If a watch only satisfies the need for timekeeping on one side, or traditional watches have completely retired today, but in fact, the representativeness of certain classic series designs has stood the test of time. These traditions also record unique histories, symbolizing different attitudes towards life. In addition to wearing for style, they are also very valuable for collection. This time, let’s focus on 5 watches with square lines, exploring the era-spanning charm of intellectual design.
Cartier Tank: Breaking the Mold with Inspiration from World War I
Since 1917, during the First World War, the brand’s founder Louis Cartier was inspired by the Renault FT-17 tank, a symbol of French strategic innovation at the time, and designed and released the first Tank watch. The new square shape, along with the sapphire crown, broke away from the luxurious jewelry watches of the Victorian era for women and the curved shapes of later men’s watches.
In fact, to this day, the Tank watch has evolved into many square series, among which the entry-level hot Tank Must, with a stainless steel case and black leather strap, has a classic recognizable appearance with a sleek sense of fashion.
(Left) CARTIER Tank Must Watch (Small Size) HK$21,900 (right photo @ EliseAy)
CHANEL Première Place Vendôme in the sunlight
“Première” itself means “first,” and the Première series launched in 1987 is indeed Chanel’s first watch. The design features a unique octagonal dial, paying homage to the Place Vendôme in Paris, which has deep roots with Gabrielle Chanel during the founding of Chanel. However, the dial alone is not enough to explain the special incorporation of architectural art, as the hour and minute hands on the dial, like the columns in the center of the Vendôme Square, cast shadows in the sunlight. Does this make you think of experiencing the passing days while being there?
To this day, the dial materials and strap choices of the Première series have evolved with the times, but the simple dial and clean octagonal lines still embody Gabrielle Chanel’s emphasis on simplicity and elegance.
CHANEL PREMIÈRE VELOURS watch HKD 38,800 (right photo from Instagram@ wonlog)
Hermès Cape Cod Famous Work X Nautical Romance
The Cape Cod watch series, launched in 1991, was originally derived from a famous Chaine d’Ancre bracelet from the 1930s by HERMÈS. The inspiration from the anchor chain connecting the hull and anchor extended from the bracelet to the watch, named after the famous beach resort Cape Cod on the east coast of the United States, truly embodies the relaxed and romantic maritime vacation vibe.
Until 1998, during the peak of Cape Cod’s popularity, designers introduced the Double Tour watch strap, which, along with the series of interchangeable straps, allows for strap changes at any time, adding a playful and fashionable charm to the classic style.
(left photo from Instagram@sui.)(right) Hermès Cape Cod watch (31mm) HK$ 24,600
JAEGER-LECOULTRE Reverso: Inspired by Polo Sports
In addition, it is also worth mentioning the JAEGER-LECOULTRE Reverso series with a reversible watch dial function under a rectangular silhouette. As early as 1930, a Swiss businessman named César de Trey, who dealt in high-end watches, was invited by his British army friend stationed in India to solve the problem of how wristwatches could withstand the intense collisions of polo matches during a business trip to India. He then came up with the idea of creating a reversible watch case and commissioned Jacques-David LeCoultre, who took over the LeCoultre watch factory and family business, to produce the Reverso reversible series watches.
Since its introduction in 1931, the Reverso has evolved into various series, including the Reverso One flip series, with a slender case design that highlights the charm of elegant women on delicate wrists.
JAEGER-LECOULTRE Reverso One HK$47,900
RALPH LAUREN pays tribute to equestrian tradition
Ralph Lauren, as early as 1967, paid tribute to equestrian sports by naming the brand Polo, in honor of the equestrian tradition. The Stirrup series, which debuted in 2009, features a unique stirrup-shaped case design, giving it a square watch a clean and tough feel, while also exuding an elegant taste with smooth lines. The strap also embodies the spirit of equestrian sports, with leather straps fixed to the top of the case and strap, presenting the shape of a saddle, even the buckle is designed in the shape of a stirrup. If paired with a saddle brown leather strap, it will more consistently reveal the beauty of equestrian sports.
