Cartier has long been a brand synonymous with luxury, quality and style. Since their early beginnings in the mid-19th century to their world-wide global reach today, celebrities, royalty and the everyday man have entered their boutiques for jewellery, watches, fragrances and more. One of their most prolific design periods was the early 20th century when they created iconic watches such as the Santos, the Cintrée and like the present timepiece, the tonneau-shaped case.

Elongated and barrel-like, Cartier first introduced the design in 1906 and over the years continued to manufacture and refine this stylistic wristwatch. With the Art Deco period, the shape rose in popularity with both men and women, and watch brands from Patek Philippe to Vacheron Constantin produced their own unique tonneau-shaped timepieces. Today, makers like Richard Mille have modernised the look with a compressed case, and Cartier still retails tonneau-shaped watches, which maintain the flare and appeal of the original 1906 examples.

The present watch from the early 20th century is a fine example with four prong lugs, the watch is a wonderful representation of the iconic design of Cartier.