Thin Squier nut widths:

When we talk of the thin nut widths, we talk of the ~40mm (what Fender refer(red) to as 1.6) nut widths.

IIRC, for all Strats this change was made at the beginning of 2000, and for all Teles at the end of 2000. These were (confirmed by Fender) running changes, which can similarly be so changed.

I have previously noted the apparent spec changes shown on the Squier website (1.65/42mm nut width for Squier Standards and 1.61/41mm for Affinity Series), but AFAIK, folks are still reporting ~40mm nut widths for all Squiers, which indicates the stated specs are inaccurate (as with many of the listed specs).

The Fender standard for 22-fret necks is 43mm and for 21-fret necks is 42mm. There are a small number of exceptions in the Fender line-up, like the MIM Classic 50s Tele, the Bonnie Raitt Strat, and the late 60s Strat reissues.


Back to your Tele:

So, while (strictly speaking) non-standard for Fender on a 22-fret neck, a 42mm nut width would not be considered unusually thin, and is actually within the 1mm manufacturing tolerance.

However, a Squier Tele made in 2001 should have a ~40mm nut width, but international distributors and big US dealers can order different specs, which is why you can buy a Bullet with a trem in some markets, even though no such guitar is listed on the Squier ws.

Though I could be wrong, I also actually dont recall Midnight Wine (a popular MIM Standard Tele colour) being offered as a standard colour on Squiers in recent years. I do recall a metallic purple.

Therefore, I have to ask where you bought your Tele?

Aide toi et le ciel taidera (Aid thyself and heaven will aid thee)