The Cartier Baignoire: Extraordinary Watches from the Sotheby's Archive
The striking Cartier Baignoire has been a signature Cartier model for decades. Read on to explore five superb examples from the Sotheby's archive.
Introduction to the Cartier Baignoire
T he Baignoire was one of Cartier’s first examples of breaking the boundaries of the watchmaking world. While the official release of the Cartier Baignoire occurred in 1957, the first unofficial Cartier Baignoire was created in 1912 when Louis Cartier took the traditional round watch shape and stretched it, creating two parallel lines enclosed by curves.
The oval-shaped watch was presented to his best individual client at the time, the Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna of Russia. The subsequent commercial iteration, aptly named the Cartier Baignoire after the French word for bathtub, has retained lasting success and exclusivity throughout the 20th century and 21st centuries.
The design has incorporated everything from exquisite high joaillerie examples through to mini quartz-powered pieces and the Maxi Oval Baignoire measuring over 58mm in length.
Sotheby’s global network of Cartier specialists have brought many Cartier Baignoire watches to market over the years. Join us as we explore a selection of extraordinary examples from the Sotheby’s archive.
Cartier Baignoire Reference 7672, Circa 1960, 34,290 USD
This Cartier Baignoire Reference 7672 sold for 34,290 USD in December 2023, significantly exceeding its high estimate of 16,000 USD.
A medium-sized model of the Cartier Baignoire Paris dating to the 1960s, this piece was gifted by Charlie Chaplin to his wife Oona Chaplin sometime in the 1960s. A firm favorite of hers, the watch was worn regularly by Oona, and is likely the last watch Charlie ever bought for her before his death in 1977.
Accompanied by a signed letter from Bernadette Chaplin confirming that the watch was gifted by Charlie Chaplin to his wife Oona Chaplin, Sotheby’s was pleased to offer this lot in overall very good condition.
Cartier Baignoire Mini, Reference 2369, Circa 2001, 302,400 HKD
This Cartier Baignoire Mini, Reference 2369 sold for 302,400 HKD in October 2022, versus an estimate range of 200,000 - 300,000 HKD.
The Cartier Baignoire Mini series included the design and sale of this watch in 2001. The small-sized piece boasted a remarkable 14.9 carats of diamonds, with 74 pave-set diamonds on the case and 86 diamonds on the bracelet. The watch also came with an unusual bracelet that consisted of two connected single loops that come together at the clasp.
Cartier Baignoire Mini, Circa 2005, 163,800 HKD
This Cartier Baignoire Mini sold for 163,800 HKD in April 2021 during Sotheby's Important Watches sale in Hong Kong. As with the previous two pieces from our archives, this Cartier Baignoire also exceeded the high estimate of 120,000 HKD.
This Cartier Baignoire Mini showcased a petite yellow gold case, decorated with the signature Cartier panther pattern all across the dial, furthermore embellished with diamonds and black enamel to enhance its enigmatic charm. The piece represented the effortlessness with which Cartier seamlessly incorporates its expertise in haute horlogerie and fine watchmaking in its creations.
Cartier Baignoire, 66,000 EUR
This Cartier Baignoire sold for 66,000 EUR in October 2024, a substantial overachievement against the high estimate of 3,000 EUR.
Housed in an oval case, this elegant Cartier Baignoire arrived at Sotheby's originally as part of Dame Shirley Bassey CH DBE's collection. It featured the Cartier trademarks of a sapphire cabochon crown, Roman numerals and blued steel hands. The signature Cartier dial complemented the luxurious 18k gold case and adjustable leather strap. This Cartier watch exemplified the brand’s mastery of timeless design, balancing a subtle and now iconic design language with the playful use of case shapes.
The Cartier Baignoire collection has remained a hallmark of ladies' watches at Cartier. Its refined proportions and delicate craftsmanship made it a collector's favorite, especially for those seeking classic elegance with a hint of modern chic.
Cartier Baignoire, Circa 1990, 500,000 HKD
This Cartier Baignoire sold for 500,000 HKD in October 2018 during Sotheby's Important Watches sale in Hong Kong. The piece exceeded its high estimate of 400,000 HKD.
Highly attractive and rare, this yellow gold Cartier Baignoire was studded with diamonds, and the bracelet decorated with enchanting amethyst and diamonds. The rarity of the watch was amplified due to the "convertible" folding clasp, which could be wittily removed and converted an extra link onto the watch into a bracelet.
Buying and Selling Cartier Baignoire Watches at Sotheby's
At Sotheby’s our experts have brought a wide range of extraordinary Cartier watches to market, making us well placed to advise clients on the sale or acquisition of a Cartier watch. Work with Sotheby's specialists and in doing so be part of our community of passionate watch enthusiasts and collectors.
- Explore upcoming watch auctions across the globe, frequently featuring Cartier examples with excellent provenance
- Speak to our specialists about selling your Cartier watch, for advice on an auction lot, or to explore private sales opportunities
- Research your Cartier investment using our extensive sale archive
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