Who said the watches on your wrist have to be bulky to be worth something? Here are a few that stand out despite a clean, crisp, and slim case profile.
There is no doubt in our minds about the appeal of ultra-thin watches. These works of art not only showcase the watchmaking expertise of the manufacturer, but also feature a design aesthetic that is unique and elegant. Timeless in their own right, these ultra-thin watches offer a comfortable fit and a modern aesthetic. They are clearly one of the most sought-after accessories this season. Here are a few that have caught our eye this year.
Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari
Sitting right at the top of our list is the first watch born out of the multi-year partnership between Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille and the legendary Italian luxury sports car manufacturer Ferrari. Also, it does not hurt that this new watch — the RM UP-01 FERRARI — is the world’s thinnest mechanical watch ever made, with a thickness of just 1.75 mm. Limited to 150 pieces, the RM UP-01 FERRARI takes up the ultra-flat challenge, and gives us a new world record. The timepiece features a new and patented ultra-flat escapement. It is also the first timepiece that personifies a new approach to watchmaking where technicity dictates aesthetic. What does this mean? It means that instead of constructing a watch where the case back doubles as a baseplate, Richard Mille focused on retaining the traditional architecture of a watch where the movement is assembled within the case. The movement and the case have been built with perfect symbiosis, allowing the thickness of the movement to be just 1.18 mm with a total weight of 2.82 grams and a power reserve of 45 hours. Furthermore, to maintain the overall thinness of the watch, the winding stem has been eliminated. In its place are two crowns where one works as a function selector, while the other utilises the selected function. Crafted in a titanium case that offers many advantages like lightness and resistance, the Richard Mille RM UP-01 FERRARI is a work of surprising process that meets all the demands of being the world’s thinnest watch.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra Thin
Not to be fooled by the word “Jumbo”, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Ultra-Thin comes in at an incredible 8.1mm case thickness with an extra-thin 3.2mm Calibre 7121 movement. The timepiece celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak. It is available in four models: stainless steel, platinum, 18-carat pink, and yellow gold. This timepiece marks the first time since 1972 for the brand to introduce a new self-winding hour, minute, and date movement i.e the Calibre 7121, which replaces the earlier Calibre 2121. The new movement was specially developed to fit the extra-thin 8.1mm “Jumbo” case without altering its aesthetic and thickness. Each of the four models offers a unique addition to the overall collection. The stainless steel version, with its steel case and bracelet, complements the watch’s iconic Petite Tapisserie dial and Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50 (night blue, cloud 50) hue. Offering refined tones and contrasts are the two pink and yellow gold versions, enhanced with the trademark Petite Tapisserie dial in new smoked shades. Finally, the titanium version presents an exclusive interpretation with its hand-finished 950 platinum case and bracelet paired with a smoked green dial. This combination garnered the brand the best “Iconic” timepiece prize at Geneva’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie in November 2021.
Arnold & Son Ultra-Thin Tourbillon Gold
The year was 2013 when Arnold & Son set the world record for one of the thinnest tourbillon movements with its 2.97mm Ultra-Thin Tourbillon Escapement (UTTE). Arnold & Son brings back its Ultra-Thin Tourbillon for 2022 in trendy grained dials, a redesigned case structure with a slimmer profile, an updated movement, and a longer power reserve. Available in two versions of 5N red gold or 950 platinum case materials, the new editions feature a new type of dial with tinted gold and aluminium sparkles. The 8.3mm case structures house an offset display dial with a tourbillon aperture. From the reduced bezels to the domed sapphire crystal, the 41.5mm case has been redesigned to give the watch a more sleek and refined aesthetic. A new manufacturing technique known as ‘Cosmic Grené’ (which means stargazing) used on the dials creates a light sandblasted surface that pays tribute to the brand’s DNA of marine chronometers. Beating at the heart of this marvel is the A&S8300 calibre, which is just 2.97mm thick. It is located on the top of the tourbillon carriage, echoing John Arnold’s leading role in marine exploration during the 18th century. The newly updated movement also clocks in a power reserve of 100 hours.
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Ultra
It would be blasphemous to curate a list of the best ultra-thin watches and not include Bulgari in the mix. For 2022, Bulgari straps on its eighth world record of the world’s thinnest mechanical watch with the Octo Finissimo Ultra. It is a revolutionary watch with a thickness of 1.80 mm (as thin as a 20-euro cent coin), no less than eight patent applications and an entry into the world of NFTs and Blockchain. The QR code is engraved on the barrel’s ratchet wheel, where it can be scanned, giving the customer access to a new digital dimension. The Octo Finissimo Ultra comes in a 40mm octagonal case attached to an integrated bracelet that is as thin as the watch. Playing on the idea of visible and invisible, the watch appears to be both a two-dimensional and a three-dimensional object. The construction of the Octo was reimagined by using the caseback as the mainplate where the BVL Calibre 180 is integrated. Limited to 10 editions, each of the owners will receive an exclusive NFT artwork that will not only guarantee the authenticity of the watch but will also provide a link to its owner.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton
With this timepiece, Vacheron Constantin adds an entirely skeletonised ultra-thin perpetual calendar model to its Overseas collection. Contemporary in design, this new 8.1mm thick masterpiece marks an integral part of the grand watchmaking tradition of the Maison. It reflects a symbol of elegance and style, featuring the extreme slenderness of the case set in a bold aesthetic choice that is symbolic of the brand’s longstanding heritage. The watch comes in a 41.5mm case structure crafted from an 18K 5N pink gold material set with a blue dial. The extremely thin self-winding Calibre 1120 movement is beating at the watch’s heart, which measures just 2.45mm thick. What makes this movement particularly interesting is that despite featuring a perpetual calendar complication and a skeletonised aesthetic, Vacheron Constantin has managed to keep the movement slim, making it an instant classic in the world of mechanical watches. The collection comes in three styles, completed with an interchangeable bracelet/strap system, including an 18K 5N pink gold bracelet and two other blue calfskin leather and rubber straps.
Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer
Harbouring a wealth of secrets and symbols, the Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer is a one-of-a-kind timepiece that will sit high on every watch collector’s list. This 50-piece limited edition ultra-thin timepiece features an exceptionally refined 18-carat hand-guilloché dial on one side and an equally guilloché officer-type back cover on the backside. This back cover then opens up to reveal the ultra-thin 3.30mm L.U.C 96.01-L movement that clocks in a power reserve of 65 hours. This is the first in-house Chopard movement presented since 1997, featuring the Chopard twin technology and a 22-carat gold micro-rotor. Imbued with a certain sense of discretion and distinction, the L.U.C XPS 1860 Officer comes in a 40mm case with a thickness of 7.7 mm made from ethical 18-carat yellow gold. It is set with a Forest green dial and a chronometer certification and bears the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark. The watch comes strapped to a hand-sewn brown alligator leather strap, with green alligator lining and a pin buckle made from ethical 18-carat yellow gold.
A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin
Personifying svelte elegance is the 50-piece limited edition ultra-thin timepiece released by A. Lange & Söhne — the Saxonia Thin — brought to life in pink gold and a blue hue. The blue copper-glittered face of the dial offers a fascinating interplay of reflections. It evokes images of a star-studded nocturnal sky. This effect is achieved with the help of thousands of copper oxide crystals that come together to animate the deep blue hue with copper-coloured speckles that reflect incident light. Following the theme of “less is more”, the Saxonia Thin features a 40mm 18-carat pink gold case with a thickness of about 6.2 mm. Despite a thin structure and wide case diameter, the watch fits perfectly on the wrist, courtesy of the characteristic camber of the strap lugs. Furthermore, the presence of an almost absent bezel offers the watch an unmatched elegance. It also provides the optical effect of the gold flux to be in full view. Powering this dressy timepiece is the manually wound Calibre L093.1- an in-house developed ultra-thin movement with a thickness of 2.9 mm and a power reserve of 72 hours. Adding an additional layer of elegance is the shiny dark blue leather strap that matches the dial perfectly.
Panerai Lumor Due
Making a case for slim watches for is Panerai’s new Luminor Due. With an agenda to stay true to the brand’s DNA while also evolving the collection to suit the needs of watch lovers across the board, the all-new Luminor Due is a new adventure that deserves a second look. Available in two new expressions, the Luminor Due (PAM01247 and PAM01248) offer beauty in opposing colour palettes and slimmer case profiles. These new editions feature the signature Luminor case in a slimmer profile, measuring in at a perfect 38mm case size, including the patented crown safety lock device. It comes in two dial colours of ivory and anthracite, paired with luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers. Both the versions feature a date window at 3 o’clock and employ the P.900 calibre with a thickness of 4.2 mm. The ivory version comes in a shiny and bold red alligator leather strap, while the anthracite dial option is strapped to a black leather strap. Both watches offer a water resistance of 30 meters and a power reserve of three days.
Piaget Altipano Ultimate Concept
When it comes to ultra-thin timepieces, Piaget has been at the forefront since the very beginning. It was as early as 1957 when Piaget unveiled the world’s thinnest mechanical movement, the Calibre 9P, which measured just 2mm in height. Keeping with tradition, Piaget unveiled the Altiplano Ultimate Concept (AUC) in 2018, earning the record for the thinnest watch in the world with its slim 2mm profile. Made possible with radical engineering and a fusion of case, movement, and bezel, the Altiplano Ultimate Concept watch is an exceptional piece of horology. Paying tribute to the first “Beats” of this ground-breaking timepiece is the Altiplano Ultimate Concept (AUC) 2022. This unique AUC timepiece features the meaningful date (February 7, 2017) on the watch at 2 o’clock, along with two enlarged dots on the off-centred dial that marks the corresponding time. Paying tribute to the manufacture in La Côte-aux-Fées, the watch offers an inscription of the same engraved onto the ratchet wheel along with stars illuminated with Super-LumiNova representing the sky above La Côte-aux-Fées at the exact date and time of the AUC’s birth sitting as the background of the dial. The watch is powered by the Piaget 900P-UC movement that offers a power reserve of 45 hours. It is delivered with an alligator leather strap and a blue baltimore textile strap.
Gucci 25H Skeleton Tourbillon
A sleek timepiece with a 40mm diameter and an 8mm thick case, the GUCCI 25H SKELETON TOURBILLON is an impressive piece of horology. Featuring a beautiful see-through dial and an exclusive caliber flying tourbillon, the GUCCI 25H SKELETON TOURBILLON combines expert craftsmanship, style, and extraordinary skill. What makes this timepiece unique is the way the watch has been designed. As the watch is planned around the movement, the overall design offers a fantastic illusion of the mechanics floating above the brushed and titanium bridges that run across the base of the dial. The movement working within is Gucci’s very own Calibre CG727.25 TS that appears to be floating above the timepiece’s supporting titanium bridges. This offers a fantastic view of the movement that clocks in a power reserve of 72 hours. Crafted out of 100 per cent recycled 18K white gold with white and yellow bracelet variations and a slate-grey titanium edition, the GUCCI 25H SKELETON TOURBILLON, with its rubber strap, offers a sleek option for someone looking to up their wrist game.
Louis Vuitton Tambour Slim Vivienne Jumping Hours
The year was 2017 when Louis Vuitton unveiled its mascot Vivienne — the mischievous and mysterious manifestation of the brand’s signature VVN leather. This time around, Louis Vuitton takes this mascot and brings it back in a splendid appearance with the release of the Tambour Slim Vivienne Jumping Hours watch collection. The three watches cast Vivienne in the roles of a croupier, a fortune teller, and a circus juggler, which shows you the time. It also showcases the jumping hour display that alternates from one of her hands to the other. Additionally, a talisman floats around her that displays the minutes given by its position. The three exquisitely hand-decorated timepieces are crafted in 38mm case structures with a thickness of 12.21 mm. Available in 18k pink gold, yellow gold, and white gold case material, the Tambour Slim Vivienne Jumping Hours offers a water resistance of 50 meters. The pink gold version is set with dial made of aventurine and a combination of a white and black brilliant cut diamonds and a shiny blue alligator leather strap. The yellow gold version is set with brilliant cut diamonds, tsavorites, and rubies on the bezel, and comes in a skarn dial. Finally, the white gold edition featuring one rose cut diamond on the crown is available with a white mother-of-pearl dial with diamonds and sapphires. The former is strapped to a green alligator leather strap, while the latter is available in a shiny red alligator leather strap. Each of the three versions is powered by the LV180 Calibre that offers a jumping hours function and a power reserve of 42 hours.
Rado True Thinline X Great Gardens Of The World
Slim, sleek, and definitely stylish are the new high-tech ceramic True Thinline Nature watches from Rado. Created in partnership with Grandi Giardini, both the brands have come together again to bring us the aptly-named Rado True X Great Gardens of the World. These new watches are slim and highly comfortable with a case diameter of 39 mm and a case thickness of 5 mm. They feature a stunning range of design accents, including oak leaves, jasmine flowers, mother-of-pearl and gorgeous high-tech ceramic case colours. All of these fall under the evocative name “The Four Seasons”. These new models showcase Rado’s expertise in coloured high-tech ceramics and creating slim watches that are technically brilliant. Each of the four seasons is available in a 150-piece limited edition and a special limited-edition collector’s box.
Swatch Skin Bioceramic
The latest line to feature Swatch’s environmentally friendly material BIOCERAMIC is the ultra-sleek and ultra-thin classic SKIN in all black. Giving a relaxed look with its smooth and sleek black BIOCERAMIC case, this newly released Swatch SKIN is robust, lightweight, and offers scratch resistance with a tactile ‘soft touch’ finish. It is incredibly comfortable on the wrist, thanks to its slim profile and nearly weightless feel. Perfect to strap on during any time of the day or year, the Swatch SKIN is also available in a range of feel-good tones and go-to monochrome colours.
Tissot PRX
Modern and minimalistic, the Tissot PRX range, with its elegant colours and technical know-how, makes it one of our favourite slim watches. With a thickness of 10.4 mm, the PRX range is available in a comfortable 40mm stainless steel case diameter. It comes in a range of colourful dial options that includes champagne, silver, blue, and black options. Strapped to a beautifully designed bracelet or a blue leather strap and powered by a Swiss quartz movement, the evocative Tissot PRX range is essential to any watch collector’s collection.
Titan Edge
Super slim in its construction, the Titan Edge marks the brand’s minimalistic design philosophy. Designed in an uber contemporary chic aesthetic, the Edge falls under the category of being the perfect watch for any occasion. The watch’s overall look and the comfortable fit due to its slim profile make it the ideal timepiece to transition from a formal office look to elegant evening wear. The perfect edge you need on your wrist today.
