Square watches have come back (a)round, with the silhouette simultaneously contemporary and timeless. Both square and rectangular watches exude a rakish sensibility befitting of a gentleman while remaining definitively on-trend. However, it’s not all Cartier Tanks and Jaeger-LeCoultre Reversos. An increasing number of watch manufacturers are squaring up, creating four-edged cases for those who are more ‘baller’ and less classic – just look at the new Hublot Square Bang Unico and the Hermes H08.
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The best rectangular and square watches for men prove it’s possible to be there and be square. Keen to get a parallelogram on your wrist? From budget to bougie, these are the best square and rectangular watches for men.
Overview of the best square and rectangular watches for men in 2024
- The most iconic square or rectangular watch: Cartier Tank
- The best sporty square or rectangular watch: Cartier Santos-Dumont
- The best Carter Tank alternative: Oris Rectangular
- The best budget-friendly square or rectangular watch: Breda Pulse or Lip Churchill C18
The most iconic square and rectangular watches of all time
While there’s no shortage of rectilinear watches to choose from, there are a select few that have worked to define the category and are likely the first you picture when you hear the words ‘square and rectangular watches’.
1. Cartier Santos-Dumont
Often overlooked in favour of its sportier cousin the Santos de Cartier, the Cartier Santos-Dumont epitomises classic yet rugged style. The world’s first pilot’s watch, Louis Cartier created the Santos-Dumont model in 1904 at the request of his aviator friend Alberto Santos-Dumont. Worn on a leather strap, it boasts a distinctly masculine appeal that alludes to its aviation origins.
Price: $5750AUD
Model: Steel Santos-Dumont, Large
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Size: 43.5mm x 31.4mm
2. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute
The ultimate switcheroo, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is an art deco icon. Created in 1931, the Reverso was the result of a challenge to craft a watch that could withstand a polo match. The solution? Turning the face inwards. Fast-forward almost a century and the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso has somewhat shirked its equestrian origins, representing one of the most stylish dress watches on the market. While the original Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso watches flipped over to reveal a blank metal surface designed to protect the face, the Reverso watches of today utilise the patented style to offer two dials in one, in the form of the Duoface styles.
Price: $16800AUD
Model: Reverso Tribute
Movement: Manual-winding
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Size: 47mm x 28.3mm
3. TAG Heuer Monaco
Inextricably linked with the motorsport industry, the TAG Heuer Monaco is steeped with racing heritage. Make like Steve McQueen and opt for the blue dial; paired with a steel bracelet, it’s a tougher, contemporary take on a ‘70s classic.
Price: $10250AUD
Model: Monaco
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 10ATM
Case Size: 39mm
4. Cartier Tank Must
The quintessential gentleman’s watch, the original Cartier Tank derived its silhouette inspiration from the Renault tanks used on the Western Front. A failsafe watch for those looking for an elegant daily driver, the new Cartier Tank Must takes a sustainably minded approach. A SolarBeat photovoltaic movement in a steel case is teamed with a vegan-friendly strap, exuding all the charm of the original.
Price: $4250AUD
Model: Tank Must
Movement: SolarBeat Photovoltaic
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Size: 33.7mm x 25.5mm
5. Bell & Ross BR 03-92
Since its inception thirty years ago, Bell & Ross has championed the rugged appeal of the square watch. Drawing inspiration from French aviation traditions, Bell & Ross watches typically feature circular dial surrounded by a heavy duty square case. Designed to take a beating, the Bell & Ross BR 03-92 turns heads with its blue sunray dial, encased in polished steel. Wear it on the blue leather strap for adventures in the concrete jungle or switch to the black synthetic strap for something a little tougher.
Price: $4900AUD
Model: BR 03-92
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 10ATM
Case Size: 42mm x 42mm
More of the best square and rectangular watches
The sheer popularity of the above iconic square and rectangular watches has led many lauded luxury watch brands putting out their own takes on the style. While some may represent a more affordable alternative to a Cartier Tank or Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, they’re also interesting designs in their own right and stand on their own lugs.
6. Oris Rectangular
The aptly named Oris Rectangular is one of the most affordable automatic rectilinear watches on the market. Its dial is influenced both by the art deco movement and heritage Oris models, while the funky colours and lume-filled sword-shaped hands allow it to work equally well as a daily driver as it does as a dress watch. It wears slightly smaller on the wrist than its dimensions suggest.
Price: $3400AUD
Model: Rectangular
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Size: 38mm x 25.5mm
7. Longines DolceVita
Despite predominantly being marketed towards women, the Longines DolceVita collection represents a viable rectangular watch option for men. The sheer size of the collection means there’s something for everyone, with options ranging from tiny quartz-powered options to automatic models that take up more wrist real estate. This iteration is crafted from yellow gold and plays into the colourful watch trend with a deep green dial and colour-matched strap. Drawing upon art deco design principles, its geometric forms and chemin de fer minutes track exude old-world style.
Price: from $2350AUD ($10,125AUD pictured)
Model: DolceVita
Movement: Quartz and Automatic
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Size: 37mm x 23mm (pictured)
8. Hermès H08
French luxury house Hermès dropped this unexpected oxymoronic round square silhouette last year. Sporty elegance with a hint of fun in the form of a playful typeface, the Hermès H08 is composed of ceramic and titanium and comes on a comfortable rubber strap. A grained dial adds textural interest while flecks of orange define it as an Hermès piece.
Price: $8050AUD
Model: H08
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 10ATM
Case Size: 39mm x 39mm
9. Nomos Glashütte Tetra Neomatik
The archetype of German utilitarianism, the Nomos Glashütte Tetra Neomatik features clean lines and a sharp silhouette. With no round edges in sight, the Nomos Glashütte Tetra Neomatik is both casual enough for everyday wear and formal enough to be paired with a suit. The devil is in the detail here, with blue minute markers and a red small seconds hand adding interest.
Price: $5470AUD
Model: Tetra Neomatik
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Size: 33mm x 33mm
10. Hublot Square Bang Unico
Like a Santos de Cartier on steroids, the Hublot Square Bang Unico was introduced earlier this year, making the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer’s first foray into square watches. Bold and brash, this all-black version features a skeletonised dial and makes for a distinct take on the classic luxury sports watch. At 42mm, it’s a hefty force on the wrist. Best suited for use by rappers and basketballers, wear at your own risk.
Price: $36600AUD
Model: Square Bang Unico All Black
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 10ATM
Case Size: 42mm x 42mm
11. Baume & Mercier Hampton
The chunky case and shaved-off angular corners of the Baume & Mercier Hampton allow the silhouette to differentiate itself from other players in the rectangular watch category.
Price: $4200AUD
Model: Hampton
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Size: 43mm x 27.5mm
12. Frederick Constant Carree Automatic
Frederick Constant is in no shortage of timepieces that punch above their price point (take their world timer, for example) and the Frederick Constant Carree Automatic is no exception. Its sophisticated sunray dial employs classic design principles, taking a pared-back approach with stick applied hour indices, an embossed central section, and symmetrical layout with a date aperture at 6 o’clock. Flip it over and watch the movement at work through the exhibition caseback.
Price: $1895AUD
Model: Carree Automatic
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Size: 30.40mm x 33.30mm
13. Ralph Lauren RL867
While Ralph Lauren is not our usual go-to when it comes to watches, the American fashion house has stepped up its game. And, when it comes to square watches for men, the Ralph Lauren RL867 hits it out of the park. Named after Ralph Lauren’s first New York City flagship at 867 Madison Avenue, the RL867 embodies art deco style, playing with architectural lines, subtly stepped forms, and a symmetrical layout in a way that is both playful and aesthetically pleasing. Its square case is crafted from sterling silver while its domed sapphire crystal and slimline proportions (thanks to an ultra-thin Piaget movement) means it effortlessly slides under a suit cuff.
Price: from $13,000AUD
Model: RL867
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Size: 28mm x 28mm or 32mm x 32mm
14. Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921
An investment piece if ever there was one. The Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 is an underrated model in the Swiss manufacture’s stable. While not a square or rectangle in the truest sense, its cushion case and atypical crown placement exude rakish style. Based off an archival model, its diagonal dial layout allows the wearer to read the time without turning the wrist; a particularly useful quality for racecar drivers.
Price: $67,500AUD
Model: Historiques American 1921
Movement: Manual-winding
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Size: 40mm x 40mm
The best affordable square and rectangular watches
You needn’t have a bank account that looks like a phone number to cop a time-telling parallelogram. Some of the best square and rectangular watches are available for well under $1000AUD.
15. Breda Pulse
A contradiction of sorts, the Breda Pulse is refined and sophisticated while exuding a contemporary edge. Ideal for those who are kept ticking by something a little different, the Breda Pulse features a numerical display accompanied by a date window, sitting withing a brushed metal case. The 26mm case wears well on the wrist; though it’s on the smaller side, it doesn’t look dainty and has an almost jewellery-esque feel to it.
Price: $298.50AUD
Model: Pulse
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Size: 26mm
16. VOID Watches V02MKII
“Designed to be clever, not smart,” the VOID Watches V02MKII is where style and innovation intersect. Made for lovers of interesting design, V02MKII makes telling the time slightly more complicated than a traditional wristwatch. But that’s all right, as the point of the watch is not “to tell time at a glance but to remind us about the value and passage of time.” Regardless, its matte case and half-dial makes a striking statement and is bound to spark conversation.
Price: $406.45AUD
Model: V02MKII
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Size: 36mm x 42mm
17. Vario Versa
Few watch brands — let alone microbrands — are brazen enough to attempt a reversible watch, with the attribute being pretty much synonymous with a certain oft-mispronounced Swiss manufacture (one you’ll find towards the top of this list). However, that hasn’t stopped Singaporean microbrand from having a crack at it. The Vario Versa is a reversible dual time watch that showcases a different time zone on each face. Employing the principles of streamline moderne design, it’s defined by its clean horizontal lines and rectilinear forms. The dual time mechanism is achieved by the use of two quartz movements; this means it’s a fairly thick timepiece (12mm, to be precise), however it wears slimmer than it looks. Best of all, its price range is firmly in the three-digits, a notable drawcard over our renowned Swiss friend.
Price: $687AUD
Model: Versa
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 5ATM
Case Size: 26mm x 39mm
18. Hamilton Boulton
Technically this is a tonneau case, but it’s still worth a mention. The slight curvature along the length of the sides adds a nostalgic feel to this 1980s-inspired timepiece, which features in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
Price: $1200AUD
Model: Boulton
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 3ATM
Case Size: 31.6mm x 28mm
19. Lip Churchill C18
A criminally underrated (and largely unknown) watch, the Lip Churchill is based on an archival style produced by the French watch brand from 1935 to 1950. In 1948, Sit Winston Churchill was presented with the T18 variant by the French government in recognition of Britain’s services to France during World War II. The rectangular T18 is also available, but we’re partial to the C18, a square iteration with a subtle alternating horizontally and vertically brushed sector dial and faceted hands that contribute to its old world appeal.
Price: approx. $330AUD (€199)
Model: Churchill C18
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: N/A
Case Size: 21mm x 21mm
How to wear a square or rectangular watch?
In a word: small! Square and rectangular watches tend to wear larger on the wrist than their round counterparts. While an oversized round watch can be a style statement, it often looks inelegant with the clean rectilinear lines of a square or rectangular watch. Look to the great Muhammad Ali who rocked a tiny Cartier Tank; the watch shouldn’t dominate the wrist and looks better when it flows in a clean line from bracelet or strap to case. The exception to this is rounded styles such as the Hermès H08 and Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 which can afford to take up a little more wrist space due to their curvilinear lines.
FAQ
The best square watches for men include the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, Cartier Tank, Hermès H08, and TAG Heuer Monaco.
Some of the best affordable square watches for men are the Seiko SUP880P1 (or Seiko Tank), Lip Churchill, Vario Versa, Hamilton Boulton Mechanical, Breda Pulse, and Michel Herbelin Antares.
The best alternatives to the Cartier Tank include the Oris Rectangular, Hamilton Boulton, Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, and Frederick Constant Carree Automatic.
Words by John Deckard
