Fitting the mechanics of a watch into a round case is pretty straightforward. But it doesn’t leave much room for creativity.
That’s why some innovators decided to think outside the circle and create rectangular watches. Inspired by the Art Deco era, rectangle watches are a fresh, unique twist to modern watch design.
Want to give rectangle watches a go? Read on to learn about rectangular watches including styling tips and watch recommendations.
What is a Rectangle Watch?
As the name suggests, a rectange watch has a rectangular watch case. Unlike the typical round watch, a rectangle watch offers a fresh, angular alternative.
Making a rectangular watch isn’t easy. The challenge lies in fitting complex mechanics into a non-round case.
One of the most well-known and loved rectangle watch is the Cartier Tank. Designed by Louis Cartier in 1917, this watch comes from the World War I era. In fact, it’s inspired by the Renault tanks.
But Cartier had a challenge to face. It wasn’t easy fitting the watch movements into a rectangular case. To crack this, he partnered with Edmond Jaeger and developed a thin movement that could fit the curved case of the Tank Cintrée.
This innovation served him well and the Tank became an instant hit. It was well-loved by major celebrities of the era like Duke Ellington and Rudolph Valentino.
After the Tank’s success, other brands like Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe started creating their own rectangular watches in the 1920s and 1930s.
Basics of Rectangular Men’s Watches
After wearing a round dial watch for so long, it can be a little difficult to transition to a rectangular dial. Here are some basics to help you pick your first men’s rectangular watch:
The Rectangular Case
Rectangular watches are known for their unique, elongated faces. Having a more angular look can make the watch look cooler, more modern and more elegant. Plus, the shape of the dial makes it easier to read the time.
Naturally, you make a rectangular watch work for both formal and casual events. They can also look great with a sporty look. That’s why most sports watches are square or rectangular!
How Do you Measure a Rectangular Watch?
Measuring a rectangular watch is straightforward. You need to get the length and width of the case. Use a ruler or caliper to measure from one end of the case to the other. This will give you the accurate size of the watch to find the perfect fit for your wrist.
How to Style a Rectangular Watch?
For Formal Occasions: Pair a rectangular watch with a leather strap if you’re going to a black tie event in a classic suit. Bulova’s Frank Sinatra model in “My Way” is the perfect example.
For Casual Outfits: A stainless steel rectangular watch looks great with jeans and a button-down shirt. We recommend the Cartier Tank Must that can either be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix metals or switch out straps to match your outfit or mood. A black dial can look elegant, while a white dial offers a clean, everyday look.
Vintage Look: For a retro feel, choose a vintage rectangular watch with intricate details. Or go for a more retrofuturistic look with a watch like Casio AQ-230A.
Top Models of Rectangular Men’s Watches
Now that you know all the basics, it’s time to go watch hunting. Here are some of the most iconic rectangular watches that hit the mark:
1. Jaeger Lecoultre Reverso
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is a true classic. Developed in the 1930s for polo players, its reversible case design was a game-changer. Originally created to protect the watch face during matches, the Reverso has since become a symbol. Available in various models, from simple time-only pieces to the incredibly complex Reverso Hybris Mechanica.
2. Hamilton American Classic Boulton Mechanical
Hamilton’s Boulton Mechanical takes you back to the 1940s with its Art Deco-inspired design. The softly rounded rectangular case, black Roman numerals, and blued hands make it a standout. With a hand-wound mechanical movement and an 80-hour power reserve, this watch combines vintage charm with modern reliability.
3. Rolex Cellini Prince
The Rolex Cellini Prince is one of the brand’s hidden gems. First produced in the 1920s and recently revived in 2005, the Prince is known for its manual-winding movement and timeless design. Although it’s not currently in production, it remains a coveted piece for collectors and connoisseurs.
4. Longines Dolcevita Automatic
Longines DolceVita is a timeless hit. The softly curved rectangular case, silver-brushed dial with Arabic numerals, and blued sword hands make it a sophisticated choice. Powered by the automatic Longines Caliber 592, it’s as reliable as it is beautiful.
5. Oris Rectangular
The Oris Rectangular is a modern take on a vintage style. With a modest case size and colorful dial options, it’s perfect for those who want a touch of Art Deco flair. The automatic Oris Caliber 561 movement ensures precision and reliability.
6. Tank Louis Cartier
The Tank Louis Cartier is the go-to rectangular watch for many celebrities and enthusiasts. Created in 1917, its design was inspired by WWI tanks. The latest models feature a minimalist burgundy dial, yellow gold case, and manually wound Cartier Caliber 1917 MC. It’s a timeless piece that remains a favorite among watch enthusiasts.
Watch Winder Picks for Rectangle Watches
If you’ve ditched the quartz and mechanical for an automatic, you definitely need a watch winder to help maintain it.
What’s a watch winder you ask? For that, you first have to know how automatic watches work. Automatics rely on the movement of your wrist to stay wound and keep accurate time.
If you don’t wear your automatic watch daily then it can cause problems with the winding mechanism.
A watch winder moves your watch around just like your wrist does. This means you’re saved from the hassle of winding it all over again.
Here are a couple of top picks from Mozsly’s collection that are perfect for your rectangular watches.
Mozsly Single Watch Winder Brown Leather
This brown leather watch winder features a quiet Japanese motor so you can say goodbye to noise disturbance. The brown leather finish looks great with the minimalist design of many rectangular watches. You can power it using either the included universal AC adapter or two Type A batteries.
Mozsly Double Watch Winder Gray Polyester
The Mozsly Double Watch Winder is another excellent choice, especially for those with more than one rectangular watch.
The gray polyester finish provides a modern and sleek look. This pairs well with stainless steel rectangular watches. You can also explore other color and material options matching your recntagular watch.
Summary
With a sea of round watches grabbing our attention, we rarely see rectangle watch cases in the spotlight.
So if you’re looking for something a bit more elegant and sleek than an ordinary round watch, take our advice and go for a rectangle watch this time.
Don’t forget to take good care of your new watch with the right watch winders. Discover how Mozsly can enhance your watch care routine—explore our collection and find the perfect winder for your rectangular watches today!
