Have you ever experienced a sort of “tiredness” about watch complications and twisted design? I did. Perhaps, it is a consequence of my professional activity in which I interact with so many intricate timepieces. I have to be honest and admit that sometimes, I’m thirsty about complications that make me wonder how it could be possible to integrate them all in a single watch case. But, sometimes, I just need a humble date window on the watch dial, and nothing more. Probably, by the end of 2022, my mental status seeks tranquility and calmness. That’s why I want to calm down my spirit and contemplate the beauty of time-only timepieces.
The beautiful part of all…
…is that I’m sure that a big part of you guys seek the same. Sometimes we all need a ”back to the root” breath and according to my latest emails, many watch enthusiasts hunt some minimalist models limited to the bare minimum.
So, here is my response to your “time only, please” demands, guys. I’ve collected the best, in my opinion, minimalist timepieces to remind you that a watch doesn’t need to be intricate in order to look gorgeous and phenomenal. Excuse me if you want to find some of the following models in their replica versions. They are just so stunning as models that I could skip them from the list, even if their replica versions aren’t available yet. So, this post is about delectation. Enjoy!
Rolex Submariner 114060
This model is as spectacular in its genuine version, as it is in its replica version. And even though many customers might believe that minimalism is only particular for dress watches, this model is the exact proof of the opposite. The 114060 Submariner is a classic sports diver watch. And despite its sportiness, it still preserves a touch of delicacy expressed through its minimalism.
I think you know a lot about the history of this model if you are a Rolex fan. Its aesthetics takes inspiration from the 1950s and the no-date version is in far more demand than the one with a date window. In general terms, this model for me is the number one candidate for those who have in mind to own one single Rolex watch. You know, many watch collectors, especially in the replica hobby, prefer to own one piece from each iconic brand.
Of course, this model might not be suitable for you if your purpose is to have a watch that “screams about your wealth”. On the contrary, it subtly whispers about your wealth and good taste, but in a very decent and humble manner.
Benefits
The 40mm case is perfect for almost all men’s wrists. In addition, the date window absence is balanced with the blue Chromalight markers, and white gold accents- all placed on the balanced black dial. Therefore, the combination of the color spots makes the watch suitable for whichever suit or outfit you want. And what can be better than a versatile timepiece? What’s the point of owning a perfect and expensive watch, if you can’t pair it with no outfit? So, versatility is a critical benefit of this model, without any doubt.
Apart from the balanced dial, another element catching the eye is the Cerachrom bezel. Due to the specific bezel material, you will fall in love with the interplay of reflections transiting from black to grey and vice versa. So, don’t tell me that the date window lacking is a critical mistake in this watch.
The dial is so masterfully manufactured that it doesn’t need anything else to look gorgeous. Without any doubt, you can say that other Rolex models are more elegant, rugged, or technically more reliable than this Submariner. But, don’t forget that we are talking about minimalism here, and this model expresses the beauty of minimalism like no other.
Cartier Santos 100 W20073X8
Luckily, this model is also one of those that are available in its replica version in the AAAReplica store. Its history is actually even older and more emotive than the Submariner’s one. Actually, the founder created this model to honor the friendship of his close friend-Alberto Santos Dumont. Concurrently, this personality was an aviation pioneer in Brazil. The public saw the first Santos concept in 1904, while in 2004, Cartier presented the Santos 100, whose concept was to honor the 100th anniversary of the first concept. Beautiful, isn’t it?
What can I say about this beauty? Square case? Nothing new for you. Roman numerals? Also nothing new. The only thing I can add about it is that it emanates a huge amount of wrist appeal right at the moment you put it on the wrist. I am talking from my personal experience and sharing what I exactly felt when I tested the replica version on me.
You might think that replicas are not the same as genuine models. I can only partially agree with you. Actually, our replica suppliers have made such great versions of this Santos 100 that I could hardly spot the differences.
The square case and the minimalist design of the watch encode two major superpowers of this watch. The first is its clean essence while the second is its masculinity. Yes, they come hand in hand in this watch and that’s what I experienced only with an imitation. I can imagine what it is like when wearing a genuine model… It must be a phenomenal feeling.
Breguet Classique 5157
Only three elements make out from this watch an iconic time-only beauty: a hand-guilloche dial, a minute hand, and an hour hand. It doesn’t even have a second hand, can you imagine it? Still, it’s gorgeous, it’s visually loud and it definitely stands out from the crowd. Breguet always stands out, regardless of the watch model we speak about.
In the Haute Horlogerie, the terms “simplicity” and “minimalism” have the most usual connotation. These refer to exquisiteness, artistry, and perfection. Indeed, if you think a little bit, it must be about a magical talent to build such simple designs expressing so much exquisiteness.
Let me talk a little more about the replica version of this model, as I can’t help falling in love with it
Perhaps, the most that I embrace in this model, including the imitation, is that it is a no-date watch. Might sound strange, but I think a no-date function would compromise the dial beauty of this watch. Why? Simply because if you look closely at the dial, you can’t name it “simple”.
It seems like the manufacturers have invested a lot in their manufacturing techniques to reproduce the guilloche dial pattern so exquisitely in the center of the dial. For the outer dial ring, the Roman numerals look proud and gorgeous on the brushed white surface. A date window would impair this harmony between the center dial pattern and the Roman numerals.
Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars 15180BC
Did you think that the Royal Oak was the most resounding collection from the AP portfolio? You thought wrong. And to prove that to you, I’ll just say that this ultra-thin beauty- the Jules Audemars- is the highest level of exquisiteness expressed through minimalism.
With this model, we also see the exclusion of the second hand from the whole picture. But, unlike the previous models, this time we have neither Roman nor Arabic numerals. The watch comes with highly conservative hour markers on an ultra-clean dial of different colors. Personally, I can’t take my eyes off the black version with the gold round case.
Another strong selling point of this watch is the beauty of the calibre 2120 that you can contemplate through the caseback sapphire.
Audemars made a masterpiece of the watch: pure on the exterior, and phenomenal on the interior.
IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Hand-Wound
This model is a combination of minimalist aesthetics and expressive shapes. The brand decided to show how beautiful a simplistic dial can look in a 44mm case. So, yes, this model is not for every wrist and only men with massive wrists can delectate themselves with this elegant piece.
Unlike the previous models, this Portugieser comes with a seconds subdial apart from the traditional lancet hour and minute hands. The genuine model offers a phenomenal view of the stunning mechanical movement of the back. As many minimalist watches may tribute to old models, this Portugieser is not an exception and takes inspiration from the 1930s models.
Nomos Glashutte Zurich
In fact, this model comes in both versions with and without a date display. Both of them look stunning. Traditionally, the Nomos brand focuses on tiny watches, but this time it hit with a 40mm case. In addition, it captivated me with its in-house Epsilon caliber.
In addition, the accuracy and clean spirit of the dial make me forget that it is the least expensive time-only model on the whole list. It looks rich and full of exquisiteness. And I wonder once again how a watchmaking brand can express so much “richness” in a minimalist timepiece. Perhaps, it is due to the top-notch case finishing. In this context, I recall Nomos saying that it was their most precious and I completely agree with it.
Omega Constellation Globemaster 130.93.39.21.99.001
I’ve recently written a little more about the history and value of the Constellation line. So, if you’d like to know a little more, take a look here. As for the minimalist style, the best to show the beauty of Omega is the Globemaster 130.93.39.21.99.001. With its 39mm case, the model is all about an alluring charisma. If you ask me about the best “dress” Omega watch, there is no doubt I’ll mention this one.
What attracts me the most is the interplay between polished and brushed surfaces. This feature adorns the whole view and you don’t need anything else about the case to make it look perfect. So, again, less is more.
Another relevant element is the clean dial featuring three different fonts. This speaks about the fact that exquisiteness can be expressed not only through complications but through chromatic flirting as well.
Final thoughts
It was challenging for me to make up this post. And you know why? Because it only seems that “minimalism” is easy. The truth is that minimalism does not only refer to complication-free watches. What I seek in minimalism is a strong power of expression. And I think the above-mentioned timepieces express a lot of exquisiteness, refinement, subtlety, and uniqueness despite their “simple” time-only dial. What do you think?