First of all, I am really glad that the trend of “small” (or dare I say, the right size) watches is coming back.
I have been really excited to see a lot of new 40 mm watches and releases of smaller versions of bigger watches this year.
So, naturally, I started keeping the list of watches that I am going to stay on a lookout to come up with a smaller version. Here are the watches and the size I am hoping for:
Longines Hydroconquest GMT: 39 mm
It has a great movement and a very thin case for a GMT (12.90 mm). The reason that a lot of people turn away from Tudor Black Bay Pro 39 mm is its ~15 mm thickness. If Hydroconquest can keep its slim case and reduce its size down to 39 mm, I think it can be a serious contender to Black Bay Pro being $1,000 cheaper.
Longines Conquest: 38 mm
I really think Longines Conquest 41 mm is a great GADA. Especially, its thin case (10.90 mm) and 100 m water resistance make it a true go anywhere, do anything watch. However, the current collection only offers a rather large 41 mm and small 34 mm. I think somewhere in middle will be such a hit.
I am really hopeful that Longines will come out with a 38 mm version, considering its sister company, Omega, has 41 mm and 38 mm versions for similar GADA Aquaterra.
Mido Ocean Star GMT: 40 mm
Exceptional quality and dial for its price (~$1,300). But, it is a big watch with 44 mm diameter. I think reducing it down to 40 mm will create a monster in that price point.
And, I KNOW that Mido can do this looking at not-so-limited edition, Mido Ocean Star GMT Hodinkee Edition with 40 mm diameter. The same movement, the same greatness, but in a smaller case.
Bulova Lunar Lander: 38~40 mm
I really want to own the Bulova’s high frequency perfectionist quartz movement. I personally think that it is as cool as Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive, and I am very surprised that Bulova is not utilizing this movement as much. I had a high hope with Jet Star, but the design was not my cup of tea.
Also, I like Bulova Lunar Lander more than Omega Speedmaster “Moon Watch” just because I feel like every watch enthusiast owns a moon watch. Lunar Lander has an interesting story and heritage, and it will be a great way to experience the precisionist movement. But, knowing Bulova, I know it won’t go down to 38 mm like Omega’s Speedmaster Reduced, so I am asking for 40 mm.
Grand Seiko Any Models with Spring Drive Please**: 36~38 mm**
Honestly, for sporty-dress GADA watches, Grand Seiko’s watches feel somewhat too big or bulky with all of their Spring Drive models going over 40 mm. I think if Grand Seiko release 36~38 mm Spring Drive, it will be able to bite a big chunk from Rolex OP, Explorer, Tudor BB 36, BB 39, and Omega Aquaterra 38.
Breitling Avenger: 40 mm
I know you are a big macho brand! But, I see a slight hope by looking at the Breitling Chronomat GMT 40. Even though I am a big fan of the Chronomats, I cannot love their Rouleaux bracelets. Maybe 40 mm Avenger will overlap too much with the Chronomat 40. But, it could be nice to have.
So… That was my list. What is your list? I really hope some of these happen next year!
I generally prefer that kind of sizing too. But the Daytona wears kind of small anyway so I don’t think it needs to be any smaller.
I don’t think the dial could be any smaller, it’s so busy as it is.