Tom Austin
Despite the fact that watch hands generally have a circular function, we have a rather unusual affinity for watches with four corners. As such, square watches are now part of classic design, and most brands have adopted them at some point to express their own design language. Recently, square watches have been experiencing a bit of a resurgence. This is due to both the popularity of the classics (as was the case with the hit “Hip to be Square,” which inspired the title) and new entrants into the square game. Whether you’re looking for high-end luxury or affordable style, there’s a square watch for everyone. Here are some of our best picks.
Casio G-Shock DW5600
We mentioned affordable style at the beginning, and it doesn’t get more affordable and stylish than a boxy G-Shock (at least if you ask us in the 1980s). There are countless styles and options to choose from, but the basic DW5600, following in the footsteps of the original G-Shock, should be enough for anyone. It’s tough enough to survive being run over by a car, whacked with a hockey stick, or dropped out of a seventh-story window (ask me why), and there’s a reason it’s an icon. Price: $75
Brewmetric
Brew has been doing great things over the past few years. Their quirky 70s-inspired designs have caught the attention of watch fans around the world. One of their most popular releases is the Metric. It’s a compact 36mm integrated bracelet chronograph inspired by 1970s style that subtly incorporates actual functionality into the chronograph. This watch is a fun watch, especially for coffee lovers. The dial is designed so that you can time your perfect coffee shot with the push of a neat chronograph pusher. Brew started releasing different versions of the Metric this year, introducing black, gold, carbon editions, titanium models, and gold or PVD black versions. Buy one for yourself and you’ll see how great it is. And I really love wearing it. Price: $450 USD
Bell & Ross BR03 Black Matte
Described as “professional instruments for extreme professions,” Bell & Ross is proud of its connection to aviation. With cases and dials specifically designed to match the look and feel of vintage airplane instruments, the recently redesigned 41mm BR03 series places a strong focus on legibility and functionality. The Black Matte model best fits this description, with a stealth ceramic case and black dial, in a package with vastly improved proportions compared to its 42mm predecessor. Trust us, every millimeter really does make a big difference. Price: USD 4,100
Nomos Tetra Neomatik 39
Perhaps the squared-off watch on this list, the NOMOS Tetra mixes modern simplicity with a vintage ’50s feel. Born in the town of Glashütte, the heartland of German watchmaking, the Tetra was first launched in 1991 and has been a staple in the NOMOS catalogue, but it’s been upgraded from a simple hand-wound movement to an ultra-thin Neomatik movement. With a 46mm diagonal, you’d think the watch would sit big on the wrist, but at 39mm it fits much better, and at just 7.3mm thick, it’s actually a very compact and understated watch. The dial is typical of NOMOS design language: simple, yet clear and effective. Price: From $3,860 USD
Hermes H08 Fiberglass
Launched in 2021, the H08 attracted attention as the luxury French designer brand entered the market as a sports watch. For a long time, fashion brands have struggled to be taken seriously in the world of luxury watchmaking, but the playful, contemporary design generated a lot of interest. The softly rounded edges of the 39mm square case are made from a sturdy block of fiberglass composite, and coupled with the light-colored rubber strap, the watch is incredibly lightweight. There is also a showcase back that displays the Vaucher movement that powers a simple three-hand watch with date display. The H08 is a unique luxury watch and has established Hermes in the luxury sports watch sector. Price: USD 7,350
Cartier Santos de Cartier
It’s well-known that the Cartier Santos was a pioneer of men’s wristwatches. It all started in 1904 when Louis Cartier made one for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who didn’t want to use a pocket watch while flying. Thus, the Cartier Santos was born, the first pilot’s watch. The design changed with Art Deco influences in the ’20s and ’30s, morphing into its current form and becoming one of the most iconic watches available today. Continuing Cartier’s incredible quality and style, the Santos is beautifully finished and is available in black PVD, steel and precious metal versions, but we recommend this beautiful green one. Price: USD 7,050 (medium), USD 7,750 (large)
TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11
No square watch is more instantly recognizable than the design icon, the Monaco. Launched in 1969 to celebrate the Monaco Grand Prix, this square chronograph became synonymous with motorsports greatness, especially during the glory days of Formula 1. Famously worn by Steve McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans, McQueen’s effortless cool became part of the watch itself, and TAG Heuer continued to use the image for decades to come. The Calibre 11 is a classic, but you can opt for something more high-end if you prefer. Price: USD 8,100
Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date
There’s something special about the 1970s and square-shaped watches, and Glashütte Original has recreated it to perfection with the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date. The dial options are also very impressive, with unique gradient effect greens and blues, or, if you’re feeling daring, the new “Watermelon” and “Swimming Pool” variations. Inside is the automatic caliber 37-02, which is based on GO’s in-house 37-01 and is a column-wheel flyback chronograph built to Glashütte Original’s exceptionally high standards. Price: USD 13,400
Hublot Square Bang Unico Magic Gold
They say “go bold or go left,” and when it comes to Hublot, you have no choice but to go bold. The latest addition to the Square Bang line-up is a high-spec monster, measuring 42mm in the brand’s famously scratch-resistant alloy, Magic Gold. Don’t believe it? Jamie tested it himself. The Square Bang Magic Gold is powered by the HUB1280, a column wheel chronograph movement with flyback function and a 72-hour power reserve, visible through the dial. Price: USD 42,700
