Case Shaped Like a Tonneau

Watch design has never stayed still. From the classic pocket watch with its round case, to square, hexagonal, and entirely unconventional shapes, the case has always been one of the most expressive parts of a watch. The Apogee® Collection is part of that long tradition of experimentation, built around a bold, futuristic tonneau case defined by sleek curves. 

The tonneau first appeared in the early 20th century and found renewed energy in the 1970s, a decade when watchmaking broke away from convention and embraced modernism. Unlike a round case, the tonneau allows for greater curvature, making it more ergonomic on the wrist. It breaks the mold in the best way possible, offering a fresh alternative for those who appreciate design that dares to be different. For enthusiasts, it's a statement. 

It's also referred to as a cushion shape, and both names capture what makes it distinctive: soft edges, a strong silhouette, and a form that feels considered rather than default. 

The 1970s weren't just a defining decade for watch design. In India, ISRO was quietly laying the groundwork for Aryabhata, the country's first indigenously built satellite. Two very different worlds, watchmaking and space science, are bound by the same spirit of pushing boundaries. 

That parallel is at the heart of the Apogee® Collection. The watch is a tribute to India's space journey, from the early ambition of Aryabhata to the watch inspired by moon missions of Chandrayaan. The caseback features 3D-engraved artwork honoring Aryabhata, and the dials, available in meteorite, fumé, or sunburst patterns, reflect the wonder of looking up. 

The dual time tracking, three-step construction dial sits naturally within the case, and the proportions feel intentional rather than incidental. This is a watch where form and function are genuinely aligned.

 
It's also worth noting that Apogee® isn't the only BWC collection to take a different approach to the case. The Peninsula Professional uses a pebble-shaped case, inspired by India's diverse geography. Each collection finds the shape that best serves its story. 

The Apogee® case is rendered in Cerasteel®, a proprietary material developed by Bangalore Watch Company. It's not titanium, not standard steel, but something built specifically for this purpose. Two distinctive crowns complement the silhouette, and the overall design echoes the optimism and modernism of the 1970s, the decade that shaped both the watch and the mission it honors.

The Apogee® Collection is one chapter in a longer narrative. Every Bangalore Watch Company™ line is rooted in a distinct story: Mach 1® honours aviation, Cover Drive celebrates cricket with cricket-inspired watches, Peninsula draws from India's landscapes with outdoor watches, and Apogee® nods to India's space exploration. We keep each design close to its story, and the tonneau case is no accident. It reflects the era when ISRO was taking shape and when watchmaking itself was reaching for something new. 

From the tonneau case to the meteorite and fumé dials, every choice in the Apogee® Collection serves a purpose. It continues our commitment to create world-class watches from India and stand shoulder to shoulder with the best anywhere.