Why Slim Watches Are Making a Comeback in Modern Watchmaking
For years, the watch world leaned towards oversized sports models and bold, heavy cases. But just as fashion is cyclical, so too is watch design. Today, collectors are rediscovering something more refined: the slim dress watch. From the boardroom to a weekend dinner, slim watches are returning to favour, and for good reason.
A Brief History of Slim Watches
In the mid-20th century, wristwatches were far more discreet than many of the pieces we see today. Cases typically measured 33-35mm in diameter, with movements engineered to be as thin as possible. A slim watch slipped effortlessly under a cuff, embodying the quiet elegance of the time.
These pieces weren’t about making a statement. Instead, they conveyed taste, proportion, and refinement. Vintage dress watches from the 1950s and 60s remain highly collectible today because of this understated charm.
Why Slim Watches Appeal Today
Elegance and Proportion
A slim watch offers a balanced silhouette. It feels proportionate on the wrist and pairs naturally with tailored clothing.
Comfort
At just a few millimetres thick, slim watches are lightweight and unobtrusive, ideal for daily wear.
Vintage Inspiration
Collectors are rediscovering the heritage of slim watchmaking. Many admired vintage pieces were compact and refined, qualities that resonate with modern enthusiasts.
Changing Tastes
Oversized watches still have an audience, but tastes are shifting. More collectors are embracing versatile pieces that feel timeless rather than loud.
Independent Brands Leading the Revival
Interestingly, it’s often independent microbrands leading this return to elegance. By keeping production small and focusing on detail, these brands explore proportions often overlooked in mainstream releases.
For collectors, this means access to affordable dress watches under £200 that capture the DNA of vintage classics without the price tag of rare originals.
Spotlight: The Trémont L003
At Trémont, we wanted to honour this shift with our debut release, the L003. Measuring 33mm in diameter and only 6.8mm thick, it captures the refined proportions of mid-century design while using a reliable Miyota 9T22 movement.
What sets the L003 apart is its smooth, pebble-inspired case. With no sharp edges and a rounded profile, it has an organic feel on the wrist - a design detail that echoes the timeless appeal of classic pebble-shaped watches admired by collectors.
Available in both Yellow Gold and Silver cases, the L003 is paired with supple Italian leather straps for comfort and style. Every detail has been considered, from the polished pin buckle to the way the watch slips neatly under a shirt cuff.
The L003 is now in stock and available at £164.
Discover the Trémont L003 here
How to Style a Slim Watch
One of the strengths of a slim watch is its versatility.
- Formal occasions: Works seamlessly with a suit or tuxedo, adding refinement without distraction.
- Business settings: Fits under a cuff and communicates professionalism.
- Casual weekends: Pairs with relaxed tailoring or vintage-inspired looks.
- Strap swaps: A slim, pebble-shaped watch adapts beautifully to different leather or textured straps, shifting its character effortlessly.
The Timelessness of Slim Design
Trends may shift, but true elegance is lasting. Slim watches remind us that sophistication doesn’t need to shout. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to vintage-inspired design, there’s a unique satisfaction in wearing a watch that feels as good as it looks.
The return of slim watches is less of a trend and more of a revival, a nod to the golden age of horology, reinterpreted for today. And with designs like the L003, collectors can experience this timeless style without compromise.
Conclusion
The slim dress watch is back, and it’s here to stay. Collectors are embracing 33mm proportions, vintage-inspired design, and the comfort of slim cases as the new standard of elegance.
With the Trémont L003, we’ve captured this spirit in a watch designed for the modern enthusiast. Refined, pebble-shaped, and accessible at £164, it represents our belief that true style lies in the details.