9 of the best square watches singing along to Huey Lewis and the News

Tom Austin

Despite the function of a watch’s hands generally following a circular trajectory, we do have quite an unusual affinity for watches with four corners – so much so that the square watch is now a classic piece of design, and one that most brands at some point have turned towards to interpret their own design language at some point. More recently, four-sided watches are seeing somewhat of a resurgence, both in popularity of the classics (also applicable to the title’s inspiration, the hit Hip to be Square), and with some newcomers to the quadrilateral game. Whether it’s high-end luxury or affordable style you’re after, there’s a square watch for everyone. Here are some of our best picks.

Casio G-Shock DW5600

I mentioned affordable style in the intro, and you can’t get any more affordable and stylish (at least if you ask the 1980s) than a square G-Shock. There’s a myriad of styles and options to pick from, but the basic DW5600 that follows in the footsteps of the first-ever G-Shock should be good enough for anyone. Tough enough to survive being run over, hit with a hockey stick, or dropped from a seventh story window (ask me how I know), it’s an icon for good reason. Price: US$75

Brew Metric

The past couple of years have been awesome for Brew, with its quirky, ’70s-inspired designs capturing attention from watch fans all over the globe. One of the most popular releases has to be the Metric – a compact, 36mm integrated bracelet chronograph inspired by the style of the 1970s and somehow, subtly including some actual functionality into a chronograph. Using the watch is fun too, especially if you like coffee; the dial is laid out to be able to time a perfect coffee shot once you hit the tidy chronograph pusher. Brew began rolling out different versions of the Metric this year, with an introduction of a black, gold and carbon edition, along with a titanium model, and gold or PVD black version. You know it’s good when I went and bought one myself, and I must say, I absolutely love wearing it. Price: US$450

Bell & Ross BR03 Black Matte

Described as “professional instruments for extreme professions”, Bell & Ross prides itself on aeronautical connections. With the case and dials designed specifically to suit the look and feel of the instruments in vintage aeroplanes, the recently redesigned 41mm BR03 series focuses on legibility and function. The Black Matte model suits this description best, with a stealthy ceramic case and black dial, all in a package with much improved proportions when compared to its 42mm predecessor. Trust me, the millimetre really makes a difference. Price: US$4,100

Nomos Tetra Neomatik 39

Probably the squarest of square watches in this list, the Nomos Tetra is a mix of modern simplicity with some vintage ’50s touches. Hailing from the town of Glashütte, the epicentre of German watchmaking, the Tetra, first launched in 1991, is a staple in the Nomos catalogue, but now upgraded from its simple manual winding movement with the ultra-thin Neomatik. At 46mm diagonally, you’d think the watch would wear massively on the wrist, however it wears much more like the 39mm suggests, and being just 7.3mm thick, it’s actually quite a compact and subtle piece. The dial is typical of the Nomos design language – simple, yet clear and effective. Price: starting from US$3,860

Hermès H08 Glass Fibre

Unveiled in 2021, the H08 became the luxury French designer brand’s sports watch entry into the market, and raised some eyebrows. For a long time, fashion brands have struggled to be taken seriously in the world of luxury watchmaking, but the playful contemporary design sparked some significant interest. The softly rounded edges of the square 39mm case are crafted from a solid block of glass fibre composite, coupled with brightly coloured rubber straps that mean this watch is incredibly lightweight. There’s even an exhibition caseback showcasing the Vaucher movement inside, powering the simple three-hander with date complication. The H08 is a unique, luxury timepiece and has established Hermès in the luxury sports watch sector. Price: US$7,350

Cartier Santos de Cartier

It’s a well-known fact that the Cartier Santos was one of the first men’s wristwatches ever created, dating back to 1904 when Louis Cartier made a wristwatch for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who disliked using a pocket watch while flying. Thus, the Cartier Santos was born, making it the first pilot’s watch. The design experienced Art Deco changes through the ’20s and ’30s, morphing into more or less what we have today, and it’s become one of the most iconic watches available. Carrying Cartier’s fantastic levels of quality and style, the Santos is beautifully finished and available in black PVD, steel and precious metal versions – but our pick is this gorgeous green. Price: US$7,050 (medium), US$7,750 (large)

TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11

An icon of design, there’s no square watch more instantly recognisable than a Monaco. Launched in 1969 in honour of the Monaco Grand Prix, this square chronograph became synonymous with the wonders of motorsport, especially back in the glory days of Formula 1. Famously worn by Steve McQueen for the 1971 film Le Mans, McQueen’s effortlessly cool demeanour almost became part of the watch itself, with TAG Heuer using the images for decades onwards. The Calibre 11 is the classic, but you can opt for something decidedly more high-end if you so wish. Price: US$8,100

Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date

There seems to be something about the 1970s and square watches, and Glashütte Original has captured it perfectly with the Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date. The dial options are pretty striking too, with a unique dégradé effect green or blue, or even the new “Watermelon” or “Swimming Pool” variations, if you’re feeling daring. Inside features the automatic Calibre 37-02, based on GO’s in-house 37-01, and is a column wheel flyback chronograph, made to Glashütte Original’s exceptionally high standards. Price: US$13,400

Hublot Square Bang Unico Magic Gold

“Go big or go home”, they say, and if you’re going for a Hublot, you can only go big. The latest offering in the Square Bang line-up is a tech-spec monster, coming in at 42mm of solid Magic Gold, the brand’s well-known, scratch-proof alloy. Don’t believe us? 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: US$42,700