Buying Guide – Squaring the Circle with 6 of the Best Cushion-Shaped Watches of 2017

With their softly rounded square cases and inner round opening, cushion-shaped watches are a sure way to stylishly stand out from the crowd. Masculine and refined, here are 6 high-end cushion shaped watches released in 2017, for those who want to look original, yet stylish.

Vacheron Constantin Historiques Americaine 1921 mid-size

Inspired by a model from 1921 (itself based on a 1919 production for the American market), the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Americaine 1921 is probably one of the most handsome watches the brand has ever made. Its crown is placed in the upper right corner and its dial is also tilted to align the 12 o’clock indication with it. This mid-size version of the model introduced this fall (pre-SIHH) makes it even more elegant. It is powered by the superb VC 4400 manual movement. Sheer dandyism!

Quick facts: 36.25 x 7.25 mm pink gold case – water resistant to 30m – hand-wound calibre 4400 AS with hours, minutes and small seconds. Leather strap with pin buckle – EUR 30,300. Reference: 1100S/000R-B430 – For more information, visit www.vacheron-constantin.com

Glashütte Original Sixties Iconic Square

Launched with the tagline, ‘Hip to be square’, the Glashütte Original Sixties Iconic Square collection takes its design cues from the style and flair of the swinging sixties. Chic, sporty and with just the right amount of preppy, 5 models with colourful dials have been presented this year in a limited run of 25 pieces each. The Sixties Iconic Square is powered by the calibre GO 39-34 with automatic winding.

Quick facts: 41.35 x 41.35 mm steel case – water resistant to 30m – automatic calibre GO 39-34 with hours, minutes, seconds and chronograph. Leather strap with pin buckle – EUR 8,100. 5 limited editions of 25 pieces each: red, ocean, forest, graphite and tangerine – For more information, visit www.glashuette-original.com  

Cartier Drive Extra-flat watch

Watchmaker and Jeweller – From this rich legacy, Cartier owns an unrivalled legacy in creating fascinating shaped watches. A case in point, the Cartier Drive breathes style and elegance. Its slimness and sense of proportion are simply remarkable. The Drive de Cartier extra flat is powered by a hand-wound movement, the calibre 430MC (Cartier’s version of Piaget’s extra-thin 430P calibre).

Quick facts: 38 x 39 mm white gold case – water resistant to 30m – hand-wound calibre 430MC with hours and minutes. Leather strap with pin buckle – CHF 16,500. Reference: WGNM0007 – For more information, visit www.cartier.com

Laurent Ferrier Galet Square Porcelain limited edition

Laurent Ferrier introduced a limited edition based on its superb Galet square collection. An exercise in line and form, the Galet Square case is 41mm x 41mm. This 10-piece limited edition comes with an elegant porcelain dial crafted with exacting attention to details. Powering the Galet Square, the breathtaking calibre FBN 229.01 with micro-rotor is visible through the sapphire caseback.

Quick facts: 41mm x 41mm white gold case – water resistant to 30m – automatic calibre FBN 229.01 with hours, minutes and small seconds. Chronometer certification by the Besançon Observatory. Leather strap with pin buckle – USD 64,000 – For more information, visit www.laurentferrier.ch

Ressence Type 1² Squared

This new Type 1² / Squared keeps what have made Ressence so popular: its unique display based on orbital discs, with each of them displaying a separate indication. Their fantastic ‘beyond hands’ display is now housed in an assertive cushion-shaped case. This dressier, more horological Ressence features a flip-out lever to wind and set the watch.

Quick facts: 41mm steel case – water resistant to 10m – automatic calibre ROCS 1.3 229.01 with hours, minutes, seconds and day of the week indication. Leather strap with pin buckle – CHF 16,000 (ex. taxes) – For more information, visit www.ressencewatches.com

Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar 5940R

The unapologetically elegant, ultra-thin Patek perpetual calendar in a cushion shaped case now comes in pink gold to complement the white gold model. Turn the watch over and the exhibition case back allows to discover the iconic calibre 240 with micro-rotor.

Quick facts: 37mm x 44.6mm pink gold case – water resistant to 30m – automatic calibre 240Q 229.01 with hours, minutes, perpetual calendar, moon-phases and 24h display. Leather strap with pin buckle – CHF 77,000 – For more information, visit www.patek.com