A powerful trend toward smaller watches started in 2023 with the general public’s newfound love of vintage. But now in 2024 it’s not only vintage that is pointing the way to smaller sizes: sporty chic watches in these sizes are the obvious style du jour, and both Breitling and OMEGA watches have obliged with several new models this year.
Among the classic models of Breitling watches, the iconic Chronomat is one of the most well-known thanks to its introduction during the booming renaissance of mechanical watches in vogue by the mid-1980s, the first watch to emerge from the pilot-themed company once again powered by a traditional mechanical movement. The Chronomat marked Breitling’s return to the mechanical watch and celebrated its 100th anniversary, introducing the now-legendary bezel outfitted with rider tabs or “claws.” It quickly became Breitling’s bestseller.
Signaling a newer dedication to fashion and trend, Breitling has been releasing versatile sporty-chic watches based on its classic models. The Breitling Chronomat 36 x Victoria Beckham Collection line from the spring of 2024 is a perfect example with four mechanical time-only watches design-tweaked by the former Spice Girl and current fashion designer. A fitting nickname for this watch might even be “sporty spice…” and it’s a collection worth exploring in any thorough Breitling Chronomat review.
Now comes the smallest Breitling Chronomat ever made: the Chronomat 28 is an elegant take on the ’80s classic with four sleek dial options in svelte 28 x 8.46 mm cases, each set with sustainable and traceable lab-grown diamonds, a movement that Breitling has pioneered. Since 2024, Breitling has only used lab-grown diamonds with full supply-chain traceability and gold from small-scale artisanal miners that meet criteria set by the Swiss Better Gold Association and end-to-end traceability for every watch. As the first in the luxury watch space to change over to a possibly improved but as-yet unknown system, Breitling’s choices have undoubtedly been somewhat controversial in the short term as the industry gets used to the idea but will certainly pay off in the long run for consumers, the planet, and the brand itself.
The Breitling rouleaux bracelet is one of the most distinctive on the market today. Rouleaux is French for “rollers,” which is an apt description for the long, cylindrical links with rounded tips that make up the bracelet. Today’s rouleaux bracelets are beautifully refined and have a distinct jewellery-like quality about them, mainly because of the brushed metal rollers fitted interspersed with polished rings on alternate links. They make for the perfect choice to top off these trendy watches powered by Breitling’s SuperQuartz movement.
Sparkling OMEGA Constellation models
The brand’s sporty OMEGA Constellation Co-Axial Master Chronometer usually comes in a 41 mm case. A newer variation on the Constellation theme introduced in the spring of 2024 comes with a rare meteorite dial and in three smaller sizes to accompany the regular one. OMEGA brought out this new addition to the Constellation family in a total of four different sizes: 41, 29, 28, and 25 mm. And each of these comes in five colourways for a full selection of 20 different variations.
The 29-, 28-, and 25-mm sizes are very well suited for all wrists, and they all come in a choice of stainless steel, yellow gold, OMEGA’s own Sedna red gold, and a two-tone stainless steel and 18-karat Sedna red gold or yellow gold case and bracelet with sparkling bezels set with brilliant-cut diamonds. The meteorite dials on each of these models have been enhanced by a galvanic PVD colour treatment, delivering astonishing radiance that is complemented by diamond hour markers. The colours on offer are comprehensive: purple, rhodium grey, Moonshine gold, Sedna gold, green, lavender, blue, linen, lilac, and silvery rose – a fact often highlighted in any comprehensive OMEGA Constellation review. The 29 mm Co-Axial Master Chronometer is powered by automatic Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8700, visible through a transparent case back, while the 28- and 25-mm sizes are quartz driven. The latter have closed case backs decorated with an observatory engraving signifying the precise chronometer status of these watches.
In the fall of 2024, OMEGA added to the Constellation family with a Constellation Jewelry collection in three sizes: 29 mm, 28 mm, and 25 mm. Instead of variously colored meteorite dials, these display a fascinating swirling pattern first seen at OMEGA in 2008 that is achieved by electrochemical etching. Some of the new Constellation variations feature iridescent mother-of-pearl dials, though. And these offer a similar swirling pattern that is achieved by laser engraving. Both reflect light in a fascinating way so that the dials rival the bold circle of brilliant-cut diamonds set into the bezel.
With versions in stainless steel, full 18-karat Moonshine or Sedna Gold, and a two-tone mix of both steel and gold, these watches come on a choice of Constellation bracelets with a comfort-adjustment system or shimmering leather straps. Like the spring collection, these come in a variety of colors making for a total of 20 different variations to choose from. They are also powered by precisely the same movements: the 29 mm models are powered by a Co-Axial Master Chronometer caliber that can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back while the 28 mm and 25 mm models are quartz.
While smaller watches and what might be considered much more feminine watches aren’t exactly new at either OMEGA or Breitling, what is on the newer side is the variety of choice and models available. Surely there is something for everyone here among the sparkling array of OMEGA Constellation and Breitling Chronomat models.
