Here i have to agree with you
44mm for both the manual and auto versions is a tad big especially because the case is not too thick and the dial large and bezel thin. the black dial balances it else it would look even bigger
The 1858 tachymeter chrono though 44mm is a lot thicker and I recall it sat much more balanced even on my small wrist but alas, that is in a different price league and only LE 100 in steel
A manual winding Minerva movement in a smaller case in the 1858 collection is not an impossibility later on my friend. I think our Wizard friend is listening to feedback 
Cheers
Robin