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With roughly 98 percent of modern wristwatches still relying on round cases, rectangular watches continue to occupy a rare and deliberate position in watch design. Their origins trace back to the early twentieth century, when wristwatches were shaped as much by architecture and industrial design as by horology itself.
During the height of the Art Deco era (1920s-1930s), rectangular cases symbolized progress, elegance, and modern life. While round watches later became dominant through manufacturing efficiency, rectangular watches endured as expressions of taste rather than default.
Today, they remain one of the clearest ways to step outside convention while staying rooted in watchmaking history. These ten models illustrate how rectangular watches continue to evolve in 2026, from accessible classics to enduring icons.
Söner Amorous Casablanca
Price: $620, Case Size: 28mm, Case Height: 10mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Lug to Lug: 40mm, Case: Extra hardened steel, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 50 meters, Movement: Swiss automatic Sellita SW100, Warranty: 10-years
Söner’s Amorous Casablanca (there is a thinner quartz version called Nostalgia, with 11-years battery life) draws its inspiration from the spirit of Casablanca itself, a city defined by Art Deco architecture, multicultural energy, and a timeless cinematic legacy. Shaped by the elegant lines of early 20th-century design, the Casablanca reflects an era when form was deliberate, proportions were restrained, and style was never accidental.
The rectangular case measures 28 × 40 mm with a slim 10 mm profile, offering a balanced presence on the wrist that feels refined rather than imposing. Finished in hardened (800HV) brushed gold plating, the case combines classic character with modern durability. A sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating protects the dial, ensuring clarity in both formal settings and everyday wear.
The dial is clean and composed, featuring gold-plated steel applied indices and matching hands that catch the light subtly. A discreet date window completes the display, offering hours, minutes, seconds, and date without visual excess. The overall aesthetic is calm, architectural, and unmistakably intentional.
Powering the Amorous Casablanca is the Swiss-made Sellita SW100A automatic movement, delivering a 42-hour power reserve and mechanical accuracy rated at −20 to +40 seconds per day. The movement is housed beneath an arched, screw-down, sealed case back, reinforcing the watch’s sense of solidity and long-term reliability.
With 5 ATM water resistance, suitable for everyday exposure and snorkelling, the Casablanca is designed to be worn, not preserved. The integrated bracelet, offered in medium and large sizes with a 20 mm width, flows seamlessly from case to wrist, completing a watch that feels cohesive, deliberate, and quietly distinctive.
Hamilton American Classic Boulton Mechanical
Price: ~$945, Case size: 34.5mm x 38mm, Thickness: 11.2mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 50 meters, Movement: Manually wound Caliber H-50 (ETA 2801-2 base)
Hamilton’s American Classic Boulton traces its origins to the 1940s, a period when rectangular watches were not an alternative but the accepted standard for refined wristwear. Founded in the United States in 1892 before later establishing itself in Switzerland, Hamilton became known for combining American design sensibility with Swiss mechanical precision. The modern Boulton carries that heritage forward with a design that remains closely aligned with its historical roots.
The stainless-steel rectangular case measures 34.5 × 38 millimeters and features softly rounded edges that subtly approach a tonneau profile. With a thickness of 11.2 millimeters, the watch maintains a compact but substantial presence on the wrist, balanced by a 22-millimeter lug width that gives it visual weight and stability. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, while 50 meters of water resistance adds everyday practicality without compromising its dress-watch character.
The dial is unmistakably period-correct. Angled Roman numerals radiate outward from the center, framed by a classic railroad minute track that anchors the design. Blued leaf-shaped hands provide contrast and legibility, reinforcing the watch’s vintage aesthetic while maintaining clarity at a glance. The overall layout reflects a time when typography and proportion were carefully considered rather than decorative.
Powering the Boulton is the manually wound Caliber H-50, based on the ETA 2801-2 architecture and offering an extended power reserve. The hand-wound movement preserves the tactile ritual that defined watch ownership in the mid-twentieth century, reinforcing the watch’s connection to its historical origins.
Priced at approximately 945 US dollars, the Hamilton Boulton Mechanical delivers a historically faithful rectangular design, traditional manual mechanics, and modern materials in a package that remains accessible while staying true to its heritage
Raymond Weil Toccata Gent
Price: ~$975, Case size: 37.25mm x 29.6mm, Thickness: 6.4mm, Lug Width: 19mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 50 meters, Movement: Swiss quartz
Founded in Geneva in 1976, Raymond Weil emerged during the quartz crisis with a clear focus on classical aesthetics and musical inspiration. The Toccata collection reflects that philosophy, taking its name from a form of classical musical composition and translating musical structure into watch design.
The Toccata Gent is defined by its slim rectangular stainless-steel case, measuring 37.25 × 29.6 millimeters with an exceptionally thin 6.4-millimeter profile. This restrained thickness gives the watch a light, elegant presence on the wrist, closely aligned with the formal rectangular watches popular in the post-war decades. Curved lugs and a 19-millimeter lug width allow the case to sit comfortably and proportionally, reinforcing its dress-oriented character.
A sapphire crystal protects the clean white dial, which features radiating Roman numerals arranged around an angular minute track, creating a sense of rhythm and balance. Slim dauphine hands move with precision across the surface, while a discreet date window adds everyday practicality without disrupting the symmetry of the design.
Inside, the watch is powered by a Swiss quartz movement, prioritizing accuracy, reliability, and low maintenance. With 50 meters of water resistance, the Toccata Gent is suitable for daily wear while remaining firmly rooted in formal watchmaking tradition.
Priced at approximately 975 US dollars, the Raymond Weil Toccata Gent offers a slim, classically proportioned rectangular design with sapphire crystal, Swiss accuracy, and refined restraint, a watch for those who value elegance through simplicity rather than mechanical complexity.
Frederique Constant Classics Carrée Automatic
Price: ~$995, Case size: 30.4mm x 33.3mm, Thickness: 9.71mm, Lug Width: 22mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 30 meters, Movement: Automatic Caliber FC-303 (Sellita SW200 base)
Founded in 1988, Frederique Constant has built its identity around classical Swiss watchmaking, with a consistent emphasis on traditional design codes and mechanical accessibility. The Classics Carrée was introduced as a rectangular counterpart to the brand’s round-dominated collections, drawing inspiration from early twentieth-century dress watches while adopting a more architectural and disciplined layout in its modern form.
The stainless-steel rectangular case measures 30.4 × 33.3 millimeters, with a thickness of 9.71 millimeters, giving the watch a compact yet substantial presence on the wrist. A 22-millimeter lug width provides visual balance and stability, while a sapphire crystal protects the dial. With 30 meters of water resistance, the Carrée is clearly positioned as a formal dress watch rather than a daily sports piece.
The dial is structured and symmetrical, framed by applied hour markers that define its outer edge. A central rectangular section features a subtle guilloché pattern, bordered by a classic railroad minute track that reinforces the watch’s traditional character. Faceted dauphine hands add depth and legibility without introducing visual excess, maintaining a calm and composed aesthetic.
Powering the watch is the automatic Caliber FC-303, based on the Sellita SW200 architecture, delivering reliable Swiss mechanical performance. The movement aligns with Frederique Constant’s goal of offering traditional automatic watchmaking in historically grounded forms.
Priced at approximately 995 US dollars, the Frederique Constant Classics Carrée Automatic delivers Swiss mechanical credibility, sapphire crystal, and disciplined rectangular design in an accessible, classically styled package.
Longines Dolcevita Autmatic
Price: ~$1,775, Case size: 27.7mm x 43.8mm, Thickness: 10.1mm, Lug Width: 19mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 30 meters, Movement: Automatic Longines Caliber 592
With a heritage dating back to 1832, Longines has long been associated with elegance, sport, and technical refinement. The DolceVita collection draws inspiration from archival rectangular Longines watches produced during the Art Deco period, when elongated cases and layered dial designs defined the brand’s approach to form. While the line was initially introduced with a feminine focus, the larger automatic versions reflect the unisex proportions common in early rectangular wristwatches.
The stainless-steel rectangular case measures 27.7 × 43.8 millimeters, with a thickness of 10.1 millimeters, giving the watch an elongated yet balanced presence on the wrist. A 19-millimeter lug width keeps the profile refined, while a sapphire crystal protects the dial. With 30 meters of water resistance, the DolceVita is positioned firmly as an elegant dress watch rather than a sports piece.
The softly curved case frames a sector-style dial, combining brushed surfaces, Arabic numerals, and a precise railroad minute track. Blued steel hands provide contrast and clarity, while a discreet date window integrates cleanly into the overall layout without disrupting symmetry.
Powering the watch is the automatic Longines Caliber 592, delivering reliable Swiss mechanical performance suited to daily wear. The movement supports the DolceVita’s role as a refined, historically inspired rectangular watch with modern mechanical convenience.
Priced at approximately 1,775 US dollars, the Longines DolceVita Automatic offers Art Deco-inspired design, sapphire crystal, and Swiss automatic movement in a slim, elongated rectangular form rooted in the brand’s heritage.
Oris Rectangular
Price: ~$2,050, Case Size: 25.5mm x 38mm, Lug Width: 19mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 30 meters, Movement: Automatic Oris Caliber 561 (ETA 2671 base)
Founded in 1904, Oris has remained independent throughout its history and is best known for producing functional, purpose-driven mechanical watches. The Rectangular model represents a more design-focused expression of the brand, introduced as a modern interpretation of early rectangular wristwatches rather than a strict historical reproduction.
The stainless-steel case measures 25.5 × 38 millimeters, giving the watch a compact and wearable footprint on the wrist. The slightly curved case profile allows it to sit comfortably, while a 19-millimeter lug width keeps the proportions balanced. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, and water resistance is rated at 30 meters, aligning the watch with everyday but non-sport use.
The dial layout combines bold sword-style hands with a traditional railroad minute track, ensuring clear legibility. Arabic numerals at key positions reference vintage typography without overwhelming the design, while a discreet date window adds practical functionality.
Powering the watch is the automatic Oris Caliber 561, based on the ETA 2671 architecture, delivering reliable Swiss mechanical performance in a compact format.
Priced at approximately 2,050 US dollars, the Oris Rectangular offers a contemporary take on rectangular watch design, combining modern proportions, sapphire crystal, and Swiss automatic mechanics while retaining clear historical references.
Baume & Mercier Hampton Automatic
Price: $2,700, Case size: 43mm x 27.5mm, Thickness: 9.95mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 50 meters, Movement: Automatic ETA 2671
Founded in 1830, Baume & Mercier has long positioned itself between classic elegance and everyday wearability. The Hampton collection draws direct inspiration from rectangular Baume & Mercier watches produced during the 1940s, an era when Art Deco geometry defined formal wristwear and rectangular cases were a natural choice for refined design.
The Hampton Automatic is housed in a stainless-steel rectangular case measuring 43 by 27.5 millimeters, with a thickness of 9.95 millimeters, giving it a slim yet substantial presence on the wrist. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, while 50 meters of water resistance adds everyday practicality without compromising its dress-oriented character. The proportions reflect historical models while remaining well suited to modern wear.
The multifaceted case surfaces catch the light subtly, reinforcing the architectural nature of the design. On the dial, applied indexes and sword-style hands provide clear legibility and visual balance, while the overall layout remains restrained and uncluttered. The design avoids overt vintage cues, instead aiming for a timeless expression rooted in mid-century proportions.
Powering the Hampton Automatic is the Swiss automatic ETA 2671 movement, offering reliable mechanical performance for daily use. At a price of approximately 2,700 US dollars, the Baume & Mercier Hampton Automatic delivers a refined rectangular design, sapphire crystal, automatic movement, and practical water resistance in a watch that bridges formal elegance and everyday versatility.
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Hermès Cape Cod
Price: $3,375, Case size: 41mm x 33mm, Thickness: 6.4mm, Lug Width: 19mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 30 meters, Movement: Automatic Hermes H1912
Hermès introduced the Cape Cod in 1991, bringing a distinctly design-driven approach to rectangular watchmaking. Inspired by the shape of an anchor chain, the case adopts a curved rectangular form framed by Hermès’ signature triple-lug construction. While the brand began as a leather goods house in the nineteenth century, the Cape Cod demonstrates how Hermès translated its equestrian and nautical heritage into modern horology.
The stainless-steel case measures 41 × 33 millimeters with an exceptionally slim thickness of 6.4 millimeters, giving the watch a light, elegant presence on the wrist. A 19-millimeter lug width maintains balanced proportions, while a sapphire crystal protects the dial. With 30 meters of water resistance, the Cape Cod is positioned as a refined dress watch rather than a tool watch.
The opaline dial features a textured central section framed by a clean minute track, creating depth without visual clutter. Applied Arabic numerals appear in a typeface exclusive to Hermès, reinforcing the watch’s strong design identity. Paired with the brand’s renowned leather straps, the overall presentation emphasizes material quality and finishing.
Powering the watch is the automatic Hermès H1912 movement, delivering Swiss mechanical performance within a case focused on elegance and proportion. Priced at approximately 3,375 US dollars, the Hermès Cape Cod combines distinctive design, sapphire crystal, and in-house automatic movement with the brand’s characteristic emphasis on craftsmanship and style.
Cartier Tank Louis Cartier
Price: ~$12,400, Case Size: 25.5mm x 33.7mm, Case Thickness: 6.6mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 30 meters, Movement: Manually wound Cartier Caliber 8971 MC
Introduced in 1917, the Cartier Tank permanently redefined wristwatch design. Created by Louis Cartier and inspired by the geometry of military tanks, it broke away from the dominance of round cases and established a new language of modern elegance. The Tank Louis Cartier remains the purest expression of that original vision, preserving the proportions and minimalist philosophy of the earliest models.
The rectangular case measures 25.5 × 33.7 millimeters and is exceptionally slim at just 6.6 millimeters thick, giving the watch a refined, almost architectural presence on the wrist. A 20-millimeter lug width provides balanced proportions, while a sapphire crystal protects the dial. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters, consistent with the watch’s dress-oriented purpose.
Recent lacquered dial versions further simplify the design by removing traditional Roman numerals, allowing color, surface, and form to take precedence. Sword-shaped hands maintain clarity and restraint, while the signature blue cabochon crown remains a defining Cartier detail, reinforcing visual continuity across generations.
Powering the watch is the manually wound Cartier Caliber 8971 MC, a slim mechanical movement that supports the Tank’s elegant proportions while maintaining traditional watchmaking principles.
Priced at approximately 12,400 US dollars, the Cartier Tank Louis Cartier offers iconic design, exceptional slimness, and in-house mechanical refinement in one of the most historically significant rectangular watches ever produced.
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Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
Price: ~$8,750, Case Size: 45.6mm x 27.4mm, Lug Width: 20mm, Crystal: Sapphire, Water Resistance: 30 meters, Movement: Jaeger-LeCoultre Manually Wound Caliber 822
Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the Reverso in 1931 as a practical solution for polo players who needed to protect their watch crystals during matches. The reversible rectangular case quickly became an Art Deco icon, defined by clean lines, stepped gadroons, and strict symmetry that set it apart from other wristwatches of the era.
The Reverso Tribute is housed in a stainless-steel case measuring 45.6 × 27.4 millimeters, maintaining the elongated proportions that define the model. A 20-millimeter lug width ensures balanced integration with the strap, while a sapphire crystal protects the dial. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters, consistent with its role as a refined mechanical dress watch.
The dial returns to the aesthetic codes of the earliest Reverso models, emphasizing proportion, restraint, and clarity. Applied hour markers frame the display, while Dauphine hands and a small seconds subdial reinforce visual balance and legibility.
Powering the watch is the manually wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 822, a slim mechanical movement designed specifically to fit the Reverso’s rectangular case. The hand-wound construction preserves the traditional interaction that has defined the model since its introduction.
Priced at approximately 8,750 US dollars, the Reverso Tribute combines historical significance, distinctive rectangular architecture, and in-house Swiss watchmaking in a design that has remained relevant for nearly a century.
