Description

The present watch is the Cartier Tonneau Large in platinum WGTN0005, part of the exclusive Cartier Privé collection, a line created to celebrate the maison’s most iconic designs through refined mechanical craftsmanship.

First introduced in 1906, the Tonneau was one of the very first wristwatches ever designed—second only to the Santos of 1904 to bear a model name. At the 2019 SIHH, Cartier unveiled this modern interpretation, offered in two versions: a standard model in pink gold and a highly exclusive limited edition in platinum, to which this timepiece belongs.

Faithful to the original’s elegant geometry yet updated for contemporary wear, the Tonneau Large features a sleek, slightly curved platinum case that measures just 8 mm thick, ensuring superb comfort on the wrist. The curved profile enhances the design’s graceful flow, while a ruby cabochon crown subtly signals its precious metal construction. The grey soleil‑finished dial revisits the early Tonneau’s codes with elongated Roman numerals, an inner minute track, and blued‑steel Breguet‑style hands. Interplays of grey tones—from the darker numerals to the lighter Cartier and Swiss signatures—create dynamic reflections under changing light.

Powering the watch is Cartier’s in‑house hand‑wound calibre 1917 MC, offering approximately 38 hours of power reserve. Through this movement and immaculate attention to detail, Cartier preserves the traditional artistry of mechanical horology while maintaining perfect visual balance.

As the inaugural model of the Cartier Privé collection, the platinum Tonneau Large bridges the maison’s storied past and its modern mechanical revival—paying homage to the legendary CPCP (Collection Privée Cartier Paris) pieces of the early 2000s, and reaffirming the enduring magic of Cartier’s purest watchmaking design.

Cartier – Bio

Founded by Louis-Francois Cartier in 1847, the house of Cartier is the luxury jewellers by reference in France.
Jewellers of the royal family and their prominent entourage, they quickly acquired fame in Europe.
Later Louis Cartier gave a second life to old watchmaking traditions with pieces like the mystery clocks, gem-set watches and other flamboyant pieces.
One of their iconic models called the Santos was made in 1904 for his friend and client the aviator from Brazil, Alberto Santos-Dumont.   Followed by other successful models like the Tonneau in 1906, the Tortue in 1912 and the famous Tank in 1919 to mention few.
The brand stayed in the family until 1964 and is now owned by a Swiss watch group.