Square Watch Collection: Enthusiast Guide

jlux · 2021-08-06T12:25:24Z

Explore the allure of square and rectangular watches with jlux's personal collection featuring Bulgari Octo Finissimo, Cartier Santos, and Rado True Square. Discover community insights on design, wearability, and unique references.

jlux

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

36 replies6675 views7 photos

In a market saturated with round timepieces, jlux, also known as Gerard, challenges the norm by showcasing his affinity for square and rectangular watches. His original post delves into the unique appeal and wearability of these distinct shapes, highlighting several pieces that defy conventional wrist aesthetics. Gerard's exploration offers a fresh perspective for collectors considering adding a non-circular watch to their collection.

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While the market is dominated by round watches,I always had a sweet spot for square and rectangular watches.

Unfortunately many (most) of these watches are not a good fit for my wrist;some great designs like the Tag Heuer Monaco,JLC Reverso,Hermes CarréH,PP Gondolo or the B&R watches just refuse to sit comfortably or aesthetically pleasing on my wrist.

I nevertheless found a few watches that fulfill all of my needs.

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo is a delight to wear with it's ultrathin case : a real horological highlight inside and outside.

And the Ti case almost weights nothing!

The Cartier Santos is one of my all-time favorite watch designs: the latest grey version ticks all of my boxes and is super comfortable on the wrist.

A very elegant and versatile watch !

The last one may be a surprise to many as we do not discuss very often the brand Rado.

During the last decades they have however created a few remarkable square watch designs (like the Sintra or Ceramica) and have now as a new highlight the "True Square" model line of which my version is a special edition created in common with the Japanese design studio YOY,named "Undigital",and which is stripped down to the bare essential.

Case and bracelet in matte ceramic with great proportions and extremely comfortable on the wrist.

And powered by probably the best "base" movement currently available : the ETA C07.

Thanks for looking,

Gerard

Key Points from the Discussion

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo, while lauded by the author, receives mixed opinions from the community, with some finding its design philosophy of transitioning from octagonal to round to be aesthetically 'lost in the middle'.
The Rado True Square, particularly the 'Undigital' edition, is praised for its innovative design and comfortable ceramic construction, with one contributor recalling the brand's early scratch-resistant models from decades past.
Square and rectangular watches are seen as a statement of individuality, pushing boundaries and reflecting a 'fresh thinker' compared to the traditional round shape, which is often associated with historical pocket watches and practicality.
The Cartier Santos is a recurring favorite, with its classic design appealing to many, though some are drawn more to smaller vintage references.
The Rado True Square Tej Chauhan Edition is highlighted as another example of bold, playful design in square watches, suggesting a need for more vibrant and unconventional pieces in the horological scene.
One collector expresses a desire for an automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso or a Panerai with a display case back to complete a collection, indicating specific preferences within the square/rectangular watch category.
The Patek Philippe Gondolo is considered a significant investment, with long waiting times and the potential for it to become a generational heirloom rather than a personal daily wearer.

The Discussion

piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1)

Aug 6, 2021

I didn't know that Rado

Own the OF, which belongs to the unlimited list of integrated steel (or other metal) bracelet. That Rado looks really really cool

jlux

Aug 6, 2021

This Rado was also a discovery to me.

When I saw it however I could not resist....

Watchonthewrist

Aug 6, 2021

I do like square watches . Don’t own a lot tbh

jlux

Aug 6, 2021

Wow,these are some funky cool watches!!

For most I did not even know they existed.

Jay (Eire)

Aug 6, 2021

That Rado looks very nice.

To me the aesthetic is super clean. Would love to see one in person. Re “squares”, yes. I’m a fan too. The Octo for me is the most appealing of the bunch, there’s just a whole lot to like from the design, to the metal and therefore feel on the wrist. The Santos appeals too. Although I’ve been drawn more to the smaller vintage pieces.

Aug 6, 2021

I really like the Rado. It is a masterclass of design.