Count The Seconds

Never underestimate the power of a watch to elevate your look-even more so when it's a good-looking chronograph. These BELOW-40MM NUMBERS will do the trick.

- CHARMAINE HO

There is arguably no other wrist adornment that will get you as much admiration and respect as a timepiece of good pedigree. It gains you instant admission into an insider's club and sets you apart as one who is in the know. It's a social signifier that shows your style as much as it does your savvy with a simple flick of the wrist. Plus, on the time-telling front, it offers so much more convenience than a phone you have to dig out from your bag.

Add a trusty chronograph function into the mix, and what you have is a sporty-chic number that lets you make every second count with elegance and flair. Other good news? The plethora of readily available choices means that you're sure to find one that lets you stand out in all the right ways. From masculine designs that exude boyfriend-watch vibes, to alluring numbers that are all woman, here are a few below-40mm standouts or what we like to call girl chronographs-launched this year, to start you on your journey.

1 TAG HEUER'S CARRERA CHRONOGRAPH SKIPPER

Nautical sports lovers will love this colour-saturated 2024 edition from Tag Heuer. Staying true to the colour scheme of the brand's historical Skipper watch from 1968, this 39mm automatic rose gold number features a sea-blue circular brushed dial with contrasting subdials beneath its "glass box" sapphire crystal front. It's driven by the brand's automatic Heuer 02 (Ref. TH20-06) calibre, which accounts for regatta timing-the 15-minute interval before the starting gun is fired. This particular function is indicated on the tri-coloured counter on the right, while the left displays the hour counter. For a quieter vibe, turn to the steel versions that the brand launched last year.

2 OMEGA'S SPEEDMASTER 38MM