The 10 Best Rectangular Watches For Men
This wiki has been updated 14 times since it was first published in July of 2018. There is something distinguished about a rectangular watch. Perhaps it's that it deviates from the circular norm, or maybe it's the fact that it has a very clean and sharp appearance rooted in the early days of wristwatches. Whatever the case, we found a variety of models to suit most men, ranked here by the quality of their movements, their versatility, special features, and style. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. If you'd like to contribute your own research to the Wiki, please get started by reviewing this introductory video.
1. Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph
2. Longines Dolcevita Black
3. Jaeger Le-Coutre Reverso
Editor's Notes
September 12, 2019:
For one reason or another, rectangular watches took an enormous dip in popularity among men, making a revival only in the past few years as brands like Cartier and Jaeger Le-Coutre reminded the world of their greatness, and as newcomers like Richard Mille have brought renewed interest to the shape. Still, many of the rectangular models on the market that are designed for men harken back to an age when this kind of watch was common on male wrists. That's why you'll see classic design elements like the roman numerals on the Cartier and Longines models, or the art deco elegance on the JLC Reverso.
For the most part, due largely to these specific design elements, rectangular watches are often intended as dress pieces, serving their owners with little more than a display of the hour. Some pieces, however, have attempted rather successfully to integrate an undeniable level of sportiness to the shape, as is the case with Nomos, Heuer, and Bell & Ross models on our list. It's interesting to note, however, that not one of these models is strictly rectangular — the Nomos and Heuer models are essentially squares, and the B&R has a round dial housed in a square face.
A lot of the models on our old list have been replaced, and this is largely due to a specific ethos by which this particular writer lives and dies: If a watch company also makes underwear, you don't want their clock on your wrist. In other words: avoid fashion brands. When there are plenty of better watches around the same (and admittedly plenty well above) price points offered by the likes of Guess, Calvin Klein, etc., there's no excuse not to make an investment in a company that cares about horology.
4. Nomos Tetra Neomatik
5. Bell & Ross Aviation
6. Cartier Tank Francaise
7. Oris Automatic 20FC
8. Orient Classic Automatic
9. Circa Blue CT125T
10. Citizen Eco-Drive 58E
Daniel Imperiale holds a bachelor’s degree in writing, and proudly fled his graduate program in poetry to pursue a quiet life at a remote Alaskan fishery. After returning to the contiguous states, he took up a position as an editor and photographer of the prestigious geek culture magazine “Unwinnable” before turning his attention to the field of health and wellness. In recent years, he has worked extensively in film and music production, making him something of a know-it-all when it comes to camera equipment, musical instruments, recording devices, and other audio-visual hardware. Daniel’s recent obsessions include horology (making him a pro when it comes to all things timekeeping) and Uranium mining and enrichment (which hasn’t proven useful just yet).