Tonneau-Shaped Watches: A Reference Guide

quattro · 2025-02-24T17:29:15Z

Explore the unique appeal of tonneau-shaped watches, featuring Patek Philippe Gondolo, Franck Muller Casablanca, Vacheron Constantin, and Omega Petrograd models. Discover vintage and modern references.

quattro

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

21 replies6466 views73 photos

In a captivating exploration, quattro delves into the distinctive world of tonneau-shaped watches, a design that, while not universally appealing, holds a significant place in horological history. His detailed post highlights iconic references from Patek Philippe, Franck Muller, Vacheron Constantin, and Omega, showcasing both vintage and modern interpretations. This article synthesizes quattro's original insights with community contributions, offering a comprehensive look at these unique timepieces.

21 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

These tonneau or barrel-shaped watches are not to everybody's taste, but I find them interesting and they share such a strong family resemblance:

Patek Philippe Chronometro Gondolo (both vintage and modern ref. 5098)
Franck Muller Casablanca (ref. 6850 SC)
Vacheron Constantin Historiques 1912 (ref. 37001)
Omega Petrograd 1915 (both vintage and modern renditions)

Enjoy!

A/ PATEK PHILIPPE CHRONOMETRO GONDOLO

1/ Original model from 1918 with Manual-wind Patek calibre 12'''

credit: watch club London

2/ Ref. 5098 powered by cal. 25-21 REC (introduced in 2007 in platinum)

a/ Ref. 5098P-001 (platinum)

credit: @bobmaron (1) & loupe this

b/ Ref. 5098R-001 (rose gold, introduced in 2009)

credit: @ chronogermany24 (1), analogshift (2-6) & bob’s watches (7)

c/ Both Patek Philippe ref. 5098 models with a Franck Muller Casablanca Perpetual Calendar

credit: swiss watch expo

B/ FRANCK MULLER CASABLANCA ref. 6850 SC with cal. FM 2800

1/ Ref. 6850 SC in rose gold

credit: we watches

2/ Ref. 6850 SC in white gold

credit: catawiki

C/ VACHERON CONSTANTIN HISTORIQUES 1912 ref. 37001

1/ Ref. 37001/000G (white gold)

credit: hand watch

credit: watch club London

2/ Ref. 37001/00R (rose gold)

credit: scottish watches (1) & nobeluhren

credit: @cimafonte_gennaro_official, @akichi & @nalisbonne

D/ OMEGA PETROGRAD 1915

1/ Five vintage models (spotting the differences is interesting: numerals, hands, small seconds' subdial, etc.)

Model n° 1

credit: @vintage_swissmade

Model n° 2

credit: @watchlover3577

Model n° 3

credit: @vigad72

Model n° 4

credit: orologi forumfree

Model n° 5

credit: atelier tempus

2/ THE MUSEUM COLLECTION 2004 REEDITION ref. 5703.30.01 with cal. 2200 (limited to 1915 pcs)

credit: pushers

credit: watch collecting & Lepage (last photo only)

3/ THE 2014 SOCHI EDITION OF THE PETROGRAD 1915, ref. 522.53.33.20.02.001 with cal. 2202 (limited to 100 pcs)

credit: @conquest_watches (1) & chronoscope.ru

Key Points from the Discussion

The definition of 'tonneau' can vary, with some models being less elongated and closer to a square, like the Cartier Tortue and Vacheron Constantin ref. 31150, which form a distinct design family.
The Girard-Perregaux Richeville is another notable tonneau-shaped watch that fits into this category, offering a unique aesthetic contribution.
The Cartier Tortue is a classic example of a tonneau-shaped watch, often referenced when discussing this particular case design.
The discussion prompts a question about whether certain watches, like a specific Cartier model, qualify as tonneau-shaped, highlighting the nuances in defining the case form.

The Discussion

quattro

Feb 24, 2025

Oh, I didn't know this one at all: it's wonderful!

This 3490 (I've checked the reference) is really nice.

Jaseewasee

Feb 24, 2025

Great post!

I have the 5098P, and it’s become one of my favorites.

quattro

Feb 24, 2025

Thank you!

Lucky you: enjoy this beautiful and quite unique timepiece! Best, Emmanuel

hora12reborn

Feb 24, 2025

Beauty comes in various shapes.

brauner

Feb 24, 2025

Little marvels

Not to forget the Tortues

quattro

Feb 24, 2025

True! The tortue is just a little less

elongated. A little closer to a square than to a rectangle: would you agree? And the Roman numerals have a different look, compared to the Arabic ones. But great model nonetheless, for sure. Thanks for sharing your nice pic. Best, Emmanuel