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 Baignoire that we have here captures the Baignoire’s iconic silhouette with a luxurious twist with its unique 18k yellow gold Cuban link bracelet. Twisting around and attaching to the Baignoire through its hidden lugs, the bracelet’s unique design contrasts that of the Baignoire’s curvy oval silhouette. Measuring 21.8mm x 30.5mm, the Baignoire’s aesthetic is entirely removed from the typically restrained design language that the Baignoire follows when offered on a leather strap, as is typical for the model. Sold by Cartier New York, this example features the relevant stock number engraved on its caseback, and features the correct Cartier typeface for Cartier NY on its white dial. As was normal for Cartier NY at the time, they would retail watches made by other brands, with this example being made by Bueche Girod, a relatively small watchmaker founded in 1947 by a husband and wife team whose watches quickly became quite desirable. Thanks to their craftsmanship, Bueche Girod would go on to supply watches to the likes of Cartier, Universal Geneve, Bulova and others.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$5,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Cartier
Dimensions
21.8mm x 30.5mm
Model
Baignoire
Movement
Manual-wind
Reference
7743-1
Bracelet
18kt yellow gold bracelet
Year
Circa 1970s
Condition
Very Good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
Proving just how timeless Cartier's design has been over the 100+ years, the Baignoire's white dial features the same Roman numerals that have become a lynchpin of Cartier's modern design. Furthermore, this example's dial features the lowercase cursive font for its 'Cartier' logo that has become synonymous with Cartier New York.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Offering a completely new aesthetic for the Baignoire, this example's Cuban link bracelet swaps the Baignoire's understated elegance for a louder and more opulent design.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information. Please note that the watch winds and is running, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. Case is soft but numbers on caseback (including the Cartier NY stock numbers) are all fully visible. Helvetia hallmark on side of case is gently worn but visible. Cartier signed dial is in very good condition. Dial has spotting and surface wear as seen in the images. Crystal has some surface scratches. Bracelet has 11 links total, and fits an approx 6 3/4" wrist. Links are 18k gold but are hollow, and total weight of the watch is approx 64 grams. Please note that the watch winds and is running, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Our Perspective
Made for Cartier New York by Bueche Girod, this Baignoire injects new life into the Baignoire collection through its unusual bracelet, an obvious departure from the Baignoire's typically restrained design language.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
