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Lot Essay
The Baignoire Allongée is the largest Baignoire model and thus named the ‘Maxi Oval’. This incredibly attractive and very hard to find 1991 edition was part of a limited series of 400 pieces made for Cartier's Paris boutique. The silvered guilloché dial decorated with a moiré pattern is signed ‘Cartier Paris’ and with Cartier’s secret signature on the 7 o’clock numeral. Faithfully capturing the spirit and proportions of the original 1964 model, it is designed to provide a perfect fit on the wrist.
Cartier Baignoire
Originally conceived for an important Russian client in 1912 but unnamed, the Cartier ‘Baignoire’ or ‘bathtub’ in French has remained a timeless and elegant icon for over a century. Although resembling a bathtub, the name actually refers to the shape of the exclusive sections of the grand Opera Houses that Cartier’s clientele frequented. The ‘Baignoire’ shaped watch that is familiar today was not serially produced until 1957 and only christened ‘Baignoire’ in 1973. The ‘Allongée Maxi Oval’ was the ultimate expression of the Baignoire design, the London made examples are thought to have first appeared in 1964. The Baignoire Allongée was not just simply an elongated and exaggerated variation of the standard Baignoire, but a transcendent and unusual piece of functional, wearable art. In 1991 Cartier re-issued the Baignoire Allongee for their Collection Privé, a limited edition reserved for their best clients.
Cartier Baignoire
Originally conceived for an important Russian client in 1912 but unnamed, the Cartier ‘Baignoire’ or ‘bathtub’ in French has remained a timeless and elegant icon for over a century. Although resembling a bathtub, the name actually refers to the shape of the exclusive sections of the grand Opera Houses that Cartier’s clientele frequented. The ‘Baignoire’ shaped watch that is familiar today was not serially produced until 1957 and only christened ‘Baignoire’ in 1973. The ‘Allongée Maxi Oval’ was the ultimate expression of the Baignoire design, the London made examples are thought to have first appeared in 1964. The Baignoire Allongée was not just simply an elongated and exaggerated variation of the standard Baignoire, but a transcendent and unusual piece of functional, wearable art. In 1991 Cartier re-issued the Baignoire Allongee for their Collection Privé, a limited edition reserved for their best clients.