Cartier Tonneau EXTREMELY RARE Cartier Tonneau Historic Piece Circa 1920 Cintree Curved 18k Gold with Gold Buckle + Box

CARTIER
Founded in 1847
For the discerning ones

Wearing a Cartier watch is to join the club of famous clients: Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, the Duchess of Windsor, Princess Grace, Barbara Hutton, Elizabeth Taylor, Andy Warhol, Yves Saint Laurent, Truman Capote, Cary Grant, Clark Gable, Audrey Hepburn, Kanye West, Mick Jagger, Duke Ellington, Warren Beatty, Angelina Jolie, Tom Ford, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Piven, Finneas, Jean Cocteau, Mohamed Ali, Gary Cooper, Ingrid Bergman, André Malraux, Steve McQueen, Alain Delon amongst countless others.

Appearing in the early 20th century, the barrel-shaped watch marked a decisive break from the pocket watch. A synthesis of the rectangle and the oval, its curved case was designed specifically for the wrist — the first major adaptation of its kind. At Cartier, this model appeared in 1906, likely through the collaboration of Edmond Jaeger, conceived to “follow the curve of the arm.” When wristwatches were still seen as eccentric, Louis Cartier demonstrated his visionary nature and passion for horology. The 1906 Tonneau inaugurated a line of archetypal creations that would define Cartier’s identity, including the Santos and the Tank.

The first Tonneau, crafted in platinum — perhaps the world’s first platinum wristwatch — embodied avant-garde refinement. Offered in platinum or gold, it stood out through its sleek simplicity and leather strap, a symbol of modernity associated with travel, automobiles, and sport. This contrast between luxurious case and understated strap highlighted the watch’s elegance and innovation.

The Tonneau also introduced key Cartier signatures: Roman numerals and the cabochon winding crown. Early models, such as the 1907 ladies’ version in platinum with an enamelled pearl bracelet, and the 1911 men’s version worn by Igor Stravinsky, showcased Cartier’s artistry and refinement. With its distinctive lugs — sometimes adorned with screws or cabochons — the Tonneau became a timeless expression of modern elegance.

Make the perfect gift with this fabulous Tonneau de Cartier from 1920.

MODEL
Cartier – Tonneau
Size: for Gentleman
The serial numbers are voluntarily blurred on the caliber photography.

CASE MATERIAL:
Case: 18k solid yellow gold
Crown: Sapphire Cabochon Crown
Dial, caliber strap and buckle signed.

CASE DIMENSION(S):
27 mm wide without crown
45 mm overall length
12mm Buckle / 13 mm lug to lug

DIAL:
Silvered dial with the distinct matte finish and a rare raised “flower” at the middle
Sublime elongated Roman numerals
Blued breguet hands.
(Breguet hands were used for the early years, generally before 1940.)

STRAP:
New original Cartier blue leather strap

BUCKLE MATERIAL:
New Cartier C 18k yellow gold buckle

FRONT GLASS:
Incredible glass ordered at Cartier London (invoice included)

MOVEMENT:
Prior to the mid-1920s, movements were signed "Cartier Paris"; after that, they were signed "European Watch & Clock Company." EWC, as collectors call it, was established by Edmond Jaeger and Cartier for import purposes in 1921. In 1907 French jeweller Cartier, one of Jaeger's clients, ont signé un contrat avec l'horloger parisien selon lequel tous les mouvements Jaeger pendant une période de quinze ans seraient exclusifs à Cartier. Les mouvements étaient produits par LeCoultre.

For no reason Cartier was a little blurred not Paris, 18 jewels and 8 adjustments all match perfectly the year, it’s a LeCoultre caliber sign Cartier Paris, a very rare pre-EWC caliber. The caliber is numbered. (voluntarily blurred by us in the photograph)

DATE:
Circa 1920

INCLUDED:
Accompanied by a Cartier box, and recent service documents from Cartier London and Cartier Paris as pictured.

CONDITION REPORT:
The watch was fully inspected, tested and adjusted in Paris, fully functional but very fragile (clearly not an everyday watch), keeping time and is in very good cosmetic condition for its age of more than 100 years! The dial is great too. A true must-have. Our complete description and service documents from Cartier have the value of a certificate of authenticity and appraisal.

Incredibly important, this timepiece represents the history and design flair of one of the most important models from the world's most important watch brands. To give you an idea of how rare this watch truly is, between 1920 and 1929 Cartier produced only 4,767 timepieces in total — of which just 710 were Tank models, and far fewer were Tonneau. After more than a century, only a handful are known to have survived, a fact that underscores their extraordinary rarity today.

In addition, you can see a picture of the watch in Cartier books for reference and pictured on a man's wrist.