Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Cartier Tonneau Platinum CPCP
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier (maker)
- Date
- c. 1990s
- Historical period
- Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
- Country of origin
- France
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- platinum
- Dimensions
- Case 21 mm
- Stock no.
- 40950424
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Analog/Shift (40950424)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Cartier Tonneau Platinum CPCP (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Analog/Shift (dealer), New York (stock number 40950424), this is a wristwatch by Cartier, made in France, dated c. 1990s. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: platinum. Recorded dimensions: Case 21 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Analog/Shift
When you think of Cartier, their longstanding history in Jewelry probably comes to mind. But, they also have a renowned reputation for making timeless and elegant timepieces for just over 100 years. The Tank Louis is without question their most well-known model, but the story doesn't end there. Beyond their Tank line are numerous executions - many produced in very limited quantities - that are quite literally some of the most beautiful timepieces ever made. This model line, the Tonneau, was actually Cartier's second watch design. Ever . First released in 1906, two years after after the Santos Dumont, the Tonneau is one of Cartier's most longstanding, yet under the radar, references. This particular example, a part of the CPCP collection, dates to circa 1990s and features a 21mm Platinum case with a wildly cool, curved crystal, a lovely silver guilloche dial with printed 'Roman' indices, a matching blued-steel 'Breguet' handset, and Cartier’s signature cabochon crown. This ref. 2668-1 is powered by a manually-wound movement and comes fitted to a signed black leather strap with a matching deployant clasp. As effortlessly comfortable as it is elegant, this piece is appropriate for virtually any wrist. The Tonneau, with its stunning curved design, signals a particularly refined level of taste. Extremely versatile , this watch is the perfect companion for a night out at the Opera, just as well as Sunday soccer practice!
Historical context
Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.
Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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