The trend is downward.
There's a trend sweeping the world of horology, and it's all about downsizing. It's not a downhill trend; it's a stylish descent into smaller, more refined timepieces. We've witnessed this shift in many watch models, but one that truly stands out is the introduction of the Black Bay 54 with its elegant 37mm case size. The good news is, this trend isn't confined to a single brand; it's making waves across the watchmaking industry.
If you've got a penchant for wristwatches that lean toward the petite side, you're in for a treat this season. The watch world is catering to those with smaller wrist sizes, ensuring a comfortable and fashionable experience for all.
So, what are your thoughts on this development?
Are you intrigued by the downsizing trend, or does it leave you indifferent?
(photo credit: ablogtowatch.com)
I have a preference for straightforward, utilitarian timepieces. While dress watches don't quite align with my taste, I find myself drawn to the elegance of divers' watches. What captivates me most is...
Tho oversize fad has gone on way too long and it's about time we got some regression to the mean. I think people finally came to their senses and realized that they were suffering for a fashion that didn't even look good.
My 5.5 in wrist welcomes this trend! 😁
Watches are like pickup trucks to me. Some only look great when they’re huge like the Ford Raptor. Some look fantastic midsize like the Tacoma. I haven’t seen one yet that looks great tiny but it would all depend on the driver I guess 🙂
It’s about damn time!
I think more modest sized watches are not only more fashionable, but more practical. The bigger the watch, the more it gets in the way when doing things.
If you have to take off your "tool" watch to actually work, is it really a tool watch, or it is a brutalist fashion accessory?
Personally at a certain size they are becoming less interesting to me 38-41mm is my preference for most models, based solely on personal preference and wrist size.
Don't like smaller watches - I'm 53 & my eyes aren't what they used to be. That's why I prefer big easy to read divers.
Nice to have options tho 👍🏻
Tho oversize fad has gone on way too long and it's about time we got some regression to the mean. I think people finally came to their senses and realized that they were suffering for a fashion that didn't even look good.
Boom!
There was a time in my watch collecting journey that if a watch wasn’t 42mm, I wouldn’t consider it.
Now if it’s over 40mm I’m not interested.
My favorite now is 37mm.
The smaller sizes just look more classic and classy to me!
Is not the size, it’s how you using it…
I say, let it happen, this means I might be getting some deals on a Seiko Arnie, Turtle, or Glycine Incursore. I have a 7 inch wrist, I can rock a proper tool watch. This is from the guy who currently has a Benrus 36mm Sealord, Benrus 34mm Series 3061, Hamilton 34mm Seabeach III, and Accutron Swiss 31mm 7309 dress watch
Once upon a time having a refined build of a watch, or a smaller watch packed with complications was impressive and signature of good horology. Now enthusiasts equate watch size to manliness. Hobby has really turned shallow IMO.
Re: the trend downward: I suspect a large part is that in general consumers are wanting less flashyness as it becomes more and more faux pas to partake in flex-culture - whether that's due to current economic conditions, geo-political events, etc I would say is up for debate.
We went to war on less than 34mm…
Watch manufacturers wish all watches can be uni sex in size, Tudor appears to be a leader in that movement. I was quite thrilled when the brand returned to North America after all I own 7 modern iterations but the size is not much of a factor for me. Tudor needs to produce something more compelling than marketing a glammed up Pelagos to coax my credit card into the light again.
I love it! Even Panerai got the memo 🤙🎉
Define oversized?
Anything under 39 is a no for me. Over 42 is too big in most cases. Seiko Turtle is an exception.
Define oversized?
Anything under 39 is a no for me. Over 42 is too big in most cases. Seiko Turtle is an exception.
De gustibus non disputandum est
It is a trend. Like other trends, it will come and go.
I'm all for it! I'm waiting to see what a blue bb54 will look like but I was super happy when Seiko brought out the SRPK 38mm Seiko 5s.
"...it's a stylish descent into smaller, more refined timepieces."
So, just because they're smaller how do they all of a sudden become "more refined"? Your own two example pics look identical. And smaller sizes give the watchmaker less room to work with. Did I miss something?
Don't mind the new petite trend for others. But other than my vintage watches, it will never be for me. No, I don't own any crazy 50mm wrist chunks either. My sweet spot is between 41 to 44.25.
So, speaking personally, I'm not at all intrigued with the smaller watch trend. These new pastel & bright dial colors don't do it for me either.
Once upon a time having a refined build of a watch, or a smaller watch packed with complications was impressive and signature of good horology. Now enthusiasts equate watch size to manliness. Hobby has really turned shallow IMO.
Re: the trend downward: I suspect a large part is that in general consumers are wanting less flashyness as it becomes more and more faux pas to partake in flex-culture - whether that's due to current economic conditions, geo-political events, etc I would say is up for debate.
Why is such an explanation necessary? How about it simply being the sizing that best fits, per individual?
I buy size 13 shoes because they fit me. Not because I'm a size 10, but I'm trying to "partake in the flex-culture."
The trends I see? 1) The individuals that are such proponents of all these smaller watches are consistently awfully sensitive. 2) And "wanting less flashiness..."? Pure bunk. Just look at all the super bright & pastel dial colors bombing the market.
Looking at a 44mm Panerai submersible or a 46mm Breitling but going to check out some smaller GS models also. My wife wears a few of my Tudor watches which are either 41 or 42 mm. I have to measure my new Baume&Mercier which is supposed to be 42mm but wears smaller than that. Ran into a gent who retails high end menswear earlier today he assures me that pleated and cuffed sweat pants paired with wide shoulder sports jackets will be de rigueur in the spring to match with 34mm gents watches. If I were still working I would need to lose my leather satchel style briefcase for a guy’s tote bag from the same brands that the Mrs buys.
You said, "It's not a downhill trend; it's a stylish descent into smaller, more refined timepieces."
So then, this suggests the bigger the watch, the sloppier??? Sorry, I'm not tracking (or supporting) the logic here at all.
I've commented here on this topic before. I guess I also still don't understand the infatuation with minimizing watch sizes.