Above: If it’s hip to be square, then the Longines Heritage 1968 is the king of retro-chic

Evocative of the late 60s-early 70s retro-cool style, the Longines Heritage 1968 looks as if it came straight out of your father’s wardrobe (or your stylish cousin’s, if you happen to be a 70s kid yourself). Its elegant case is a perfect square and, matched with a grey vertically-brushed dial, comes in two sizes: 33x33mm for gentlemen and 26×26 for ladies. Those seeking an upscale touch would be thrilled by the rose gold version. Otherwise, this watch in stainless steel does exhibit its own cool factor.

The details are few in this pared-down timepiece. But they’re there nonetheless. A chemin de fer minute (railroad) track traverses the circumference of the square dial and skewed elongated Roman numerals offer a break from the rigidity of the traditional square. Inside, the self-winding Calibre L595 (based on ETA 2000/1) provides 40 hours of power reserve. Plus, a trapezoid date aperture blends at the corner at 4:30 without intruding on the purity of the design. The minute and hour hands reveal a fine line of black varnish in perfect harmony with the painted hour numerals.

Its monochromatic colour scheme pairs well with all kinds of fashion styles. Whether you’re doing a 60s style Don Draper or simply pulling off the über trendy hipster look, the Longines Heritage 1968 is a great choice at an affordable price of $3,100 for the stainless steel model. The rose gold model starts at $9,960.

Above: The Longines Heritage 1968 26x26mm in stainless steel

Above: The Longines Heritage 1968 33x33mm in rose gold