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Quiet luxury in the world of noisy fashion
This return does not only mean an aesthetic change in the world of horology, but also a cultural shift in the very understanding of fashion and style.
From Queen Elizabeth II, who wore watches with discreet mechanisms, to Princess Diana, who made her mark with elegant and minimal models, to Hollywood divas who wore a small watch as a symbol of luxury and femininity, small watches have always had their role in the world of fashion to come to the fore again today. Their size may not be dominant, but it is precisely this subtlety that makes them something irresistible. And it’s no accident that we adore them again.
Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana
Queen Elizabeth II, with her impeccable sense of style, was not only an ambassador of British tradition, but also a lover of watches that radiated elegance and subtlety. One of her favorite models was the Jaeger-LeCoultre, a watch with the smallest mechanical movement in the world. Designed especially for her, this watch was more than just a fashion accessory – it was a symbol of British aristocratic style, with notes of discreet luxury that made it perfect for royal duties. For example, during the coronation, the Queen wore this watch, which allowed her to discreetly check the time. It was a watch that carried with it a story of functionality, tradition and opulent minimalism, which remains a striking symbol of her reign even today.
However, Queen Elizabeth II is also known for being an avid fan of watches from the
Patek Philippe collection, especially The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse. This watch with a distinctive ellipse shape was a favorite for its elegant and atypical design, which was characterized by subtlety and simplicity, but also unquestionable luxury. The Queen often chose this model for its elegance, which perfectly reflected her prestige and authenticity.
Princess Diana, a style icon and a woman who shaped the modern notion of glamour, was faithful to the smaller size of the watches, preferring models that perfectly fit her style philosophy. Diana was a supporter of small watches such as the Cartier Tank, Patek Philippe Calatrava, as well as the Patek Philippe Disco Volant.
However, the watch she wore the most was the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, a watch with minimal details but incredible style. It was a time when watches became a powerful fashion statement and a way to pay respect to tradition, but also to one’s own personality. Diana did not choose oversized pieces, but watches that were subtle, elegant and completely in line with her personality. The wearers of those small, elegant watches carried a message – luxury does not have to be in recognizable, huge models; he can be both discreet and quietly present, which Diana perfectly demonstrated.
Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana together stamped the history of small watches, showing the world that luxury does not have to be obvious, but that subtlety and elegance are the values that truly define style.
Small watches in today’s era
In recent years, while larger watch models have taken on an almost military look, small watches have slowly but surely begun to make a comeback. The popularity of smaller, more subtle models has become a trend among the new generations. Today, when glamor is increasingly personal and intimate, watches become a platform for expressing personality, not just a status symbol.
Small watches are not only a symbol of style, but also of functionality. With minimalism entering all spheres of fashion, including watches, today’s women and men choose models that fit perfectly into everyday activities, while at the same time radiating sophistication. Thus, models such as the Rolex Lady-Datejust with 26mm or the Omega De Ville with a 30mm case are once again at the top of watch lovers’ wish lists.
With the return of small watches, more and more attention is being paid to watches with ornate bracelets. The Bulgari Serpenti , which has become not only a symbol of luxury, but also of art, is a perfect example of how a watch has become an art object. With its serpentine bracelet design, this model has long become a cult object of worship, not only because of its design, but also because it combines functionality and absolute aesthetics.
Today, in the modern context, watches with decorative bracelets are becoming a trend among celebrities. Hailey Bieber often wears the Piaget Polo , which combines a classic design with a bracelet that itself sets high standards for elegance and glamour.
Why do we like small watches?
Small watches are not only a symbol of past times, but also witnesses to something much deeper – subtleties and restraint are needed to understand their true value. They are like quiet luxury in the world of noisy fashion , a discreet expression of wealth and style. Their beauty is not in their size, but in the fact that they provide the perfect balance between elegance, functionality and art.
All these factors make small watches objects of worship throughout history, but also contemporary style icons. They are a symbol of simplicity, prestige and a personal interpretation of time. Wearing a small watch today means wearing part of a rich cultural heritage, in which old and new luxury blend perfectly into a unique whole, and everyday elegance becomes not only a choice, but also a way of life.
Small watches, whether vintage models or contemporary interpretations with decorative bracelets, continue to dominate the fashion world. They are proof that true beauty lies in the details, in those things that are not obvious, but that shine in the most beautiful way.
Photo: Cartier, Instagram