In recent years, small watches have become increasingly popular among men, offering a stylish and practical alternative. Men can wear them as they provide an understated elegance that larger watches often lack.
They’re often referred to as “field watches” or “dress watches,” depending on their design. For men with a smaller wrist size, watch sizes ranging from 34mm to 36mm are generally considered the best fit in the watch world.
It’s a common misconception that a 32mm watch is too small for a man. However, they can exude a classic and vintage charm. Here are some of the best small watches for men in 2024:
1. Timex Marlin® Hand-Wound – Stainless Steel, Silver-Tone Dial ref. TW2R47900
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$435
- Private Market Price: S$360
- Pre-Owned Price: S$392
About
This model represents a continuation of Timex’s tradition in crafting timeless pieces. As a reissue of a 1960s watch, it combines a sleek, timeless design with a hand-wound movement and a modern touch. It appeals to watch enthusiasts looking for nostalgia merged with functionality. Elegant yet understated, it adds value through subtle design choices and practical use.
Features
They include Arabic numeral hour markers at 12,2,4,6,8, and 10 o’clock, a domed acrylic crystal over the dial, a dial with fine grain details, a leather strap with a crocodile texture, and a 34mm stainless steel case.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2018
- Case Size: 34mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Silver-tone, with black sword-shaped hands and Arabic numeral/index hour markers
- Bracelet – Black, leather, with a crocodile texture and a steel pin buckle clasp
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, well-polished, stainless steel
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Mechanical hand-wound movement
Why You Should Invest?
As a reissue of a 1960s model, this dress watch carries historical appeal, which can enhance its desirability among collectors. This also increases its chances of appreciating significantly in value over time.
2. Bulova Fly Me to The Moon – Stainless Steel, Black Dial ref. 96B348
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$1,111
- Private Market Price: S$571
- Pre-Owned Price: S$890
About
Bulova’s Fly Me to The Moon pays tribute to legendary performer Frank Sinatra (Its name is the title of one of his songs). It reflects the elegance and style for which he’s known, featuring a design that resonates with his iconic persona. It stands out for its unique blend of art and engineering, skillfully encompassing Sinatra’s legacy within its craftsmanship and appeal.
Features
They include gold-tone vintage-style hands and markers, Sinatra’s signature on the black dial above 6 o’clock, a date window at 3 o’clock, a textured black dial, an exhibition case back with the song title as well as the iconic Fedora Hat, and a crown etched with the Fedora hat.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2021
- Case Size: 39mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black, textured, with gold-tone hands and Arabic numeral/claw hour markers
- Bracelet – Brown lizard grain textured leather strap with a deployant buckle and is stamped with the name ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ along the inside
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, stainless steel
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Miyota Caliber 8215 automatic movement with 21 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve
Why You Should Invest?
Investing in the Fly Me to The Moon watch offers both historical significance and superior craftsmanship. Honoring Frank Sinatra, it serves as a timeless tribute, appealing to collectors.
3. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical – Stainless Steel, Black Dial ref. H69439131
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$780
- Private Market Price: S$594
- Pre-Owned Price: S$622
About
The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical watch is rooted in military history, inspired by the watches worn by soldiers. It’s one of the two latest additions to the series (the other has a white dial) and it’s known for its simplicity. It embodies the spirit of adventure, trading the monotonous NATO strap for a well-brushed, rugged steel bracelet. It’s particularly popular among enthusiasts who appreciate classic design with modern functionalities.
Features
The main ones are Arabic numeral hour markers, smaller Arabic numeral 24-hour indicators around the main ones, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal above the dial, luminous syringe-style hands, and an all-steel body with a durable four-link bracelet.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2021
- Case Size: 38mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black, with luminous syringe-style hands and white Arabic numeral hour markers with luminous triangles above them
- Bracelet – Stainless steel, with a folding clasp
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, stainless steel
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: H-50 hand-winding mechanism with 17 jewels, an 80-hour power reserve, and a 21,600vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
According to WatchCharts, its average market price increased from S$580 on November 25, 2023, to S$595 on November 23, 2024. Watchbase also indicates its price rose from S$779 on February 18, 2021, to S$1,004 on November 18, 2023.
4. Bell & Ross BR V1-92 Military – Stainless Steel, Black Dial ref. BRV192-MIL-ST/SCA
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$2,800
- Private Market Price: S$1,753
- Pre-Owned Price: S$2,250
About
The Bell & Ross BR V1-92 Military pays homage to vintage military aesthetics while incorporating modern engineering. Bell & Ross designed it with the intention of replicating the precision and reliability found in (its) traditional military timepieces. Its timeless design is suited for both casual and formal occasions, offering a versatile accessory for the discerning watch wearer.
Features
The watch includes several key features, starting with Arabic numeral hour markers every five minutes, a triangle hour marker at 12 o’clock, a round date display between 4 and 5 o’clock, an ultra-curved sapphire with anti-reflective coating over the dial, and a calfskin strap.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2017
- Case Size: 38.5mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black, with skeletonized metal sword-shaped Super-LumiNova®-filled hour and minute hands and indices coated in beige Super-LumiNova®.
- Bracelet – Brown calfskin leather strap with a steel pin buckle clasp
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, stainless steel
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Automatic BR-CAL. 302 movement with 25 jewels, a 38-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
Investing in it not only offers a piece of fine watchmaking but also a connection to historical military-inspired designs. Additionally, its price has increased by approximately 5% since its production due to its historical significance and desirability among collectors.
5. Longines Heritage Sector Dial – Stainless Steel, Black Dial ref. L2.828.4.53.6
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$3,500
- Private Market Price: S$2,327
- Pre-Owned Price: S$2,505
About
The Longines Heritage Sector Dial showcases the brand’s dedication to its rich history while incorporating modern advancements. It combines classic design features reminiscent of 1930s watches with contemporary craftsmanship. Longines has focused on maintaining authenticity in design, ensuring that the watch remains true to its roots while meeting today’s standards of reliability and precision.
Features
Key features include a black dial with a sector layout, a charcoal gray hour chapter ring, a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, Arabic numeral hour markers at 12,3,6, and 9 o’clock, and a beads-of-rice stainless steel bracelet.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2021
- Case Size: 38.5mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black, with silvered polished hands and painted Arabic numeral/index hour markers
- Bracelet – Beads-of-rice, stainless steel, with a triple safety folding clasp and push-piece opening mechanism
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, brushed, stainless steel
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Small Seconds
- Mechanism: Longines Caliber L893 automatic movement with 21 jewels, a 64-hour power reserve (approximately), and a 25,200vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
As per WatchBase, its price increased from S$3,215 on February 1, 2022, to S$3,791 on September 6, 2023, and S$3,861 on May 1, 2024.
6. Oris ProPilot X Caliber 400 – Titanium, Bright Salmon Dial ref. 01 400 7778 7158-07 7 20 01TLC
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$6,194
- Private Market Price: S$5,500
- Pre-Owned Price: S$5,940
About
The Oris ProPilot X Caliber 400 exemplifies fine Swiss watchmaking with its unique design and superior performance. It’s part of Oris’s esteemed ProPilot X series, aimed at enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of tradition and modernity. Its design draws inspiration from aviation, evident in its robust features and sleek aesthetics, making it a compelling choice for those who value both form and function.
Features
This timepiece features a striking salmon-colored dial, a Grade 2 titanium case and bracelet, a sapphire crystal over the dial that’s domed on both sides and has an anti-reflective coating inside, a sapphire crystal caseback, and a special fluted design around the bezel.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2022
- Case Size: 39mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Bright salmon, with luminescent hands and indices (double indices at 12 o’clock)
- Bracelet – Titanium, with a folding clasp
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, brushed, titanium
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Oris Caliber 400 movement with 21 jewels, a 120-hour power reserve, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
It has demonstrated robust resale performance. For instance, on Chrono24, its listings range from approximately S$2,790 to S$5,298, depending on condition and provenance. This indicates that it retains a significant portion of its original value in the secondary market.
7. Tudor Black Bay 58 – Silver, Taupe Dial ref. m79010SG-0002
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$6,680
- Private Market Price: S$3,812
- Pre-Owned Price: S$4,236
About
This Tudor Black Bay 58 is revered for its exquisite craftsmanship and historical inspiration. Drawing from Tudor’s iconic dive watches of the 1950s, it has successfully merged classic design elements with contemporary watchmaking advancements. It’s known for its elegant silver finish and taupe dial, which add a unique aesthetic to its vintage charm. It’s a piece that appeals to those who appreciate the nuanced blend of style and function.
Features
Key features include a unidirectional rotatable bezel, signature snowflake hands, a domed sapphire crystal above the dial, a domed taupe dial, and a taupe fabric strap.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2021
- Case Size: 39mm
- Materials
- Dial – Taupe, with Snowflake hands and luminescent round/triangle/rectangle hour markers
- Bracelet – Taupe fabric strap with a 925 silver buckle
- Bezel – Unidirectional rotatable, 925 silver, with a 60-minute graduated disc in matt taupe anodised aluminum and silver gilded markings and numerals
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Manufacture Caliber MT5400 movement with 27 jewels, a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
According to WatchBase, its price has increased consistently between 2021 and 2024, starting at S$5,728 on April 8, 2021, and rising to S$5,869 on January 6, 2022, S$6,374 on January 1, 2023, S$6,514 on January 9, 2023, and S$6,627 on January 1, 2024.
8. Zenith Defy Revival – Stainless Steel, Black and Orange Dial ref. 03.A3648.670/21.M3648
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$10,369
- Private Market Price: S$8,700
- Pre-Owned Price: S$9,463
About
As its name suggests, the Zenith Defy Revival pays homage to the original Defy diver’s watches from 1969. With a design that stays true to its roots, it offers a blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary watchmaking techniques, such as a more durable crystal over the dial and a more superior luminescent material. It’s crafted for those who appreciate a timeless piece that tells more than just time.
Features
They include a distinctive dial which combines black and orange tones, a unidirectional rotating 14-sided steel bezel with an orange tinted sapphire insert, a crown positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock, a date display between 4 and 5 o’clock, and a five-link steel bracelet.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2024
- Case Size: 37mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black matte center, with an orange chapter ring and Super-LumiNova C1-treated orange hands and index hour markers
- Bracelet – Stainless steel, five-link, with a folding clasp
- Bezel – Unidirectional rotatable, 14-sided, stainless steel with a striking orange sapphire insert
- Function: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Elite 670 automatic movement with a power reserve of 50 hours
Why You Should Invest?
This small watch holds a special place in Zenith’s history, marking the brand’s entry into robust diver’s watches. Its unique design and heritage appeal to collectors and men wearing small watches, potentially enhancing its desirability and value over time.
9. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer – Oystersteel, Black Dial ref. m124270-0001
Market Price
- Retail Price: S$10,550
- Private Market Price: S$9,775
- Pre-Owned Price: S$10,627
About
The Explorer series is a testament to Rolex’s commitment to innovation and exploration. Designed to withstand extreme conditions, this model stays true to the collection’s design cues, capturing the essence of exploration in design and function while adding modern touches that make it relevant to contemporary adventurers and professionals of all genders.
Features
The main ones are an Oystersteel case, an Oyster bracelet, Arabic numeral hour markers at 3,6, and 9 o’clock and a triangle hour marker at 12 o’clock, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal over the dial, and a smooth, well-polished bezel.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2021
- Case Size: 36mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Black, with Chromalight lume-treated Mercedes-style hands, a lollipop-style seconds hand with a luminous tip, and Arabic numeral/triangle hour markers
- Bracelet – Oyster, Oystersteel, with a Folding Oysterlock safety clasp with Easylink 5 mm comfort extension link
- Bezel – Fixed, smooth, Oystersteel
- Function: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Rolex Caliber 3230 automatic movement with 31 jewels, a 70-hour power reserve (approximately), and a 28,800vph frequency
Why You Should Invest?
WatchBase indicates its price increased continuously between 2021 and 2024, beginning at S$8,564 on April 7, 2021, and increasing to S$9,547 on January 19, 2022, S$10,179 on January 13, 2023, and S$10,459 on January 2, 2024.
Summary
The following table highlights the small watches for men above, plus their key features, retail, private market, and pre-owned prices:
|
Model |
Key Features |
Retail Price |
Private Market Price |
Pre-Owned Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Timex Marlin® Hand-Wound ref. TW2R47900 |
|
S$435 |
S$360 |
S$392 |
|
Bulova Fly Me to The Moon ref. 96B348 |
|
S$1,111 |
S$571 |
S$890 |
|
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical ref. H69439131 |
|
S$780 |
S$594 |
S$622 |
|
Bell & Ross BR V1-92 Military ref. BRV192-MIL-ST/SCA |
|
S$2,800 |
S$1,753 |
S$2,250 |
|
Longines Heritage Sector Dial ref. L2.828.4.53.6 |
|
S$3,500 |
S$2,327 |
S$2,505 |
|
Oris ProPilot X Caliber 400 ref. 01 400 7778 7158-07 7 20 01TLC |
|
S$6,194 |
S$5,500 |
S$5,940 |
|
Tudor Black Bay 58 ref. m79010SG-0002 |
|
S$6,680 |
S$3,812 |
S$4,236 |
|
Zenith Defy Revival ref. 03.A3648.670/21.M3648 |
|
S$10,369 |
S$8,700 |
S$9,463 |
|
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer ref. m124270-0001 |
|
S$10,550 |
S$9,775 |
S$10,627 |
Final Word
Small watches for men combine timeless elegance with understated style, making them ideal for those seeking a classic, versatile accessory. Whether for formal occasions or everyday wear, their sleek design ensures wearers wear watches with a comfortable fit and refined appearance.
Key Takeaways
- Small watches for men (watch size 34-36mm) exude elegance and a classic aesthetic, offering versatility for both formal and casual occasions.
- Smaller watches, especially vintage models or those from iconic watch brands like Rolex and Zenith, often appreciate in value due to their rarity and timeless design.
- From affordable pieces to high-end luxury models, small men’s watches cater to diverse preferences and price ranges, making them accessible to a broad audience.
Looking to buy or sell your luxury watches? Watch Exchange is your one-stop destination for trading Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tissot, Sinn, Zenith, and other luxury timepieces. Find your next watch today!
