1038Σ︎

Cartier

Ref. 2456

Tonneau

A lady’s fine and attractive white gold and pink diamond-set tonneau-shaped wristwatch with guilloché dial, certificate and presentation box

Estimate
HK$100,000–200,000
€11,200–22,400
$12,800–25,600
Manufacturer
Cartier
Year
Circa 2001
Reference No
2456
Case No
116259AF
Model Name
Tonneau
Material
18K white gold and pink diamonds
Calibre
Manual, jewelled
Bracelet/Strap
Crocodile
Clasp/Buckle
18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp
Dimensions
39mm length x 21mm width
Signed
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Cartier certificate stamped Regent, Taipei dated 3rd December 2001, instruction manual and fitted presentation box.
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Good To Know:

- Rare Cartier Paris Tonneau set with pink diamonds
- Full set with original certificate and presentation box

Over a century ago in 1906, Cartier pushed traditional design boundaries by introducing its first tonneau-shaped wristwatch. At a time when the vast majority of timepieces were round pocket watches or round wristwatches, the introduction of an elongated, barrel-like case was strikingly unconventional.

The present modern lady’s interpretation is a testament to Cartier's enduring design legacy, as the Tonneau remains in production today while maintaining an aesthetic nearly identical to the 1906 original. Featuring a white gold case adorned with brilliant-cut pink diamonds and a matching pink diamond-set crown, its appeal is both elegant and flamboyant. Bearing correct and crisp French eagle head hallmarks, the case in our opinion, remains unpolished.

Accompanied by its original certificate and presentation box, this timepiece represents a glamorous addition to any lady’s collection.

Cartier

French

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. 

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