Square watches are back, and these are the ones you should invest in

Square watches are back in style. A classic deco design, this case shape will really stand out from the crowd. Particularly popular in pre-WW2 vintage models, modern watchmakers have recently made it fashionable for gentlemen to be square again.

Here’s the Journal’s pick of the best.

Steve McQueen wore one – as if that wasn’t enough of a reason to buy. But this watch also marked two world firsts: the first water-resistant timepiece with a square case and the first automatic chronograph.

A pleasingly retro piece, the East West collection of watches by Tiffany is marked by a crisp shape inspired by an ingenious travel clock from the 1940s. Each watch is flawlessly constructed with Swiss-made movements and components – with truly unique results.

With its rectangular-shaped steel case, inspired by a model dating from the Art Deco period, and its design combining dynamic lines and delicate curves, this Baume & Mercier timepiece is self-evident on any wrist.

The modest, modern design of the Tank Solo watch made it a classic from the moment it first appeared in the Tank collection. A steel case, beaded crown decorated with a synthetic spinel cabochon, silvered opaline dial, Roman numerals, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, and alligator-skin strap make up this icon.

It may not be truly ‘XXL’, but this oversized timepiece, with its beautiful brushed face, recessed subdial and day/night indicator will make a big impression.