Cartier Baignoire "Casque d'Or" Yellow gold & steel - c. 1990

Plunging back into legend

Description

How can you talk about Cartier watches without thinking of the Baignoire ? With elegance, sensuality, and delicacy, the Cartier Baignoire evokes womanhood and the Cartier identity in one. It also illustrates the Maison’s technical capabilities in creating a movement that fits seamlessly into an oval case. 

The round and voluptuous case surely makes the Baignoire the most feminine watch ever designed by Cartier. Many powerful or iconic women made it their signature watch. 

What makes this model so rare is its integrated “Casque d'or” bracelet. Its curves are reminiscent of those of the case and give movement to the watch. Even more: a bracelet not all gold but in yellow gold and steel. A bold contrast but a winning bet. The Cartier Baignoire thus takes on a more sporty appearance compared to the all-gold version or the leather strap version. Another design as original as it is beautiful from Cartier! The alternation of slightly different links demonstrates high quality drawing and goldsmith work!

How to wear it?

Obviously, we wouldn't recommend going for sports with such a precious watch, even with this two-tone bracelet. Apart from that, we can consider this watch to be worn daily! The quartz movement makes it practical and precise and does not require maintenance. A precious piece that will attract attention.

Why did Françoise choose it?

Françoise loves simple Baignoire, on a leather strap, or on a more luxurious all-gold bracelet. How can you not fall for this rare gold and steel version? Françoise enjoys wearing a Baignoire all the more because she knows it has been chosen by many women she respects or admires.

History

From Catherine Deneuve to Jeanne Moreau via Romy Schneider, the Cartier Baignoire continues to charm.

Although Louis Cartier had already introduced a design of an elongated watch in the early 1900s, the iconic model we know today was born in 1958 in Cartier’s Parisian workshops. A watch with feminine and sensual lines, an innovative and creative style. A few years later, the Baignoire Allongée appeared in London studios.

While the case formed of gold gadroons has retained its rounded design, it has nevertheless offered a few variations over the years, as has the dial, sometimes embellished with Roman numerals, sometimes with Arabic numerals. An intrinsically elegant watch that goes through the years without losing its aura.