First introduced by Vacheron Constantin with the Malte collection in 1912, the tonneau-shape (from the French for “barrel”) is defined by a bulbous middle with a tapered top and bottom.
Though the style is seen in sports watches at marques such as Richard Mille and TW Steel, and in timepieces at Longines and Hermès (the latter’s Cape Cod Tonneau being a notable example), the shape works best for dress watches.
The LUC Heritage Grand Cru, is the perfect case (ho ho) in point. The latest addition to Chopard’s stable, this exquisite creation is crafted from 18k rose gold, contains a Poinçon de Genève certified movement and is a mere 7.75mm thick, making it perhaps the year’s most elegant dress watch. Now all you need is a tux.
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