Square watches are having a moment. Once an underdog in the world of timepieces, these unconventional designs are finally getting their due, with manufacturers like Patek Philippe, Cartier, and Tag Heuer leading the charge. The recent release of the Patek Philippe Cubitus cemented their return, but this renaissance has been years in the making. From the Cartier Santos to Hublot’s Square Bang Unico, here are the best square-shaped watches to buy right now.
The Cartier Santos line and its variations are easily the most recognisable square watches around. Last year, Cartier introduced the Santos-Dumont Rewind. At first glance, it might seem like it’s only a burgundy version of the watch. However, upon closer inspection, the hour markers come in a counter-clockwise order and interestingly, the watch really operates the opposite way.
Cartier Santos-Dumont Rewind, Price upon request, Cartier
Hermès is not a brand that you would usually associate with when talking about watches. In 2021, Hermès released the H08, a square watch with rounded edges. After a couple of years, Hermès has successfully launched the H08 in four different colours: orange, green, yellow and blue. Currently, the H08 is being offered by Hermès in different versions and colourways. Within just a few years of existence, the H08 has slowly risen up and has already earned the respect of many in the watch industry. More importantly, the watch has found itself on the wrists of some of the most seasoned watch collectors.
Hermès H08, $7,600, Hermès
In 2022, Hublot released a new line of watches called the Square Bang Unico. The watch is clearly an evolution from the famous Big Bang line of the brand. Hublot describes the shape as disruptive and unconventional. When the Square Bang Unico came out, there were strong reactions both in favour of and against the new line. Despite the split public reception, Hublot doubled down and introduced two new 42mm versions of the Square Bang Unico in Magic Gold last year as the brand looks to expand the Square Bang Unico model line.
Hublot Square Bang Unico Magic Gold, $42,700, Hublot
The Patek Philippe Cubitus was only launched on October 2024 and marked the first new collection in Patek Philippe’s catalogue in 25 years. Initially, there were only three models: a time and date in full steel, a time and date in stainless steel and rose gold, and a grand date in platinum. The stainless-steel time and date version of this watch (Ref. 5821/1A) that is expected to be the one with the highest demand, is considered as the spiritual successor to the wildly-popular Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A.
Patek Philippe Cubitus, Price upon request, Patek Philippe
Late last year, Piaget renamed one of its model lines as the Andy Warhol watch due to a partnership with the Andy Warhol Foundation as well as Andy Warhol’s association with the brand. The Andy Warhol watch can be described as a rounded square watch. Along with the renaming, Piaget also debuted a new design interpretation featuring a Clou de Paris pattern on the bezel and a blue meteorite dial.
Piaget Andy Warhol Watch, Price upon request, Piaget
The Tag Heuer Monaco has been an icon for several decades. Departing from the usual blue motif, Tag Heuer released a titanium version of the watch in racing green last year. Beyond the timekeeping functionality, Tag Heuer also made sure that the watch is easy to wear as it is extremely lightweight due to the titanium case. On top of it all, this watch has been tastefully reimagined as can be seen with the classy colour combination.
Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph Racing Green, $9,300, Tag Heuer
