Armani Exchange Lola Square Women’s 30mm Watch (AX5800)

A square case is a harder thing to wear well than a round one, and this Lola Square handles it by staying small. The case measures 30mm, the corners are softened rather than sharp, and the mesh bracelet flows into it without a visible break — so the shape registers as neat rather than architectural. \n\n Case and Wrist Presence \n Polished stainless steel, 30mm square, with a raised outer frame and a flat crystal set inside it. On a slim wrist the flat sides sit still where a round case tends to roll, which is part of the appeal. The crown is a small fluted pip on the right, easy enough to grip but low enough that it does not press into the back of your hand. \n\n Dial and Legibility \n The dial is silver with a fine sunray finish that lightens and darkens as you turn your wrist. Each hour is marked twice over: a small polished baton pointing inwards and a clear crystal set at the outer end of it, so the twelve positions catch light from two places at once. ARMANI EXCHANGE is printed in small capitals above centre. Slim polished hour and minute hands and a fine seconds hand run over the top. It is a bright, low-contrast dial — pretty in daylight, and best read straight on. \n\n Movement \n Quartz, so it runs on a battery and needs no winding. Left in a drawer for a month it will still be on time when you pick it up. \n\n Bracelet and Fit \n Steel Milanese mesh — thousands of fine woven strands that drape rather than articulate. Mesh is the most comfortable metal bracelet on a small wrist because it has no hard link edges to press in, and it can be adjusted precisely rather than in link-sized steps. Give it an occasional rinse in warm water and a gentle brush, because mesh traps lotion and dust in the weave more readily than a link bracelet does. \n\n Who This Watch Suits \n A wrist that finds most watches too big. At 30mm this reads as jewellery first and instrument second, which suits it — it stacks happily with a thin bangle and does not compete with a ring. \n\n Care and Maintenance \n Keep it away from perfume, hairspray and chlorine, all of which dull polished steel and can loosen set crystals over time. Dry it thoroughly if it gets damp, and store it flat so the mesh is not held in a bend. \n\n Buying With Confidence \n A 24-month international manufacturer warranty covers the movement, excluding battery and normal wear. It arrives new and unworn in its original box with the manufacturer’s paperwork, ships nationwide with tracking, and the Consumer Protection Act right of return applies to an unworn watch in its original packaging. Look at it in daylight and the crystals fire before the hands do.