Venture slightly outside of the round and oval shaped watches and tap into the arena of rectangular faces – which often sits better on the wrists and provides more room for functional and aesthetics features. This week, we’ve put together five of our picks that you wouldn’t want to miss!
Parisian Elegance
For the fashionistas out there, Chanel’s BOY·FRIEND watch is another stylish staple that can’t go wrong.
Lines between the masculine and feminine styles blurred, the Boy-Friend X-RAY / Calibre 3 watch, in a limited edition of 100, presents a universally appealing timepiece that is both functional and statement-making.
The fully revealed, manual-winding mechanical masterpiece is housed in a sapphire case and bezel, featuring an 18K white gold crown set with 5 baguette-cut diamonds for maximum impact. It comes with interchangeable shiny black alligator patterned calfskin strap and 18K white gold triple-folding buckle, to match with the highly refined design of the prestigious French Maison.
Good Old 70’s
The vintage glamor of the 1970s is given a contemporary update by Glashütte Original. While paying tribute to the retro-futuristic style of the 1970s, the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date is powered by an elaborate, automatic winding and flyback function.
The chronograph comes in two iterations: one with yellow varnish and another one in turquoise-black with dégradé effect, and are limited to 100 pieces each. Both of them come with an automatic movement and a compact column-wheel switch, which guarantees a high degree of precision and reliability as you rock that throw-back look!
Perfect Keepsake
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso was originally launched in 1931 as a watch for polo players – one that the dial can be smoothly concealed when the case is reversed, to reveal a back that completely protects the face of the watch and could withstand an intense polo match.
A series of Tribute models was born in 2016, as stylistic nods to the code of the original Reverso. This year, the Reverso Tribute Small Seconds comes in green and is paired with a matching calf leather strap, crafted by Casa Fagliano. The colorway is reminiscent of the pine forests that surround the Manufacture’s home in the Vallée de Joux.
In keeping with the Reverso tradition, the solid metal back of the reversible case is an ideal canvas for a personalized engraving, which can be hidden or turned over, as an accessory with a unique story to tell. What’s the most heart-warming message you would like to wear on your wrist?
Sporty Encounter
The list of stunning rectangular wrist watches would not be complete without mentioning the first square and water-resistant automatic chronograph in the history of Swiss watchmaking. The 1969-Heuer Monaco took the horology world by storm, when it was worn on the wrist of Steve McQueen in the film “Le Mans” in 1971, as he steered the famous Gulf-Porsche 917K.
In collaboration with Gulf Oil International, TAG Heuer presents The Monaco Gulf 2018 Special Edition. Powered by the automatic TAG Heuer Calibre 11, the 39 by 39 mm steel watch is distinguished by details that are instantly recognized by automotive enthusiasts: the blue and orange stripes on the dial, the diamond-polished horizontal hour indices, the inscribed vintage Heuer logo, and of course, the Gulf logo at 6 o’clock.
The piece is completed by an exquisite petroleum blue leather strap with contrasting orange topstitching, for an elegant look that embraces the Gulf element any sporty souls would thoroughly enjoy.
Playful Touches
If you’re still not completely convinced by the squared-off interpretations, why not start with a cushioned case – a hybrid that stays true to the familiar simplicity while giving the geometric lines a shout-out.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin is giving its historic American 1921 a centennial take. The avant-garde timepiece comes in three new variations: two white gold models and a 100-piece Collection Excellence Platine Limited Edition.
The cushion-shape case, which has now become a genre of its own, houses the in-house Calibre 4400 AS movement with a 65-hour power reserve. The atypical diagonal display and an off-center crown also adds a fun twist to the century-old heritage. With its 36.5mm case, the American 1921 fits even the slimmest of wrists. The slender silhouette is perfect for those who prefer more of an understated look.
Make your way to Harbour City now, to try on in person these stunning timepieces that would complement any outfit that your heart desires.
