Ultra Thin Watches – 16202, 4300V, 5712, RM 6701, Bvlgari Octo Finissimo

Luxury watches are traditionally synonymous with heft. Luxury dive and sport watches are typically thicker to accommodate robust movements, while others have chronographs and high-quality materials that add weight. Oversized and robust designs are also an aesthetic choice, with brands like Audemars Piguet opting for a more ‘commanding’ look.

However, we’re entering a new era of watchmaking, marked by the rise of ultra-thin watches. Could brands like Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin be proving that sophistication doesn’t always mean bulk? Let’s delve into some of the most eye-catching ultra-thin watches on the market.  

The Rise of Ultra-Thin Watchmaking

The race to thinness has been ongoing for decades. Several well-known luxury watchmakers have been pushing boundaries and breaking records for as long as they’ve been producing watches.

For example, Vacheron Constantin produced a manual-wind Caliber 1003 with Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1955, which was a mere 1.64mm thick. The current record holder is Richard Mille, with the RM UP-01 Ferrari measuring just 1.75mm thick and featuring a 1.18 mm-thick movement. 

How innovation and materials shaped thinner movements

Some of the thickest luxury watches we have today were among the thinnest of days gone by. That’s because watchmakers were constrained by the technology and materials available at the time. These days, brands have reinvented traditional watchmaking with lightweight materials like titanium and platinum, more streamlined and robust modern calibers, and advancements in CNC machining for slimmer movements. 

Why minimalism defines modern haute horology

The epitome of haute horology, or high watchmaking, is the ability to create complicated and meticulous watches. While the market is filled with oversized, flashy timepieces, ultra-thin watches stand out as a pure, minimalist alternative. They have a type of quiet prestige as they slide effortlessly under a cuff. 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 16202 – Evolution of an Icon

If there’s one Audemars Piguet watch that can’t help but stand out in a watch collection, it’s the Royal Oak 16202, launched in 1972. This modern reference of the original Royal Oak line piece broke every rule in luxury watchmaking.

Design heritage and case profile

The 16202 is an exquisite example of a beautifully ergonomic, proportionate, and well-balanced watch. It has the same octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet as the original Royal Oak, but with an 8.1mm-thick case that appears strong and robust while feeling featherlight on the wrist. 

AP’s ultra-thin caliber movement

Inside the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 16202 is the Caliber 7121, an in-house movement replacing the 2121. It delivers an improved power reserve while still remaining impressively thin. 

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak vs. Royal Oak Jumbo

If you’re an Audemars Piguet watch collector, any Royal Oak design is deserving of a place in your collection. However, it’s worth comparing the Royal Oak 16202 to the Royal Oak Jumbo 15202.  

The 16202 features the new in-house Caliber 7121, which boasts a quick-set date and longer power reserve. The 16202 is the successor to the 15202, which features the Caliber 2121 and a 40-hour power reserve. 

The case dimensions for both are the same, at 39mm in diameter and 8.1mm thick. The case design is also essentially identical, featuring a hand-finished bracelet and a double-folding clasp. Both models also have the Petite Tapisserie pattern. 

Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4300V – Travel-Ready Elegance

When discretion is just as important to you as distinction, look in the direction of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4300V. This sports luxury watch is thin, versatile, and beautifully finished for globetrotters. 

The power of thinness in sports luxury

Delivering both robustness and slimness, the Overseas 4300V is just 8.1mm thick and has an ultra-thin Caliber 1120. 

Integrated bracelet and sleek silhouette

If you’re looking for a Vacheron Constantin watch that works for business and pleasure, the 4300V embodies versatility. It has a quick-change strap system with a leather strap, rubber strap, and metal bracelet, and a slender case that slips comfortably under any sleeve. 

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712 – Classic Complication in a Slim Form

Among all Patek Philippe watches, the Nautilus 5712 stands out from the crowd. Given that it’s a self-winding luxury sports watch, it’s notably thin compared to other models with similar features.

The 5712’s refined case dimensions

Elegant is just one word to describe the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712 with its refined case dimensions. This watch has an 8.52mm-thick case measuring 40mm in diameter as well as an asymmetrical layout featuring the date, power reserve, and moon phase.

Nautilus vs Aquanaut: Which offers more wearability?

Avid collectors will be charmed by both the Nautilus and the Aquanaut, but for different reasons. The Nautilus is more refined, with a steel bracelet and a horizontal-line dial. In contrast, the Aquanaut is more modern and sportier with a rubber strap. 

The winner of wearability depends on your preferences and activity. Business people may prefer the Nautilus for its elegance, while the simplicity and streamlined features of the sportier Aquanaut may appeal to globetrotters and adventurers alike. 

Richard Mille RM 67-01 – Lightweight Innovation Redefined

Richard Mille is a name synonymous with pushing boundaries and testing limits. Year on year, this brand continues to raise the bar in watchmaking. The RM 67-01 is no exception to the rule: It’s lightweight innovation redefined. 

Richard Mille’s ultra-light titanium architecture

The RM 67-01, which was first shown and released in 2016, is crafted from Grade 5 titanium for optimal rigidity and lightness. Despite being robust, it’s under 8mm thick and has a skeletonized dial and visible mechanics.  

Performance design for modern collectors

Modern collectors don’t just value aesthetics; they value comfort and performance. The RM 67-01 Richard Mille watch has these features in spades. The case is cleverly tonneau-shaped to follow the natural curve of the wrist, while its extra-flat profile further enhances its wearability. 

What’s more, it features an automatic caliber CRMA6, renowned for its performance and reliability in any setting. 

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo – The Reigning King of Thinness

You can’t talk about ultra-thin watches by famous watchmakers like Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, and Patek Philippe without talking about Bvlgari Octo Finissimo, the reigning king of thinness. 

This watch collection combines Italian flair with the precision of Swiss watchmaking to shatter several world records. 

Record-breaking slim mechanical movements

Speaking of record-breaking, the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo collection has the thinnest minute repeater, the thinnest three-hand automatic caliber, the thinnest automatic chronograph GMT, and the thinnest automatic skeletonized chronograph tourbillon. Not to mention, it was named the thinnest mechanical watch in 2022 and 2024. The Octo Finissimo Ultra is just 1.70mm thick. 

Octo Finissimo Automatic vs Chronograph vs Skeleton

The automatic, chronograph, and skeleton aspects of an Octo Finissimo watch represent the creme de la creme of modern, ultra-thin watch craftsmanship. The automatic aspect is minimalist perfection, while the Chronograph adds an element of functional finesse. Finally, the skeleton exposes the exquisite watchmaking artistry underneath. 

Where to Find Ultra-Thin Luxury Watches at Wolvyn

It’s only natural to wonder where you can access some of the most exceptional references from world-leading watchmakers. The answer is Wolvyn. 

Browse authentic timepieces from Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Richard Mille, and Bvlgari

At Wolvyn, you can browse authentic timepieces from the likes of Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, Vacheron Constantin, and Patek Philippe. We are proud to present a collection of verified ultra-thin watches sourced from trusted channels for your peace of mind. 

Visit Wolvyn.com to explore exclusive ultra-thin collections

Whether you’re drawn to the advanced innovations of Richard Mille watches or the balance and comfort of Audemars Piguet, your next ultra-thin reference is waiting for you at Wolvyn!