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No timepiece collection is complete without one of the best square watches. The shape isn’t just a fashion trend, it’s a bespoke innovation steeped in history. 100 years after the first round watch was worn on the wrist, Louis Cartier created the Cartier Santos for his fashionable aviator friend, Santos Dumont. The shape was an instant commercial success, proving that the best square face watches can be practical as well as sartorial.
In fact, wearers often find that a square watch sits better on the wrist. There’s also more surface area on the dial for features and complications. And the square has been an obvious shape choice for smartwatches. Now all you’ve got to do is figure out which of the best square watches you need most.
From sporty and retro to elegant and timeless, there are just as many square watch variations as there are for round. Some of them are tasteful collector’s items that transcend time, while others are bargains whose looks belie their price.
Keep scrolling to see 13 of the very best square watches money can buy.
Key Takeaways
A great square watch may have complications and features, but ultimately, its face should feel uncluttered and its design should be nothing short of elegant. If you’re ready to take the leap to square life, make sure you check out the Monofore watch line first, considering its the brand’s specialty it’s pretty clear they know what they’re doing.
From dress watches to sturdy sports watches, these 13 timepieces are some of the best square watch designs around.
Size: 33.0 × 33.0mm | Material: Genuine Shell Cordovan, Stainless Steel, Sapphire Crystal Glass | Movement: Automatic | Water Resistant: Yes
Of all the best square face automatic watches, this one might look the coolest. It’s hard not to adore the large, cherry red dial and sharp angles. Their website describes it as “eye-catching without being flashy,” and I couldn’t agree more. This watch is for the guy with serious taste who isn’t afraid of being a little bit funky.
But the Tetra Neomatik is not without elegance. It’s unbelievably slender and polished by hand, with an in-house-built caliber chronometer. An easy choice from one of the premier watchmakers on the planet.
Size: 36 x 42mm | Material: Stainless Steel, Sapphire Crystal | Movement: LCD | Water Resistant: Yes
Digital watches don’t have to feel clunky or cluttered. In fact, Void’s digital iteration prides itself on its minimalist approach to the modern watch. So you might not find a lot of features, but it’s a solid, well-made choice.
With a handy quick-release strap, this watch is known for feeling comfortable on the wrist, whether you go leather or stainless steel bracelet. There are lots of colors to choose from, but I happen to love the black on black.
Size: 36 x 42mm | Material: Italian Leather, Stainless Steel, Sapphire Crystal | Movement: Japanese Quartz | Water Resistant: Yes
“Designed to be clever, not smart,” the V02 MKII is for the true horologist. It uses three compass needle hands that move around the clock. The color of the hands matches the digit of the same color on the dial. It sounds complex, but it’s not difficult once you get the hang of it.
It’s this retro sort of time reading that is also reflected in its sleek mid-century design. It feels like this watch is harking back to a different time when life was slower and moments felt more meaningful. This is definitely the watch for the nostalgic, conscientious guy who appreciates the “value and passage of time.”
Size: 40mm | Material: Leather, Stainless Steel | Movement: Automatic | Water Resistant: Yes
I love this watch because it looks much more expensive than it actually is. Yet, it comes from a trusted Japanese watch-making brand, so you know you’ve got solid heritage on your side. With beautiful brown leather straps and a striking teal green dial, it’s perfect for the secure, mature man who knows exactly what he wants out of life.
While gold-tone accents and a day-date window feel fancy and slightly laborious, this Seiko watch is completely low maintenance. No battery is ever required.
Additionally, a see-through rectangular caseback makes it feel that much more special. I’ve come to learn that it’s the concealed details of a watch that imbue the wearer with confidence. The Recraft has that.
Size: 48.9 x 42.8 x 13.4mm | Material: Resin, Mineral Glass | Movement: Digital | Water Resistant: Yes
The best square watches know a thing or two about nostalgia, but Casio has the 80s down pat. The 5600 series is super chunky without feeling unnecessarily bulky. Even though this watch is all about functionality over elegance, it’s undoubtedly cool and masculine. I can’t help but think of monster truck tires.
But all that chunk comes with some serious functions that make it perfect for the adventurous and sporty guy. This digital watch boasts advanced stopwatch capabilities, a multi-functional alarm, tons of timers, including countdown, and even comes with an electro-luminescent back glow. Don’t go camping without a Casio.
Size: 33 x 31mm | Material: Stainless Steel, Mineral Crystal | Movement: Eco-Drive | Water Resistant: Yes
Technically a modified tonneau, the Citizen Chandler reads square—and boy, is he a looker. The inky black dial with luminous hour, minute, and second hands pop against the gold tone of the thick stainless steel chain. Here is another watch with lots of bang for minimal buck.
A date feature is the only complication, but its eco-drive technology powered by any kind of light is where the Chandler stands out.
Size: 39mm | Material: Stainless Steel | Movement: Automatic | Water Resistant: Yes
They might as well have included the Tag Heuer Monaco in the Le Mans credits, the movie that made the watch famous, thanks to Steve McQueen, the King of Cool. Here’s another classic with vintage 1970s design. It’s definitely sporty for the guy who loves fast cars and, of course, impeccable design.
It was the first Monaco with in-house Heuer 02 movement and boasts an 80-hour power reserve. Sunray brushed steel with a unique navy-colored face and red hands that pop—it’s simply iconic.
Size: 41-45mm | Material: Fluoroelastomer | Movement: Digital | Water Resistant: Yes
Apple might have plenty of smartwatch iterations on the market, but none look quite as cool as the Series 7. With a display face like a piece of modern art, the numbers seem to drip around the clock. The screen is bigger than earlier models, and of course, it comes in several different attractive color options.
Now for the features because, as you might suspect, there are plenty. Akin to a doctor’s visit sitting on your wrist, this watch can track your heart rhythm, measure your blood oxygen, take your ECG anytime, track your sleep, and keep you mindful (supposedly). It’s even got wireless charging, fitness tracking, and Bluetooth.
Here’s a timepiece that can almost do it all.
Size: 25.5mm | Material: Leather, Stainless Steel, Sapphire Crystal | Movement: Photovoltaic | Water Resistant: Yes
Easily the most recognizable of the best square face watches for men, the Cartier Tank Must is simply iconic. Designed in 1917, the shape was revolutionary at the time and feels just as chic today.
Where the original Cartier Santos is sportier and more robust, the Tank is dressier and perfect for evening. Shining features like roman numerals, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, and diamond beaded crown set make this watch an instant stand-out. Plus, it comes in two different sizes, both small and large.
Size: 41mm | Material: Stainless Steel, Sapphire Crystal | Movement: Automatic Mechanical | Water Resistant: Yes
The best square watches don’t have to be all square. The 05 GMT has a beautiful circular face surrounded by weighty silver for that perfect sporty look. Definitely for the urban dweller and perfect for the guy who knows his way around an airport.
If the first square watch was designed with aviation in mind, then the Bell & Ross design continues that tradition with Super-LumiNova® indices and hands meant to echo onboard flight instruments. It even has a black dial to prevent reflections, just like on a plane.
Size: 45.6 x 27.4mm | Material: Leather, Stainless Steel | Movement: Manual | Water Resistant: Yes
If time is an indicator of success, then the Reverso Tribute by Jaeger-LeCoultre is the king of the best square watches. Designed in 1931 for polo-playing officers in British India, the watch comes with a pretty sweet hinged case that flips over. It may not be a feature you desperately need today, but it’s a nifty detail with elegant functionality.
Gorgeous dauphine hands track hours, minutes, and seconds against a monochrome hunter green dial and matching leather straps. This watch embodies the Art Deco era from which it emerged and is still stylish up to this very moment.
In terms of a luxury investment piece, you’re looking at it. One seriously gorgeous watch for a man of excellent taste.
Size: 45mm | Material: Black PVD Stainless Steel, K1 Hardened Mineral Glass | Movement: Automatic Seiko | Water Resistant: Yes
It’s easy to think of Rolex when it comes to affordable luxury, but don’t overlook Seven Friday. Launched in 2012, the Zurich-based brand has taken on that moniker, coming up with some seriously unique watch designs that look pretty sick. Clearly, others think so as well. Their niche designs are trendy and sell out fast.
The T3/03 is a beautiful, intricate square watch with four layers of construction on its dial, including a semi-transparent sun lens with flash treatment. Against the blue, you’ll notice a gunmetal brushed minute ring and an opalin blue outer dial ring.
Of all the best square watches, this one falls on the sportier side of things right down to the perforated leather straps, akin to diver straps.
Size: 41 x 30mm | Material: Leather, Stainless Steel, Domed Mineral Galss | Movement: Seiko Japanese Quartz | Water Resistant: Yes
Entirely clean and uncluttered from complications, the Monofore M01 combines subtle modernity with classic style. Sleek gold indexes and a matte finish white dial is perfect for the minimalist who is unwilling to sacrifice sophistication. Nor should they.
Here, all of the modern details add up to make one seriously appealing watch. A curved dial pleases the eye, while domed glass eliminates shadow. Though there’s something appealing about the navy leather straps, it does come with the option to snag alternate colored straps.
For an under $300 price tag, this watch feels like a no-brainer.
What To Look For In The Best Square Watches For Men
Features
Additional features matter insofar as you need them. Beyond telling the time, many of the best square watches indicate the date. Like the Casio 5600 series, they might contain tons of time-telling features or keep track of your health, like a smartwatch. First, figure out your needs and go from there. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a square watch just because it’s attractive.
Size
I hate to say that size matters, but it definitely does when it comes to the best square watches.
Choosing the right sized watch for your wrist is critical for style as much as it is for comfort. Some watches are naturally larger, like the Glashütte Tetra Neomatik, while others, like the Cartier Tank, come in more than one size. If possible, measure your wrist against the watch’s measurements or try one on at a store.
Movement
Movement matters because it indicates how much work you’ll have to do to keep it wound. Automatic is an obviously easy choice, as it requires no work. Some watches, like the Citizen Chandler, are powered by light.
Final Verdict
The best square watches combine timeless elements with modern innovation, like the Monofore M01. The dial on the Monofore M01 is clean for a vintage feel, but the glass is domed on top to prevent shadow, a decidedly modern element.
All of the watches here come from tried and true brands delivering all of the little details your ideal square watch might need.
FAQ
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Men can absolutely wear square watches just as easily as women. In fact, the first square watch was designed for a man by Cartier. A square watch is a chic choice for men interested in watches.
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There is a certain level of sophistication in wearing a square watch. Really, it depends on the type of watch. Sporty square watches aren’t dressy, but elegant styles from Cartier, Monofore, and Citizen are perfect for fancy occasions.
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Due to their dimensions, a square watch will ultimately wear larger on the wrist than a round watch. However, some square watches are thinner and more slender than others and come in sizes that are perfect for small to medium-sized wrists.
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Rachel Cascella is an in-house writer at Fashion Beans with 14 years of experience in the fashion industry, balancing her knowledge of cutting-edge trends with a penchant for truly timeless style.