We gathered the finest watches designed for delicate and elegant souls.
Ultra-thin time machines made for those who love to push the horological boundaries. Sounds good, right? Representing one of the extreme points of engineering and watchmaking, these watches are the rarest examples of micro-mechanics. Every watch on our list hosts leading technologies and design details in their respective fields. These watches, which adorn the wrists by facing various difficulties from project to production, also attract attention with their meticulously crafted complication movements.
The thickest watch on our list is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin with a total height of only 6.3mm and a 41mm diameter case made of titanium and platinum. The model, which holds the title of being the world's thinnest full-sized rotor automatic and perpetual calendar watch, is home to the 2.89mm thick movement. Consisting of 256 parts, the 37-jewels Caliber 5133 operates at 19800vph and has a 40-hour power reserve. Titanium and Grade 950 platinum are used together in the bracelet, case, and bezel of the watch. The waterproof value of the model, where the glamorous dial and movement behind the sapphire crystals can be enjoyed, is 20 meters. The price of having this special model is 140,000 CHF.
Our second model comes from one of the masters of the classic dress watch style, Vacheron Constantin. The brand, which combines the 36mm diameter case with a height of only 4.13mm, is one of the most elegant men's watches in the world and is a candidate to add a nostalgic touch to your collection with Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955. With the sapphire crystals on both sides, the case provides water resistance up to 30 meters. The 21.1mm x 1.64mm movement consists of 117 parts/18 jewels, beats at 18000vph and has a power reserve of 31 hours. The price of having this watch is 41,300 CHF for the platinum case version and 31,700 CHF for the 18K rose gold case version.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic, which is in third place, is another record holder. The 42mm diameter titanium case has a total thickness of just 3.95mm. Moreover, two sapphire crystals and a tourbillon escapement movement with a peripheral rotor are also placed in this incredible thickness. The model, which comes to life with the manufacture automatic Caliber BVL 288, manages to shatter the records with a 1.95mm thick movement, which has a 52-hour power reserve and a beat rate of 21600vph. Bulgari gave up the use of the dial and full rotor to minimize the thickness of the watch. The price of having this special watch, which is limited to only 50 units, is 120,000 CHF. Remember, Bulgari is also one of the leaders of the ultra-thin class, with other models in the Octo Finissimo series, with minute repeater and chronograph complications.
The last, that is, the thinnest model on our list is the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept. It is not possible to buy this watch because it is a concept, as its name suggests. The thickness of the 41mm diameter case made of cobalt alloy is, hold on to your hat, only 2mm. The crystal thickness of the model, which has a monoblock case, is only 0.2mm. Note that the thickness of the hair strand ranges from an average of 0.05mm to 0.18mm. The manufacture hand-wound movement Caliber 900P-UP, has 13 jewels, beats at 28800vph and offers a 44-hour power reserve. The watch has an extra layer made of Kevlar to increase durability inside its leather strap, which is produced in a slim profile compatible with the case.
Bonus: Swatch Skin
Don't worry; you don't have to pay astronomical figures to get an ultra-thin watch. Swatch Skin models with 34mm diameter and 3.9mm thick plastic case are the most economical and useful solution for watch lovers who are looking for ultra-thin watches. Watches that offer water resistance up to 30 meters have Quartz calibers and silicone straps. The list price of Swatch Skin is only 110 CHF.
