We’ve spoken previously about what goes on behind the watch face and how a watch runs, but have you ever given any thought to the watch case shapes? What does it mean if a watch is round or square? What does Tonneau mean? Which watch shape is currently in vogue? We’ll discuss that, and more.
Some people feel that a watch says a lot about a person. Not just the quality of the watch, but the color, the shape, and the size. You will want to choose a watch that feels right for you, and many people have rotating watches that they wear for different occasions or events and with different outfits. Luxury watches are not the same as sports watches, and you may be in need of a waterproof watch if you spend a lot of time underwater. Watchmakers are artists with a vision who imagine what a watch will look like on the wearer, and what features will be the most useful. But some watch shapes are just revolutionary. You will want to know the ‘why’ of the timepiece you have on your wrist.
Round Watches
Round watches are a pretty obvious choice, considering the watch display itself is round. It also works in harmony with the round gears that are stored inside the watch. But was it always this way? In the 17th century when “clock watches” evolved from being worn around the neck or pinned to clothing to the more convenient pocket watch, the shape changed into a round form. It was easier than having to constantly pull something with sharp edges out of your pocket. Round watches also evolved when waterproof watches became popular in the 1920’s, as a circular watch is the most practical and efficient at evenly distributing pressure to avoid cracking, therefore the most water resistant. Round watches are the most common watch shape you’ll find today. But just because it’s conventional doesn’t mean you won’t find something unique to fit your particular style.
Square Watches
Wristwatches were not popularized until the early 1900’s. Women would wear watches on their wrists more as jewelry than to tell time. The first men’s wristwatch was invented in 1904, when Alberto Santos-Dumont needed a better way to tell time while flying. Santos, the first European to achieve sustained flight, approached his friend, the famous French watchmaker Louis Cartier, and Cartier invented a square wristwatch, now the extremely popular Cartier Santos-Dumont.
Although square watches were more popular in the early to mid-20th century, you’ll still find square shape watches today. Square is a statement watch, often found on dress watches and square shape ladies watches. Square shapes also became popular in the 70’s as sport watches and can now be found on many Smartwatches. Square is definitely different and will stand out amongst the more common round watches.
Rectangle Watches
Rectangle watches first appeared in 1917, when Louis Cartier was inspired by the shape of the Renault tanks used in WWI, after he saw overhead photographs of them in the newspaper. Despite their brutish war-inspired namesake, the first rectangle watch, nicknamed the “Tank”, was very elegant and refined. After Cartier gifted the first Tank watch to American General John Pershing, the watch became very popular. Cartier kept their numbers low to keep the watch exclusive, but many watch manufacturers of that era adopted the rectangular shape, and its popularity grew. It was especially embraced during the Art Deco era. Today, rectangle watches are still very popular, especially as dress watches. The rectangular shape watch is an enduring icon of a bygone era.
Polygon Shape Watches
Entering into the unusual watch shape territory, the Hexagon Watch- a watch shape with six sides (for those who can’t recall 3rd grade geometry), is pretty unique. Hex watches are favored for their interesting shape that definitely stands out, and the fact that it makes it much easier to tell time. A 6-sided watch with 6 corners creates 12 sides for each hour, making telling time by glancing at your watch that much quicker. It also looks cool.
The octagon shape watch was invented by Gérald Genta, a Swiss watch designer. He was approached in 1971 on the eve of the annual Baselworld watch and jewelry Fair by the watch manufacturers Audemars Piguet. Quartz watches were gaining popularity, putting the more classic Swiss mechanical watches out of business. Audemars Piguet wanted a design that would take the world by storm. They asked Genta to design a steel sports watch of luxury quality. They needed it by the next day. Genta created the Royal Oak, a beautiful steel luxury sports watch designed after the deep sea diving helmet which had 8 sides. This watch was revolutionary and completely unique. The Royal Oak is still a very popular watch today.
If you’re looking for something a little different, or want a watch that’s unique and eye-catching, go for a polygon shape watch.
Oval Shape Watches
Oval watches are more popular for women, as the bands are usually thinner and more elegant. They also compliment the wearer’s wrists. But oval watches are designed for men as well as women, in a variety of styles-vertical, horizontal, thin or wide, on a bracelet or on a strap. Oval watches are refined and classic, elevating the wearer. Though many oval watches are high quality luxury watches, you can also find attractive oval watches that are affordable for everyday wear.
Tonneau Shape Watches
Tonneau means barrel in French, as the tonneau watch shape resembles a barrel. A tonneau watch shape looks like a rectangle with rounded sides. Another watch created by Cartier, the tonneau is the perfect balance between a round and square watch and designed to contour to the wearer’s wrist. Originally worn by wealthy people attending soirées, it is now a dressy watch for people who want to stand out. It is worlds different than round or square watches and makes a bold statement. Now no longer exclusive to dress watches, you can find sports watches with the tonneau shape as well.
Heart Shape Watches
Heart shaped watches are whimsical and more fashionable than practical. You will often find them adorned to bangles or bracelets, and are more likely to find them as women’s watches than men. If you want something cute and fashionable that will add to your outfit, or perhaps you are looking for something to gift on Valentine’s day, look no further than a heart shaped watch. Some have crystals surrounding the watch face, or other elegant unique touches. You’ll find many different stylish heart shaped watches to add to your collection.
Triangular Watches
Triangle shape watches are very Avant-Garde and a sure conversation starter at a party. Some people choose unusual watch shapes because they want to stand out, or simply because it appeals to them. For a watch that is modern, trendy and fashionable, go for a triangle wristwatch.
There are many more weird or unique watch shapes that are often created just for the novelty of it. Some of these can sit in museums. But for the average wearer who is just looking for something timeless, pun intended, be sure to browse the Ashford collection now that you know all about watch shapes, to find the perfect watch that speaks to your unique style.
