Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 2013 Reference No: WJ306002 Case No: 92695PX and 3213 Model Name: Baignoire Hypnose Material: 18k white gold and diamonds Calibre: Quartz Bracelet/Strap: Black Cartier satin strap Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold and diamond-set Cartier buckle Dimensions: 46.5 mm. wide Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Cartier blank Certificate, instruction manual, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Originally designed in 1906, the 'Baignoire' watch illustrated Cartier’s knack for combining time keeping with clean aesthetics. The present lot, 'Baignoire Hypnose', provides a modern update on the iconic model. The dial also features Roman numerals that gradually increase in size, giving the watch a hypnotic effect and unique look.
With the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.
Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open.