“In watchmaking, symmetry isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about the balance between function and beauty," said the legendary George Daniels, best remembered for inventing the Co-Axial escapement. Yet, not all beauty lies in balance. While symmetry has long been revered in horology, some of the most captivating timepieces in history dared to break this golden rule, embracing bold, asymmetrical designs. These watches challenge convention, proving that creativity often thrives outside the boundaries of tradition.  

As modern watchmaking gravitates towards mid-century classics—sleek, minimalist cases and timeless dial designs—it’s important to remember that this era was also one of wild experimentation. Iconic pieces from some of the world’s finest maisons turned conventional shapes on their head, offering daring, unconventional case designs that still resonate today. The allure of these asymmetrical watches wasn’t just about being different; it was about standing out in a sea of similar styles and creating something truly memorable.  

Now, as brands draw inspiration from vintage designs, we’re seeing a subtle resurgence of these atypical cases. Whether it’s a nod to 1950s space-age aesthetics or a modern twist on avant-garde shapes, asymmetry has re-entered the watchmaking world—whether through resurfacing vintage pieces, or captivating reissues and all-new designs:  

Berneron Mirage Tiger Eye  

The Berneron Mirage Tiger Eye is a bold blend of '70s charm and modern design. Its stunning Tiger's Eye stone dial exudes vintage appeal, housed in a 34mm asymmetrical yellow gold case. This design breaks the traditional mould, offering both visual flair and ergonomic comfort. The calibre 315 movement provides a 55-hour power reserve, ensuring it’s as functional as it is beautiful.  

Limited to just 50 pieces annually, the Tiger's Eye Mirage is a collector's dream. Though the movement has been downsized, resulting in a non-free-sprung balance wheel, the watch retains its intricate craftsmanship. The hand-carved subdial adds texture and depth, while the grained Barenia leather strap completes this distinctive timepiece with a touch of luxury.  

Rolex Cellini King Midas  

One of the most unique and daring creations in Rolex’s history, the Rolex Cellini King Midas stands as a true collector's masterpiece. Launched in 1962, this avant-garde timepiece features an asymmetrical 18K gold case, heavily inspired by ancient Greek architecture, with a weight and presence that feels more like wearing a gold ingot than a traditional wristwatch. Its integrated bracelet design, which blends seamlessly into the case, was ahead of its time, and the sawtooth crown adds a touch of intricate detail.  

With a limited production of just 1,000 pieces, the King Midas was exclusive to the most elite collectors. Today, its celebrity status—thanks to wearers like John Wayne and more recently, Rihanna—has elevated its desirability even further.  

Hamilton Ventura ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ Quartz 

Earlier this year, Hamilton gave us the Ventura ‘Blue Suede Shoes’, a cool addition to their lineup before their unique special edition Ventura releases for Dune 2. Inspired by Elvis Presley’s signature style, this watch is all about combining bold looks with practical features. The ETA Caliber 251.474 Swiss quartz movement powers the watch, ensuring you’ve got reliable performance wrapped in a design that nods to the Ventura’s original 1957 design.  

The 32.3mm triangular case makes a statement with its blue gradient sunray dial and pops of red on the hands. Plus, you get a chronograph with three subdials and a discreet date window at 4 o’clock, keeping things functional without overwhelming the look. Whether you go for the blue Alcantara leather strap or the stainless-steel bracelet, it’s got 50 meters of water resistance, making it as versatile as it is stylish.  

Cartier Crash Platinum  

The Cartier Crash has seen a massive resurgence since 2023, driven by a star-studded lineup of celebrity fans like LeBron James, Tyler the Creator, Donald Glover, and more, who have been spotted wearing the iconic design at major gala events. Its quirky, distorted shape, originally launched in 1967, still captures the imagination of collectors today. The model has always had an aura of exclusivity, and the latest platinum version, released in 2023 as a London Bond Street boutique exclusive, elevates that prestige even further.  

This edition retains all the hallmarks of the original design: the asymmetrical case, stretched Roman numerals, and blued steel hands. The platinum case is complemented by a ruby cabochon on the crown and a grey calfskin strap. Inside, it runs on the hand-wound calibre 1917 MC with a 38-hour power reserve. NFL star Tom Brady, an avid watch collector, was recently spotted wearing this very model, driving up the hype even further.  

Behrens BHR030 Ultralight 20g  

Weighing in at just 20 grams—about the same as eight pennies—the Behrens BHR030 Ultralight is a true featherweight contender in the world of mechanical watches. Crafted from grade 5 titanium, this 38mm trapezoid-shaped case is ultra-thin, measuring just 6mm thick, but it doesn’t sacrifice style or intrigue. The curved design wraps around your wrist, making it almost disappear when worn.  

What really sets the BHR030 apart is its in-house BM02 movement, which is as much a visual delight as it is functional. Split into two retrograde dials, the hour and minute hands travel across separate arcs, snapping back to zero at regular intervals—an unconventional and captivating way to read time. The dial is open-worked, giving you a peek at the intricate mechanics beneath, while bright red arrows add a pop of colour against the industrial titanium. The watch comes on a flexible white fluoroelastomer strap, keeping things as lightweight and comfortable as possible.  

Patek Philippe Reference 3424  

The Patek Philippe Ref. 3424 stands as a testament to the brand’s bold, avant-garde design from the 1960s. Crafted in 18k white gold, this asymmetrical wristwatch, designed by Gilbert Albert, reflects the artistic influence of modernism, echoing works by Brancusi and Mondrian. With its unique lines and asymmetrical case, the Ref 3424 is as much a piece of art as it is a timekeeping device.  

This particular model, manufactured in 1965, was part of the celebrated Ricochet collection and is incredibly rare, with only a handful of examples known to exist in white gold. The distinctive design has made it a sought-after piece among collectors, evidenced by its recent auction performances. Accompanied by a hand-wound mechanical movement, this watch exemplifies Patek Philippe’s commitment to combining artistry with mechanical precision.  

Exaequo Melting Watch  

If you've ever wanted a melting watch but couldn’t quite stretch for a Cartier Crash, the Exaequo Melting Watch offers a playful alternative at a fraction of the price. This quirky timepiece leans fully into the Dali-inspired aesthetic, with its asymmetrical gold PVD-coated case giving off some serious "dripping" vibes. Measuring 28mm wide and 47mm end-to-end, the watch sits tall and proud on the wrist, making it a conversation starter, even if it doesn’t exactly hug your wrist the way you’d expect.  

The Ronda 751 quartz movement keeps things ticking, and while it's not mechanical, the watch is all about making a visual statement rather than perfect timekeeping precision. The dial’s stretched Roman numerals and petite leaf-shaped hands only add to the charm, although legibility definitely takes a back seat to style. For those looking for a surrealist statement without breaking the bank, this is a fun and affordable way to own a piece of horological art.  

Anoma A1  

The Anoma A1 blurs the lines between watchmaking and sculpture. Inspired by Charlotte Perriand’s free-form tables, its 39mm case, crafted like a smooth river stone, has no straight lines, creating an organic, flowing silhouette. The lacquered dial shifts between shades of deep midnight blue and greenish blue, complemented by domed leaf hands that echo the watch’s soft, rounded shape.  

With hidden details like a finely finished caseback and recessed crown, the A1’s minimalist design is a collector’s dream. However, the first series has already sold out, and the next production run isn’t expected until 2025, making this timepiece highly sought after.  

Audemars Piguet [RE]Master02  

The Audemars Piguet [RE]Master02 is a contemporary reimagining of the classic 5159BA from 1960, a time when watch design pushed boundaries with bold experimentation. The new [RE]Master02 keeps the unique asymmetrical case that made the original stand out, but it’s been scaled up to 41mm and crafted in sand gold, a new 18-carat alloy that shifts between white and pink hues depending on the light. Inside, it houses the cutting-edge calibre 7129, an extra-thin movement that measures only 2.8mm thick.  

The design retains the charm of the '60s while adding a modern twist, perfect for collectors who appreciate unconventional watches. With only 250 units produced, this timepiece is not just a nod to history but a symbol of rarity.

Cartier Tank Asymétrique Skeleton 

Launched as part of Cartier's Privé collection, which reworks its classic watch collections for a new generation collection, this watch features a striking asymmetrical case crafted from 18K rose gold, measuring 28.2mm x 39.5mm. The grey dial showcases a harmonious array of stylised Arabic numerals (uncommon for a Cartier timepiece), accentuated by the gold sword-shaped hands that enhance legibility and charm.

Powered by the hand-wound calibre 1917 MC movement, the Tank Asymétrique offers a 38-hour power reserve, ensuring both style and reliability. With its elegant, 1930s-inspired curves and 100-piece limited availability, this timepiece stands as a testament to Cartier’s ability to challenge conventions while maintaining the timeless sophistication that collectors and enthusiasts admire.

Möels & Co. 528 

The Möels & Co. 528 is a striking tribute to mid-century modern design, seamlessly blending vintage aesthetics with contemporary craftsmanship. With its bold 39mm stainless steel case, the 528 showcases clean lines and geometric shapes that echo the iconic styles of the 1960s. The sunburst dial is available in an array of vibrant colours such as muted forest greens and bright pinks, each adorned with minimalist hour markers and sleek hands that enhance legibility while preserving the watch's retro charm.

Powered by a reliable Sellita SW200-1 b movement, this timepiece offers both precision and style, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate classic design with a modern twist. With a limited production run, the 528 stands as a unique addition to any collection, embodying a perfect blend of history and contemporary elegance.