Round-UpTimeless Elegance: Presenting Top Five Tonneau-Shaped Watches

It was in 1906 when Cartier introduced the first-ever tonneau-shaped timepiece and pushed the whole horological industry into a frenzy. Crafted in a bid to break the hegemony of round cases, tonneau—French word for ‘barrel’—and the shape lies somewhere between round and rectangular, featuring horizontal lines on the top and bottom, in addition to the bulging sides. Despite being a part of the industry for more than a century, this funky shape remains far from being ubiquitous and has become a go-to option for those watch brands who want to distinguish themselves from others and establish their own identity. So, if you are searching for a traditional yet uncommon timekeeper that can make a subtle and elegant statement, here is a list for you. 

Corum Miss Golden Bridge

To mark the 30th anniversary of their iconic in-line baguette movement, Corum, in 2010, introduced the Miss Golden Bridge—a slim and sleek timepiece that’s an ideal example of boundless creativity and superlative aesthetics. With each of its details meticulously executed by the brand’s designing team, nothing seems to be an afterthought here. The watch, which measures only 21.3mm by 43.9mm, features an ergonomically designed, tonneau-shaped case in mesmerizing 18-karat gold along with a bezel studded with 90 full-cut diamonds. The skeleton dial is protected by the anti-glare and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal under which we have the show stealer, the calibre CO 113. Consisting of 140 elements, the linear, manual-winding movement beats at a frequency of 28,800vph, can store a power reserve of up to 40 hours and powers the two-hand timekeeping system located at its centre. The Corum Miss Golden Bridge is paired with a black leather strap that adds to the luxurious appeal of the watch.

Hublot Spirit Of Big Bang Titanium Ceramic

Presented in a chunky 45mm barrel-shaped case, the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Ceramic is a timepiece that’s recognisable from afar. A fruitful culmination of the watchmaker’s philosophy of combining innovative materials, the watch comes with a case constructed from ultra-light titanium and a bezel that has been crafted from black-coloured ceramic. Aesthetically speaking, the timepiece has retained all the signature features of the Big Bang collection—there are six H-shaped screws crossing through the bezel, lugs on either side of the dial, and a large-enough crown for easy winding. However, it’s the dial of the watch that hogs all the limelight. Giving an unhindered view of the movement, the display features baton-shaped timekeeping hands in addition to three sub-dials and a date aperture. To ensure optimal readability even in low light conditions, Hublot have generously coated the hands and hour indices with luminous material. What’s more, the dashes of red on the chapter ring, sub-dials and tip of the chronograph hand add an extra bit of detail to the already multi-layered display. The timepiece is powered by the HUB 4700, which is actually a skeletonised El Primero that runs at a frequency of 36,000vph and offers an accuracy of 1/10th of a second. Thanks to the exhibition caseback, the viewer can admire the intricately-finished movement and the open-worked rotor. 

Presented in a chunky 45mm barrel-shaped case, the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Ceramic is a timepiece that’s recognisable from afar

₹19,23,600

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A fruitful culmination of Hublot's philosophy of combining innovative materials, the watch comes with a ultra-light titanium case and a bezel that has been crafted from black ceramic

₹19,23,600

Check Our Selling Price

The timepiece is powered by the HUB 4700, which is actually a skeletonised El Primero that runs at a frequency of 36,000vph and offers an accuracy of 1/10th of a second

₹19,23,600

Check Our Selling Price

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Longines Evidenza 

Longines began crafting tonneau-shaped timepieces as far back as the early 1910s and are considered one of the pioneers of this unconventional design. Therefore, it didn’t come as a surprise when, this year, the watchmakers launched the Evidenza collection that takes its aesthetic codes from the Art Deco movement and features barrel-shaped cases. Carrying an aura of timeless elegance, the 30mm timepieces of the range flaunt pure, fluid lines and are a delight to wear on the wrist. The dials of the watches come in options of sea green or silver colour, which are reminiscent of sea spray and the open sea, and feature a seamless combination of matt and sunburst finish. Apart from the central, three-hand timekeeping system, the display also comes with elongated Roman numerals and a date window at six o’clock. All the variants of the collection are equipped with the automatic movement, L592, which beats at a frequency of 28,800vph and provides a power reserve of 45 hours. Paired with a blue or green leather strap, the timepieces are also available with a supple steel bracelet fitted with a triple-security folding clasp. 

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Parmigiani Kalpagraphe Steel Blue

Introduced two years after the Swiss brand’s establishment in 1996, the Kalpa collection by Parmigiani Fleurier is an integral part of their offerings and has been recognised for its chic and sporty vibes. Housed in exquisite tonneau-shaped cases, the watches of this range come with subtle curves, flawless polishing and refined fluting. Seen here is one of the iterations of the collection called the Kalpagrapge Steel Blue, which is available with a streamlined case made from high-quality steel and a dynamic dial in eye-catchy blue colour. With the signature triple date window placed at 12 o’clock, the display also features three sub-dials at nine, six and three o’clock position and a two-hand timekeeping system—the dial looks busy but remains perfectly legible. Beating inside is the automatic calibre PF334 that is the epitome of precision and reliability and runs at a frequency of 28,800vph with a power reserve of up to 50 hours. The movement is visible through a transparent caseback and is decorated with superb finishes along with Cotes de Geneve. The Kalpagrapge Steel Blue is fashioned with a flexible black rubber strap, which is super-comfy to wear. 

Tissot Heritage Porto

Inspired by the watches built during the 1910s, the Tissot Heritage Porto is a bang-for-the-buck timepiece that offers a tonneau-shaped stainless steel case. The 31mm timepiece takes its name ‘Porto’ from an older limited edition by Tissot, which honoured the Portuguese city after it was declared the European capital of culture in 2001. Bereft of any extravagant decoration or complication, the watch offers a minimalist display with oversized Arabic numerals and hours, minutes, and seconds hands. Under the hood, we have a quartz movement, which not only promises high accuracy and precision but also longevity and durability. The timepiece is secured to the wrist with a black alligator leather strap that elevates the overall charm of the watch. 

Inspired by the watches built during the 1910s, the Tissot Heritage Porto is a bang-for-buck timepiece that offers a tonneau-shaped stainless steel case

Under the hood, we have a quartz movement, which not only promises high accuracy and precision but also longevity and durability

Tissot Heritage

₹51,500

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