According to a recent survey conducted by Morgan Stanley, after Rolex which took 25% of the global luxury market, followed by Omega with 8.8%, Cartier sits in third place with 6.7%.

And the Tank remains one of the brand’s most iconic models. Reasonable enough for the entry-level models, designed for a wider audience, the same cannot be said for the Cartier Tank powered by mechanical movement.

Today I want to talk to you about the recent Oris Rectangular, a series of watches similar to the iconic model of the French Maison and with interesting features.

In January 2022 Oris revised the Rectangular and returned with a case with new proportions and in four colorful versions.

Aesthetics

The classic, unisex shape of the Rectangular is expressed by the square-shaped steel case with integrated strap measuring 25.50 x 38.00 mm.

The reliefs that reflect the long sides of the case make the design more attractive and the tapering of the ends of the lugs incorporate invisible lugs which integrate perfectly with the wrist.

The dials, available in white, blue, anthracite gray and burgundy, show a design strongly influenced by the Art Deco style. The minute track runs along the outer edge of the dial to form an internal rectangle that defines and completes the silhouette of the case.

The numerals at 12, 9 and 3 play with symmetry and asymmetry, while sword-shaped hands and a date window at 6 complete the aesthetic.

Each model is equipped with an easily interchangeable strap in yellow, blue, anthracite gray or burgundy leather.

Oris Rectangular movement

Oris Rectangular is powered by the Oris Caliber 561 movement.

It is a Swiss made self-winding mechanical movement with date and time. In particular it is an ETA 2671 embellished with small details added by Oris. It is not a movement of shape, that is, one that follows the profile of the case; in the price range in which the Rectangular is placed, offering it would be impossible.

However, equipped with the functions of three hands with rapid corrector date display and stop seconds device, it can be admired from the case back which is made of mineral glass.

Price

Oris Rectangular in each of its colorful models costs 1,900.

What do you think?

Although the Oris Rectangular does not offer the same history and recognisability as the iconic Cartier Tank, I think it is a very interesting watch.

Its price of 1,900 euros certainly cannot be defined as popular, but considering the result, and the fact that a similar Cartier Tank costs over 6,000 euros, i.e. three times this Oris, it is to be taken into consideration.

After all, it is a Swiss watch from a brand like Oris which has always shone for its price/quality ratio.

I recommend trying it on your wrist to those who love the timeless style of the Cartier Tank but have a much smaller spending budget and to all those who for once want to break away from the usual pattern of the round watch.

And what do you think? Could the Oris Rectangular be a valid alternative to a comparable 6,250 euro Cartier Tank as it is also powered by a mechanical movement?