It’s not easy being in the watch collecting hobby with 6 inch wrists. Especially when it comes to the affordable range, Citizen and Seiko loves their 42mm+ dive-style watches. Certina, Mido, Tissot are all in the same boat – way too big. Mainstream brands and small watches haven’t really gotten along the past few years. As someone with smaller wrists, I’ve definitely suffered with the lack of options (wallet hasn’t though).
Luckily, for those with smaller wrists like me, we have some micro brands to our rescue.
Here are my top 5 micro brands for smaller wrists. I have had firsthand experience with all the brands mentioned in this article. Some I have flipped, and others have found their way into the permanent collection. In any case, if you’ve got smaller wrists, you need to check them out.
The list is in no particular order.
Serica
Serica is a relatively new micro brand who started in 2019, and started getting real traction by 2020. The piece I’d recommend for those with smaller wrist, is their first ever release. It’s a field watch named W.W.W, which stands for Wrist Watch Waterproof.
The one I owned in the past, was the California dial, now reference 6190.
The specifications is picture perfect on the wrist. 37.7mm case, only 10.4mm in height, and 20mm lugs. Unlike traditional field watches, the 6190 has a decently thick bezel, which aids the overall proportions. It is on the pricier side, 990 Euros brand new from their site.
Is it worth it? Isn’t the Hamilton Khaki Field a better watch for the money? Having own both, for the money, the Hammy is unbeatable. But if I had to say which one I liked more, it would be the Serica W.W.W.
Serica as a brand should definitely be in your list for Top 5 microbrands for smaller wrists.
Check it out here.
Lorier
If you’ve been following my reviews, you would’ve seen my review on the Lorier Neptune V3 . There’s a lot of good that Lauren and Lorenzo are doing for the vintage-inspired watch scene. Taking inspirations from the mid-century and putting their own spin on in with modern built quality, and robust Miyota movements.
Honestly, all their catalogue is geared towards those with smaller wrists. Most, if not all of their pieces, are sub-40mm. The prices are very reasonable as well.
The Neptune and the Falcon are both my personal favorites of the bunch. I’ve owned both pieces, albeit the earlier iterations.
Great size, vintage aesthetics, robust movements, solid bracelet – can’t go wrong.
Check them out here.
Baltic
Baltic was a part of the micro brand scene back in 2016, when they launched the HMS-001 and the Bi-Compax 001 Chrono. Both were vintage inspired 38mm pieces with a lovely vintage warmth. I had the pleasure of having owned both those pieces. And if I am being completely honest, to put out those two watches back in 2016, was very impressive.
Naturally, the trajectory has been exponential since, and all credit to Etienne and his team over in France.
Baltic’s piece de resistance, is the Baltic Aquascaphe. Vintage appeal, slim case, and a well-made Beads of Rice bracelet made it an instant hit.
My favorite of the bunch, is the Aquascaphe GMT. Finally a GMT that isn’t 40mm+, and 13mm+ thick.
You’ll have no wearability or comfort issues with pretty much their entire catalogue.
Check them out here.
Smiths
Smiths isn’t exactly a micro brand, but their current manufacturer, Time Factors, are. It’s impossible not to love Smiths as a skinny wrister as their entire catalogue is based on mid-century pieces. Most of their pieces are 36 to 38mm. Rejoice with me.
Great built quality and most house the Miyota 90 series movements. My pick of the bunch is the Smiths Everest Expedition. It’s the true Explorer alternative as it is a very close homage of the Smiths Sir Edmund Hillary carried.
The only catch is that Time Factors have adopted a rather annoying e-commerce model. You can only buy watches during a short window where the store is open. If you’re outside the UK, be prepared to wake up at 3am to hopefully secured one.
Check them out here .
Goodluck!
Christopher Ward
Christopher Ward probably is no longer a micro brand. They were founded by three men in a boat on the Thames in 2004. Now, they have in-house movements and rival some of the most mainstream affordable luxury watch brands.
What makes Christopher Ward stand out for me, is their consideration of size. In the early days, they would make 2 sizes for their main-sellers. The trident used to come in 42mm and 38mm. Now, some models come in 3 sizes, with a 40mm for the Goldilocks.
I’ll preface now, they aren’t exactly that affordable anymore. Most of their pieces cost more than USD$1000. But, they are worth every penny.
Spoiled For Choice
If I had started out my watch journey with the abundance of micro brands that are available. And the fact that they cater to small wrists. I’m not sure if I would’ve ended up buying and selling over 30 Seiko’s.
If you’re just starting out and have smaller wrists, give these micro brands a shot.
And even if you are a seasoned collector, you’ll find quality and comfort with these micro brands.
