Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 2000 Reference No: 1955 Case No: CC851’599 Model Name: Baignoire Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Quartz, cal. 057.06, 4 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Cartier pin buckle Dimensions: 31mm overall length Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Catalogue Essay
Cartier has always been at the forefront of creating some of most fascinating timepieces with unique and iconic case design and shapes. In 1913, Cartier released an oval-shaped wristwatch, which then inspired the Baignoire collection. French for “Bathtub” the Cartier Baignoire was introduced in the 1950s and immediately became one of the stars in the fine collection of timepieces that the Parisian house of luxury had to offer.
The present Cartier Baignoire from circa 2000 is a modern iteration of the iconic model that still thrives today. Encased in its elegant and timeless white gold oval-shaped case lies a clean white dial with Cartier’s signature Roman numerals paired harmoniously with blued hands.
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.