Tonneau

release

 
Tonneau ChifSet

And Guy Ellia created form

Guy Ellia, while remaining true to his feminine ideal, has introduced an element of surprise, following the rectangle, the square, the oval and the inevitable round watches, by presenting a new shape in their collection: the Tonneau.

The emblematic shape of the Art Deco era – midway between a circle and a rectangle – the Tonneau, among the most feminine of forms, successfully shows off extraordinary dials while being perfectly suited to women's wrists.

Launched in 2009 by Guy Ellia, the Tonneau not only presents a seductive vintage style harking back to the 1930s, but is simply exceptional, thanks to the dial's styling as well as its dimensions.

Enhanced by an impressive gold case measuring 52 mm x 40.4 mm, the watch is both domed and convex. The dials feature two large stylised numbers separated by a pair of mini hours and minutes hands moved by a FrédéricPiguet calibre. This timepiece embodies the Guy Ellia spirit with the numbers 6 and 9 seeming to escape the dial, which comes in mirror-polished gold, black or opaline and is decorated with full or outlines numerals, set outlines or full set.

Despite its apparent starkness, the Tonneau's complexity epitomises fine watchmaking. The highly domed sapphire crystal hugs the curves of its case but does not stop there. It extends to cover the bezel on the strap sides and displays to best effect of the horns set with 66 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 1.60 carats.

Despites its differences, the Tonneau remains true to the aesthetics of Guy Ellia watches. While the brand's signature does not appear on the dial, the name “Guy Ellia” is engraved on its back cover with a diamond-dotted “I”. The crown is set with a diamond and the pin buckle carries a further diamond, placed on the pin itself.

For women, it is never enough…

Watch case

MOVEMENT by F. Piguet
Caliber PGE 820