Black dials usually belong to sporty men's watches, which is what makes the Mido Baroncelli III Lady M010.007.11.053.09 so striking. Set in a tiny 25mm polished steel case, the deep black face reads as sleek and modern, like a little black dress for the wrist.

The contrast between dark dial and bright steel gives this petite watch more presence than its size suggests, and it pairs as easily with denim as with evening wear. Like all Baroncelli models it borrows its soft, rounded architecture from Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. What really sets it apart is the movement: a Swiss ETA 2671 automatic, one of the few self-winding calibers small enough to fit a watch this size. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, carries 25 jewels and runs for roughly 38 hours off the wrist, with a date display at 3 o'clock.

A sapphire crystal on top and a transparent caseback below keep it as handsome from behind as from the front.

Mido Baroncelli III 25mm black dial, M010.007.11.053.09

• Case: 25mm polished stainless steel, approx. 9.1mm thick
• Dial: black with date window
• Caliber: Swiss ETA 2671 self-winding
• Reserve: about 38 hours
• Crystal: scratch-resistant sapphire; display back
• Water resistance: 50 m
• Bracelet: steel with folding clasp

A small watch with a big, graphic personality.