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!

  • Morakel22@alien.topB
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    10 months ago

    I’m hoping for a couple of watches to come down in size. Really fun take OP 👍🏻

    First would be the omega seamaster. I have both an old 39mm wich is almost perfect if not a bit too small for a diver and I have the new 60th anniversary bond wich is 42mm wich is already the limit I can wear. So a 40mm would be the perfect seamaster size

    Same goes for the speedmaster. Rolex really figured it out with the Daytona and the 40mm. It’s just perfect for every wrist. So a smaller speedy would be great

    Next would be the offshore line from AP. I like them a lot but they are just too big and all their 37mm are either for female audience or very limited edition. Even if they come down to 40 I would be happy.

    Next up any grand complication. Doesn’t matter if it’s ALS, VC or Patek. I know they need the space for the mechanics but they are just too large to enjoy for me.

    Rolex sky dweller is also on the brink of being too big. It’s not terrible but a smaller version would be nice

    JLC Reverso duoface is a bit larger then the original tribute mono face wich I absolutely love. Too big of a case sort of distorts the image of a vintage inspired watch

    Ulysse nardin freak. Never owned one and not even tried one on but I could think about it if it wasn’t such a chunky boy

    I think that’s all for now but I’m sure there are more that I’m not thinking of right now

  • faintlymacabre1518@alien.topB
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    10 months ago

    I’m a female with a 5.5" wrist and would absolutely die for a GS Spring Drive in a size I could wear!!! Absolutely would be my grail. 36mm would be perfection.

  • Pianist-Wise@alien.topB
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    10 months ago

    Fun post! It’s not happening for me but Daytona 37-38mm would be amazing. There are also a few independent brands that I wish make something smaller like Moser.

    • Kamalligator987@alien.topB
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      10 months ago

      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.

  • improvthismoment@alien.topB
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    10 months ago

    Omega. I’d love to see slimmed down and smaller models across their whole lineup. They had it right with the 36mm “mid sized” Aqua Terra’s and Seamaster Professionals back in the 90’s – 2000’s. And an update to the Speedmaster 38, more Moonwatch looking, less blingy / dressy, lose the notched bezel, and thinner, would be great.

  • elvid88@alien.topB
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    10 months ago

    Blancpain and a ceramic version 50 fathoms bathyscape in either a 38mm (only in steel) or in a 40mm. 43mm makes so little sense to me. Just closing your market.

  • Mr_Culps@alien.topB
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    10 months ago

    I would go for a Black Bay 58 sized GMT, really like the S&G version but with a strap, I’m not mad on the braclet but love the watch.

    If they could shrink down the S&G to the 58 size I think I’d look at trading in my black 58 for it.