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A tonneau case (French for 'barrel') is a watch case shaped like a barrel or rounded rectangle with curved sides that bulge outward, distinguishing it from round or rectangular cases. First introduced by Cartier in 1906, it contours to the wrist shape naturally, combining elegant visual distinction with wearing comfort. The name references its resemblance to a wooden wine barrel.
Cartier pioneered the tonneau and continues using it extensively (Cartier Tonneau, Privilège). Other notable examples include A. Lange & Söhne's Lange 1 (curved case), Vacheron Constantin's Historiques American 1921, and various vintage Patek Philippe dress watches. The form is associated with refined dress watches and vintage references where non-round cases signal elegance and individuality.
Tonneau cases offer ergonomic advantages — they sit more naturally against the curved wrist than perfectly round cases. Aesthetically, they provide horizontal elongation that flatters most wrists and create visual distinction from round watches. The format works particularly well for dress watches, where the unconventional shape conveys individuality and refined taste without the more assertive character of square or pillow cases.
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