Alfred Dunhill Facet Tank (Tonneau Case)
Dress Watch · Alfred Dunhill (Richemont Group). Historically a premium British luxury goods brand with high-quality Swiss-made timepieces.
Period: Neo-Vintage / Art Deco Revival (1990s-2000s). The design draws heavily from the Art Deco period but incorporates modern manufacturing and a date complication.
Type
Dress Watch
Brand
Alfred Dunhill (Richemont Group). Historically a premium British luxury goods brand with high-quality Swiss-made timepieces.
Movement
Swiss Quartz or Automatic (typically ETA-based for Dunhill). Based on the thin profile and dial layout, it likely houses an ETA Quartz caliber or an ETA 2000-series automatic.
Dimensions
28mm width (excluding crown) x 40mm lug-to-lug; 8mm thickness; 20mm lug width. It wears slightly larger due to the rectangular tonneau shape.
Description
The Dunhill Facet is a masterclass in architectural watch design, inspired by the faceted glass of classic Rolls-Royce lamps. The tonneau-shaped case provides a sophisticated wrist presence that bridges the gap between traditional British elegance and Swiss precision.
Key Features
Signature faceted case sides and crystal; guilloché dial texture; elongated Roman numerals; hidden/integrated lug look.
Dial Description
Silver-white guilloché sector dial with a textured center rectangle. Applied gold-tone Roman numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 with baton indices. Gold-tone baton hands and a date window at 6 o'clock.
Case Material
Gold-plated (Vermeil or PVD) stainless steel or solid 18k gold (varies by specific reference, likely gold-plated/vermeil) with high-polished finishing and vertical faceting on the sides.
Crystal Type
Sapphire crystal, flat or slightly domed, faceted to match the case architecture.
Bezel Details
Integrated fixed bezel, high-polished gold-tone, featuring the signature Dunhill 'Facet' design with steep angled edges.
Crown & Pushers
Small, knurled push-pull crown in gold-tone, typically signed with the Dunhill 'd' logo.
Bracelet or Strap
Brown croc-embossed or genuine alligator leather strap with a gold-plated tang buckle or deployant clasp.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down or snap-on caseback, typically engraved with the Dunhill logo, reference numbers, and 'Swiss Made'.
Movement Type
Swiss Quartz or Automatic (typically ETA-based for Dunhill). Based on the thin profile and dial layout, it likely houses an ETA Quartz caliber or an ETA 2000-series automatic.
Water Resistance
30 Meters / 3 ATM. Splash resistant only; not suitable for swimming or immersion.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. While Dunhill is a British brand, their watches are manufactured in Switzerland using Swiss movements.
Age Estimate
Circa late 1990s to mid-2000s.
Cultural Significance
Represents the diversification of luxury houses into high-end horology during the 1990s luxury boom, focusing on unique case shapes and 'dandy' aesthetics.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible minor surface scratches on the polished gold surfaces and some light wear on the leather strap. Dial appears clean without oxidation.
Value Estimate
$600 - $1,200 USD (Quartz) to $1,800 - $3,500 USD (Solid 18k Gold versions), depending on movement and material.
Care & Maintenance
For quartz, replace battery every 2 years; for automatic, service every 5-7 years. Avoid water exposure as dress watches often have low seals. Clean leather with a damp cloth.
Similar Watches
Cartier Tank Américaine (more curved), Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso (swiveling case), Longines Evidenza (tonneau shape).
Interesting Facts
Dunhill's 'Facet' design is an icon of the brand, appearing on lighters and cufflinks. The design was famously worn by style icons and is often associated with the 'gentleman's accessory' era of watchmaking.