Watch cases and dials come in all different shapes and sizes. Of course, among the most common are circular, rectangular and square dial shapes. However, there are many other alternatives on the market that are perhaps overshadowed by these more classic silhouettes. Because they are so rare, a more quirky case shape is a great way to stand out from the crowd. Moreover, it instantly makes a statement that is difficult to not catch the eye. Besides, who doesn’t like a bit of novelty in their wristwear to shake things up? To inspire you to inject some abstractness into your watch collection, we have put together a list of our top 5 alternative watch case shapes.
Our Top 5 Alternative Watch Case Shapes for 2023
Angular Triangular: Guess Women’s Rose Gold Triangular Dial Brown Leather Strap GW0548L2
The first shape on our list is the classic triangle. Despite it seeming like an impractical choice, a triangular case and display work surprisingly well. This is particularly true when paired with a minimalistic dial design, like on this Guess model. Its rose gold dial has no indices and features only its central hour, minute and second hands. Framing the triangular-shaped dial is a matching rose-gold plated stainless steel case, which gives the watch a warm feel. As the shape itself makes an impact, the size of the case is kept to 34mm in diameter so that it sits comfortably against the wrist. Finishing the model is a brown leather strap that fastens with a standard rose gold-plated buckle. For an affordably elegant way to introduce a different case shape to your collection, this Guess watch is a perfect choice.
Triangular Twist: Hamilton Ventura Quartz Watch Black Dial Flexible Bracelet H24301131
Perhaps one of the most well-loved alternative watch case shapes on our list is Hamilton’s Ventura. Worn by Elvis Presley in the 1950s, the Ventura collection boasts an effortlessly edgy triangular shape case. However, unlike the Guess model, the cases on the Venturas are angled slightly more abstractly and feature rounded edges. Additionally, the case is also stepped to add some supporting detail to the design.
This particular Ventura features a 32mm high-quality gold PVD stainless steel case and a matching gold stainless steel bracelet. Inspired by the original mid-century collection, this Ventura also revives the brand’s ‘Flex’ bracelet style. The dial also echoes these roots. Against a clean black background, slim baton indices are punctuated with gold dots and match the three central hands. As an added touch, there is a zigzag detailing to tie the rest of the abstract design together. Protecting the dial is a mineral crystal, which helps to seal in the model’s 50 metres of water resistance. Beneath the dial’s surface, an F05.111 calibre battery-powered quartz movement powers the watch. Unique but a fan-favourite, the Ventura is the perfect luxury alternative to a standard-shaped watch.
Heart-shaped Sweetness: Olivia Burton Meant To Bee Rose Gold Heart-Shaped Case OB16MC72
An adorable alternative to the standard watch case shape is the heart shape. Epitomising the sweetly feminine nature of this shape is Olivia Burton’s Meant To Bee in rose gold. Measuring just 22mm in width, the rose gold plated case forms the shape of a heart and frames the iridescent mother-of-pearl dial. Adorning the petite dial are two rose gold hands, three crystal-set indices, and a tiny rose gold bee at the 12 o’clock position. Tying the design together is a slim rose gold stainless steel mesh bracelet. The Meant To Bee’s dainty and delightful silhouette makes it the perfectly petite alternative to the standard women’s watch.
Traditional Tonneau: LONGINES Evidenza Automatic Women’s Watch L21424706 L2.142.4.70.6
The tonneau is the rectangular case’s antiquated distant relative. Popularised in the 1920s, the nostalgic shape lives on through modern-day collections such as Longines’s Evidenza line. Although the Evidenza collection takes its inspiration from a historical 1925 Longines model, the brand has been using the tonneau shape since 1911.
Following an all-over silver colour scheme, this Evidenza model features a silver stainless steel case, bracelet, and dial. In classic Longines fashion, the materials used to craft this Evidenza model are of the highest quality. For example, its sapphire crystal shields the dial from damage and is scratch-resistant. Moreover, details such as the blue Roman numerals and the three blued-steel hands also support the watch’s luxurious feel. Other features include an end-of-life indicator, a date display, and an L592 calibre automatic movement with a 45-hour power reserve. With all of its sumptuous assets, we highly recommend this Longines Evidenza for a more traditional-looking alternative.
The Soft Square or the ‘Pebble’: Bering Pebble Polished Blue Deep Blue Dial Recycled Blue Strap 18040-397
The last contender on our list puts an abstract spin on the square-shaped case. Its slightly asymmetrical design features rounded edges that give it an organic ‘pebble’ shape. Using this as its namesake, our favourite example of this case shape is the Bering Pebble.
Mastering the look of unintentional elegance, the organic case shape of the Bering Pebble has been carefully crafted from stainless steel. It measures 36mm in diameter and is 6mm thick, meaning that it creates quite a statement on the wrist. Reinforcing its natural roots, this particular model features a deep blue colour scheme that extends over the entire design. To accent this colour scheme, two silver hands stand out against the sunray blue dial. Also in silver, these are accompanied only by the brand’s name at the 3 o’clock position. Sealing the dial is a scratch-resistant sapphire glass, which provides optimal protection. Another excellent use of materials on the Pebble is the #tide recycled ocean plastic NATO-style strap. In line with the rest of the design, the strap is also deep blue in colour. Finally, powering the watch is a reliable quartz movement.
That concludes our top 5 alternative case shapes list for today. Are there any that caught your eye? Let us know below! If not, we have plenty of other alternative case shapes available on our website here.
