Round watches are enough: the rise of triangular watches

Most watches are round: a round case, a round dial and a whole lot of round mechanical parts beneath. But lately some famous names have started to bend the rules. Harry Styles wore a Cartier Tank Louis, Connor Storrie pulled a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso out at a fashion show, and rectangular dress watches are no longer questioned on the red carpet. According to a GQ article, the next thing is triangles.

Watches of this kind are rare on the market, but the good examples make a strong case. The Anoma A1, with its rounded triangular case inspired by a free-form table Charlotte Perriand designed in the 1950s, is cited as the best recent example. The Angles Triscope and the Nectere Eclipse are also mentioned.

What really caught my attention were the pioneers. Richard Arbib's Hamilton Ventura appeared in 1957 as the world's first electric wristwatch, and nearly 70 years later it still looks futuristic. In the same period Gilbert Albert designed the triangular Patek Philippe ref. 3412. Made in 18-carat gold, only a handful of these watches were produced.

So why did the circle win? The experts in the article say it is simply because it works: a circle is symmetrical, easy to make, fits naturally with a circular mechanism and is comfortable on the wrist. With triangles, attaching the strap, arranging the dial layout and sealing the corners neatly are all harder.

For vintage watch enthusiasts, I think this article offers a good way of thinking about how form is connected to the mechanics.

Source: GQ Türkiye