Yes, men can wear small watches too… and so they should! Blame celebrities, but wearing watches of small proportions has become a thing in recent years. You might remember our article about Tyler’s gorgeous Cartier collection or lately Timothée Chalamet wearing, among other Cartier watches, Panthere De Cartier Mini… We don’t want to call it a trend, but rather a change that we welcome a lot. Farewell to watches of the size of a laptop.
It seems that the watch world has loosened up a little: and not only watch enthusiasts and collectors but some of the brands have reacted to it as well. Some of the latest releases were not presented lately as strictly binary, offering wider options on what to put on your wrist without feeling anything strange about it.
This year during the Watches & Wonders, the luxury house Cartier introduced the Tank Mini: a downsized version of their flagship model that now measures only 24mm x 16.5mm (as for its specs, there is not that much to talk about – it still uses the Quartz movement). It seems that Cartier understands the demands of their customers and has come up with a response.
But don’t get it wrong. It’s not a “ladies’ watch” (anymore!). It’s for everyone and offers a different watch-wearing experience.
This little rectangular watch is not technically a new thing. There were a few similar models introduced in the late ’80/early 90’s when the brand reacted similarly to the demand and expanded models’ range by adding different styles, price ranges and sizes.
Watches have generally got smaller in recent years and while the Cartier Mini takes that to new extremes, it shows where watch design is heading next.
We wouldn’t mind putting on this model, perhaps styling it with other jewellery on the wrist, but we need to wait till its launch in September 2024. But if you are not patient, maybe you could go for another Cartier model, the Baignoire Mini in yellow gold, or look for a vintage Tank Mini (ref. 828001) and Tank Allonge (ref. 2443) at your pre-owned certified local shop or chrono24.
This could be a great option to put on when you feel that your favourite sports watch has enough wrist time!
Becoming a watch nerd?
- Quartz movement – Uses a battery as its primary power source. To create power, a battery sends an electrical current through a small quartz crystal, electrifying the crystal to create vibrations. These vibrations keep the movement oscillating and drive the motor to move the watch’s hands.
- Lugs – A watch lug (or horn) is where a watch strap, band, or bracelet attaches to the watch case -> |__|
- The Tank model is inspired by a military combat vehicle Renault (seen from overhead) that helped the French army succeed during World War I., it goes back to 1917 and has become a staple for Cartier as a brand with only a few design changes throughout its existence.
- Difference between Tank Normale and Tank Louis – Compared to Tank Normale, Tank Louis has round outer corners and slightly narrower sides called “brancards” (a rail – or track – that runs directly from lug to lug).
- Baignoire – Cartier Baignoire got its name and design from the “baignoire” – bathtub in French.
Credits: Header picture from hodinkee.com
