In the world of watches, lightness and thinness are not only the pursuit of design, but also the embodiment of the brand’s technical strength. Want to know which watches have gone the furthest along this path? Bulgari’s ultra-thin design, Hublot’s innovative materials, and even RM’s flying tourbillon. Today I will take you to explore the stories behind these watches and the current market situation!
Light and thin: technology and aesthetics of watches
Lightness and thinness have always been important directions for watch brands to demonstrate their technical strength. It has attracted the attention of many consumers and has become the target of many brands.
Luxury and popularity: the current market situation of extremely thin and light watches
However, the high price and limited sales make it difficult for extremely thin and light watches to be popularized in the market. Fortunately, there are many brands that provide the public with lightweight options.
Take the Bvlgari OCTO FINISSIMO ULTRA watch as an example. When it was released in 2022, it was only 1.8 mm thick. The thickness of the new model released in 2024 was further reduced to 1.7 mm, and the entire watch weighed only 42 grams.
Although the thickness and weight of the watch are very light, because the price is as high as 400,000 yuan, it is not a truly “people-friendly” choice.
Limited Edition and Innovation: Lightweight Watches from Hublot and Bulgari
However, in 2024, Hublot launched a new “Novak Djokovic” special edition watch, limited to 100 pieces and priced at 250,000 yuan.
Different from Bulgari’s thin and light design, this watch does not pursue the ultimate thinness, with a thickness of 9.75 mm. It is equipped with the HUB1710 self-winding movement developed by Hublot.
The entire watch weighs only 49.5 grams, which is very light among mechanical watches.
The reason why it can be so light is mainly due to the innovation of materials.
Brand culture and emotional value: watch design concept
The case of this watch is made of renewable composite materials, and in tribute to Novak Djokovic’s contribution to tennis, the dial design incorporates elements of the tennis court.
It is worth mentioning that lightweight watches are often not only functional designs, but also carry multiple meanings such as brand culture and sports elements, so they often have higher emotional value.
Technological Innovation and Future Trends: The Competition of Lightweight Watches
For example, the RM UP01 Ferrari watch is only 1.75 mm thick when it is released in 2022, and the entire watch weighs only 30 grams.
The RMUP01 manual winding movement is only 1.18 mm thick, making it the thinnest flying tourbillon movement to date.
Of course, there are also mechanical watches that are lighter and thinner.
For example, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150-meter Ultra Light watch, with a watch head of 55 grams and a total watch weight of 74 grams, is at the top level among mechanical watches.
Its lightweight design is mainly due to the application of gamma titanium alloy material and the use of aluminum second hand.
But none of them are the lightest mechanical watches on the market.
The new OCTO FINISSIMO ULTRA in 2024 has set another record, with a thickness of only 1.5 mm and a weight of only 40 grams.
Its BVL 180 manual winding movement, which is only 1.5 mm thick, has set a new record.
This watch will be certified by the Swiss Official Observatory (COSC) in the future, which means that it is not only thin and light, but also an accurate timing tool.
However, as the pace of technological innovation of major brands accelerates, I believe that it will not be the lightest and thinnest mechanical watch in the future.
After all, exploring new materials and new technologies is always the research and development focus of major brands.
Conclusion
Light and thin watches are really a fascinating topic. They not only show the brand’s craftsmanship and technology, but also carry a lot of emotions and culture. Do you think these extremely thin and light watches are worth the price? Or which watch do you prefer? Come to the comment area to chat about your views, and don’t forget to like and support!