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The Tonneau was introduced in 1906, just two years after the first men’s wristwatch, the Cartier Santos. The ornate barrel-shaped case—tonneau being the French word for barrel—was a precursor to the tastes of the Art Deco-era that would soon follow: strong, bold, and geometric. The Tonneau was Cartier’s second watch design, introduced in 1906, coming just two years after the iconic Santos-Dumont. Despite its history, the Tonneau, nevertheless, has evaded the mainstream popularity that other Cartier designs have enjoyed. It was, and still is, truly a connoisseur's watch. This 1990s Tonneau is a beautiful smaller execution, measuring 32 x 21 mm that wears elegantly due to the slim and curved shape. The watch features an elegant barrel-shaped case executed in 18k yellow-gold with short downturned lugs and lovely bold screws that attach the strap to the case. The ivory dial features artisanal guilloché engraving and large painted Roman numerals together with a ‘Paris’ signature. Together with the engraved case back that reads “made in France” this indicates that the watch was specifically made for and sold by Cartier’s flagship boutique at Place Vendôme in Paris. This Tonneau is powered by a manual movement and comes on a new matte-black alligator-leather Cartier strap. The watch was just serviced by Cartier and comes with the corresponding service papers.