Watches 101: The 10 Most Popular Watch Case Shapes

The 10 Most Popular Watch Case Shapes

Watches comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, but do you know the most common case shapes? You probably know what a round, square, or rectangular watch case looks like, but do you know what a cushion, carage, or tonneau case looks like? If you're unsure, don't worry because you're not alone. Even watch aficionados struggle with identifying the different styles of watch cases.

To help you identify the different styles, we've compiled a list of the top 10 most popular watch case shapes. Below you'll find a description and example of each watch case style.

1. Round Cases

Round cases are the most popular (and therefore the most common) case shape. The lugs are not included when identifying the case shape.

2. Square Cases

Square cases have four equal sides with four right angles. Although square cases are not as popular as round cases, they are still a trendy watch case shape.

TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 Automatic Chronograph

3. Rectangular Cases

Rectangular cases are primarily used for dress watches. This case shape is one of the top-three most common watch case shapes.

4. Oval Cases

Oval watches can best be described as egg shape; however, it's important to note that oval cases are vertical, not horizontal.

5. Carage Cases

Carage cases are similar to oval cases, but they're rotated 90 degrees. This means that the carrage case is horizontal rather than vertical.

6. Tank

The tank case shape was designed by Louis Cartier in 1917. This rectangular shape was inspired by World War I military tanks.

7. Cushion Cases

Cushion cases are similar to square watches; however, the corners are rounded.

8. Asymmetrical Cases

An asymmetrical case is not limited to one shape, rather this type of case applies to any watch case shape that does not fit into one of the other categories. These watches typically have odd- or uneven-shaped sides.