Daniel Wellington Petite Reading DW00100223: All-Black Face and Strap in Rose Gold

The Daniel Wellington Petite Reading DW00100223 is a 28 mm women’s quartz watch that combines a black dial and a black leather strap with a rose gold PVD stainless steel case. Reading is the name Daniel Wellington uses for this version of its Classic Petite, and the black-on-black colouring with a single warm metal accent is what defines it.

Where many small watches go pale, this one goes dark. The rose gold case frames the dial like a thin line of warm light, and everything inside it is black, from the face to the strap. It is a time-only watch, so the dial carries no extras.

Case and Wrist Presence

The round case is 28 mm in diameter and is made of 316L stainless steel with a rose gold PVD plating. It has a slim, plain bezel and a small crown at three o’clock. The compact diameter suits narrow and medium wrists, and with a black strap the watch looks smaller and more discreet than it does on a metal bracelet. The rose gold finish gives it a slightly dressier edge than a plain steel case would.

• 28 mm rose gold PVD case – small, with a warm metallic finish
• 316L stainless steel – the same grade used across the brand’s cases
• Mineral crystal – hardened glass protecting the dial

Dial: Black and Minimal

The dial is black and carries only the markers and hands. There is no date aperture and there are no sub-dials, which leaves the face open and easy to read. The hands and markers are in a metal tone that stands out well against the dark ground. Because the strap is also black, the dial appears to merge with the strap and the case becomes the only bright element, giving the watch a cohesive look.

• Black dial – high contrast against the metal hands and markers
• Time-only layout – hours, minutes and seconds
• Uncluttered face – no date window, no extra sub-dials

Movement

A Japanese quartz movement powers the watch. It is accurate, needs no winding and is looked after with an occasional battery change. The time is set by pulling out the crown. There are no other functions to learn, which makes this a simple watch for people who just want to know the time.

Black Leather Strap and Fit

The strap is black leather with a 12 mm lug width. The brand page lists it as adjustable, with strap-length ranges published for the Petite sizes, and states that it can be exchanged for other 12 mm Daniel Wellington straps. A black strap makes this the most understated of the Petite colour options and is easy to match with work outfits and evening wear alike. Note that one retailer’s text describes the strap as navy blue, but the brand’s own page and the specification table list it as black. Leather softens with wear, so expect a slightly more relaxed feel after the first few weeks.

Water Resistance in Practice

This watch is rated to 3 ATM, or 30 metres, which means it is rain resistant. It will handle a splash or a hand wash, but it is not suitable for showering, swimming or water sports. Leather and moisture do not mix well, so dry the strap if it gets damp.

The Reading Name and Daniel Wellington

Daniel Wellington is a Swedish brand, founded in 2011, that built its reputation on slim, minimalist watches with changeable straps. Within the Classic Petite family, Reading is the leather-strap style that comes in black or white dials and in rose gold or silver cases, and in 28 mm and 32 mm sizes. This reference is the 28 mm black and rose gold version.

Who This Watch Suits

• Women who prefer a dark, understated watch to a pale one
• Smaller wrists that suit a 28 mm case
• Anyone who wears rose gold jewellery and wants the watch to match
• Wearers who want a low-maintenance, time-only watch for daily use

Care and Maintenance

Wipe the case and crystal with a soft, dry cloth. Keep the leather strap away from water, perfume and moisturiser, and store the watch out of direct sunlight. Rose gold PVD is hard-wearing but can scratch if rubbed against rough surfaces. When the battery eventually needs replacing, use a watchmaker who will check the case back seal afterwards so the 3 ATM rating is kept.

Technical Specifications