The Biggest Men’s Watches Trend of 2026

Words by Tony Wilkes
30th September 2026


A couple of years ago, Paul Mescal posed at the Academy Museum Gala in a classic black tuxedo and displayed, on his wrist, a Cartier Tank. Nothing out of the ordinary there – the Tank being one of the greatest watchmaking classics. What was surprising, however, was its size. It was glaringly tiny, the size of a watch usually worn by women.


Mescal was just one of the biggest male celebrities donning ultra-small timepieces. Timothée Chalamet and Jacob Elordi have both been spotted with Cartier’s diminutive Panthère. In March, Michael B Jordan won his Oscar wearing the 28mm Piaget reference 9297. And most recently, Connor Storrie attended the Actor Awards in a ‘teeny tiny’ cocktail number from Tiffany & Co.


After attending this year’s Watches and Wonders Geneva – the watch world’s most important trade fair – it was clear that these diminutive dials, ironically, are the biggest watchmaking trend of the year. Read on for our round-up of five tiny timepieces to add to your roster.

Tudor

Royal Stainless Steel Watch 30mm

The brand’s classic sports watch, the Tudor Royal was reimagined in three different sizes at Watches and Wonders this year. This 30mm version, the smallest of the set, has its unmistakable integrated bracelet, resulting in an uninterrupted line with the case that is especially pleasing. Notice the satin-brushed links set between the two slimmer polished elements, details ensuring exceptional comfort on the wrist. The bezel has also been redesigned with razor-sharp polished notches.

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Cartier

Mini Yellow Gold Baignoire Watch 18.7mm

Designed for a member of royalty back in 1912, Louis Cartier’s famous ‘Baignoire’ broke the mould of round wristwatches with its curved, oval case – so named for its resemblance to a bathtub. Uniquely crafted in a single line, this 18.7mm displays the essence of Cartier’s style: discretion, purity and timeless elegance. Its yellow-gold case, silvered dial and black patent leather strap are especially sharp combinations and will complement formal and casual outfits alike.

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Jaeger-Lecoultre

Rose Gold and Diamond Reverso One Duetto Watch 21mm

Don’t assume diamonds are only a girl’s best friend. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson wore the ultra-exclusive Jacob & Co. Billionaire III to this year’s Met Gala, while Colman Domingo wore a diamond-set Omega Speedmaster to the Golden Globes. Coming in at just 21mm, this Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One Duetto watch has sparkling diamond embellishment on one side, with a clean, white alternative on the opposite side. The streamlined Art Deco lines and guilloche patterning are as stunning as they were on its launch in 1931.

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Chanel

Ceramic and Steel J12 Watch 28mm

Chanel’s first unisex sports watch, the 28mm J12 has the sleek, elegant lines inspired by racing yachts. Crafted in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, it’s made from ceramic that is seven times stronger than steel and polished with diamond power for silk-like softness. That sensory appeal continues with the cabochon, middle case and links, each point meticulously designed to blend with luxurious smoothness. Also available in white, it comes in various sizes as well as with trending diamond embellishments.

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Chopard

Stainless Steel and Diamond Alpine Eagle Watch 36mm

First created in 1980 by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, now co-president of Chopard, the Alpine Eagle captures his passion for the Alps and the majesty of the bird that reigns there. This new 36mm iteration is made from an exclusive, ultra-resistant metal Lucent Steel, named for its beautiful light reflecting surface – a quality enhanced by its white diamond bezel. Its striking mother-of-pearl dial and rhodium-plated numerals complete the effect.

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