We’re all so used to watches with the same case shapes. Whether it’s round, rectangular, square, or even tonneau, it seems like there is not much creativity in case design. Well, there is a subset of watches that think outside the box, to create unique case designs nobody has seen before. These watches have asymmetrical cases and dials that are bold and different. Of course, when we think of asymmetrical watches, we tend to think of the Cartier Crash and the Rolex King Midas. But there are plenty of more affordable options. In this watch buying guide, I will take a look at 16 of my favorite asymmetrical watches, from affordable to luxury.

Hamilton Ventura

The Hamilton Ventura has quite the history. First introduced in 1957, it has been seen on the wrist of celebrities, including the King himself, Elvis Presly. The watch features a rounded triangular case with points at 1 o’clock, 5 o’clock and and 9 o’clock. While the Ventura clearly has a retro 50s/60s aesthetic, Hamilton has expanded the lineup in recent years, including making more modern variations including a skeletonized version and even a limited edition with digital dial for the movie Dune 2. However, if you would like the version closest to the original, it will set you back $975 USD.

Anoma A1

The Anoma A1 is a very recent edition to the asymmetrical watch category. I mean, they haven’t even shipped any watches yet. But the young brand has been building a lot of buzz with their inaugural release, the A1. I got to see the A1 in person, and I have to say I was impressed. The watch clearly has influences from the aforementioned Hamilton Ventura and the Cartier Pebble. But it stands on its own. It retails for around $1,680 USD.

Toledano & Chan B/1

New brands like Anoma and Toledano & Chan have ushered in a revival in the obscure and asymmetrical watch niche. And the Toledano & Chan B/1 is one of my favorites. It also appears to be very popular among collectors as well. It sold out in 40 minutes! Clearly inspired by vintage watches, including the Rolex King Midas, the B/1 features an asymmetrical rectangular case that is mirrored by an asymmetrical bracelet. And the sterile lapis lazuli dial really pulls the whole watch together. The Toledano & Chan B/1 retails for $4,000 USD. It will be available for sale again in the first quarter of 2025.

Cartier Crash

In the current cultural zeitgeist, the Cartier Crash might be the most famous of the asymmetrical watches on this list. With its Dali-esque design, the watch almost looks like it’s melting around the wrist. And because of its recent surge in popularity, the Crash has skyrocketed in price. While in recent years, Cartier has released a bunch of different variations of the Crash, the 2019 reissue of the original is probably my favorite. You can find the Crash on the secondary market for a whopping $230,000 USD.

Cartier Tank Asymétrique

Cartier is king of asymmetrical watches. And their catalog of asymmetrical models extends beyond the iconic Crash. One piece I really like is the Asymetrique. Yes, the watch has asymmetric in the name. The asymmetrical aspect of this watch is a little different than the Crash. The Asymetrique is actually a variation of the Tank, and you can definitely see the Tank’s inspiration. The rectangular case is offset, giving the watch just a little bit extra flare. There are many different iterations of the Asymetrique but the platinum version with skeletonized dial is the most interesting to me. It is currently selling on the secondary market for around $75,000 USD.

Cartier Cloche

Cartier is the king of design. So it makes sense that I would have a third watch from the brand on my list of favorite asymmetrical timepieces. The Cloche is basically a combination of the Tank, a rectangular watch, with a more traditional dress watch. It’s rectangular on top and on the left side of the case, but on the right side of the case it curves out, as a normal circular watch would. To me, this makes the Cloche extremely interesting. Because, while it definitely has the feel of a dress watch, it is also a conversation started while on the wrist. You can find the Cloche on the secondary market, but depending on the model, it will likely cause you $40,000 USD or more.

Audemars Piguet Remaster

When one thinks of Audemars Piguet, they likely think of the Royal Oak, or more recently, the Code 11:59. So it was quite the surprise when earlier in the year the brand went into their archives to release the [Re]Master. The Remaster is interesting in that the actual dial of the watch itself is central, and not really asymmetrical. It’s only the fact that the right side of the dial extends out with the crystal sloping down. It’s an interesting piece, which definitely pays adequate homage to the original watch from the 1960s. It retails for $47,200 USD.

Berneron Mirage

If you want something ever so slightly asymmetrical, the Berneron Mirage fits the bill. While the case doesn't look overly asymmetrical, it actually has no axis of symmetry (so, in fact, it is completely asymmetrical). And the dial markers continue the asymmetrical theme of the case. The winding hour markers and hands, give the watch a playful look and reminds me of the Cartier Crash (without looking like a retread). But those looking at the Mirage as an alternative to the Crash, might want to look elsewhere. It retails for close to $60,000 USD in white gold or yellow gold.

Exaequo Melting Watch

If you are looking for an affordable alternative to the Cartier Crash, the Exaequo Melting Watch is a great option. Like the Crash, it clearly has a Dali inspiration, with the case looking like it’s melting on the wrist. But unlike the Crash, you don’t have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to get one on your wrist. You can pick one up for around $600 USD.

Richard Mille RM 70-01

Richard Mille is best known for its tonneau cases. But the brand’s watches are also well known for being shock resistant and worn by athletes such as tennis Roger Federer and golfer Bubba Watson. One of the brand’s more interesting pieces is the RM 70-01 Tourbillon “Alain Prost”. Prost is a retired Formula One racer, but the watch gets its asymmetrical design from Prost’s interest in cycling. The watch is curved in a way that is meant to make it more comfortable on the wrist while cycling. And, it also has a “totaliser”, which displays the overall distance traveled on their various cycles. While the RM 70-01 might be the perfect cycling companion, it will cost you upwards of $750,000 USD on the secondary market.

Urwerk UR-110

With its unique and futuristic designs, it seems natural that Urwerk would be on my list of the best asymmetrical watches. And the UR-110 ST definitely fits the bill. But this watch looks like something out of Predator or Star Trek. The watch features Urwerk’s iconic rotating, wandering hour markers, and retrograde minutes on the right side of the dial. If you are looking for something truly unique, and a definitely conversation starter, the UR-110 ST is for you. It is available for $60,000 USD-plus on the secondary market, depending on the model.

Behrens BHR030 Ultralight 20G

In recent years, we have seen a surge of high-end, interesting watches come out of China. And one of our favorites is the Behrens Ultra-Light 20G. This watch just ticks all the boxes. It is super thin, at 6mm thick. And weighs just 20 grams. On top of that, the watch is curved to fit closely to your wrist, and the dial is openworked, displaying all the inner workings. At $7,600 USD, its truly a remarkable watch.

Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon Asymétrique

When you look at the Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon Asymétrique, it doesn’t look all that asymmetrical. That’s because it is actually pretty balanced. The tourbillon extends beyond the circular case at 8 o’clock. And similarly, the power reserve extends beyond that case exactly opposite, at 2 o’clock. Altogether, it creates a cohesive design that has become iconic within Greubel Forsey’s catalog.

Rolex King Midas

The Rolex King Midas might be the most iconic asymmetrical watch to ever be made. Released in 1964, the King Midas has graced the wrist of the King himself, Elvis Presley. Made of solid gold, including a chunky gold bracelet, the dial of the King Midas is a fairly standard affair. It’s the case that makes the watch unique. The left side of the case juts out in a triangular fashion, giving the watch a unique, and iconic, look. The King Midas has long been discontinued, but you can find it on the secondary market for around $25,000 USD.

Patek Philippe 3424

Another discontinued model, this list would not be complete without the Patek Philippe Ref. 3424. Originally released in the 1950s, the 3424 features a tonneau case that is slightly asymmetrical. But unlike many watches on this list, the Ref. 3424 is a fairly restrained watch. Perfect to wear to any blacktie event.

SpaceOne Jumping Hour

Spaceone is a relatively new brand that I have become a big fan of recently. Their most recent release, the Tellurium, is an avant-garde offering at just over $3,000 USD. And the brand’s first release, the Jumping Hour, is just as interesting. The watch almost looks like a spaceship, with the crown acting as the “engine”. The jumping hours and minutes are displayed through a small sapphire display, the only display on the watch. The Jumping Hour truly looks like something that could come from the minds behind Urwerk or MB&F. But the best part is that pricing starts just above $1,600 USD.

Moels 528

If you like the Audemars Piguet Remaster, but it is a little bit out of your price-range, I think the Moels 528 is a great alternative. While the case isn’t actually asymmetrical, the asymmetry of the watch comes from the dial being set on the right side of the watch. One thing to be aware of, however, is the size of the watch. It is 45mm in diameter. So, if you’re okay with your watch a little bit on the larger side, the Moels 528 is a great option at around $1,200 USD.

16 Best Asymmetrical Watches For 2024