Cartier

Created in 1906, the Tonneau is one of first wristwatches ever designed. It is the second oldest watch that was given a name, after another creation of Cartier, the Santos, in 1904.

Almost 120 years after its creation, the Tonneau continues to fascinate generation of watch enthusiasts. Cartier has celebrated this model through several versions throughout the years.

Between 1998 and 2008, Cartier produced the Collection Privée Cartier Paris, better known as 'CPCP'.

That exceptional production was dedicated to revisiting the iconic models of the Maison while powering them with the finest mechanisms. These pieces are today rightly recognized as some of the most collectible watches of the last 40 years.

The CPCP collection would not have been complete without the Tonneau. The watch was presented in two versions, in pink gold, reference 2802, and in platinum, to which the present timepiece belongs and known under the reference 2803.

Clearly stating its affiliations to the CPCP collection, this watch is called the Tonneau Salon Privé. Its dimensions preserve the timeless elegance of the design. The case is slightly curved, ensuring an unparalleled comfort on the wrist. This curved profile of the case further enhances the impeccable sophistication of the timepiece. The case is crowned by a sapphire cabochon, a feature demonstrating the neovintage character of the piece, a time when the ruby cabochon was not yet systematic for the platinum pieces.

The dial conserves the stylistic codes of the original model with the elongated Roman numerals, the inner minute track and the blued-steel Breguet hands. The traditional touch is brought by the use of the guilloché textured dial as well as the rosette by its center part.

The watch is powered by the mechanical in-house calibre 9790MC manual winding movement.

Whether it is through its design or its components, the Tonneau Salon Privé embodies the finest quality and Cartier at its very best.

This very example is even more exceptionnal as it bears the most collectible "001" engraving on the back, proudly stating that it was the very first reference 2803 made, hence strongly augmenting its collectibility.