At Analog:Shift, we’ve always been passionate about Cartier’s more obscure watches. We love the Tank and the Santos, but recognize that there are so many lesser appreciated references that deserve our attention. Take for example this Cartier Baignoire S.
You read that correctly. To the untrained eye, many would mistake this piece for the more ubiquitous Cartier Crash. However this fantastic, ultra-rare piece is indeed a Baignoire with more curves than were used to.
The Baignoire — or ‘bathtub,’ for we Americans — is a collection that dates all the way back to 1906. Elegantly rounded with a thick, wide bezel, it still exists in the contemporary Cartier lineup as a series of svelte ladies’ watches whose proportions and executions simply ooze elegance. Once more, we see how Cartier takes inspiration from the most mundane items and elevates them to a level of refinement befitting a gentleman or lady of class.
This particular Cartier Baignoire features an elongated, ‘S’ shaped 48mm x 22mm 18K rose gold case with a curved sapphire crystal and a cabochon crown with a diamond inset. If its curvaceous silhouette wasn’t a large enough feast for the eyes, then take a gander at its factory diamond settings that wrap around the entire case. How each diamond is set, especially those that reside along the tight curves and underside of the case, are an absolute masterclass in haute joaillerie.
The silver dial features Cartier’s signature ‘exploded’ Roman numerals accompanied by a matching blued-steel handset and a hidden Cartier signature within the 7 o’clock marker set against a subtle sunburst finish.
Outfitted on a signed tan alligator leather strap with a matching rose gold, diamond set Ardillon pin buckle, this piece is appropriately powered by a manual-winding Cartier Calibre 9770 movement — the icing on the cake if you ask us!
Cartier continues to be scorching hot right now with longtime enthusiasts and those greener behind the ear flocking towards any vintage piece from the maison. The beauty however lies within the fact that there still pieces left to be discovered, even for those that have been around the horological block.
We're sure you've been introduced to the Cartier Crash. Well, consider yourself introduced to the Cartier Baignoire S — a future-classic from the maison that can arguably go tit-for-tat with the Crash in regard to jaw-dropping design and high craftsmanship.
Now take a look at how much value the Baignoire S packs compared to its famous Crash sibling.
You're welcome.