Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 1920 Case No: 11298 and 4326 Model Name: Tonneau Material: Platinum and 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, 18 jewels Dimensions: 26.5mm Width and 38mm Length Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
One of the most iconic designs of the 20th century, the present watch is one of the very first Tonneau models ever made. Exuding elegance, the present timepiece was the brainchild of Louis Cartier and incredibly modern in appearance when launched in 1906. It is incredible how a design from the early 20th century is synonymous with Cartier's design codes today, attesting to Louis Cartier's vision for La Maison. In fact, this very model today has been revived throughout Cartier's history, proof of its enduring design. Details such as the guilloché flower and cabochon crown can still be found on Cartier models today.
Appearing only for the second time on the auction market, the present timepiece is consigned from the family of the original owner, a jeweler in Paris who had bought the timepiece directly from the Cartier boutique. Still displaying its original hand stamped Cartier numbers and French hallmarks, the timepiece has not been restored in any way - attesting to its desirability and collectibility. Incredibly important in terms of the brand's historical context, this timepiece represents the history and design flair of one of the most important models from the world's most important watch brands.
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.