The Mini Watch Trend: Smaller Is Better

Way back when in the 2000s, the ideal watch was about the size of an Oreo cookie. America’s favorite black-and-white dessert measures 44 mm in diameter, making it roughly the size of a hefty Rolex Yacht-Master or Sea-Dweller. At that point in time, any watch under 40 mm in diameter would likely be considered a “ladies’ watch.” Now, fast forward to 2025.

Anyone who has an eye on fashion, accessories, and trends will have already noticed that watches are growing smaller and smaller. Last year, the miniature Cartier Baignoire (the case of which is just 19 mm by 25 mm) sold out across the board. At the 2025 Met Gala, shrunk-down versions of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak reigned supreme, with both Simone Biles and Serena Williams sporting these petite pieces.

The trend has continued at one of fashion and entertainment’s hottest events: the Cannes Film Festival, of course. This year, men’s style icon and rapper A$AP Rocky showed up and showed out in a crisp white Miu Miu suit. But it was his wristwatch that really turned heads. A$AP rocked a diminutive Patek Philippe Nautilus 3800, which measures just 38 mm and might have previously been dubbed a “women’s watch.” Now, it is clear that those labels are going up in smoke as we speak.

So, where did this teeny tiny watch trend come from? And how can you seamlessly integrate it into your wardrobe this year? We are covering all that, plus some of our favorite mini watches, in today’s article.

Those of us in the fashion world should have spotted the micro watch trend from miles away. After all, small is definitively in. Miniskirts have been inching their way back into style for years now. But the true predictor was the bite-sized bag. Miniature purses have been captivating runways for the past couple of years, and it looks like that trend is here to stay.

After all, everyone and their mother were lusting over the mini Hermès Picotin just a few months ago. Mini Kelly bags have been flying off the shelves, and we have all seen those pictures of the Hermès micro sac, a 46 mm container that is not much bigger than some of our largest watches (some oversized Richard Mille pieces would not even fit inside).

GQ commented that the watch industry is a constant “push and pull between modern and vintage pieces,” and you could argue that this trend toward mini watches is simply harkening back to the past. But ultimately, these petite accessories offer an incredible range of possibilities. You might stack them up with other bracelets, wear them on both wrists, or choose a mini watch for a more understated look.

Whichever way you choose to make a statement, be it the biggest mega watch or the smallest micro one, you will find the latest and greatest at Avi & Co. We specialize in globally renowned brands like Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and Patek Philippe. Plus, we have even developed our own lines of luxury watches that raise the bar on gem-set decadence.

In our inventory, you will find everything from the macro-sized 53 mm Richard Mille RM 037 to the teeny-tiny Cartier Panthere, which has a case measuring just 17 mm. Both massive and mini watches are sure to stand out in today’s ever-changing world. When you visit us in store at one of our three boutiques (we have locations in Manhattan, Aspen, and Miami), we can help you find the perfect option for your wrist.

There is no question that the mini watch is the trend in horology this year. But you do not have to worry about these tiny timepieces going out of style. When you purchase a watch from the elite brands that we offer at Avi & Co., you are investing in an heirloom piece that carries with it history, tradition, and timeless elegance. It is time to take a look at some of the hottest (and smallest) pieces that we have in stock.

These miniature watches sold out almost immediately when Cartier released the sized-down version in 2024. The Baignoire comes in two sizes, “small” and “mini.” In other words, either option is perfectly aligned with current trends in the horological space. These chic, vintage-inspired watches offer a sleek sophistication and classical elegance that will never go out of style. They are also a celebrity favorite. Elle Fanning was recently photographed wearing a mini Cartier Baignoire at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

While some might consider this watch feminine, the recent focus on miniature watches transcends gender. We would love to see this watch worn with a more masculine style as well. Just imagine the subtle curvature of the Baignoire paired with a tailored suit. Now that is what we would call “chef’s kiss.”

The Cartier Panthere is a gorgeous timepiece that perfectly aligns with current trends of more jewelry-esque watches and accessories. It would be the perfect addition to any stack of wristwear and offers a luxurious aesthetic that is fit for royalty. In fact, Cartier is a favorite brand of England’s royal family. Plus, it is much-loved by A-listers like Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna, and even Timothée Chalamet. Other men who love a Cartier Panthere watch include Pierce Brosnan, Charlie Sheen, and Keith Richards. Clearly, this watch is not boxed in by gender norms.

This particular Panthere watch offers a durable and sleek stainless steel case and bracelet. The petite 17 mm dial has an effervescent, rosy pink sheen from its mother-of-pearl construction. It is a favorite of ours for gifting purposes, and makes an incredible treat for yourself as well.

Renowned Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet has certainly produced some incredible mega-sized watches over the years. Take the Royal Oak Offshore collection, for instance, which is a more rugged and sized-up version of the classic Royal Oak line. But Audemars Piguet is also not one to miss out on a trend, and in this case, they were one of the trendsetters for the miniature watch movement.

Nicknamed the “Baby AP,” these mini Royal Oak watches are all the rage right now. They measure just 23 mm in diameter and are available in white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold. They have retained the classic octagonal bezel and exposed screws that the Royal Oak line is known for, but they use a proprietary tooling method to achieve a “frosted” finish. These exceptional watches combine haute horlogerie with timeless elegance and grace, achieving a sophisticated and fashion-forward look.

The Rolex Lady-Datejust line is nothing new (it was introduced in 1957), but it is seeing a resurgence in popularity with small watches taking over trends in the fashion world. These pieces were made with women in mind, but that does not mean they are gender-specific. While this specific piece showcases a rosy pink dial, there are plenty of other Lady-Datejust models in other hues, such as blue and silver. Many of the watches also have attractive gem-set bezels or diamond hour markers. But after all, who says men cannot wear pink?

For people with more substantial wrists, you can still achieve an attractive version of the miniature watch look without going quite so small. A 33 mm watch, like this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, is a perfect option to achieve the look. It is 10 mm larger than the true “Baby AP” model, but it is still a more petite version of the classic.

This is the exact watch that tennis great Serena Williams was photographed in during the 2025 Met Gala. She paired the watch with her custom Moncler dress, to much praise in style magazines the next morning. Williams was styled by Edward Enniful, once the editor of British Vogue, and we trust his styling decisions with our whole heart.

Whether you want to lean into the mini watch trend or you prefer larger-scale timepieces, we have every watch you could dream of here at Avi & Co. We have been in the luxury watch and jewelry industry for decades, and our family-run business is dedicated to ensuring that each and every one of our customers can take home a taste of luxury. Are you ready to find the perfect watch for your wrist?

Make an appointment today to visit us in person. We cannot wait to welcome you into our family.