The majority of watch cases are circular. Square and rectangle watch cases have been for a long time, but they are not as popular as round watch cases, despite the fact that they are more traditional looking.
The options available to the wearer are also divided by the watch’s shape. Some individuals despise them, while others are enamoured with them. Because of the curvature of their casing, these watches wear very differently from traditional round timepieces. With this in mind, it is crucial to keep in mind that rectangular casings naturally wear differently than typical circular cases due to their design.
Rectangular watches of 2023
Our best recommendation is to try on a few rectangle watches to see whether you like them. A growing number of luxury watch companies are reviving the rectangular watch trend, and legendary models like the Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso and Cartier Santos are only two of the most well-known examples.
In general, rectangular enclosures lend themselves to a more refined and polished look. Because of this, most of the brands that produce them follow this line of design by giving them a traditional and elegant style.
As a result, rectangular timepieces go well with suits and other formal attire. This is not to say that rectangular watches don’t come in many shapes and sizes, but they tend to function best for formal events
We’ll take a deeper look at some of the greatest and most popular budget watches available in this post. The phrase “cheap” is often subjective, but we’ll be looking at rectangular watches with a price tag of less than $500. Rectangular watches come in a variety of case shapes, and it may be difficult to determine where one watch ends and another begins in terms of style. As a result, we’ll examine both timepieces with a strictly rectangular design and those with just modest deviations from it.
Today we’re going to look at ten of the best rectangular watches for men in 2023.
Cartier
Santos 100
We have to cover the Santos first. It’s the oldest wristwatch in Cartier’s collection, having been released in 1978. Since that, it’s grown to become one of the brand’s most recognised and desired rectangular watches.
Within the collection, there are two models: the Dumont and the 100.
We’re focussing on the 100. On the whole, it’s bigger and heavier than its sibling. You can get it in either stainless steel or gold, and it comes with Cartier’s trademark seven-sided crown.
Given this is a luxury watch, in-house build movement would be expected; however, this would increase the price of a watch already around $10,000. Inside, you’ll find a highly-successful Rolex ETA 2892 automatic movement.
Cartier
Tank
Sticking with Cartier, the Tank was developed back in 1917 and has held a permanent position in the Cartier collection. The first Tank was called the Normale, and this followed the most famous Tank, the Louise Carter. The LC has a rounder and smoother lines than the Normal and has also been a permanent fixture in the Tank collection since its release.
Cartier Tank watches have been seen on the likes of Andy Warhol, Mick Jagger and even kings and queens.
There are six models in this collection today:
- Américaine
- Anglaise
- Française
- MC
- Solo
- Louis Cartier
Though with all the variations of each, you’ll find over 50 options to choose from.
Read our full review of the Cartier Tank range, here.
Baume Mercier
Hampton
Baume and Mercier is a well-known luxury watch brand. Their Hamptom model is probably one of the most iconic. They offer round collections, called Clifton and Classima; however, you’re here to read about the best men’s rectangular watches, and that’s the Hampton. It’s perfect for men on a budget of around $3,500 that enjoy the alternative look of sophisticated, rectangular watches.
The Hampton has a fixed stainless steel bezel. It offers a silver dial with matching hands and hour markers. You’re given Arabic numerals at the 6 and 12 positions and minute markers on the outer rim. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial, and it has a pull-push crown and unique transparent case on the back.
This is an analogue watch with a 2671 calibre automatic movement. It has a power reserve of up to 38 hours. The sophisticated look is completed with an alligator leather wristband.
NOMOS
Tetra
This is a high-end German-engineered watch. In fact, the Nomos Tetra is an also award-winning watch. It’s the rectangular watches version of the brand’s much-loved Tangente, with different typography. The Tetra is now a collection in its own right, which comes in various sizes with different in-house movements. It’s very thin for a mechanical watch, and it has delicate lugs to match its dainty nature.
It’s not as famous as the likes of the Santos or Tank, but if you like a minimalist style, you’ll love this.
Prices start from around $1,700.
Vacheron Constantin
Historiques Ultra Fine 1968
This watch is a baby in comparison to the above, which was released in 2021. However, it was created as a celebration of the original Vacheron Constantin, which came out in 1968. It has a lot of fine details, particularly noticeable on the dial and case.
The movement is shared with their Constantin 222. This is an ultra-thin movement, a calibre 920, designed but never used by Jaeger-LeCoultre. Piguet also uses this movement in their Royal Oak Ultra Thin. All in all, this watch is only 5.5mm thick.
Check out our article on the best ultra-thin watches for men, including the Royal Oak, here.
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Reverso Ultra Thin
This is another very popular rectangular watch. It’s actually reversible, which was a very modern development in 1931 when it was created. The purpose was aimed at polo players who wanted to protect their watches whilst playing.
The Reverso is not actually in production today, but it’s one of the most iconic from the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand. There was a commemoration model released in 2011 to mark the 80th birthday of the watch. This is an ultra-thin watch paying ode to its original version.
It comes in different versions, from quartz to self-winding, in many colours and materials, from the case to the strap.
You can buy a 2011 version at around $4,500 but the range goes well beyond $16,000.
Patek Philippe
Gondolo
Another reasonably new watch, the Gondolo, came out in 1993. It’s Patek Philippe’s offering of an art deco rectangular watch with strong lines and geometric simplicity.
As such, the design is eye-catching and unique. It has a rectangular manually-wound movement inside and a small sub-dial on the face for seconds.
You’ll have to do some research into the rich history of Petek Philippe watches, and you’ll understand the $11,000 and up price tags.
TAG Heuer
Monaco
TAG Heuer was responsible for one of the original automatic chronograph calibres, which they put inside their Carrera, Autavia, and Monaco watches. The latter is still considered a sports chronograph that found fame when worn by Steve McQueen in Le Mans.
Designed to make an impression, this is a performance watch. The Monaco is made of polished stainless steel with a blue dial and dial chronograph sub-dials, with a subtle date display window and bold red hands.
It’s powered by a dependable calibre 11 automatic movement and offers a 40-hour power reserve and 100m water-resistance.
If you’re looking for something with more tech from Tag Heuer, then read more about their smartwatch here.
A Lange and Söhne
Cabaret
This watch hasn’t been in production for some time, but it’s worth noting if we’re looking at the best men’s rectangular watches.
A. Lange & Söhne is known for producing phenomenal watches. All worthy of love and attention from watch collectors.
Inevitably, some watches eventually are forgotten, regardless of their exquisite characteristics, and the Cabaret is one of them. Released in 1997, it’s a delicious rectangular watch carrying a vintage aesthetic. In fact, a rectangular watch in itself is relatively unusual for Lange.
Unlike other brands, Lange constructed a new movement for this watch with German engineering.
You might find a secondhand one for around $25,000.
Bell and Ross
Br03
Bell and Ross is a reasonably young brand compared to others on this list, but they found true success with their BR01 rectangular collection.
The BR03 is a smaller version but has all the same design elements. It’s a modern watch with newer materials used on the dial, case, and bracelet. For example, the black matte version uses heavy rubber and anti-reflective sapphire.
Inside is an automatic movement. You’ll notice different complications on different models; for example, there is a power reserve indicator version and a date window, chronograph and GMT. It’s common to see these watches at 100m water resistance, though this depends on the model’s materials.
You can still purchase a BRO3 today but expect prices around $3,500.
Seiko
Recraft Series Automatic SNKP27
The case of the Seiko Recraft SNKP27 is now a hybrid of square and rectangular shapes. This is due to its retro-inspired casing finish, which is immediately apparent from the name alone.
With huge polished bevels on its sides and lugs, the case contrasts with the brushed upper surface. Aside from the fact that this contributes to a distinctive case form, it also demonstrates Seiko’s attention to detail and craftsmanship in this timepiece.
Watch lovers love the SNKP27’s self-winding automatic movement, which helps to make it so popular. The movement has a power reserve of 41m.
Even though it’s water resistant to 50 metres (165 feet), this is not a watch that one would wear when diving or swimming.
Finally, we have the dial, which is unquestionably the centrepiece of this timepiece. The green or emerald dial is accented with yellow gold to provide a striking visual contrast. In the middle of the dial, there is a “reheat” portion, which is decorated with a variety of patterns and textures. With the dial, it is clear that Seiko has given close attention to every aspect of this timepiece.
Tissot
Heritage Banana Centenary
In addition to being named after a banana, the Tissot Heritage Banana Centenary is a retro-inspired watch. In addition to being somewhat curved, the casing of this device is long and rectangular. Allows for a better fit and comfort on the wrist due to the curvature of the casing The casing is 49mm long, however, it only measures 7mm thick and 27mm wide. Rectangular watches do not have the same level of comfort as circular watches.
Even at first sight, the design has a distinctly retro feel about it. The casing is made of yellow gold, and the dial has spade-shaped hands. Small numbers in the centre of the dial are offset by extremely big numbers on each side of them.
At 30 metres (100 feet), it can withstand the pressure of water. The case’s domed mineral crystal rests on top.
This timepiece exudes refined style and is ideal for formal affairs. It may not be perfect for everyday wear, but when paired with a more formal outfit, it will look fantastic.
Conclusion
That’s our quick lowdown on the ten best men’s rectangular watches. If you’re a person who is looking for serious style, then a rectangular watch will definitely make a statement. If this is your price range, we recommend you head to our article on the best luxury smartwatches for men, which you can find here.
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Last Updated on December 12, 2022
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