When the tonneau-shaped wristwatch was introduced around 1904, it was one of the most unusual and striking models on the market. Patek Philippe particularly excelled in producing these early wristwatches, showcasing daring and imaginative designs, such as oversized Arabic numerals on the dial. This design marked a clear aesthetic departure from pocket watches, as the tonneau, or "barrel"-shaped wristwatch fitted comfortably on the wrist, unlike the flat round surfaces of converted pocket watches.

This specific example exemplifies the 1920s aesthetic beautifully. According to the accompanying Extract from the Archives, the watch was originally crafted in white gold in 1911. During servicing at a Patek Philippe workshop in 1927, the case and dial were changed to the current elegant yellow gold case and dial featuring refined Breguet numerals. The dial stands out as remarkably modern even today, and the Patek Philippe & Co signature on the caseback is sharp and legible, attesting to the excellent condition of the case. The dial itself is exceptionally well-preserved, having endured the elements for over 90 years.

The service invoice that accompanies the watch indicates that it was serviced in Patek Philippe in 1983, along with the purchase of a new buckle. Only a handful of tonneau-shaped Patek Philippe watches have resurfaced over the years, and this particular piece has remained in the same collection for over 40 years, complete with all paperwork that details its provenance.