Over the past two years, we’ve seen an influx of modestly-sized timepieces from the dominant industry players. Even the leaders of the “wrist-saucer” trend, Panerai and Breitling, have changed their strategy and started developing a more approachable range. While it’s still more common than not to see watches landing over the 40-mm mark, it’s a good sign for the industry, especially those with dainty wrists, that we’re slowly shifting back to more classically-proportioned timepieces. We rounded up six watches from the past few years, all from top brands, that embrace the sub-40-mm fit.
Panerai Luminor Due
One of the biggest surprises at this year’s SIHH had to do with the fact that, for the first time in as long as anybody could remember, Panerai shifted directions. For example, the new Base Logo model is an ideal entry-level piece with an in-house movement for the aspiring Paneristi at less than $5,000, and the update to the Luminor Due line embraced a whole new status quo for the brand.
At 38 mm, this is Panerai’s smallest timepiece in recent history. It features every single recognizable Panerai trait such as the crown guard, sandwich dial, raised bezel and cushion case but comes in an inherently wearable diameter. For those who always loved the Panerai design language but wouldn’t dare wear one with a suit, this one’s for you. It’s priced at $6,000 (AED22,035).
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39
One of the best watches Rolex introduced this year came in steel but it was not a sport or travel-time model. Surprised? Don’t be. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 has been continuously underrated since it was first released in 2015 and this year was no exception. Offered for the first time in white and black, both of the new monochromatic variations are superlative examples of Rolex at its most basic.
In fact, the time-only model is the simplest timepiece that the brand produces, making it a great point-of-entry for neophyte collectors or those looking for a daily wearer that straddles the line between dressy and casual. Keeping with the theme of simplicity, there has been absolutely nothing changed on the inside or outside of this watch other than the dial color. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 in white and black is priced at $5,700 (AED20,933).
Grand Seiko SBGH263
The Grand Seiko SBGH263 is a prime example of why the upscale Japanese marque is one of the most remarkable watch brands working today. Released earlier this year as a limited edition, the stainless-steel dress watch introduces a concept dial color called “Shironeri” that references the off-white silk of a Japanese wedding dress.
It’s a simple time-and-date watch but the charisma of the dial, with its Arabic numerals (somewhat rare for Grand Seiko) and refined presentation, is what makes it memorable. Powering the 39.5-mm watch is Caliber 9S85, one of Grand Seiko’s renowned Hi-Beat movements. It’s priced at $6,200 (AED22,769).
Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight
One of the most discussed watches of 2018 is without a doubt Tudor’s Black Bay Fifty-Eight. The new watch condenses what we love about the Black Bay family into a smaller 39-mm by 11.9-mm frame (for reference, the original Black Bay was 41 mm by 14.75 mm) and retains what else we love about Tudor’s most well-known collection.
Yup, the Snowflake hands; the blend of applied triangular, circular, and rectangular indexes; the enlarged crown stamped with the Tudor Rose; and the Tudor shield logo are all here. The Fifty-Eight’s old-school appeal and name come directly from the Tudor Submariner Reference 7924 “Big Crown” that was originally released in 1958 and has since become one of the most sought-after vintage Tudors on the planet. Prices start from $3,250 (AED11,935) on a leather or fabric strap.
Breitling Navitimer 1 Automatic 38
Georges Kern had a few immediate goals when he became the head honcho at Breitling. One of those was a renewed focus on bringing collectors that felt alienated by the brand’s previous decade of masculine posturing in oversized cases and overcrowded dials back into the fold. With that in mind, the new Navitimer 1 Automatic 38 is the purest distillation of this new philosophy. It eschews the typical chronograph complication that people have long associated with the Navitimer yet keeps the classic slide rule functionality on its outer bezel.
Further distinguished by a beaded bezel that references the original Navitimer from 1954, this update keeps the brand heritage in full perspective while venturing into new territory. The Breitling Navitimer 1 Automatic 38 is priced at $4,300 (AED15,791) in steel with a crocodile leather strap, $4,860 (AED17,848) in steel on a steel bracelet, and $5,820 (AED21,373) in rose gold.
