Watch Trends 2024-2025 : THE Buying Guide Of Mini Watches
5 min read
2024 has seen a series of trends that range from colours to pre-loved watches, simplification of complications and now the big one being sizes! Barring of course the much controversial 45mm Cubitus, the trend seems to be moving towards the sub 30mm’s.
A few decades back, watches bulked up in size. The 40mm to 42mm range became the "standard," with chronographs and dive watches often stretching a few millimeters larger. Watches grew in diameter and thickness, often showcasing complex complications and bold designs. However, modern aesthetics are steering back toward refinement, highlighting subtlety, wearability, and versatility over sheer size. This shift is partly due to evolving customer preferences, with many seeking understated timepieces that “fit right on their wrists”.
The shift to smaller dials is also tied to a growing interest in vintage aesthetics. Smaller watches echo a classic look, often associated with the 1930s to 1950s—a time when elegance was prioritised over ostentation. Furthermore, these smaller sizes align with sustainability in watchmaking, reducing materials and often leading to lighter, more wearable pieces.
If you're undecided, curious about the trend, or need some backup for your next debate with a fan of oversized watches...here are a few absolutely brilliant mini’s and no we're not talking about Robbie Jone’s “tinyassprops” on instagram.
Tissot
PRX 25mm
Let’s start with the bridge to luxury category. The Tissot PRX 25mm is a great choice for several reasons, especially if you're drawn to smaller, vintage-inspired watches that combine style, comfort, and versatility. The PRX line channels 1970s vibes with its integrated bracelet and classic design elements. The smaller PRX stays true to this vintage look, which has a distinctive charm and is trendy again in today’s watch world. And yes it is a quartz.
Approximate Prices : Under ₹ 31,500.00
Cartier
Baignoire de Cartier
Cartier just dropped a new collection of mini’s.These elegant jewelry watches belong to an extensive collection that now features striking mini versions of iconic pieces like the Tank Louis Cartier, Tank Américaine, Baignoire, and Panthère de Cartier, along with a petite Tortue model from 1922. Our pick - the gorgeous new Mini Baignoire de Cartier watch, 15mm, with a quartz movement. Crafted in yellow gold, it features a beaded crown adorned with a sapphire cabochon. The silvered dial has blued-steel, sword-shaped hands under sapphire crystal, complemented by a rigid yellow gold bracelet.
Price on request.
Rolex
Lady Datejust
Rolex’s iconic Lady-Datejust captures all the hallmarks of the Datejust—a symbol of style and precision since its debut in 1945—in a refined, elegant design. First introduced in 1957, the Lady-Datejust brings the elegance of the original Datejust to a smaller 28mm case, making it perfect for slender wrists. Our choice is this Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust in 18 ct Everose gold, featuring a chocolate dial set with diamonds and paired with a President bracelet.
Approximate price : ₹ 38,01,500
Audemars Piguet
Royal Oak Mini
Earlier this year, Audemars Piguet added to its cherished Royal Oak collection with a trio of mini timepieces that celebrate its legacy while pushing the limits of miniaturized craftsmanship and design. Drawing inspiration from the iconic 20mm Mini Royal Oak first launched in 1997, this modern interpretation redefines expectations of scale, architecture, and performance with the delicate sparkle of the "Frosted Gold" finish that creates a captivating display of light and elegance. Three metals to pick from and we honestly can’t decide.
Approximate Price : Price: $34,000
Jaeger Le-Coultre
Reverso One Duetto
For anyone with a slender wrist, the Reverso One Duetto is an absolute must-have. The versatility of this watch is truly impressive. With the Reverso One Duetto in steel, the styling possibilities feel endless. I love that you can wear it on either side—the recto or verso—depending on your vibe, and swap between the elegant link bracelet and the luxurious alligator leather strap. This watch has so many personalities: sophisticated, casual, jewelled, or even a bit mysterious. It’s all about matching your mood, and with the Duetto, switching it up is as easy as flipping the case.
Approximate Price : ₹ 14,20,000
In Conclusion
This isn’t to say that those who wear large watches are showing off or compensating for something, as some fans of smaller watches might argue. Rather, it reflects how big, bold watches became the norm, shaping a new standard for wrist presence. This trend has, in part, led to a sort of sizing anxiety among today’s watch buyers, with many eager to find the “perfect” fit for their wrist. Online, there’s no shortage of guides on choosing the right watch size, and countless forum threads are filled with enthusiasts questioning whether a certain watch will adequately suit their wrist—often down to specific measurements memorised and considered essential. This emphasis on sizing has added a new layer to the watch-buying experience, as many weigh both style and fit to make a choice that feels just right.
