Thin is Still Horologically In

Thankfully, we’ve dispensed with waifish women on the fashion runways and male models that look like you could knock them over with a spritz of cologne. This look was unnatural, not to mention deleterious. Moreover, it made the rest of us with flesh on our bones feel so inadequate, forcing us to publicly order crudités when we secretly pined for the soufflé. Such is the power of advertising. But I digress. A much healthier—not to mention attractive—way to capture the allure of the thin look is through watches.

Currently the reigning champion of the skinny is the Vacheron Constantin Historique Ultra-fine 1955, the thinnest mechanical hand-wound watch with a cased waistline of 4.10mm. Based on the original calibre 1003 from 1955, this 55th anniversary edition is rebuilt in 18k gold and bears the Geneva Hallmark. It comes in a 36mm case that might be considered a bit small for a man but I love this look on a woman.

When it comes to low profile watches, Piaget is always in the conversation and throwing down the gauntlet with their ever-increasingly (do you like the oxymoron?) thin movements. They built their reputation on producing robust yet lean calibres that consistently recalibrate the record books. Claiming the title of world’s thinnest automatic mechanical movement is the Calibre 1208P featured in the Altiplano. In a very modern 43mm case and with only a mere 5.25mm of height on the wrist, the Altiplano proves substance and style doesn’t have to come in a chunky package. You can read more about the Altiplano here.

Demonstrating their prowess in thin movements, Audemars Piguet introduced the Jules Audemars Perpetual Calendar. Even with the impressive and complex mechanics of the perpetual module inside the case, this watch measures in at a lean 9.15mm. My friends at Hodinkee give you 25 cents worth of perspective over here.

Adding their voice to the slightest of conversations is Parmigiani Fleurier, recently offering their contribution to the ultra-thin watch with the classically styled Tonda 1950. In a well-proportioned 39mm case and a sleek 7.8mm profile, the watch hosts Parmigiani’s in-house PF 700, the 12th original calibre from the manufacture since its establishment in 1996.

With the holidays round the corner and the looming mounds of mashed potatoes and gravy, not to mention candied yams and pumpkin pie, piled high on your plate, you can be assured that these watches will maintain their tiny waistlines, even if you don’t!