Small but Sophisticated: The Longines Mini DolceVita Goes Gold

In 2023, when Longines launched the Mini DolceVita – a collection of jewelry watches inspired by the carefree 1960s Italian lifestyle promoted by films like Roman Holiday and La Dolce Vita – the brand held a series of dinners that included menus with text printed so tinily that they required a magnifying glass to read.
 

The not-so-subtle point was that small was the next BIG thing, putting Longines ahead of the curve when it came to the tiny watch trend.

Now, one year later, the brand is still leading the way by making the Mini DolceVita even more luxurious with 18-karat yellow and rose gold versions.

There are a lot of contributing factors behind the resurgence of wee watches. For starters, the small size makes them wearable to a wider variety of people. Smaller watches also tend to be more affordable. But most of all, they feel more refined and sophisticated.

The Mini DolceVita collection was already très chic, yet the new versions released today are somehow even more sophisticated and jewelry-like. There are four editions: white or yellow gold case set on either a precious metal bracelet or a leather strap.
 

The timeless rectangular case of the Mini DolceVita is the main reason this timepiece so easily blurs the lines between jewelry and horology. Inspired by an archival piece from the Roaring Twenties, the collection also reflects Longines’ long history of producing dainty watches.

Despite its diminutive 21.5mm x 29mm proportions, the Mini DolceVita projects a lot of personality. First, these updated editions are now decorated with 38 Top Wesselton (white) diamonds. Plus, the ultra-luxe versions feature an incredibly supple white or yellow gold bracelet with staggered links that hug the wrist as elegantly as any bauble.
 

Moreover, like a few others in the collection, the dials of these new Mini DolceVitas have a distinctive flinqué decoration in which a layer of silvery enamel protects the patterns delicately engraved into the dial’s surface. On a small canvas, details have a much bigger impact, and these dials prove it.

Another nice touch is the painted blue Roman numerals and blued steel hands. The cobalt coloring serves as a beautiful contrast to the golden case. Lastly, the whole display is nicely anchored by a square small-seconds at six o’clock.
 

Of course, pure refinement is best expressed by a sense of effortlessness. If you want to feel a little less flashy, you can opt for the two unset models with their ribbon-like black leather straps secured by a tongue buckle in 18-karat yellow or rose gold to match your choice of case.

To keep these timepieces streamlined, low maintenance, and affordable, the Mini DolceVita is powered by a high-precision L178 quartz movement. Plus, they are also water-resistant up to 3 bar (30 meters), should you find yourself splashing around in the Trevi Fountain like Anita Ekberg.
 

The new Mini DolceVita editions are available now. For more information, including pricing, head over to the Longines website.