A unique timepiece is being highlighted on this weeks “Watch of the Week” – it’s a Cartier Tonneau, a skeletonised watch, which embers that luxurious essence, through the use of it’s luxurious design and materials etc. All of which, we will discuss throughout this post. The “Tonneau” model was first brought to life, back 1906, but has been re-jigged, and modernised, all whilst keeping the vintage elements too. Anyway, we’ll leave the finer details for a little bit later on… first let’s talk about why this watch is special.
WHAT MAKES THE CARTIER TONNEAU XL DUAL TIME SO SPECIAL?
With the model being first introduced in 1906, without the skeletonised feature – it allows you to see the… i don’t want to say improvements, because a classic timepiece, is a classic. But this particular piece highlights the advancements in technology, as well as showing the innovative and creative aspect in which Cartier brings.
The iconic oval shape being used for the case, keeps it in line with the original model, making it that little bit extra special – keeping in touch with it’s heritage. With a few modern-day updates, this watch boasts some pretty remarkable functionalities, in which we’ll cover in more detail in just a moment.
THE DIAL
It’s sleek and modern, and designed for someone who doesn’t mind wearing an outlandish piece once in a while. It will certainly grab the attention of others that’s for sure. The open-worked dial, features two skeletonised curved dials, of which boasts a dual time function, allowing for two time zones to be present – in turn, making it a perfect watch for the travelling man.
One thing which really gives off the luxurious essence, is the symmetry from all aspects involved – that includes the two dials, which are identical, apart from the engraved “Cartier” on the top one. As well as the blue sapphire-topped crowns. Which are beautiful, must i add. Adding to that rich character in which it holds.
THE CASE
This Cartier Tonneau may be labelled as “XL” in it’s name, but it only has a case diameter of 29.8mm, which is relatively thin, and great for someone who may have smaller wrists. And again, not necessarily for the small wrists, but definitely for the man after an elegant, subtle and sophisticated piece, is the case thickness of 11.9mm.
The case is made out of 18-karat rose gold, which just goes to show why the price of this watch is around £60,000. The Cartier Tonneau features various types of finishing on the case, with the bezel having a polished finish, and the case having a grain finish. This contrast between all the contours and curves, allows for that extra depth and character to prevail, which creates a balance between the skeletonised dials and the case itself.
The lugs are rather uncommon, with a screw being there, to allow for a change of straps etc. And is probably something you might not have seen on a watch before. It’s a change to the usual lugs which don’t hold anything, and just need a spring bar remover to remove the spring bar.
THE STRAP
Being a dress watch can be easy sometimes, as long as the strap is in good contrast to the rest of the watches elements, then you can’t really go wrong. But that’s the thing, it’s important to really think these things through, which Cartier have done so. They have included a folding buckle-fastening dark-grey alligator strap.
The folding buckle gives you that extra security, especially when partaking in more strenuous activities etc. Not only, does it add security, but it gives the watch a more premium feel. Talking of how things feel – this Alligator strap is sure going to be comfy… with a lot of watch brands opting for vegan leather, in light of the changes happening all around the world, it’s going to become less common to see these high quality straps due to this… which we can’t say is a bad thing. But nonetheless, it’s a high quality strap, that’s going to be reliable in terms of it’s durability.
THE MOVEMENT
The movement found powering this Cartier “Tonneau”, is a Swiss-made calibre 9919 MC hand-wound movement. It has some impressive stats, and you can probably tell that, just by laying your eyes upon it. If we were to take a look beneath the sapphire glass crystal, we would be able to take a closer look, and understand some of the incredible features it holds, such as the 60-hour power reserve. I mean, you could travel for days and still not need to wind your watch. But not only, that, it comes equipped with 35 jewels, which is as suspected, for it being such a fragile movement. Lastly, is the precision, which is highlighted through the frequency of 28,800 Vph.
THE SPECIFICATIONS
Case material – 18-karat rose gold case
Movement type – Swiss-made calibre 9919 MC hand-wound movement
Water resistant depth – 30m (3 bar)
Strap material – Folding buckle-fastening dark-grey alligator strap
Power reserve – 60-hour power reserve
Case diameter – 29.8mm
Case thickness – 11.9mm
Reference number – WHTN0005
If you’re looking to find out more, on “Watch of the Week”, then head over to see what the Panerai Luminor Chrono Chronograph is made of.
