they are a very small shop). IIRC, 600 or so people tried to buy them. They sold out in like 16 seconds. (Seriously.). The owner sent an apologetic email that mentioned Teddy’s videos as one of reasons for the insane demand. Now they are taking orders but you gotta wait for them to make the piece. The process is hard and they scrap a lot of dials so it takes time. I joined the waitlist in October or November. I just got the email that I could order. I think they are saying it will be done in April or May. I did have to pay the full price up front, but I think they gave plenty of business. My thought is this - you don’t really order a watch from snOrdain as much as you commission a work of art.

[@ivandolz]

@@rickfanning5647 and what method do they have now? How can I buy one? Thanks very much for your help in advance!

[@ivandolz]

@@rickfanning5647 Great! I have no problem with that! I registered in the website and it said "i am in the waiting list", is that how it works? Now I just have to wait patienly until they write me back? Thanks Rick!

[@larryd4352]

I like minimalist watches, as I have 2 of them. Both are on the larger side, one is 45 mm the other is 52 mm. The 45mm is made by the guys at XO Skeleton, called an XO Retro. The watch cases are made with metal from vintage WWII fighter planes. The other was made to honor The Tuskegee Airmen of WWII. They came out at the same time the movie "Red Tails" came out! It has a nice automatic movement and it keeps impeccable time. The feature I like best is the full line dial! My wife calls it my flashlight watch. Granted, height one cost me over $250 when I purchased them!

[@Agi_.]

love this series, need to see more like this :)

[@jolness1]

The moser concept dials really are minimalist. Love the streamliner. Very reminiscent of the 70s without ripping off Genta

[@varun8022]

Happy to see Stova included in your 37 best minimalist watch guide, you should've talked about it in the video as well

[@devinmahoney3777]

Looking for a smaller watch. Simplistic. Timeless casual-formal style. And needs a date dial. Just used your reviews to buy a Sternglas Naos. Thanks for helping us who know very little but want for quality and affordability! Appreciate your channel!

[@ZENO357]

I own three Lilienthal Berlin watches and am impressed with the design (minimalist) and quality. Also they seem to go on sale fairly often and offer good value for the money.

[@thomask.9347]

Didn't now the Oris before. That's a beauty. Looking for an automatic watch for my dad. As he is a jazz fan, thinking about buying one for my father. Great video, thanks!

[@WestCoastAce27]

Another great list. Have the quartz Junghans- that ‘4’ is just so beautiful. And thanks for including the MeisterSinger- never heard of it but very unique. If it was lower I might be interested. Speaking of prices: I love the Nomos look (I’d go for the Metro 38) but their prices are just not reasonable.

[@firemurse3296]

Another great addition (if it were available) would have been the Zelos Nova Aventurine. An absolute stunner with minimalist properties.

[@enyuser]

Zelos Nova is a great watch. I own the Espresso brown one

[@WatchUnwind]

I am bias but to me my favorite Rolex model is the newer OP 41. It is so clean, simple, and refined. It’s pretty minimal but it’s definitely well made and dynamic at the same time. Perfect all around watch from the beach to the office to a wedding.

[@bigsteaks]

Wow that Hamilton gave me goosebumps, what a beautiful watch...

[@davidmeddows6074]

Smokin'. Can't wait to see this one.

[@arjunsaha97]

I own a Timex Waterbury. It has Miyota movement in it's core. A good minimalistic dress watch at a lower price bracket.

[@wholeNwon]

its

[@lebowskiunderachiever3591]

@@wholeNwon The grammar police are here!

[@wholeNwon]

@@lebowskiunderachiever3591 Just grade schoolers.

[@richardsisk1770]

Excellent job on this video. Thank you

[@drzaius844]

For me, the Black Bay 36, blue dial with the bracelet: simple, legible, great lume, and appealing mid century proportions. It gets the most wrist time.

[@marcgirard7551]

My favourites in this video are definitely the Junghans Max Bill Automatic with the date and the Sinn 556i with the black dial. Honourable mention to the Anordain but I would definitely go for their teal dial variant versus the Plum.

[@seventeendegree]

My dream watch is the Nomos Metro Neomatik 39. I‘m wearing a Sternglas Hamburg Bauhaus Edition watch right now, pretty minimalistic appearance.

[@calvinrobertcollins]

I have the NOMOS Tangente 41 update in ruthenium (ref 181). I love how they’ve done the date ring as you get a date complication without losing symmetry. It catches a lot of eyes and I highly recommend it.

[@seventeendegree]

@@calvinrobertcollins 38mm suits me better and I don‘t mind a watch that only shows the time but I agree with you, they implemented the date function in a beautiful and unique way!

[@lcm6091]

Teddy, Another great video …… all of your viewers should appreciate the research you do to make these videos and the I nformation your pass on to us. I sure do. Thanks BTW congratulations on the engagement i hope your marriage is as successful as mine 52 (really) great years and counting. Wishing you and Courtney the best.

[@bradf2102]

Carpenter watches of NYC have some great minimalist watches as well. Loved the vid!

[@anthonystevens8683]

I love that anOrdaine dial. I've not seen one in the flesh but my word it looks fantastic in all the videos of this watch. I can certainly see why the Longines sector dial is on this list as well. Personally I think the white dial version is arguably the more readable with the contrasting blued hands bit that dark version on the bracelet is an interesting option. The Meistersinger is an interesting member of your group, minimalist certainly but readability not so much, anyway I do like it. Great work Teddy.

[@dannysimenauer5745]

Great suggestions! I love the dial on the AnOrdain! I wish they were available for sale.

[@seewaage]

"If you're going for a mechanical watch, chances are, you don't need need exact time." haha That is the truest thing I've heard in awhile. Plus, I have a buddy that literally says, "our meeting starts at 8:03 AM" he's kind of a unique person. haha

[@albertobrinati9387]

The Longines Heritage Sector is outstanding!!!

[@Organic_ape]

Love Meistersinger. A true 🌟 among countless diver, pilot and chronograph watches.

[@johnson4523]

Just got the sinn 556 with the black mother of pearl dial, simple, subtle, but pops.🔥👌

[@seanfinley4430]

I really like the Junghans Automatic, and the Sinn! Not too unreasonable of a price! It’s obtainable for most I’m sure! Which is really nice! Plus they’re mechanical!

[@np1663]

!

[@dpcgrizz4194]

Great selection start to finish!

[@roelvandenbergen611]

I have the meistersinger nr3 (black marking on ivory), my favorite weekend lay back watch. So simpel but oooh so nice te behold. When i had to choose a first watch all over again i think i would choose the sinn 556 in brown, a lot of times overlooked but o so sweet.

[@frankmollee3738]

I got a Casio A-1000 om wrist right now, one of the most minimalist digital watches from Casio!

[@kutark]

I have always loved the intramatic, i just wish it had a seconds hand, and no date, but that's me :)

[@marysmarvelous551]

IMHO Raphael Ickler at Defakto designs and manufactures some fantastik minimalist watches

[@maxduquelu]

2 years ago, I bought in the Galerie Lafayette in Paris, à Louis Pion Watch, minimalist item for 50€. The most accurate watch I ever had, and nice as well.

[@thewatchexplorer2244]

Very nice watch choices 👌🏼...great video

[@TealBeretta]

Excellent minimalist definition

[@kyleweber9760]

I enjoy the minimalist look!!!

[@TheBanterLounge]

That Braun watch looked nice but that second hand missing the markers was hurting my soul. Also love the Junghans Max Bill. Got the sapphire version as my first luxury watch based off of your recommendation. Keep up the great work. Also please could you do a video on the Omega SMP 300m. I can’t decide between the black or white dial.

[@LawryBoyer]

Came to say the same thing. The Braun just hurts

[@oliverlison]

The Max Bill is on my list too but my wrist is too large.

[@satya.anandakrishnan]

What’s the difference between the Braun and s fashion watch?

[@argon1490]

Yes. Braun is to watches as Ikea is to furniture, if Ikea only had one line. Braun's models don't stray far from their core design elements. I might have chosen a Skagen watch in this area instead of highlighting Braun.

[@LawryBoyer]

@@argon1490 it’s an apt comparison to ikea. It’s decent design and there’s real history there but it’s not also not high quality. Not as bad as a junk fashion watch design wise but quality wise it is probably similar.

[@queiroz.ortopedia]

Great watches! But if someone needs an mechanical really affordable, may I sugest the Poljot Deluxe. Ultra thin and also minialist for 70$.

[@decluesviews2740]

I have been drooling for a Max Bill (Anthracite) for a long time now. I was saving up but then the wife wanted an espresso machine (which I also wanted). Hoping one day.

[@antoniocaputo8220]

I like the Oris James Morrison. Very beautifull.

[@alvinharp3437]

Fun video, I want at least half of those watches, lol

[@dgdave2673]

Surprised that Teddy consistently ignores Yema and Fortis ! Why’s that? Both have some fantastic minimalist watches. Also surprised that no mention of Cartier here , most of their designs are super simple.

[@AllTheHandlesTaken]

Not sure about those first two brands, but I can answer the Cartier question. Cartier watches generally aren't minimalist. Simple and a white dial aren't what make a design minimal. Cartier's long slanted numerals and unnecessary central framing elements make them not minimalist. Still iconic, of course.

[@Aggnog]

In the modern day, almost any 3hander can be considered minimalist. The seiko SACM171 was my pick, and it in turn borrowed from the vintage king seiko design. The price was a limiting factor though so instead I go one of the recent diamonds from china, the escapement time king seiko homage, and it does all you need and more for less than $100. As much as I wanted to give seiko my money for the SACM171, it's pretty expensive and it's JDM only meaning limited service, and from what I've read the case finishing makes it difficult to polish while also not offering much scratch resistance.

[@santfournier]

You should do a wrist watch check? Is that a Tudor. I’m beginning to like your videos more, especially the one with you and Leary choosing watches to a specific budget, nice.

[@joergtuske799]

I think that, since you included the Benrus, you could have also included the Mühle Glasshütte SAR Timer in the list. It’s a tool watch but minimalist in its own way.

[@richardsmith4187]

I like a "thinner" watch and found my favorite in Skagen in the 37mm size as I have a smaller wrist. I see most watches today are very thick with a large diameter and HEAVY. I have three Skagen's and my most recent is a solar and all keep excellent time and are rugged. Price point is great and I will probably never change brands, did I mention Skagen's are ultra thin and it feels great for extended wear.

[@user-fu1yp6lq2c]

I still love my LV reverse monogram nkuwan clutch! It's versatile, fits a variety of items, and is definitely a workhorse! I think seeing it everywhere (like the LV speedy) is proof that it's already a classic.

[@lilweslo]

I recently acquired my Grail the Oyster Perpetual and I cannot stop smiling when I look at it. I am a minimalist at heart so I’d prefer the OP over anything else Rolex sales including the Daytona.

[@davidmeddows6074]

Me too!

[@humblewiz4953]

Sky dweller?

[@lilweslo]

@@humblewiz4953 I respect the watch and like it but would way to many complications for me 😂.

[@dustondaugherty4611]

What color dial? I am on the list for a 41mm silver.

[@WatchUnwind]

Congrats 🎈🎊🎉🍾!! I just recently got the OP 41 green. I am also in love this was also a grail watch for me and I like it more than the Daytona too which sounds crazy but I really wanted a time only watch. If I got a call for a Daytona I wouldn’t sell mine. The market price is the same as the retail price on a Daytona

[@dennish7228]

The Longines Heritage Sector is my grail watch. A beautiful watch but out of my range at this time.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Love mine! Perhaps my favorite from the brand.

[@jeremypitts8968]

So many german watches, love to see it. Btw, the st in sternglas is pronounced the same way you said the st in stowa. "Shternglaz"

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thank you! Gradually getting better with my German.

[@RevLev06]

Another Sinn watch to consider is Sinn 1739 St I 4N or 1739 St I S. They are definitely dress watches, time only no seconds, and are beautiful watches.

[@matthiasbohm3071]

The Junghans Max Bill is the "Queen" of all watches! Greetings from Germany! ✌😁

[@magnusmoldmaker]

My favorite KZbin channel regarding watches. There's nothing quite like it coming from Germany. Although that's a shame, don't worry: You don't have any competition anyways.

[@timyoungnc]

Never heard of the Seiko Dolce and isn't available on Amazon. It's the perfect size but wish it had a date feature. Great looking watch regardless.

[@Geo911GTR]

Beautiful video, thank you so much. Like everytime, I see something new, some of watchbrands I‘ve never seen before. This time it was a „Green Dragon“ from Moser. When I think about a minimalism, I think about one brand: „Bering“. Did you ever hear about them? Especially their ultra-slim collection and a classic one. Just at this moment I‘m wearing one with 4,8mm thickness. Sometimes its just nice to have a clear dial, hour and minute and nothing else, it feels quiet and calm. One of the best ways to escape from all the stress is just to take a look at such a minimalistic watch on my wrist and think myself „everything is okay, I have a lot of time“.

[@keving4408]

Very informative. Surprised the Timex American Documents series didn't make this list.

[@stephenbrocklehurst7914]

I'd add the Junghans Meister line of watches too, as well as the Sinn 1739 or 1736 watches.

[@kutark]

I would argue the explorer is more minimalist than the oyster perpetual

[@AgentWhizzy]

Which watch are you wearing in the video, Teddy?

[@harrycee656]

Great advice for one to "save up for that watch" one actually wants. Any substitute never fully scratches that itch. Which results in more substitutes. In the end one will have a bunch of unsatisfying watches and will likely have spent nearly enough to have gotten the original watch.

[@tantan20171]

Nomos Club 740 is a nice simple white dial with blue hour indicator.... And the size is nice for my small wrist.

[@ramonandramon]

Great video, thanks a lot.

[@l0rdcroissant]

Longines has always been on my radar although definitely not that one, lol, they do have a beautiful very plain like the Sternglas. perfect for a fine dining date night watch in my opinion. you have perk my interest to the Sternglas, Junghans, NOMOS and yes your favorite haha, Anordain. now where does one go to get their watches appraised? I have inherited a pocket watch that dates back to 1895 and early 1940 Zeno.

[@rawleyc]

Thank you Ted

[@theamitar4001]

" How can less be more. That is impossible. More is More." Yngwie Malmsteen

[@DrFahim-ev6uv]

To The Guitar God 🙏

[@BBoYSHaDoE]

Great quote

[@mercuryelite]

"Ability is not always enough. Just ask Yngwie Malmsteen!" - Gregory House from House, M. D

[@MaiElizabeth]

I’m worried not many people know Yngwie here

[@Wastelander13]

More is less. 😂😂

[@chinmaypalav]

I've become your fan, Teddy. Love your videos. I have one question. Recently I came across apparently a swiss brand Mathey Tissot selling City 42 mm HB611251PBR watch with Ronda movement and sapphire crystal at 200 $. Is it really a swiss company and is the watch really worth its price?

[@calvinrobertcollins]

Another great video, Teddy. What’s on your wrist today? I actually really appreciate that you do not do “wrist checks,” on you videos. However, this watch looks like it could be a Tudor BB. Does anyone know?

[@scottbrandon6244]

Good examples of minimalist watches: Omega Tresor and DeVille. Rolex Cellini and DateJust. Patek Phillipe Calatrava. Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso. Tag Heur Carrera. Cartier Tank Francaise, Roadster and Santos.

[@wisamal-hakim5531]

I would add the Glasshutte seventies panorama date to your list. It’s exquisite in my opinion Otherwise great choices

[@authurcambridge7715]

can you please do a video on the JLC Sector dial Master Control?

[@anirbanacharya7880]

Can you please make a video on servicing watches. Suppose one gets these beautiful minimalist watches how difficult/cumbersome/costly will servicing be? Also in terms of servicing what price ranges should we be looking at? How to service entry level Timex, Seiko, Orient, Bulova, citizen, Anordain, Sinn etc.

[@ChristopheW88]

Great suggestion!

[@chimnibff]

I was expecting a Movado fest!

[@thegraciefighter102]

Rolex has its detractors but I don’t think you can’t beat the OP for a simple rimless classic and minimalist watch. I’m not a fan of these yellow, red etc but the black, blue and silver are beautiful

[@WatchUnwind]

Don’t forget about the green 🔥 I was lucky enough to get my hands on one and i am having a hard time wearing any of my other watches since. Good one watch collection that could go anywhere from beach to the office to the movies

[@wholeNwon]

???