Stefanie Knight’s wrist size of just 12cm does not stop her from building an exquisite watch collection

Imagine the sheer disappointment of adoring watches but having the wrist size of a child. Despite working with precision instruments daily in her dental practice, the timepiece is one tool the petite 33-year-old cannot have an endless pick of.

Fortunately, the Malaysian doctor has always had an interest in fashion and is more than proficient in curating a chic watch collection to match her equally stylish wardrobe. “I’d wanted to be a fashion designer,” says Stefanie Knight, “but since I got good results in school, I chose the dentistry profession. I indulge in my passion by wearing my watches to work daily!”

As a niche consumer in an industry that traditionally caters more to men, especially in the luxury space, Knight turns to the vintage market, independent brands, and, of course, Cartier, which still holds the fort as a leading purveyor of small ladies’ timepieces.

Case sizes of 38mm and below hit her sweet spot, but with a wrist diameter of 12cm, she can rock watches as diminutive as 26mm.

Throughout her eight-year collecting journey, she has bought an average of one watch yearly. It also helps that her husband, a dentist who joined the practice she started eight years ago, is a collector who prefers watches below 40mm and would share his pieces with her.

So far, her tasteful choices have won her many female fans, who probably suffer from the same fate, on her Instagram account @tinywrist. There, she posts beautifully styled photos of her watches, sometimes complemented by a glimpse of her trendy outfits.

A lady’s choice

“Modern ladies watches are too chunky,” adds Knight, who prefers dainty, feminine watches in gold. “Vintage gold also has a different colour from modern alloys — somehow, it’s more alluring. The 80s were responsible for some of the best ladies’ vintage watches.”

Her first “serious” watch, a Patek Philippe Calatrava 3796 that she won at an auction to commemorate the launch of her clinic, comes in the precious metal. It’s the same for her Audemars Piguet “Baby” Royal Oak Cartier Tank Must with double straps and the latest acquisition for her recent December birthday, a super-rare vintage Patek Philippe Nautilus 4700/153 adorned with diamonds and rubies.

“I’d tracked it down from a US dealer and shipped it to Hong Kong. I was considering the same model from a Japanese seller and got a better deal — US$35,000 ($47,051) — for this piece. It was in excellent condition.”

Knight does not shy away from other materials as long as the watch appeals. She has also acquired a Daniel Roth Small Seconds, a Cartier Panthere Ruban in stainless steel, and an F.P. Journe Chronometre Bleu in tantalum. Due to its hardness, this rare dark grey metal is rarely used in horology. The Hermes Heure H she purchased last year is a small steel model plated in gold. 

The only aberration in her buying decisions was an F.P. Journe Elegante Titalyt, in a more significant 40mm case made of strength-enhanced titanium, as a twinning watch with her husband’s 48mm version. 

“Steel is more casual, and I pair these watches with baggy jeans. I prefer a gender-neutral look, which includes pants, sneakers, and monochrome colours, especially for work. I like to mix it up when styling clothes with timepieces. With the exception of my first Patek Philippe, the rest of my watches are not round.”

Delicate horological creations are bought to be worn and meant to be enjoyed, she opines, and she has no qualms about donning her most pricey ones to the clinic. “Most people would notice timepieces that have mainstream popularity, but a patient once recognised my vintage Nautilus. That’s how you start interesting conversations.”

Knight and her husband had more fascinating conversations after getting acquainted with a hobby group in Malaysia, which contributed significantly to her appreciation of watchmaking.

In 2023, the couple was among some regional enthusiasts invited to a privately organised horological retreat by a collector. Several industry experts attended the event, including independents Remi Cools, Simon Brette, and master enameller Yasmina Anti.

Her close friends had also introduced her to the artisanal Swiss brand Berneron, with whom she recently ordered a Mirage watch in a 34mm off-round case with a gorgeous ornamental stone dial. “There’s a choice of tiger’s eye or lapis lazuli. It is powered by a thin, hand-wound in-house movement that I bet will be big,” states Knight.

Time to shine

While the doctor appreciates having newfound friends who share her interest, she still hopes for a stronger community of female collectors who could help each other. She concedes that the horology universe can be vast and daunting, but it just takes patience, research, and wisdom to get started.

“It’s important first to understand your personality and lifestyle,” she advises. “Begin with something versatile, like a daily beater, that you can easily pull off in the office, while running errands, or dressed up for a night out. And don’t neglect quartz watches.”

She has observed that female collectors tend to collect men’s watches, thinking they’re more valuable. However, this could lead to an ill-fitting piece. 

“It should complement you, not overwhelm you. It’s essential that the watch fits comfortably and doesn’t dominate your wrist. In my view, the lug-to-lug width should never extend across the entire span of your wrist. Ideally, you’d want the timepiece to sit neatly and proportionately, enhancing your look without feeling too bulky.”

And here’s where vintage watches shine. “Many such ladies’ timepieces were crafted with more delicate, slender proportions. Unlike the oversized styles we often see today, these watches bring a charming, understated elegance.”

Don’t hesitate to try on as many models as possible until you find one that truly resonates with you, Knight continues. “Don’t feel pressured to follow trends or spend more than what you’re comfortable with. It’s never been a competition about who owns the most expensive or extravagant collection. The journey of building your own should be personal, paced, and full of discovery.”

Despite her mesmerising treasure trove, you’d be surprised that the doctor is still on the search for her “Mr Right watch”. “In fact, I enjoy the hunt as much as I do wearing the pieces. Take your time and enjoy every moment.”