Round, octagonal, oval, cushion, and what not! Watches come in all shapes and sizes. Whenever a brand gets a little eccentric with its design methodology, it starts brainstorming with case shapes to appeal to watch lovers. But what about the ‘abnormal’ shapes we come across in the industry?
Square and Rectangular watches occupy a separate space altogether. There’s something fundamentally different about the rectangular watch cases that make them stand out in the crowd of circular watches. Ironically, the very first wristwatch, the Cartier Santos, featured a square shape. Yet, over time, the round form received more attention.
With times and trends changing, many luxury watch brands are designing their models with elongated cases. This departure from the traditional case choice is mainly due to two reasons: One, the rectangle is a cool shape to see on the wrist that easily blends modernity with vintage charm, and second, it is easy to read and comfortable.
As a result, many watch enthusiasts are now picking up these amazing options. Also, there’s a great diversity in the number of offerings from renowned watch brands, which, honestly, is a nice twist on the serious designs.
Here are the five most stunning rectangular watches that you should definitely consider adding to your collection.
5 Best Rectangular Watches To Make A Statement
1. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface
Arguably, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is the most iconic rectangular watch on the market. Designed for polo players, it allows the wearer to pull out the case and dial, flip it over, and fasten it back to the case itself. This unique mechanism helps protect the crystal during Polo matches. The Reverso’s sporty character and its elegant and stylish looks have received great appreciation.
Our Pick: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface, Ref. Q3988482. It embodies timelessness with its stainless steel case and blue and silver grey dials on the front and reverse. Both dials feature a second display at 6 o’clock, and the silver dial additionally features a day and night indicator. Overall, the watch stands as a great testament to the versatility of the Reverso.
Key Specifications
- Diameter: 47mm x 28.3mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Blue Sunray-Brushed & Silvered Grey’ Clous de Paris’ Guilloche
- Bezel: Stainless Steel
- Bracelet/Strap: Blue Calfskin Leather Strap
- Movement: Manual Winding
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
2. Cartier Tank Louis Cartier
The archetypal rectangular watch, the Cartier Tank, can be single-handedly responsible for popularising the trend of rectangular watches. Of course, the Santos is the one that got it all started, but the Tank Louis Cartier opted for the most classic incarnations. It just screams class and sophistication with its appropriate case dimension and beautifully designed dial.
Our Pick: Cartier Tank Louis Cartier, Ref. WGTA0011. This manual-winding Tank Louis Cartier in rose gold is nothing but an expression of style, taste, and status. The classic silver beaded dial with Roman hour markers, blue sword-shaped hands, and a guilloched centre makes the piece as timeless as it gets. Fitted to a brown alligator skin strap, this top-tier dress watch can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
Key Specifications
- Diameter: 33.7mm x 25.5mm
- Material: 18ct Rose Gold
- Dial: Silver
- Bezel: 18ct Rose Gold
- Bracelet/Strap: Brown Semi-Matte Alligator Skin Strap
- Movement: Manual Winding
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
3. Patek Philippe Gondolo
If you wish to experience Patek Philippe’s elegance in a unique way, the elongated Gondolo is a fantastic alternative. Patek introduced the Gondolo collection in 1993, which included rectangular, cushion, and tonneau-shaped cases. The Gondolo collection pays homage to the Art Deco period with strong lines and geometric simplicity characterising the watches. With their delicate finesse, the Gondolo timepieces exude a sophisticated aesthetic that merges seamlessly with the modern era.
Our Pick: Patek Philippe Gondolo, Ref. 5124J. This is a beautiful example of a rectangular Gondolo featuring a handsome vintage-style 18ct yellow gold case and an opaline-white dial. The dial portrays a bygone era of elegance and innovation with its yellow gold dart indices and small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock. The watch even houses a rectangular manual Calibre 25-21 REC PS. This Patek Philippe model surely revives the distinguished tradition of pioneering avant-garde style.
Key Specifications
- Diameter: 33.4mm x 43mm
- Material: 18ct Yellow Gold
- Dial: White
- Bezel: 18ct Yellow Gold
- Bracelet/Strap: Brown Leather Strap
- Movement: Manual Winding
- Power Reserve: 44 hours
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
4. Richard Mille RM 016
Richard Mille has always been identified with rectangular or tonneau-shaped watch cases. The ultra-high-end watchmaker combines the best in technical innovation, design architecture, and fine watchmaking to craft some of the most luxurious and unconventional timepieces. The watches are distinguished for their design-forward approach and are perfect for anyone wanting something unique.
Our Pick: Richard Mille ‘Extraflat’, Ref. Richard Mille RM 016. The RM 016 is arguably the most ‘rectangle’ watch the brand has to offer, and Richard Mille goes a notch higher to make the watch extra flat without losing its impressive character. The dial with full Arabic numerals is skeletonised to show the automatic winding movement inside. However, the most attractive feature is the small window with a vertical date at 7 o’clock. Overall, this Richard Mille RM 016 is a really cool piece, asserting the brand’s creativity.
Key Specifications
- Diameter: 38mm x 50mm
- Material: Titanium
- Dial: Openworked
- Bezel: Titanium
- Bracelet/Strap: Black Rubber Strap
- Movement: Automatic
- Power Reserve: 55 hours
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
5. TAG Heuer Monaco
One of the most iconic watches in the industry, the TAG Heuer’ Monaco’ was introduced in 1969 and instantly garnered attention with its distinct architecture. The story of Hollywood legend Steve McQueen wearing the Monaco in the movie Le Mans further added to its popularity. It is one of the world’s most recognisable chronographs, featuring a blue, red and white colourway. Currently, the brand offers a variety of Monaco models in various colours, movements and configurations, but they all are proof of Monaco’s iconic looks.
Our Pick: TAG Heuer Monaco’ Special Edition’, Ref. CBL2180.FC6497. This is a striking interpretation of the iconic Monaco, featuring a black DLC-coated titanium case, a black opaline dial and a daring black leather strap. This special edition model revives the spirit of 1970s Monaco, making it historically significant as well. The watch is lightweight, durable and fiercely elegant. This new edition is a joy to wear, ensuring a notable wrist presence.
Key Specifications
- Diameter: 39mm
- Material: DLC Titanium
- Dial: Black
- Bezel: Titanium
- Bracelet/Strap: Black Alligator Strap
- Movement: Automatic
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
To Wrap It Up
So, this was our list of the five best rectangular watches out there.
In a world where round faces dominate the watch industry, rectangular timepieces are carving out their own niche. There is no denying that rectangular watches give off a majestic and, most importantly, a noble presence on the wrist. And buying these timepieces from the world’s most desirable watch brands definitely assures the feeling of luxury. So, why not embrace the eccentricity of a rectangular watch and elevate your wrist game to a whole new level?
