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Lot #3563

Cartier Baignoire Ref. 1955 18k White Gold Aftermarket Diamonds and Bracelet

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Introduction

Celebrating Cartier's storied heritage of luxury and elegance and tracing its design roots back to 1912 when Louis Cartier crafted an unnamed watch for Grand Duchess Pavlovna of Russia, the Cartier Baignoire was officially released to the public in 1957 as the "Baignoire," French for "bathtub”. Embodying the brand’s daring reinterpretation of the traditional round watch, the ref. 1955 that we have here captures the Baignoire’s iconic silhouette with a modern twist through the addition of its abundance of aftermarket diamonds across its 18kt white gold case and construction. Stretching into a curved, feminine silhouette that measures 22mm x 31mm, the ref. 1955’s aesthetic is further enhanced by the addition of a stainless steel two-toned aftermarket bracelet with diamond-settings throughout to replace the original leather strap that the watch would have been delivered on. Featuring Cartier’s timeless Roman numerals and blued steel sword-shaped hands, upon its off-white dial, the watch embodies Cartier’s signature design language.

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Grade

M 8

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Watch Only

Est. value range

$3,000 – $5,000

The Details

Brand

Cartier

Dimensions

22mm x 31mm

Model

Baignoire

Movement

White

Reference

1955

Bracelet

Diamond-set aftermarket stainless steel bracelet with gold-toned sections

Year

Circa 2000s

Condition

Very Good

Material

18kt white gold

Included

Watch only

Dial Color

Silver

THE DIAL
THE DIAL

Proving just how timeless Cartier's design has been over the 100+ years, the Baignoire's silver dial features the same Roman numerals and blued steel hands that have become a lynchpin of Cartier's modern design.

THE CONSTRUCTION
THE CONSTRUCTION

Sporting two rows of diamonds across the domed bezel of its 18kt white gold case, this Baignoire ref. 1955's aesthetic is that of pure luxury and opulence.

THE PROFILE
THE PROFILE

Boasting a curved profile to allow it to wrap around the wrist, the Baignoire's oval case becomes incredibly comfortable and wearable.

Condition

The white gold case is in very good condition, with some marks and scratches on the case sides. The diamonds in the bezel are aftermarket, as are the crown and bracelet themselves. It was originally delivered as a white gold Baignoire on black leather strap. Dial shows minimal wear and aging, and the crystal has some minor chipping along the edge. The two-tone colored bracelet (It is steel and not gold) set with diamonds, has 12 links and fits an approximately 6 1/2" wrist.

Our Perspective

Taking the Baignoire's luxurious aesthetic and intensifying it through the use of diamonds across its aftermarket two-toned stainless steel bracelet and 18kt white gold case, this ref. 1955 is an appealingly modern take on one of Cartier's most storied models.

Eric Ku

Co-founder