Guide to the Rectangle Collection
Words by AccuristNovember 09, 2023 | 5m
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The Rectangle Collection.
The Rectangle collection is the star of our ladies range. As with all of our revitalised range, the watches in the rectangle collection are inspired by our own heritage, this watch in particular being influenced by a bestselling Accurist watch from the 1970’s. This timeless design effortlessly merges vintage style with modern day practicality and premium quality materials. The Rectangle Collection quickly emerged as our bestseller, and we have expanded our range to include multiple colour ways and gift sets.
The history of the Rectangle.
With over 100 years of rich history, the story of the Rectangle watch is star studded and endless. The design was first imaginatively conceived by Louis Cartier in 1917, reportedly inspired by the tanks on the frontlines of World War One. The Cartier Tank would go into full production in 1919 and would create a whole new category for watches. Other luxury brands would soon follow suit creating their own rectangular cased watches including Rolex and Jaeger LeCoultre’s recognisable Reverso watch. Rectangular watches were an accomplishment of engineering of the time. Rectangular cases were harder to craft than regular circular watches and much more complex in design with the movement needing to be manipulated to fit the rectangular shape.
The rectangular watch was revered. Despite it’s design and style intrinsically drawing inspiration from the Art Deco movement of the 1920’s/30’s, the desirability of rectangular watches has only grown since it’s inception. It was the watch of the golden age of Hollywood, worn by starlets and debonair leading men and in particular the rectangular case with crocodile leather strap was a particular staple.
But what made rectangular watches so appealing? Although the watch industry is not impervious to fashion trends, the design and styling of watches has always been more influenced by timeless characteristics. For a long time, the purchase of a watch was a once in a lifetime occurrence (and for some it still is), therefore the need to pick something that had a classic style and design was of utmost importance. The Rectangle watch ticked all these boxes and then some. The Rectangle watch is timelessly elegant, but also unique, with most watch wearers opting for the standard round watch case. The rectangle watch is an extension of the wearer’s personality and a statement of sophistication and confidence.
The rectangular watch was revered. Despite it’s design and style intrinsically drawing inspiration from the Art Deco movement of the 1920’s/30’s, the desirability of rectangular watches has only grown since it’s inception. It was the watch of the golden age of Hollywood, worn by starlets and debonair leading men and in particular the rectangular case with crocodile leather strap was a particular staple.
But what made rectangular watches so appealing? Although the watch industry is not impervious to fashion trends, the design and styling of watches has always been more influenced by timeless characteristics. For a long time, the purchase of a watch was a once in a lifetime occurrence (and for some it still is), therefore the need to pick something that had a classic style and design was of utmost importance. The Rectangle watch ticked all these boxes and then some. The Rectangle watch is timelessly elegant, but also unique, with most watch wearers opting for the standard round watch case. The rectangle watch is an extension of the wearer’s personality and a statement of sophistication and confidence.
Accurist's vintage design.
The watches in the Rectangle collection exhibit a reimagined design from the Accurist archives. First produced in the 1970's, it was exceedingly important during the innovation period to ensure the vintage elements were not undermined by the modern updates and premium materials.
The rectangle watches feature solid stainless steel cases. As we have previously discussed, the rectangular case shape is iconic within the watch industry and has always been regarded as a beautiful piece of watchmaking. It was important that we upheld that reputation with our rendition.
At the centre of our dials is an Art Deco influenced sunburst Guilloché pattern, radiating outwards towards the roman numerals. These slim and colourful watches have been expertly designed and crafted, from the colour of the roman numerals matching the batons and case colour to our curated selection of extra interchangeable straps. The dial is protected by ultra scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass and has interchangeable straps so you can choose between solid stainless steel bracelets, or coloured genuine leather straps to personalise your Rectangle for you.
The rectangle watches feature solid stainless steel cases. As we have previously discussed, the rectangular case shape is iconic within the watch industry and has always been regarded as a beautiful piece of watchmaking. It was important that we upheld that reputation with our rendition.
At the centre of our dials is an Art Deco influenced sunburst Guilloché pattern, radiating outwards towards the roman numerals. These slim and colourful watches have been expertly designed and crafted, from the colour of the roman numerals matching the batons and case colour to our curated selection of extra interchangeable straps. The dial is protected by ultra scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass and has interchangeable straps so you can choose between solid stainless steel bracelets, or coloured genuine leather straps to personalise your Rectangle for you.
The many faces of the Rectangle Collection.
Since the unexpected reception of the new Accurist Rectangle Collection during the unveiling of the revitalised Accurist range in late 2022, we have been expanding the variety in the range. First was the creation of exclusive Accurist gift set, hand curated and pairing some of our bestselling models with two extra straps that have been specifically selected for that model. Then we had the opportunity to collaborate with British jewellery designer Sarah Alexander to bring you gift sets pairing our Rectangle watches with hand crafted gemstone jewellery. Most recently, in the summer of 2023, we have added the Rose Gold Rectangle to the collection, with solid stainless steel bracelet and genuine leather strap options.
Shop the bestselling Rectangle Collection.
The vintage Rectangle is a must have piece that never goes out of style. But the Accurist Rectangle isn't just a beautiful timepiece to decorate a wrist, we have optimised our watches to create a watch that will last a lifetime. All of the watches in the revitalised range are crafted with premium quality materials including solid stainless steel and ultra scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass as standard, but we also offer a free 5 year guarantee when you register your watch online with us.
We understand that watches are often given as gifts and Accurist has long been a favourite choice for shoppers, so alongside all we already offer, we also deliver all of our watches in a premium, Accurist branded, padded watch roll and we offer free engraving on all of our watches (excluding limited edition watches or watches with exhibition case backs).
We understand that watches are often given as gifts and Accurist has long been a favourite choice for shoppers, so alongside all we already offer, we also deliver all of our watches in a premium, Accurist branded, padded watch roll and we offer free engraving on all of our watches (excluding limited edition watches or watches with exhibition case backs).