In the realm of watchmaking, the adages ‘bigger is better’ and ‘big things come in small packages’ appropriately capture the essence of timepieces in varying dimensions. Some circumstances call for the grandeur and sturdiness of a sizeable watch, while others evoke a desire for subtlety and refinement. Amid the industry’s growing inclination toward smaller watches, a wealth of options now abound, leading to a revival of the classical dress watch.
Yet, the realm of compact watches is not confined solely to classical simplicity. Many brands are continually innovating, proving that small sizes can still pack a powerful punch in terms of design and functionality. Six stand-out timepieces, all sized at 36mm or under, illustrate this point beautifully with their classic allure or audacious panache.
Once relegated to observations from the sidelines, luxury watch brands are now making their presence felt at traditional trade shows. A leading exhibition in this growing trend is Inhorgenta Munich, a major jewelry fair that has become increasingly appealing to horology brands in the face of faltering sales in China and inflation-burdened U.S. markets.
Striving to achieve a direct connection to retail partnerships, potential clients, and to promote their offerings amid wavering luxury markets, watchmakers are turning back to these traditional trade events. Inhorgenta, founded in 1974, finds itself at the epicenter of this shift, as it caters primarily to business-to-business relationships, making it an attractive platform for these brands.