Manufacturer: Cartier Year: 1995 Reference No: A113'699 Model Name: "Tonneau" Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 78-1, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp Dimensions: 39mm. Length and 26mm. Width Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
Cartier's very first tonneau watch was launched in 1906. Always pushing the boundaries of aesthetics and design, Louis Cartier broke convention by eschewing the traditional round wristwatch, favouring an unusual and elongated case design. At the time of production, the "Tonneau" watch was unusually daring - it boasted a confident and large case which elegantly hugged the wrist.
The present example is a modern-day interpretation of the barrel-shaped wristwatch while retaining the design codes established over a century ago. Cased in white gold, set with diamonds and featuring a diamond crown, this example is preserved in excellent condition, with crisp case numbers and hallmarks.
With the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.
Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open.