Round-UpFair And Square: Seven Outstanding Watches With Quadrangle Case Structures
In a world of round watches, does it help to be different? We are talking about the sharp, sleek and highly symmetrical watches with quadrangle case shapes—be it rectangular or square, which always stand out and are often conversation starters. Here’s a look at seven exemplary watches that follow these design codes
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What makes a wristwatch appealing? Is it the dial or the material used to craft the timepiece or just the movement? While all these aspects are extremely important when it comes to zeroing in on the choice of your ideal wrist companion; it’s the case that sets the foundation for a timepiece because without that, let’s face it, there would be no watch to begin with. While enough, and more is said about the movement, which brings a watch to life, in this bid one forgets the good ol’ case, which actually helps put all the elements together. It provides the necessary framework, just like the skeleton in a human body, which gives shape, structure and provides protection to all the vital organs. A watch case, too, helps to give the final outcome to what a timepiece would eventually look like. It’s provides the chassis for displaying the dial and mounting the bezel, the space for mounting the lugs to which straps or bracelets are attached and obviously housing the movement. Without this watchmakers would be struggling to consolidate or ‘assemble’ a watch in its truest form. So, while providing the necessary framework is one of the most defining characteristics of a case, the shape, too, comes into play since this imparts a distinct persona to each timepiece. While most watches come in round cases, which happens to be the preferred choice of most brands, many are experimenting with different shapes as well. It’s here that the symmetrical square or rectangular watch cases stand out with their clean lines and highly geometrical structures. While round cases became a norm as wristwatches progressed from pocketwatches to being worn on the wrists; the square or rectangular shapes gained popularity during the Art deco period of the 1920s, making them the go-to choice for horology enthusiasts as they were a rage, back then. Even today, many brands opt to make watches with these case shapes as they hark back to the old-world charm and give the watches an extremely classic and sophisticated vibe. Let’s look at some of the best watches with square or rectangular cases that would enrich any horophile’s collection.
Baume & Mercier Hampton
Inspired by the Art Deco movement of the 1920s, the Hampton watch features a unique style with a distinct design, expressed through a rectangular watch case. With its sleek silhouette, this watch pays tribute to the iconic architectural movement with its curves and smooth surfaces. The model featured here comes in a stainless steel case that houses a self-winding movement, of which the oscillating mass is decorated with the Cotes de Genève design, visible through an aperture in the caseback. This provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The elapsed time appears on a silver-tone and grained dial with various opaline textures. The contemporary sword-shaped black ruthenium hands add character, masterfully contrasting with the neutral hue of the dial. A bi-colour black and grey minute track structures the entire dial. Water-resistant to 50m, the timepiece is presented on a black leather strap that complements the classic aesthetic of this elegant timekeeper.
Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Infinity Edition
Taking its cues from the Art Deco design era, the Girard-Perregaux 1945 salutes the spirit with its classic design that stands out for its dress watch aesthetic. The solid rectangular case of the 1945 Infinity watch measuring 36.10 x 35.25mm, curves to the shape of the wrist with numerals in a polished retro font. The crown and bracelet are perfectly integrated into the case with elegant gadroons that give the 1945 Infinity its strong personality. At the heart of this framework lies the in-house calibre GP03300 with a patented ‘grande date’ that allows for the full display of the digits—a feat achieved with 282 handcrafted components. This powerhouse can function for at least 46 hours, beating at a frequency of 28,800vph. The large date is displayed on a black onyx dial at the 12 o’clock position while the moon phase indication is present at the six o’clock, which echoes the stillness of a starless night sky. The brand have achieved this by means of two extremely thin discs so that there is no visible separation between the numerals. To be almost invisible, the transparent disc is extremely thin—only 0.10mm. The date change is instant for a seamless and smooth timekeeping experience. Water-resistant to 30m, the Vintage 1945 Infinity Edition timepiece is presented on a black leather strap with a steel folding buckle.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds
Crafted in 1931 for British army officers commissioned in India—the Reverso was a path-breaking invention back then—replete with a reversible mechanism to protect the dial against the rigours of a polo match. This flip-over case design has evolved and been incorporated in several models, without deflecting from the basic principle of crafting a watch with two faces. This model here, the stainless steel Reverso Tribute Small Seconds stands out for its forest green colour scheme that features a dial and strap in the verdant hue. Its 45.6 x 27.4mm case frames a dial that features all of the signature design elements of the Reverso Tribute: the hours are marked by applied indexes rather than numerals. Their faceted shape echoes the form of the dauphine hands and adds visual depth to the lacquered surface. In the lower half of the dial, the circular track of the small seconds display provides a counterpoint to the linear geometry of the dial and case. Echoing the sunray brushing of the dial, a sunray pattern on the inside of the cradle is visible when the case is flipped over. It is powered by a manual-winding movement calibre 822/2, beating at 21,600vph that supplies the watch with energy for up to 42 hours. Water-resistant to 30m, the rectangular masterpiece is presented on a green leather strap, enhancing its classical appeal.
Longines DolceVita
Known for their winged hourglass logo and watches that exude timeless elegance, the Longines DolceVita collection is an array of watches that are inspired by the sophistication and elegance of the Art Deco era. Keeping it simple, just like the 1920s, the DolceVita model featured here represents three-hand timekeeping at its classical best. The stainless steel rectangular case measures 23.30 x 37mm and has soft, curved lines to offer ultimate comfort on the wearer’s wrist. Water-resistant to 30m, this case frames a sliver flinque dial that features painted Roman numerals and blued steel hands. There’s a square small seconds window at six o’clock position—in sync with the overall case geometry and offers a fine balance to the symmetry of the timepiece. It features a solid steel caseback and is presented on a blue leather strap that enhances its elegance.
Rado True Square Over The Abyss
While most square- and rectangular-shaped watches seek inspiration and are true representatives of the classical geometric shapes; some brands have chosen this shape for more modern iterations. Rado launched their newest addition to the True Square Collection, the True Square ‘Over the Abyss’ watch. A design collaboration with New Delhi artist duo Jiten Thukral and Sumir Tagra, the watch questions the temporality of individuals and highlights the importance of our connection with others. The design features Rado’s iconic square case—an homage to the brand’s iconic shape from the 70s. The 38mm watch is crafted in matt blue, high-tech ceramic and the dial captivates with its representation of different time zones, symbolised by 37 hands—without looking cluttered—painted in a gradation of colours ranging from blue to pink, resembling fireworks right in the middle of the dial. Two discrete but mighty Super-LumiNova dots indicate the local time. According to the brand, this unisex watch is aimed at connecting people through a universal timepiece rather than segregating according to particular categories.
Raymond Weil Toccata
Raymond Weil’s Toccata collection celebrates the artistic and musical spirit of the brand’s DNA, and this is visible in its timepieces with a timeless appeal. These watches featured here are also inspired by the Art Deco period, and are a nod to the symmetrical designs of the 1920s. These models exhibit elongated rectangular cases measuring 23.4 x 34.6mm in either stainless steel or stainless steel with yellow gold PVD plating. This is the brand’s shallowest case design to date, which gives a very sleek profile to this watch. The dial features sleek, black Roman numerals on a crisp, white backdrop with hour and minute hands, and a square date aperture at the three o’clock position. The tiered design gives this watch an illusion of depth without the thickness, and is enhanced by the brand logo on the crown. Water-resistant to 50m, the timepiece is presented on a classic, black leather strap.
TAG Heuer Monaco Heuer 02
This iconic design from TAG Heuer is a favourite amongst watch collectors since it was one of the most avant-garde timepieces, launched back in 1969. The model featured here stands out for its timeless yet futuristic stainless steel square case measuring 39mm. This fine-brushed and polished framework comes with a fixed bezel, sapphire crystal, polished stainless-steel crown at three o’clock, and push buttons at two and four o’clock. This case structure—one of the brand’s most iconic aesthetic codes reflects their daring and unconventional spirit. Because of the Monaco’s unique square shape, TAG Heuer’s watchmakers had to re-engineer the interior of the case to incorporate the manufacture calibre Heuer 02. The dial is clearly inspired by early Monaco models and comes in a radiant blue PVD sunray finish that is complemented by a navy blue alligator leather strap. The dial also features silver square-shaped counters at three and nine o’clock, eight tri-faceted indexes and a second indicator above the date at six o’clock. Red accents on the central seconds hand and chronograph counter hands enhance the sporty design of the watch. Water-resistant to 100m, the watch can function smoothly for at least 80 hours, thanks to the in-house powerhouse.
Shop The Story
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Baume & Mercier Hampton
MOA10528
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Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945
25882-11-631-BB6B
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Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
Q3978430
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Longines Elegance
L5.512.4.71.7
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Rado True Square
R27070202
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Raymond Weil Toccata
5925-PC-00300
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Raymond Weil Toccata
5925-STC-00300
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TAG Heuer Monaco
CBL2111.FC6453
