Rectangular Watches - Will they find a place in your Collection?
The Rectangular watch has a bit of an enigmatic quality to it. In this day and age, it comes across as dressy, and as such does not evoke a sense of the kind of versatility that beginner enthusiasts look for - hence the gravitation to steel sports watches.
As one's collection grows, the allure of a classy dress watch becomes more prevalent. And that's when having a rectangular watch has its appeal.
Amongst the icons that make this kind of watch perennial in the minds of the enthusiast are the likes of Cartier Tank and Jaeger-LeCoultre's Reverso. Both evoke an art deco aesthetic that gives them a very timeless appeal. And these watches have continued to grow in price as well.
In the past few years, other brands have sought to fill the affordability gap left by these icons, and you can now get rectangular watches form Oris and Longines. The independent Fears brand has also managed to recreate a watch from its archives that channels a similar aesthetic.
Do you fancy such watches? And if so, which would be your picks of the bunch?
A watch addict who also happens to be a photography enthusiast. I also enjoy crafting simple watch-related infographics from time to time. You can find all my content on my IG page.
I like the look of the blue JLC but for the money I’d probably go with the Longines. I think they all look great though.
I adore my Michel Herbelin 'tank inspired' watch. It looks great as my dress watch, but I have also worn smart casual with a polo and it's just as nice. It has a classy feel, and I love the cartier rectangular watches - they're stunning!
I'll stick with the rectangular dress watch my Dad gave me before he passed away -- a Citizen quartz with lots of history from his life. It's priceless.
I like the look of the blue JLC but for the money I’d probably go with the Longines. I think they all look great though.
Yea - the JLC is definitely getting harder to afford. I find all of them to be great choices!
I adore my Michel Herbelin 'tank inspired' watch. It looks great as my dress watch, but I have also worn smart casual with a polo and it's just as nice. It has a classy feel, and I love the cartier rectangular watches - they're stunning!
This is a wonderful execution - really nice details they have chosen for this watch! Wear it well and in good health!
I'll stick with the rectangular dress watch my Dad gave me before he passed away -- a Citizen quartz with lots of history from his life. It's priceless.
Now that's classy. Wear it well!
Very nice - I like the way the numerals are done - very unique and it definitely has character!
I’m very interested but n the Baume et Mercier Hampton. Surprised this rectangular watch got no mention here. They have a variety of models. I bought a quartz one for my wife and she loves it.
The last six months I've been seriously thinking about it. I'm a dive watch or sports watch guy. But the JLC has been in the back of my mind awhile now
Cartier, I feel and just my opinion the rest are just copy cats or homage. If I going to go tank watch I go for the icon nothing else , am I being pretentious an a snob?! Sorry don’t want to be either but it’s always that when I see a tank watch I always assume it’s a Cartier…
When I see large watch boxes filled with nothing but dark dialed divers and sports watches I die a little bit inside. It is a sign of the degradation of our watch culture that you should even pose such a question.
What is the most influential watch design of all time? The Cartier tank. Tank or rectangular watches dominated all watch sales for more than 30 years based on the genius of its design. Round dial watches would not become the norm again until the mid-1950's. The first sports watch? The old JLC Reverso for all of your polo needs.
Non round watches had a bit of a resurgence in the late 1960's when everyone was experimenting with case shapes (go look at the marvel that is/was the Zenith Respirator X, a bit of a grail of mine). Until recently, only the old makers and Seiko kept the rectangle flame alive.
Even though they can be only 24mm across they read larger than round watches. They are instantly dressy, but are appropriate for any office job. They make you appear smarter, taller, and generally better looking. The vintage market is flooded with them for reasonable prices. I love what Oris is doing in this space with color.
When you have one you will understand why you need more.
From the 1940's.
From the 1950's.
From the 1970's. I could bore you further, but I will stop.
JLC Reverso Day/Night reference 270.8.54 for me… One day. #jaegerlecoultre #jlc
I really like the new Oris. I'm worried (possibly unnecessarily) that it would be too fragile to be the all activities daily watch that I want it to be, though.
The shape seems perfect for just putting it on and forgetting it's there, but I'm afraid I'd mess it up.
absolutely loves the FEARS, the golden outline on the dial is a great touch
I like square watches but feel that most of them are too dressy. I want to see a sporty square that’s not the Tag Monza or the Hublot Square bang. Even the ones on this post are too dressy to me. Not ugly at all but I don’t have a dressy life style and want something different.
absolutely fair - which is why I posed the question in the first place? There's a perfectly rational reason why rectangular watches are not perceived as versatile as sportier designs.
I was definitely one of those who aren’t so sure about this sort of design. But then I saw this one Casio and immediately fell in love with it so much so I chose it to be my graduation watch.
Cartier Tank? Probably in the distant future.
which one to pick? Hard choiche I would go for the reverso duoface such a stunning watch but I have to say that it is not a cheap watch!
Rectangular watches take dress watch to its ultimate conclusion. A rectangular dress watch makes a grand Seiko dress watch look like a Gshock. I am new to the watch thing and have gone overboard on watches and straps. I have most categories filled, including a couple dress watches. so I was content. But then, you watch people had to show me the rectangular Longines with the sector dial!!!!! Damn!!!!! Talk me down from it guys. Don’t let me jump.
Why not, they will be back in fashion soon and everyone will want one
The Rado True Square looks nice to me, though I haven’t seen one in person. Is anyone familiar with it?
I adore my Michel Herbelin 'tank inspired' watch. It looks great as my dress watch, but I have also worn smart casual with a polo and it's just as nice. It has a classy feel, and I love the cartier rectangular watches - they're stunning!
It’s a sharp looking watch. 👌🏼
What are its dimensions?
The #cartier Tank Must XL is now 4,000, up from 3,700. My personal favorite as the Guilloché silver dial is truly unreal in person.
I wanted to add that I recently tried on a Reverso at an AD and the watch was beautiful in person. It had the silver guilloche dial with small seconds. The dial was way better in person than in the photos.
I also tried on a Cartier tank and it’s just not for me. Didn’t expect it would be but tried one on anyway.
Still want to see the B&M Hampton in person. Curious about the texture on the dial. The Hampton line has some history and the watch is way more affordable than the Reverso but I’m leaning toward saving for the JLC after seeing it in person.
I wanted to add that I recently tried on a Reverso at an AD and the watch was beautiful in person. It had the silver guilloche dial with small seconds. The dial was way better in person than in the photos.
I also tried on a Cartier tank and it’s just not for me. Didn’t expect it would be but tried one on anyway.
Still want to see the B&M Hampton in person. Curious about the texture on the dial. The Hampton line has some history and the watch is way more affordable than the Reverso but I’m leaning toward saving for the JLC after seeing it in person.
No better way to discover than to actually try to see which strikes your fancy.
I do believe in the general principle of never settling so I feel if you can responsibly save up for the one you really want, best to do that!
However, if it is beyond budget, then there is no shame in getting something you’d be happy with and truly like!
Wow! Love this topic, seeing so many interesting watches. I literally only collect shaped watches. My newest rectangular piece is this BMW 335. Operating with twin ETA 2678s.
Saw a used Reverso at my AD and I just had to have it. It is the Grand Taille with the second sub-dial and the guilloche inner rectangular section. Beautiful!
I don’t currently own any square or rectangular Watch. The JLC Reverso would be my first choice. but for now it’s in my wish list due to budget constraints 🤣
Tank all day. Easily the best rectangular watch ever designed and made. Reverso is cool and all...but the tank has my heart.
I adore my Michel Herbelin 'tank inspired' watch. It looks great as my dress watch, but I have also worn smart casual with a polo and it's just as nice. It has a classy feel, and I love the cartier rectangular watches - they're stunning!
Hi i just ordered the Herbelin art deco hand wind