Small watches are harder to get right than large ones because there is nowhere to hide. This one solves it by leaving the dial almost empty: mother-of-pearl, two Roman numerals, a handful of thin batons, and nothing else. \n\n Case and Wrist Presence \n The case is 22mm, which is properly small, and the bracelet is narrow to match. On a slim wrist it reads as a piece of jewellery that happens to tell the time, and it sits comfortably beside bangles because it takes up so little width. It also slides under the tightest cuff without catching. \n\n Dial and Legibility \n Mother-of-pearl gives even a dial this small some depth, shifting between white and cream as the light moves. Roman numerals sit at nine and six, with slim applied batons elsewhere, and two fine hands run over them. At 22mm the markers are necessarily tiny, so this is a watch you read to the nearest five minutes at a glance rather than to the exact minute. \n\n Movement and Functions \n Quartz, hours and minutes. No date and no seconds hand. The crown is a small fluted button at three, in proportion with the case, which means it takes fingertips rather than nails to pull out. \n\n Strap, Clasp and Fit \n A five-row polished steel bracelet with small links. Fine links matter more at this size than at any other: they let the bracelet curve tightly around a narrow wrist and they give small enough sizing steps to get the fit exact rather than approximate. Sizing is done by removing links. \n\n Who This Watch Suits \n Anyone with a slim wrist who finds most watches too large, or someone who wants a watch that reads as jewellery in the evening. It is deliberately understated and will not carry a room on its own. \n\n Care and Maintenance \n No water rating is printed on the dial, so keep it dry. Steel bracelets collect soap and skin oil between the links, and on small links that shows sooner; a soft brush with plain water and a proper dry keeps it bright. The crystal is small and sits close to the bezel edge, so a knock there lands directly on the glass. \n\n About the Brand \n Emporio Armani’s smallest women’s watches keep the same dial vocabulary as the larger ones, Roman numerals at two positions and batons elsewhere, scaled down. The eagle is printed at twelve. \n\n Technical Specifications \n \n Brand Emporio Armani \n Model AR1688 \n Case diameter 22mm \n Case material Polished stainless steel \n Case shape Round \n Dial Mother-of-pearl with Roman numerals \n Movement Quartz \n Functions Hours and minutes \n Bracelet Five-row stainless steel \n \n\n Buying With Confidence \n A 24-month international manufacturer warranty covers the movement, excluding battery and normal wear. The watch ships new and unworn in its original box with the manufacturer’s paperwork, delivered nationwide with tracking, and the Consumer Protection Act right of return applies to an unworn watch in its original packaging. The bracelet is the same width the whole way round rather than tapering, which suits the small case.