









880
Cartier
Baignoire Allongée
A rare and attractive white gold and diamond-set wristwatch, certificate and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
Faithful to its original design, the present white gold variant of the Baignore Allongée from circa 1999 is dressed with glamour and elegance of Parisian chic. Adorned with diamonds in contrast with the ivory hued guilloché dial, the sword hands are finished in blued steel which adds a nice touch of colour to its monotoned appeal. Although it measures with a dramatic 54mm by 23mm case, its curved shape wraps around the wrist with incredible comfort. Featuring the classic Roman numerals and secret signature and 7 o’clock, the inscription of Paris on the dial further adds rarity to the timepiece. Preserved in a stunning condition, the present example is accompanied with its Cartier certificate and accessories.
Cartier
FrenchWith 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.