In Octagonal Mode

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Octogonal Shape
2 minutes read
The octagon made its debut in watchmaking in the 1970s, thanks to the creative genius of Gérald Genta. In 1972 he unveiled the most famous of all octagonal watches, the legendary Royal Oak by Audemars Piguet – the icon that launched an evergreen trend

CHF 2,656 / March LAB

An elegant entry-level model inspired by the vintage aesthetic of the 1950s, created by one of the leading names in French watchmaking. Its octagonal shape is highlighted by the unique positioning of the winding crown at 4 o'clock, at the junction of two of the eight sides. A sapphire case back reveals the Franco-Swiss automatic winding movement.

 

Mansart Golden Hour in gold-plated steel, 34 x 39 mm, automatic movement with window date, leather strap © March Lab
Mansart Golden Hour in gold-plated steel, 34 x 39 mm, automatic movement with window date, leather strap © March LAB

 

CHF 3,000 / TAG Heuer

This is a dependable professional tool, and an affordable one, despite being made from titanium from the case to the bracelet, including the bezel. The dial is designed to be exceptionally legible, even in deep water, thanks to its luminescent hands and markers set against a black background. Made for adventure, whether on land or sea, the first version of this watch was launched in 1978 with the reference 844.

Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph in titanium, 40 mm diameter, solar-powered movement with window date, titanium bracelet © TAG Heuer
Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph in titanium, 40 mm diameter, solar-powered movement with window date, titanium bracelet © TAG Heuer

CHF 3,600 / Baume & Mercier

A sport-chic watch featuring a robust steel case with a quick-change mechanism that makes it easy to switch from rubber to alligator leather and back again. The refined dial in smoky blue sapphire features a wave pattern in transparent decals. This exquisite decorative detail is paired with a date disc that is visible through the transparent flange.

Riviera in steel, 39 mm diameter, automatic movement with window date, interchangeable rubber strap © Baume & Mercier
Riviera in steel, 39 mm diameter, automatic movement with window date, interchangeable rubber strap © Baume & Mercier

CHF 8,900 / Zenith

Fully embracing the hot trend of the moment, this watch combines an integrated steel bracelet with a steel blue dial. This beautiful contemporary timepiece, suitable for all occasions, is powered by the renowned El Primero automatic movement. Its chronograph version is rightly considered the most powerful in its category.

Defy Skyline in steel, 41 mm diameter, automatic movement with small second and window date display, steel bracelet © Zenith
Defy Skyline in steel, 41 mm diameter, automatic movement with small second and window date display, steel bracelet © Zenith

CHF 25,200 / Bulgari

One of the most successful watches of its time, this model features a unique extra-thin titanium case with a layered construction. It is powered by an in-house movement skeletonised with contemporary flair to make it among the thinnest in the world at just 2.5 mm, offering an 8-day power reserve. A perfect blend of Italian design and Swiss watchmaking expertise.

Octo Finissimo in titanium, 40 mm diameter, manual-winding skeleton movement with small seconds, titanium bracelet © Bulgari
Octo Finissimo in titanium, 40 mm diameter, manual-winding skeleton movement with small seconds, titanium bracelet © Bulgari

CHF 25,500 / Girard-Perregaux

Since its launch in 1975, the Laureato has consistently reflected the watchmaking spirit of the 1970s. This model continues the trend, using a novel carbon-titanium composite for the entire case. This innovative material provides lightness, durability and a distinctive appearance to this high-tech creation, driven by an in-house movement visible through a sapphire case back.

Laureato Absolute 8Tech in carbon-titanium composite, 44 mm diameter, automatic chronograph movement with window date, textile-effect rubber strap © Girard-Perregaux
Laureato Absolute 8Tech in carbon-titanium composite, 44 mm diameter, automatic chronograph movement with window date, textile-effect rubber strap © Girard-Perregaux

CHF 80,800 / Audemars Piguet

The award for the most expensive octagonal watch goes to Audemars Piguet, which debuted the shape in 1972, thanks to the creative genius of Gérald Genta. However, that’s not the only reason it commands such a high price: this chronograph version is crafted entirely in gold. Its understated brushed gold dial features an impressive six hands, for hours, minutes, seconds and chronograph functions.

Royal Oak in yellow gold, 41 mm diameter, automatic chronograph movement, yellow gold bracelet. Limited edition of 202 pieces © Audemars Piguet
Royal Oak in yellow gold, 41 mm diameter, automatic chronograph movement, yellow gold bracelet. Limited edition of 202 pieces © Audemars Piguet
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