Top 6 Rectangular Watches

Video Transcription

Most watches follow a pretty standard design. It’s a circular case, with lugs connecting to a bracelet, and a crown at three o’clock. It’s a tried and true design that just works, but sometimes you may want something a little different. Square and rectangular watches are definitely a more unique option, and there are some really solid choices out there. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite angular watches.

The Cartier Tank Louis

No list of rectangular watches would be complete without the Cartier Tank, and the Louis is the pinnacle. It’s the watch one by Louis Cartier himself. This particular one comes in an 18-karat gold case with a matching gold buckle. It features a classic Cartier dial and sapphire cabochon in the crown. It’s powered by a hassle-free Cartier quartz movement. In two words: it’s simple and timeless.

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso 1931 Tribute

The Reverso is a great example of the mantra, “form follows function.” JLC created this watch in the early 1900s for polo players that needed to protect the crystal. The Reverso name refers to the watch’s ability to flip the watch over, shielding the dial from any damage. Well nowadays that may not be a necessity, it still retains this unique design. We love this particular model because of its reproduction of the original dial from 1931. It’s powered by JLC’s hand wound Caliber 822 so you have a workhorse of a watch that exudes Mad Men style.

The Nomos Tetra

Though they’re a relative newcomer to the watch scene Nomos is no slouch. They’re producing their own in-house movements and in quite an eye-catching style. The tetra is all angles. From the square case to the sharp angular lugs and even the square sub dial the Tetra just works. The watch has a stark silver dial with wonderful blued hands. The big surprise, however, is on the back. There is a round exhibition case back showing off the in-house Nomos caliber Alpha.

The Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921

It’s a mouthful, but this watch is a standout in so many ways. For starters, it’s a 40-millimeter cushion case in 18 karat yellow gold with an offset dial in a crown coming out of the corner of the case. And even though the watch has 1921 in the name it’s actually based off of two separate watches from the early 1900s. This unique offset design is purpose-driven too. Originally the movement came from a pocket watch, explaining the odd crown placement, and the rotated dial allowed the wearer to tell time without removing their hands from the steering wheel. Now it’s powered by the manual in-house caliber 4400. This piece is a perfect marriage of 1920 style and modern-day technology.

So far all of these rectangular watches have trended toward the dressier side even though some of them have a sporty heritage, but now let’s take a look at a couple more casual choices.

The TAG Heuer Monaco

TAG introduced the Monaco in 1969 and man did it make a splash. It featured a square case, an automatic chronograph, water resistance, a bright blue dial with red accents, and a crown positioned at nine o’clock. This one was unique. Throughout the years the watch has seen many revisions, but this particular reissue feels perfect. It retains the unique 9 o’clock crown thanks to a newly designed movement still referred to as the Calibre 11. The new movement features a Sellita base caliber with a chronograph module attached. To top it off, the watch features an almost perfect reproduction of the original dial.

The Bell & Ross BR01-92

In 2005 Bell & Ross decided to shake things up with the release of the BR01 and BR03. These model’s inspiration came directly from the cockpit of an airplane, and they are appropriately referred to as the Instrument Collection. With exposed screws on the dial and the case the connection to the cockpit is undeniable. The BR01-92, seen here, is the larger 46-millimeter version, and is extremely legible thanks to its oversized design. The instrument collection was a brand defining change for Bell & Ross and the watches are instantly recognizable.

Square and rectangular watches may not be the standard when you think of a watch, but they can fit well in any lifestyle and they provide something a little more unique. From the dressy Cartier to the military-inspired Bell & Ross, the more angular siblings in the watch world really do have a lot to offer. Let us know your favorite angular watch and thanks for watching.