A solid eighteen carat yellow gold Cartier Bainoire. The Cartier Baignoire, which literally means bathtub in French, is the new it-girl watch, or new IT watch, period.  this is perhaps one of the most beautiful, and unusual iterations of this The Cartier Baignoire watch boasts a storied, century-long history, cementing its status as a true icon in the realm of luxury timepieces. Designed in 1912 by Louis Cartier for the Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna of Russia, this elliptical-cased marvel represented a stylish departure from the standard round and rectangular watch shapes of the era. Crafted with an elegantly curved, oval-shaped case, the Baignoire epitomizes Cartier's timeless sophistication and innovative spirit.

The watch is a bit of a departure from what Cartier lovers flock to the brand for – the Roman numeral dial is this time replaced by a rae Arabic dial, with exploding numbers at the twelve and six o'clock positions helping to fill the larger expanse of the dial. With this rare dial, there is no room for the hidden signature, usually found at the seven o’clock position.  Also goes away the chemin de fer minute track. The sword blued steel hands remain.  This smaller size case does not have a crown on the side of the case, so there is also no signature blue sapphire set winding crown. The “Swiss” signed dial is in perfect condition. The case shows no signs of polishing and is in excellent condition, with all of the stamping and unique Cartier reference numbers still visible on the case back.  Model reference number 1960.

The watch is powered by a quartz movement. This is a fairly rudimentary, but reliable, movement that powered the vast number of Cartier watches from the mid 1980’s through to the early 2000’s.  

Overall, this is a wonderful example of the classic Cartier icon. It is in great original condition.  The case is perfect, and is unpolished. This is the smaller size than the classic quartz versions. The beautiful shaped dial is framed by a series of factory set diamonds that creates this stunning halo effect around the dial. 

A watch that worked for the likes of Catherine Deneuve to Tyler the creator, it has taken its place as is one of the most iconic Cartier watches.