buffy acacia
No matter where your watch preferences lie, you can almost guarantee that most watches are round. Given the circular nature of our orbit around the sun, the way sundials cast shadows, and the very way they display time passing, it’s no wonder the vast majority of clocks are the same. . Rectangular and square watches are a big hit everywhere, but they’re still considered a bit of a niche. If you want to shock your customers away, whether for fun or artistic reasons, the easiest way is to distort the case. Asymmetrical watches really took off in the 1950s, but there’s still a niche appreciation for asymmetrical watches today, and we’ve gathered the best examples of asymmetrical watches.
hamilton ventura quartz
Pop culture has the power to define generations, so it doesn’t really matter how luxurious or sophisticated a watch is. Hamilton Ventura is twice legendary in his world. It first became known as the “Elvis Watch” when it appeared on his wrist in the movie Blue Hawaii, and was later worn by an agent of the Men in Black. As if stardom in 1961 and 1997 weren’t enough, the Ventura also enjoys horological acclaim for being the first battery-powered electric watch. Introduced in 1957, Richard Arbib’s design promoted the space-age thinking embodied by the Hamilton Electric movement and worked toward a high-tech future. These days, Ventura comes in a variety of models.both quartz and automatic. Electric movements may have been completely replaced by quartz, but the Ventura’s shape is still exciting. Also available from the Time+Tide shop. Price: $975
zodiac olympus
Horizontal asymmetries are the most frustrating to human consciousness, but vertically asymmetrical shapes are deeply satisfying. The Zodiac Olympus explores its dimensions well, with harsh, swooping shoulders that slope toward the lower lugs. The end result roughly resembles a spider-like figure, or the stingray from which it got its original nickname, “manta ray.” Either way, this is a fascinating watch case originally issued to the Royal Navy in the 1960s. The dial of the Olympus Field variant further enhances its vintage mystique with its grainy texture and smoky color scheme behind the aged luminous numerals. Alternatively, a dressier version is available in yellow gold PVD with an attractive dial to match. Available now from the Time+Tide Shop. Price: $995
SpaceOne polished stainless steel
In the 1950s and ’60s, so much science fiction and futurism entered people’s consciousness that the amorphous, glowing structures of modernist art are closely related to science fiction design. That said, SpaceOne is fully embracing the extraterrestrial angle with their spaceship-inspired watches. The crown looks like a jet engine, the ship’s aerodynamic wings form the rest of the case, and the sapphire crystal opens into the cockpit, which displays the time with a jumping hour complication. While this would still be cool with a quartz movement, SpaceOne boasts an even more old-school feat with its automatic Soprod caliber P024 with a Theo Auflett-built module. They come in a variety of models, including titanium and carbon cases, as well as left-handed versions, but for a Jetsons vibe, my favorite is the polished stainless steel version. Price: 1,500 EUR (~1,630 USD)
Anoma A1
In watchmaking, as in any other art form, inspiration can come from anywhere. The Anoma A1’s sculptural case is inspired by tables designed by Charlotte Perriand in the 1950s. Despite its geometric triangular shape, the A1 combines organic and man-made elements with a stainless steel form finished as smooth as a river-polished stone. The dial opening also does not perfectly match the case silhouette, creating a twisting energy that reflects the movement of the hands over time. Vertical brushing and dark matte finish sectors are interrupted by white clinical stripes for time management. Enhance the space-age vibe inherent in modernist design. Price: £1,300 (~US$1,700)
Toledano & Chan B/1
By now you can see that asymmetry is clearly associated with modernism, but Toledano & Chan B/1 draws inspiration from: a controversial form known as brutalism. More specifically, its intimidating facets were borrowed from the protruding windows of New York City’s Breuer Building, which opened in 1964. With its knife-edge chamfer and strong personality that overcomes the need for branding on the lapis lazuli dial, Toledano & Chan B/1 is one of the most powerful examples of the resurgence of modernism in postmodern watchmaking. One. Also at TimeForArt 2024 auction Amazing version made from solid meteorite. Price: $4,000
Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch
The asymmetry of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is quite subtle, but it has been an essential part of the case design since the pre-Moon reference 105.012 in 1964. The angular, slender profile of the 1957 Trilogy release.the harp lug case design is still in use today. Current Speedmaster Moonwatch. The 42mm case essentially warps slightly to incorporate the crown and pushers, allowing them to be protected without adding unnatural bulk to the silhouette. Its delicacy allows the case to appear symmetrical at first glance, demonstrating how an asymmetrical design can support balance rather than actually working against it. Price: $7,000
Burnelon Mirage 34
Sylvain Berneron’s brand has been in development for the past two years while serving as Breitling’s creative director, with the Mirage 38 being his first release. The hand-wound caliber CH233 was designed with performance in mind, and its shape an afterthought, rather than having a traditional circular movement. And the Mirage’s case and dial have been shaped around it, leaning into the distorted nature without retreating from luxury. The result is a brand new timepiece that truly captures the artistic freedom of the past and proves that elegance can take any form. The new Mirage 34 follows the same concept, with a smaller case and smaller caliber 215, opting for a simple stone dial with tiger eye or lapis lazuli in yellow and white gold, respectively. Price: CHF 48,000 (~USD 55,600)
Time+Tide Timeless Recommendation: Cartier Clash
Frankly, Cartier is the undisputed master of asymmetrical cases. While the Hamilton achieved value for money success in the 50s and 60s, Cartier continues to produce many great models today. I had a hard time choosing between the Cloche and the Tank Asymétrique, but I settled on the Crash as the most iconic model. The first Cartier Clash was released in 1967. Some still believe that its design was based on a watch that was disfigured by the flames of a fiery car crash, but as with some of the best watch stories out there, that may not be true. there is. We know Cartier from Pasha. Don’t be afraid to embellish your origin storybut regardless of the truth, it’s a great watch design. It shook up typical luxury snobbery and ironically became one of the most popular models at luxury auctions, spawning countless references and limited editions. Technically, the Crash is still in production, but strictly as a special order for Cartier, making it one of the most difficult Cartiers to find in retail stores. Price: $100,000+
