Case sizes have been exponentially shrinking over the last few years, with celebrity wearers like Timothée Chalamet and Bad Bunny pushing the envelope for how small a men’s wristwatch can be. And while we’re now in a space where sub-36mm men’s watches are ‘A Thing’, Teeny Tiny versions of larger models are quickly becoming a certified trend, with plenty of brands making extra small versions of their biggest hits.

Now, joining the ranks of Cartier’s mini Baignoire and the 29mm Hublot Classic Fusion is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Mini Frosted Gold, a trio of watches coming in at a perfectly petite 23mm.

The Royal Oak Mini is the newest member of the prestigious Royal Oak family, and what it lacks in size, it makes up for in impact. Kicking off the new collection, Audemars Piguet has released the watch in monochromatic versions in pink, yellow and white gold, all with a frosted gold finish.

In effect, these new Mini models are fully scaled-down versions of the ‘regular’ Royal Oaks and represent a much smaller proposition than the 34mm model, which is the next size up. Don’t think that just because they’re smaller, they’ll make a more minimal impact on the wrist; the integrity of the design, along with the Frosted Gold finish, ensures that these pieces — clearly geared towards daintier wrists — will make their presence felt.

A nod to the 20mm Royal Oak

While we’re used to the concept of Royal Oak’s being larger sports watches, the model has a strong history in smaller sizes. Jacqueline Dimier, who served as the head of the design office from 1975 until 1999, spearheaded the development of the Royal Oak II in 1976, specifically with women in mind. From that point on, smaller watches have been a regular part of the Royal Oak story.

As part of the 25th celebration of the iconic design, Model 67075, a 20mm Royal Oak was released, and launched the original Royal Oak Mini collection. Shortly after its introduction in 1997, there were 26 different takes on this model, demonstrating that the demand for smaller sports watches isn’t a new thing.

Of course, where there are small sports watches, there are often quartz calibres, and this watch is no different. The latest version uses the high-quality quartz calibre 2730, with a seven-year battery life, which on balance is absolutely the right call to make for a watch this small. While 23mm might be smaller than the bracelet endlinks on some Royal Oaks, the strength of the design holds its own, and these Minis look set to be a big hit.

Tech Specs: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Mini Frosted Gold

Movement: Quartz Calibre 2730
Functions: Hours and minutes
Case: 23 x 6.6mm; 18K yellow, white, or pink gold with hammered finish; water-resistant to 50M
Bracelet: Intergrated bracelet in 18K yellow, white, or pink gold with hammered finish
Availability: USD 34,000