Oris Goes Art Deco with the New Rectangular

An Oris release from the recently completed Dubai Watch Week that has flown a bit under radar and in need of some attention is the new version of their rectangular watch, the aptly titled Oris Rectangular. Oris has made many watches in this case shape over a great many years, but this release amounts to a fresh redesign of a classic style, and feels like a sibling to their wonderful pointer date models in that they share a certain retro charm with some dated (in a good way) design details. The Rectangular is all about the Art Deco vibes, which isn’t a style we normally associate with Oris, but it’s modernized somewhat with some flashy colors (if you choose). 

To state the obvious, the defining feature of the Rectangular is the case, which measures 25.5mm x 38mm. As a point of comparison, the Reverso Tribute watches measure 27.4mm x 45.6mm, and the large version of this year’s Cartier Tank Must Solarbeat comes in at 25.5mm x 33mm. This illustrates the range in sizes that are possible with a rectangular case, and also that Oris and Cartier seem to be going for a size and shape that has a unisex appeal (of course, both Jaeger-LeCoultre and Cartier offer their rectangular watches in an enormous range of sizes, so just about anyone can find whatever it is they’re looking for if they’re set on one of these). The Rectangular case’s distinguishing characteristic beyond the shape itself would have to be the steps along the case flanks, which give the case a muscular quality and also link it to the decorative flourishes found in watches and jewelry associated with the Art Deco movement. 

A total of four dial variants are available: white, blue, anthracite and Bordeaux. All feature the same 3, 9, 12 layout with a date window at the 6:00 position, and rail track minute markers around the perimeter. An inner track connects to the outer via hour markers where Arabic numerals are absent, creating a sector-like effect. Even with the 6:00 date window (which reads as a concession to modern consumers who insist on this complication in a vintage influenced piece like the Rectangular) these dials are very clean and easy to read, and if you’re already a fan of the iconic rectangular watches mentioned above, there’s a lot to like here. 

The Oris Rectangular runs on the Oris 561 Caliber, which is a modified ETA 2671. This is a somewhat rare movement these days, as it’s made in a smaller size to fit in watches that are traditionally marketed toward women, as well as the rare square or rectangular case. It’s still a capable timekeeper though, running in 25 jewels and holding a power reserve for 38 hours in a footprint measuring just 17.2mm in diameter. 

The Oris Rectangular is available now directly from Oris and through their authorized dealer network. The retail price is $1,950. Oris