Watch Trend Report 2023: Smaller sizes

Unisex watches measuring 40mm or less work well for more wrist sizes.

By Lynette Koh / 14 Jun 2023

June Issue 2023, luxury watches, Watch Trend Report 2023

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Even as the world roars back to post-pandemic life, lingering global uncertainties see watch brands treading with a certain cautiousness in their latest releases. But this does not mean there are no surprises.

Instead of ultra-complicated pieces, watchmakers are proposing fresh takes on classic features such as the chronograph and the retrograde display. Aesthetically, stone dials and ultra-saturated colours offer bright and uplifting options. Another big trend we are seeing is smaller unisex options that will, finally, fit more wrist sizes. Talk about a win-win for brands and consumers. Here’s a closer look at the year’s timepiece trends.

01 - Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin

1/5

Overseas self-winding
Following 41mm and 37mm versions of its Overseas self-winding watch, Vacheron Constantin now launches the model’s smallest size yet. Measuring 35mm in diameter for the gem-set versions and 34.5mm for the non-set ones, the time-and-date timepieces are available in steel or pink gold. The pink gold and the steel non-set models feature the Overseas’ signature blue dial, while the steel version with 90 diamonds has a pale-pink face.

02 - Tudor

Tudor

2/5

Black Bay 54
Tudor’s most faithful adaptation of one of its own classics yet, the Black Bay 54 is based on the brand’s first ever dive watch — the reference 7922 from 1954. It’s one of the brand’s most popular recent launches, and we reckon its on-trend, versatile 37mm case size has something to do with it. The steel watch also features ref. 7922-inspired details such as a 60-minute directional bezel without any hash marks and a lollipop seconds hand. New upgrades such as the in-house COSC-certified Calibre MT5400 take the watch into modern times.

Related: Tudor launches the first bronze edition of the Black Bay Fifty-Eight

03 - Panerai

Panerai

3/5

Luminor Due 38mm
For the first time in its history, Panerai is launching dials with pastel hues — blue, green, and pink — and it is doing so in its smallest timepiece yet, the Luminor Due 38mm. The sandwich dial of each of these steel timepieces features a gradient finish that goes from lighter at the top to darker at the bottom. Completing the self-winding watch’s contemporary look is a steel bracelet featuring links inspired by the shape of Panerai’s signature crown guard.

04 - Tag Heuer

Tag Heuer

4/5

Carrera Date 36
It’s the 60th anniversary year of Tag Heuer’s racing-inspired Carrera watches. The smallest model of the new collection is the Carrera Date 36, comprising four time-and- date steel models measuring 36mm. More than just a wearable size for either gender, this diameter is also a nod to that of the first Heuer Carrera of 1963. Equipped with the Calibre 7 Automatic with a 56-hour power reserve, the steel models come with four dial options — blue, silver, pastel green, or hot pink.

05 - Zenith

Zenith

5/5

Defy Skyline 36mm
Last year, Zenith launched its sporty-elegant Defy Skyline collection with 41mm models. Now, the brand follows up with smaller versions in 36mm steel cases, with or without diamond-set bezels. Powered by the Elite 670 in-house automatic movement, the 36mm Defy Skyline comes in three colours — dark blue, pastel pink, or pastel green, all in a metallic finish. Like the larger models, the 36mm versions feature all-over engraved star motifs on the dials.

June Issue 2023, luxury watches, Watch Trend Report 2023