Watch Trends Making a Comeback: The Return of the Square and Tonneau Case

The watch trends making a comeback today, notably the square case and the tonneau case, reflect a natural stylistic pendulum swing: after years dominated by round cases, enthusiasts are once again drawn to bolder, more architectural shapes that stand out without excess. This return is not a passing fad, but the rediscovery of historic shapes that never truly left the workshops.

The tonneau, a shape born of technical demand

The tonneau case, recognisable by its curved silhouette that follows the wrist, is one of the oldest and most demanding shapes to produce. Making it requires particular mastery of casing, since every curve must remain harmonious while still housing a reliable movement. The renewed favour for the tonneau case stems from a search for a more distinctive look, somewhere between unabashed vintage character and modern craftsmanship.

The square, a bold graphic signature

The square case embodies a more graphic, more structured aesthetic that deliberately breaks from classic roundness. Long associated with a bold look, it is making a comeback today because it lets a man step outside convention without sacrificing restraint. The square case particularly appeals to those seeking an easily recognisable watch, almost like a signature.

Round and octagon, still-relevant reference points

This return of bolder shapes does not mean the classics are being abandoned. The Origine collection, with its round case, remains a safe choice for those who favour timelessness, while the Sentinel collection, with its octagonal case, illustrates this pursuit of a balance between character and restraint.

A question of personality more than fashion

At its core, the choice of a case shape says more about personality than about a passing seasonal trend. The return of the square and the tonneau mainly reflects a desire, among many men, to assert a bolder style without tipping into ostentation.

These strong shapes naturally find their place across our collections, among historic pieces and our latest releases, carrying this style revival forward with the same craftsmanship that defined our beginnings.