Swiss Art Deco Tonneau Wristwatch by Longines

This fantastic wristwatch by esteemed Swiss company Longines features an impeccable tonneau shaped case. First popularized in the early 1900s as part of the first trend to stylize the wristwatch, the tonneau, or “barrel” shape in French (think wine barrel), inspired a new and fresh form in wristwatches. High-end watchmakers interpreted the shape as a fashionable alternative to the traditional round or square watch, thus creating a unique shape that contours to the curve of the wrist with sleek, elegant lines.

This wonderful example features a refined and distinguished style. The beautifully crafted 14k yellow gold case measures a most impressive 51mm in length, a larger-than-average case size for the period. A classically styled original Art Deco dial with Arabic displays the time with numerals graduating from small to large, and a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o’clock mark. Powering this watch is a 17-jewel manual wind movement.

This impressive watch bears a complete restoration and an 18-month warranty.

51mm

Circa 1915