04 ALL THE RIGHT ANGLES

Many brands are returning to more classically designed (read: round and plain) timepieces, but we’ve noticed that the fairs’ more interesting releases tend to be angular.

Brands like Cartier and Chanel have angular watches that have achieved cult status, namely the Cartier Santos and the Chanel Premiere. The former has gone through a rather massive revamp, and the new generation of Santos watches now has slimmer profiles, more ergonomic cases, easily changeable straps and bracelets, and anti-magnetic movements. Chanel’s 2018 eye candy is the Boyfriend Skeleton, which shares the same perfume stopper-inspired case shape as the Premiere, but houses a beautifully geometric, ADLC-coated skeletonised movement.

Rado also has a rectangular watch in its past, and to ensure it doesn’t fade into obsolescence, released the Rado Tradition 1965. There are three models – two in 35mm cases and one in 44mm – in limited editions. Others preferred getting an outsider’s perspective. Updated for 2018, the Hermes Carre H was designed by award-winning designer and architect Marc Berthier in 2010. And just last year, LVMH partnered Bamford Watch Department, a company that specialises in personalisation. One of the fruits of that partnership is the Tag Heuer Monaco Bamford, which updates the Calibre 11 Monaco style with bright blue accents and a carbon case.