The eXtract: Affordable Modern Watches with Small Seconds

[This article is based on my X posts exploring affordable Small Seconds watches. I found a new watch and added to the three I posted on X.]

Today, we're all used to a long second hand but, back in the days of yore, watches often had a small subdial with a second hand. The Elgin pocket watches that helped keep the trains running on time are a great example of watches with small seconds.

A Mounted Elgin Pocket Watch

You can still find the small seconds subdial on a variety of fine watches.  For example, the Rolex 1908 has a small seconds dial. But, let's take a look at some current small hands seconds watches that we can actually afford.

Tactical Frog Militado D12 36mm

Tactical Frog Miltado D12 (Amazon Photo)

The Tactical Frog Militado D12 (left) has the vintage military look with a 36mm case diameter. The watch offers 100 meters of water resistance and is powered by a Japanese VD78 quartz movement. Priced at well under $100, it's a great deal.

Some reviewers have said that this watch is for smaller wrists so don't be surprised if you need to get a longer watch strap.

You can find the Tactical Frog Militado D12 watch here on Amazon.

Baltany WW2 Field Watch

Baltany WW2 Field Watch

If you are looking for a larger case size, the Baltany S2081 WW2 Men's Field watch with small seconds and a date function features a 39mm diameter stainless steel case, an automatic movement, and a cleverly disguised date window at the 6 o'clock position within the small seconds subdial.

Baltany is well known for high quality Rolex Explorer-inspired homage watches that the watch community raves about and this field watch should be of a similarly high standard. For less than $200, it seems like a great deal for an attractive watch. You can find the Baltany WW2 Field Watch here on Amazon.

Timex 40mm Standard Sub Second Watch

Timex 40mm Standard Sub Second Watch
( Amazon photo)

For another more contemporary small hands watch look, the Timex 40mm Standard Sub Second watch blends new and old for a bold look. Powered by a quartz movement, this Timex is also surprisingly affordable at less than $100! You can find a limited supply of this Timex here on Amazon.

This watch is quite appealing because it renders old new again. I think the smooth case shapes and silver-toned subdial look both to the past and the future.

Orient Bambino, Version 7, Small Hands Watch

Orient Bambino, Version 7,
Small Hands Watch, (Amazon Photo)

Finally, for many, this small hands look cries out for an automatic movement and a truly vintage look. The 38.4mm Orient Bambino, Version 7, delivers both in a beautiful watch from a brand with a long heritage. It also comes in at an affordable price. 

The watch has an in-house Orient F6222 automatic movement that can hack and be hand-wound. It has a stainless steel case and a domed mineral crystal. The watch comes in a few combinations with the white dial shown being the most affordable and the slightly more expensive black dial being a little more dramatic. 

You can find this Orient Bambino, Version 7, Small Hands watch here on Amazon.