Wristwatch, Cartier Baignoire Allongee, London, 1968

Model: Baignoire Allongée London Case Material: 18K yellow gold Bracelet Material: Leather strap Year: Circa 1968 Movement: Manual, cal. 845, 17 jewels Case N°: 8'385 Movement N°: 886'520 Dimensions: 23mm width x 52mm length Signed: Case, dial and movement The present Cartier Baignoire Allongée is a particularly elegant example of Cartier’s celebrated oval wristwatch, distinguished by its exceptionally elongated and slender proportions and its important London provenance.

The Baignoire takes its name from the French word for “bathtub”, referring to the elongated oval form of the case, although an alternative interpretation associates the name with the curved baignoire boxes at the Paris Opéra, traditionally reserved for distinguished guests. Neither origin can be definitively confirmed. Cartier’s oval wristwatches have a long history, with the form appearing in the Maison’s creations well before the Baignoire name was formally adopted in 1973. The present watch was produced by Cartier London, and is signed “Cartier London” on the dial. Of particular historical importance, the London date letter stamped inside the case corresponds to 1968, precisely dating its manufacture.

The case is further identified by the JC punch of Jacques Cartier, characteristic of Cartier’s London production of the period. Crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, the elongated case follows the natural curvature of the wrist, while the cream-coloured dial displays Cartier’s characteristic elongated black Roman numerals, elegantly arranged to follow the oval aperture. The refined blued-steel hands are complemented by the distinctive blue sapphire cabochon crown, an unmistakable signature of Cartier’s design language. The slender proportions of the present Baignoire Allongée are particularly elegant, distinguishing it from the wider and more substantial Maxi Oval examples.

Combining its graceful architecture, London manufacture and precisely dated 1968 hallmarks, the present watch represents a highly appealing example of Cartier’s experimental and sophisticated approach to shaped wristwatches during the Swinging Sixties.