Released long before the Tank, the Tonneau (1906) was Cartier’s solution to rigid watches sitting awkwardly on the wrist. This Reference 2451 is from the CPCP collection, distinguished by the "Paris" signature on the guilloché dial. Unlike current quartz reissues, this retains a decorated manual-wind ebauches from either Frederic Piguet or Jaeger le Coultre.
Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier approaches horology with the perspective of a master jeweler, prioritizing form, proportion, and aesthetic purity. The Maison was a crucial pioneer of the modern wristwatch, creating the purpose-built Santos-Dumont in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont and later the iconic Tank in 1917, whose "brancards" seamlessly integrated the case and lugs into a singular design.
While historically collaborating with ebauche movement suppliers, Cartier has since invested significantly in its own manufacture capabilities in Switzerland, developing a suite of in-house calibres. The brand's enduring significance lies not in technical innovation, but in creating a portfolio of iconic case shapes that are foundational to watchmaking itself.
Overall Grade: 9 / 10 | Mint Condition, Light Visible Wear Production: 2010 Contents: Full-set Genre: Dress Watch
Size: 21x32mm Thickness: approx. 6mm Lug Width: approx. 18mm
Case: 18k yellow gold tonneau case, brushed sides, light visible wear Bezel: 18k yellow gold, fixed, mirrored finish, light visible wear Dial: Silver guilloché dial, printed roman numerals, 'CARTIER PARIS' signature Hands: Blued-steel Breguet-style hands
Crown: 18k yellow gold push/pull crown, beaded with a blue sapphire cabochon, light visible wear Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal, tonneau shape, light visible wear Bracelet: Brown leather strap, light visible wear Caseback: 18k yellow gold, solid screwed caseback, engraved with 'Cartier Paris', numbered, light visible wear Movement: Manual Wind Caliber: Swiss Ebauche