Launched in 1906, just a short two years after the Santos Dumont, the Cartier Tonneau is a stunning barrel-shaped timepiece that draws direct inspiration from the Art Deco movement. Named “Tonneau,” meaning “Barrell” in French, the Tonneau’s gently curved mid-case bellows out from its narrow lugs in a rather attractive manner. Constructed of 18k white gold, this example conforms to the wrist with its curved profile resulting in a wonderfully comfortable wearing experience. Containing a modernized take on one of Cartier’s most iconic design elements, this example is no ordinary Tonneau, instead it is the Tonneau Skeleton XL ref. WHTN0006 that debuted in 2021 as part of the Prive collection which is a specific line for rare and exceptional limited edition variants of the brand’s classic models. Limited to only 100 pieces and made of platinum, this Tonneau boasts a 52.4mm x 29.8mm platinum case with a skeletonized display housing two separate displays for telling the time in two different time zones. With a skeletonized movement to match its display, the ref. WHTN0006’s entire case, movement, and openworked dial are able to be viewed and enjoyed from the front and back as much as its wearer wishes.

An iconic piece of Cartier design that would go on to influence several collections throughout Cartier's heritage, the Tonneau stands as a celebration of Cartier's uncanny ability to create beautiful designs that would go on to become timeless.