Top 10 Best Affordable Rectangular Watches
Most watches are designed with round case shapes. But the fact of the matter is that rectangular and square case designs have existed, and also been rather popular for quite some time, although not anywhere near as popular as round watches.
Rectangular watches also split options between wearers. Some people hate them, other people love them. Regardless, it is worth knowing that due to their case shape, they wear a lot differently from classic round watches. With this in mind, it is important to not look blindly at the dimensions stated on paper, because the design of rectangular cases naturally wears differently from classic round cases.
Our best advice is to test rectangular watches on your wrist and see if it suits your taste and style. They are coming back in style and becoming more trendy, with more and more brands taking part in this, not to mention iconic models such as the Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso and Cartier Santos, to mention two of the most iconic and popular rectangular watches in the world.
In general, rectangular cases tend to make for a more classic and dressy appearance. Because of this, most brands that make them also follow this line in their design by giving them a classic and refined look. As a result, rectangular watches tend to be great watches for formal occasions and together with suits. There are of course exceptions to this rule and rectangular watches in all kinds of different designs, but overall, rectangular watches tend to work best for formal occasions.
Best affordable rectangular watches
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
In this article, we will go through and look closer at the best and most popular affordable watches on the market. The term affordable is always subjective, but what we will focus on is rectangular watches with a price tag of a few hundred dollars.
It is important to keep in mind that rectangular watches vary in design in regard to their case shape, and sometimes, it can be hard to draw the line between where a rectangular watch stops and where it begins. With this said, we will not only look at watches that have an exact, strict rectangular shape but also watches with slight variants of this shape.
So without further ado, let’s dig in.
Seiko SUP896 Gold-Tone Solar rectangular watch
The Seiko SUP896 is a classic, simple, and elegant rectangular watch with a beautiful, dressy design.
The watch has a diameter of 28.1mm and is powered by a quartz movement. To enhance its elegance, Seiko has opted for a yellow-gold finish case and champagne dial. The watch is also presented on a brown embossed leather strap. All of these elements come together to make a watch that is perfect for formal occasions. With its classic case design and all-gold appearance, it will work exceptionally well together with a suit. On top of the case sits a scratch-resistant Hardly crystal.
What is interesting about this watch is that it is solar-powered, meaning it gets energy from ambient and solar light which eliminates the need of replacing the battery. It is water-resistant to 50m/165 feet, but this is certainly not a watch that you’d think about going swimming with anyways.
All in all, this is just an extremely classy and elegant timepiece for a gentleman who wants a perfect watch to complement the style on formal occasions.
Specifications
- Diameter: 28.1mm
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
- Movement: solar-powered quartz
Seiko Recraft Series Automatic SNKP27 rectangular
Now, the Seiko Recraft SNKP27 has a case that is a mixture between square and rectangular. This has to do with its funky case finish which very clearly, and as the name suggests, is retro-inspired.
The case has large polished bevels on its sides and on top of the lugs, contrasted by a brushed upper side. Not only does this contribute to a unique case shape, but it also shows that Seiko has really paid attention to the details and finishing of this watch.
The SNKP27 is powered by a self-winding automatic movement which contributes to making it so popular amongst watch enthusiasts. The power reserve of the movement is 41m.
The water resistance is 50m/165 feet, but this is not the type of watch you’d go diving or swimming with anyways.
Last but not least, we have the dial, which unarguably is the highlight of this watch. The dial is green, or emerald-colored and contrasted by yellow-gold accents. The dial is divided into two sections – center and ”reheat”, with lots of details and decorations. Together with the dial, it is very evident that Seiko has paid great attention to each and every single detail of this watch.
Specifications
- Diameter: 39.5mm
- Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
- Power reserve: 41 hours
- Movement: self-winding automatic
Seiko Recraft Automatic SNKP23 rectangular
The Seiko Recraft SNKP23 is the same model as above, but this time with a striking blue dial and a steel bracelet.
The watch has a diameter of 39.5mm, but keep in mind that because of its case shape, it wears different from a classic round watch. The finishing, however, is great, with a brushed upper side and polished, beveled edges.
It is powered by a self-winding automatic movement and has a power reserve of 41 hours.
The center of the dial is blue and has a sunburst finish, but the outer part, the raised rehaut, is black. The hour markers are applied and made of metal. Positioned at 3 o’clock, we have a day and date window for convenience.
The water resistance of 50m/165 feet is not very impressive, but this isn’t a watch you’d go diving or swimming with anyways, so it’s not the end of the world.
Specifications
- Movement: self-winding
- Power reserve: 41 hours
- Diameter: 39.5mm
- Water resistance: 50m/165 feet
Seiko SUP880 Quartz rectangular
The Seiko SUP880 is a true rectangular watch, and perhaps also what many people associate a rectangular watch with. It is simple, slim, elegant, and dressy.
The watch has a diameter of 28.5mm and is powered by a Japanese quartz movement which is solar-powered. This means that energy is generated to the movement via solar and ambient light, thus eliminating the need for replacing batteries. This is really practical as it makes the watch ready to go whenever you need it.
The case is finished in yellow gold and has a classic white dial with a striped pattern with Roman numerals. In many ways, it reminds of perhaps one of the most iconic rectangular watches in the world, the Cartier Tank, but of course at a much more affordable price.
The water resistance of 99 feet is not much, but remember that it is designed as an elegant dress watch, and with this in mind, water resistance isn’t really important.
Specifications
- Diameter: 28.5mm
- Water resistance: 99 feet
- Movement: Japanese quartz solar-powered
Seiko SNKN37 Automatic rectangular
The Seiko SNKN37 is a funky, retro-inspired timepiece with a case shape that is a combination of square and rectangular. In essence, it is square, but it has bevelings and lugs that give it an almost rectangular look.
It still deserves its place on this list as it has a unique and funky case design and is extremely popular.
The case measures 43.5mm in diameter and has a really nice case finish with a brushed upper side and polished bevels. On top of the case sits a Hardlex crystal.
The watch is powered by an automatic self-winding automatic movement which is something that contributes to making it popular amongst watch enthusiasts. To go with its vintage/retro-inspired theme, it is presented on a distressed leather strap.
The dial is divided into two sections with a round circle at the center with a sunburst finish, and an outer, raised rehaut with large Arabic numerals in white. At 3 o’clock, we have the classic Seiko day and date window.
Due to its slightly more robust and bulky case, the SNKN37 is a great square/rectangular watch for everyday wear, but it is still elegant enough to work on formal occasions too.
Specifications
- Diameter: 43.5mm
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Movement: self-winding automatic
Bulova Quartz 97B162 rectangular
This Bulova 97B162 is the definition of pure class. It has a true rectangular case shape with a beautiful design where the lugs extend from the case. You may say that the case is divided into two sections, where the bezel is polished, and the actual case is brushed, which creates a nice contrast and a beautiful finish. The case is finished in yellow gold which further enhances its elegance. It is water-resistant to 30m which isn’t a lot, but it doesn’t matter for a watch that was built to be worn on formal occasions.
On top of the case, we have a curved mineral crystal. The dial goes very well with the case design and has a silver color with a sunburst finish. In addition, it has applied yellow gold Roman markers which further enhances its elegance. At 6 o’clock, it has a practical date window discreetly tucked in. It is powered by a quartz movement.
As a dress watch should, it is presented on a crocodile-embossed brown leather strap. This watch really stays true to the classic designs back in the day and will beautifully complement your style without stealing the show.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 30m
- Crystal: curved mineral crystal
- Movement: quartz
Seiko Solar SUP880P1 rectangular
The Seiko SUP880P1 is another classic rectangular watch with a clean and simple design. This watch is all about complementing your style rather than being the highlight of it, although this watch is really beautiful in its own right.
The case has a 25 cm length and is extremely thin. The case is finished in yellow gold, and because the lugs are so thin, and equally so the case construction, all focus is moved to the dial. Just like the other rectangular Seiko watch we looked at earlier, it reminds a lot about the Cartier Tank, and this is further confirmed by its crown which has a black ”pearl” insert” which reminds of the sapphire that Cartier uses.
This watch is just pure class and elegance but is presented at a very attractive affordable price.
The watch is water-resistant to 3 bars which isn’t a lot. It is powered by a solar quartz movement which is automatically powered by ambient and solar light which is of course very convenient as it eliminates the need for replacing the battery.
The water resistance is 3 bars, nothing special here.
But all in all, this is a rectangular watch that offers great value for money and is particularly suitable for formal occasions. This watch together with a suit is a killer combo.
Specifications
- Length: 25mm
- Water resistance: 3 bar/30m
- Movement: solar-powered quartz
Tissot Heritage Banana Centenary T117.509.36.022.00 Rectangular
The Tissot Heritage Banana Centenary is, as the name suggests, a vintage-inspired timepiece that is also inspired why the shape of a banana. It has a long rectangular case which is also slightly curved. The curving of the case allows for a better fit and comfort on the wrist. The case is quite long at 49mm, but it only has a thickness of 7mm and a diameter of 27mm. Keep in mind that rectangular watches do not wear the same way a round watch does.
Already at first glance, its vintage-inspired design is very evident. It has a yellow gold case and a beautiful champagne dial with spade-shaped hands. The dial has large Arabic numerals which are small at the center and huge towards the top and bottom of the dial.
The watch is powered by a quartz movement and has a water resistance of 30m/100 feet. On top of the case sits a domed mineral crystal.
This watch is extremely elegant and perfect for formal occasions. Because of its elegant, vintage-inspired design, it is perhaps not ideal for everyday wear, but together with some formal attire, it will look amazing.
Specifications
- Diameter: 27mm
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Crystal: Domed mineral crystal
- Length: 49mm
- Thickness: 7mm
Citizen Eco-Drive BM6552-52E
The Citizen is a rectangular watch per se, but it is presented with an integrated bracelet design that makes it stand out from the ordinary, and perhaps what first comes to mind when you think of a rectangular watch.
But nevertheless, it deserves a spot on this list. The watch has a diameter of 32mm which isn’t huge, but its integrated bracelet design will add some size and wrist presence. At the same time, the yellow gold bracelet is beautifully integrated into the case which creates a seamless, bracelet-like design. This is not a watch for everyone, but it is a watch that stands out and is a refreshing alternative to all of the standard round watches that flood the market.
The watch is an ECO-Drive timepiece, meaning it is powered by ambient and solar light and uses the caliber E111 Japanese movement. It has a maximum power reserve of 180 days. On top of the case, we have hardened mineral glass. The water resistance is only 30m/100 feet, but again, it’s no big deal for this type of watch.
To contrast the gold case and bracelet, it has a black dial with a subtle yet beautiful pattern. The dial features applied yellow gold metal hour markers and a date window positioned at 3 o’clock.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 99 feet/30 meters
- Diameter: 32mm
- Movement: Japanese quartz Eco-Drive Caliber E111
Bulova 96A169 Quartz rectangular sports watch
Last but not least on our list of affordable rectangular watches, we have the Bulova 96A169.
This is yet another rectangular watch with an integrated bracelet design, but this one is executed in a much sportier design. The watch has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 35mm and has curved mineral glass on top. It is powered by a quartz movement and has a water resistance of 30m/100 feet. The length is 45mm.
To match the rectangular stainless steel case, it has a simple yet beautiful blue sunburst dial with applied beveled hour markers with a polished finish. This is one of those rectangular watches that works excellent for everyday wear and both formal and casual occasions for that matter.
Specifications
- Diameter: 35mm
- Water resistance: 30m/100 feet
- Movement: quartz
- Crystal: curved mineral glass
- Length: 45mm
Why should you buy a rectangular watch?
There are many good reasons why you may want to buy a rectangular watch, some of which we have already discussed briefly above.
In general, with some exceptions of course, rectangular watches allow for a more classic and traditional appearance. Partly because rectangular watch cases were more common back in the day than they are today. At the same time, rectangular watches can be designed to look more sporty, as you have seen from some of the examples above. In these cases, you get a sporty and versatile timepiece, but still with a classic touch that makes it more versatile.
As a dress watch, rectangular cases can be a really great choice. Since dress watches are meant to be elegant and classic, this goes hand-in-hand with how we view rectangular case sizes.
In other cases, rectangular watches can just be a great contrast to the regular round case shapes that most watches on the market have. It can be a refreshing way to get something different that stands out more than what people usually wear.
What I can also say is that the styles and designs of different watches go in waves with various fashion trends. And in recent years, rectangular watches have definitely returned and become trendier than ever. Rectangular watches are trendy, at the same time as they are considered classic. So if you want to hop on the latest trends and styles, you cannot go wrong with a rectangular watch. In addition, rectangular watches have also proven to be truly timeless. This type of design has existed for decades, and designs such as the Cartier Tank have remained virtually unchanged for more than 100 years. This just goes to show how timeless this design is, which is a great thing in any type of watch you buy.
Which is the best rectangular watch?
The good news for everyone who is a fan of rectangular watches is that watch brands from all kinds of different segments make them. They’re not just reserved for those who are able to spend tens of thousands on a watch, nor are they only made by the most affordable watch brands, which may offer watches with a quality that is lower than you normally like to wear.
The answer to this question is always that it depends. The most expensive watch brands like Patek Philippe makes exceptional rectangular watches, but they are also priced accordingly. This is why the price always needs to be taken into consideration.
If we are talking affordable rectangular watches, Seiko, Bulova, and Tissot are highly appreciated watch brands that are known for making high-quality timepieces at affordable and reasonable prices.
Buyer’s guide to buying a rectangular watch
As you know and have seen, rectangular watches vary a lot in design, style, price, and execution. There is a rectangular watch for everyone, but that also means you need to make some decisions in choosing a watch.
Case shape and size: As you have seen, not all watch cases are created equal. There are simple, slim, and classic rectangular case shapes that give a very dressy appearance, but there are also cushion-style rectangular cases that give a sporty impression. Therefore, it can be good to look at the style of case you like before you start looking so you know what to look for.
Purpose and how you will wear it: This ties in with what we discussed earlier, but it’s always a good idea to think about when and on which occasions you will wear your watch. Will you wear it as an elegant dress watch or do you plan to use it as a versatile everyday watch? The answer to this question will and should affect the type of watch you opt for. If you want something versatile, you shouldn’t opt for a dress watch. In the same way, if you want an elegant dress watch, you shouldn’t choose a rectangular sports watch.
Movement: Think about whether you want quartz or mechanical movement.
Water resistance: Depending on how you plan to wear your watch, the importance of water resistance will vary. If you are going to wear your watch on formal occasions, the water resistance isn’t really important at all. But if you plan to use it as a sports watch, it can be wise to have a water resistance of at least 100m.
