The Cartier Baignoire Allongée

Since its first wristwatch was created in 1904, Cartier has carved a name for itself as a daring and innovative brand that doesn’t shy away from shapes. Decade after decade, the brand unveiled incredible and unusual shaped watches, from the Tank to the Crash and even the Baignoire. Now, Cartier takes one of its premier signature looks – the Baignoire – and adds depth and dimension in the amazing new Baignoire Allongée.

The Baignoire collection of oval-shaped timepieces was first introduced to the world more than 60 years ago in 1958, but its roots date much further back. In fact, the collection takes its inspiration from the first oval watch created by Louis Cartier in 1912 during a period where Cartier looked to transform everyday shapes into stylistic looks.

It was almost half a century later in the 1950s that Cartier’s watchmakers turned to the archives to develop a new oval watch: Baignoire – the French for bathtub. It was just a few years later in the 1960s that Cartier’s designers elongated the oval watch even further, creating the Baignoire Allongée with added dramatic appeal. The watch was both chic and elegant and hugged the wrist beautifully. Since then, the Baignoire and Baignoire Allongée collections have regularly evolved, and have developed a cult-like following among women who love to make a statement of individuality.

This year, Cartier takes the Baignoire Allongée to new heights by redesigning the Roman numerals, adding a silvered sandblasted dial and creating dramatic design elements on the case. Essentially, Cartier’s designers have turned to a stepped case style, but instead of a smooth oval, have created the gold three-tiered case using a bold, modern geometric motif. The result of this carved look – almost resembling the teeth on a wheel – is visually arresting.

Sensual and daring, the new Baignoire Allongée watches are being offered in 18k white, rose and yellow gold in an extra-large size (47mm tall) and a medium size. There is also a version entirely set with diamonds for those who want to add sparkle to the mix. The Cartier Baignoire Allongée watches are fitted with the manual-winding 1917 MC movement. They embody the spirit of Louis Cartier and the Art Deco era but with a decidedly contemporary appeal.

price for this rose gold version (WJBA0006) will be EUR 37,600. More details at cartier.com.

This article has been written by Roberta Naas, founder of A Timely Perspective; and author of six books on watches.