Best Watches for Small Wrists

Looking for a watch sized perfectly for a smaller wrist? Whether you’re looking to get yourself a new timepiece or a gift that’s sure to impress, there is no reason to sacrifice style, character, or performance for a smaller case size.

Here are 11 of our favorite sub 40mm men’s watches for smaller wrists, each packing tremendous value, organized by look and budget. We’ve been sure to include something for everyone, whether you’re looking to spend $200, $10,000, or anywhere in between.

We’ve separated our recommendations into 4 popular categories:
– Dive Watches for Small Wrists
– Chronograph Watches for Small Wrists
– Dress Watches for Small Wrists
– Field Watches for Small Wrists

For the purpose of this article, we’ve only included modern, non-limited watches, easy to find and buy in stores or online—none of those pesky waiting lists! For our favorite modern watches for small wrists, keep on reading!

Dive Watches

Islander Automatic Dive Watch 38mm – $299

Coming in just under $300, this extremely wearable 38mm case packs a ton of value. The Islander 38mm watch features an SII NH36 movement with a 41 hour power reserve, day and date window, as well as hacking and hand winding.

You’ll get 200m of water resistance and a screw down crown, perfect for wearing in the water. A 120-click unidirectional bezel, scratch resistant sapphire insert treated with SuperLuminova for maximum glow, and an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, three more reasons why you can’t go wrong with this piece for $299.

This diver is available in black, pepsi, blue, pink, green, and more color options available for every watch enthusiast.

Rado Captain Cook 37mm – $2000

This eye-catching dive watch is a modernized remake of Rado’s own 1962 Captain Cook diver, powered by modern technology for the 21st century enthusiast. Featuring an ETA C07.611 automatic movement and 80 hour power reserve, the Captain Cook runs over three days off the wrist, ideal for any collector who rotates their watches frequently.

With a sapphire, anti-reflective crystal, 37mm diameter dial, 43mm lug-to-lug, and only 11.1mm in thickness, this sleek watch can be dressed up or down. With 100m water resistance, a screw-down crown, a stainless steel rotating bezel with a ceramic insert, and painted with Super-LumiNova®, this watch is perfect for summer nights by the pool.

The Rado Captain Cook 37mm comes on a timeless beads of rice bracelet, and can be found in green, blue, white, white with diamonds, and in a Marina Hoermanseder collaboration edition.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co-Axial Chronometer 37.5mm – $6100

Before putting together this list, I had no idea that the Planet Ocean was even available in 37.5mm. The Omega temptation is even more real now. There is something magical about the beauty of Omega’s Co-Axial movements, combined with the genuine robustness of the Planet Ocean series.

You read that right, 600 meters, 2000 feet, or 60 bar water resistance. A swimming pool, beach, or lake is no challenge for the Planet Ocean. The added helium escape valve makes this watch more than suitable for professional use in pressure chambers, whether pro-diving, or even crude oil exploration, as Omega’s description states. The Planet Ocean lineup was created in 2005, as homage to Omega’s own maritime legacy. Own a piece of Omega’s heritage, while being prepared for any weather or activity the summer has to offer with a Planet Ocean.

This 37.5mm stainless steel case packs a scratch resistant, sapphire domed, anti-reflective crystal, a ceramic unidirectional bezel, date window, helium escape valve, and a screw down crown. This watch features Omega’s Co-Axial Caliber 8520 movement with a 50 hour power reserve, and a transparent caseback to see it all. In addition, this is a COSC certified chronometer, so you know you’ll be getting high accuracy.

The 37.5mm Planet Ocean is available on a steel bracelet and leather, and in blue, black, and white. There is also a 39.5mm version for those who might be looking for a slightly bigger piece, without crossing the 40mm mark.

Chronograph Watches

Dan Henry 1964 Gran Turismo Chronograph – $270

Coming in at a 38mm case diameter, 12.9mm thickness, and 44.7mm lug-to-lug, this classic microbrand chronograph, heavily inspired by vintage racing watches, is a fantastic starter watch or affordable piece for anyone looking to add a chronograph to their collection. Each version of the watch is limited to 1964 pieces, so you can be confident you’ll be sporting a unique design. Each watch features a screw-back case, embossed with an Aston Martin D85. It’s clear this watch was designed with the grand touring lifestyle in mind.

The Dan Henry 1964 features a Seiko VK63 Meca-Quartz movement, with a sweeping center chrono hand, instant reset, a 60 minute chrono hand, 24 hour indicator, LumiNova® paint, and a sapphire coated double domed mineral crystal with anti-reflective treatment.

With each watch, you will get a beads of rice bracelet, matching leather strap, and a Dan Henry watch roll. Choose between a bicompax or tricompax model, date or no date, and between white, silver, black, and slate gray color options. The Dan Henry 1964 Gran Turismo is a truly eye-catching piece with the specs to back it up as a serious chronograph.

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph – $675

At 39mm case diameter, and only 45.5mm lug-to-lug, this Seiko solar chronograph is a great sport chronograph for slimmer wrists. When released in November 2021, this chronograph took the watch world by storm, and sold out quickly at many retailers. The V192 solar chronograph movement keeps a charge for 6 months, and displays the electric power generation on the dial. With a curved sapphire crystal, anti-reflective treatment on the inside, and Lumibrite on the hands and indexes, this is an eye-catching piece with a look reminiscent of the Rolex Daytona.

In true chronograph form, this watch packs some functions, including a tachymeter bezel, date window, 60 minute chronograph in ⅕ second increments, and a small seconds hand. For extra security, let your battery rest easy knowing this watch has an overcharge prevention function.

You can find this watch in four color options, black, white, gold, and navy, all coming on a sleek metal bracelet.

Zenith Chronomaster Original “El Primero” – $8400

With this 38mm chronograph, you’ll be carrying an iconic piece of history on your wrist, packing some serious performance. Zenith was founded in Switzerland in 1865, and is responsible for creating the world’s first automatic chronograph caliber. Zenith calls the Chronomaster Original “more than a remake” of its predecessor, the revolutionary A386. It keeps the timeless design, but is powered by specs for the 21st century, with an impressive 1/10th of a second time measurement and precision. The Original features the El Primero 3600 automatic high-frequency movement, with a 36,000 VpH frequency and 60 hour power reserve.

On the dial of the Chronomaster Original, a 10th of a second chronograph central hand, making a turn every 10 seconds, a 60 minute counter at the 6 o’clock, a 60 second counter at the 3 o’clock, and a small seconds at the 9 o’clock.

This watch is available on leather or a steel bracelet, and comes in a white lacquered dial option with tri-color counters, or in matte black with silver-toned counters. If you are looking for a luxury watch for small wrists with the perfect blend of beauty, history, and performance, you can’t go wrong with this Zenith Chronograph.

If you’re looking for more El Primero options in a similar case, check out the Chronomaster El Primero Revival.

Dress Watches

Orient RA-AC0010S10A or “Bambino Version 5S” – $220

When I think of budget dress watches, or budget watches in general, Orient is always the first brand to come to mind, and the Orient RA-AC0010S10A is the perfect budget dress watch for small wrists. The Orient Bambino Open Heart, or RA-AG0003S10A model was my personal introduction to automatic watches, and to be honest, when wearing my Bambino, I get more comments from non-watch enthusiasts than with some watches I own that are five times the price; It’s simply mesmerizing. But unfortunately, at 40.5mm, it does sit a bit too big on my 6.25” wrist.

It was great news that Orient now makes a 36.4mm version of the Bambino, and packs all the same great features into a smaller case. For $220, you’ll get Orient’s in-house Caliber F6724 automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve, date window, and an exhibition case back to watch the magic movement. Truly, Orient wins the budget game, and packs serious specs for the price. This will fit in perfectly with formal or casual attire, with a domed mineral crystal, and a wearable 42mm lug-to-lug and 12.5mm thickness.

You can find this watch on leather or a steel bracelet, and in silver, yellow gold, rose gold, and a two-tone version.

Mido Baroncelli Heritage Gent – $990

Slightly larger in diameter, this Swiss-made piece comes in at 39mm. There is no doubt about this being a classy looking watch. This watch distinguishes itself with its lightness, slimness, and pureness, with double sided hands and double gadroon.

At only 7.3mm in thickness, this is seriously slim. The Baroncelli will fit perfectly with any suit, tuxedo, or formal attire. Its sapphire crystal with double sided anti-reflective treatment catches the light beautifully. A 20mm lug width makes this watch incredibly versatile for swapping straps.

This dress watch packs the 21 jewel Automatic Mido 1192 movement with an ETA 2892A2 base. You’ll get a see-through caseback, date window, and a 50 hour power reserve, meaning no need to set your watch again, come Monday morning, if you dress down for the weekend.

There are 9 different color and strap options available on Mido’s website, and it’s available in an even more compact 33mm ladies option as well. The Mido Baroncelli Heritage is a beautiful and timeless dress watch for anyone looking to add a timepiece to their formalwear.

Grand Seiko SBGY007 – $8300

The first word that comes to mind for this piece is mesmerizing. I’ve seen the Grand Seiko SBGY007 in videos, and was lucky enough to try one on in a boutique. I could not look away. This piece, with Grand Seiko’s finishing, and inspired by the water of Lake Suwa freezing over, is truly magical.

During the Japanese winter, the waters of Lake Suwa freeze over, and a long ridge is formed in the ice, connecting one side to the other. In Japanese tradition, this is called ‘Omiwatari,’ which translates to “where the Gods walk out over the ice.” The craftsmen and women drew inspiration from this legend to build this elegant dial, with the texture and color of the ice. The thought and artistry that went into this watch, no doubt, shows.

This piece has a case diameter of 38.5mm, a lug-to-lug of 43.7mm, and a thickness of 10.2mm, a perfect match for formal and business attire. Coming with a dual curved sapphire crystal and anti-reflective coating on the inner surface, a case back featuring a lion emblem, and on a crocodile leather strap, this watch exudes class.

The SBGY007 uses Grand Seiko’s manual-wind Spring Drive Caliber 9R31 movement, with a 72 hour or 3-day power reserve, a power reserve indicator, and a stop seconds hand function. With so much detail, delicacy, and soul put into the craftwork of this watch, powered by Grand Seiko’s robust spring drive movement, this is a truly luxurious and high-performance dress watch.

Field Watches

Seiko SNK803, SNK805, SNK807, SNK809 – $100

I did have to make one exception for a watch that technically is discontinued, though still widely available and easy to find for purchase online. Averaging around $100 to pick one of these up from an online retailer, you are no doubt getting a heck of a lot of watch for what you pay for.

This Seiko 5 field watch comes in at a super wearable 37mm, perfect for smaller wrists. This admittedly non fancy, yet super rugged field watch packs a 7S26 automatic movement with a 43-hour power reserve, day-date wheel, and a clear case back to see it all for yourself. You can find this watch in black, blue, green, and beige, coming on a matching canvas strap or a harder-to-find bracelet version.

This is the perfect collection-starting piece for budget minded collectors, or makes for a perfect summer beater. You’ll get 100m of water resistance, so no worries if this watch gets a few splashes. This comes with a hardlex crystal and a stainless-steel case, so for $100, you are getting about as tough a field watch as you can. We highly recommend this for any outdoorsy watch enthusiast.

Hamilton Khaki Mechanical 38mm – $495

This Hamilton Khaki Mechanical is arguably one of the best watches you can buy around $500, and one every collector should consider adding to their rotation. For just under $500, and fairly easy to find even cheaper second-hand, you’ll be carrying a piece of military history on your wrist. Dating back to 1892, Hamilton was founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and has a rich heritage in producing watches for the American Army during WWI and WWII.

The Khaki Mechanical lineup, which comes in several color and material options, holds great historical significance and draws influence from their wartime pieces, as well as the 1960s where the Khaki line or military field watch look grew in popularity. In this modern adaptation of a vintage look, this has upgraded specifications, and is an everyday watch that can definitely take a beating.

This piece comes in at a super wearable 38mm, thickness of 9.5mm, and lug-to-lug of 47mm, perfect for small to medium wrists. A lug width of 20mm makes this super easy to find aftermarket straps to pair this with. This features Hamilton’s manual-wind H-50 movement with a long-lasting 80-hour power reserve, and is based on an ETA caliber. A sapphire crystal makes this field watch extra durable, perfect to bring with you on any adventure. When wearing this watch, it’s clear why this is one of the most recommended watches for $500 and for all wrist sizes. If you have larger wrists, check out the 42mm version for a better fit.

There you have it, our top recommendations for easily accessible watches that look great on small to medium sized wrists! There is absolutely no need to sacrifice power, awesome specs, and style, nor feel limited by a smaller budget. This just scratches the surface of watches we can recommend, even just in this category, so stay tuned for more specific StrapsCo recommendation blogs in the future.