Estimated to be conceived in 1912, this modern Baignoire reference W8000007 in 18k rose gold preserves the original, ellipse—a design that predates the "Swinging Sixties" craze for curves by half a century. It shifted from the Tank's linear shape in favor of a seamless, unending line. The quartz movement kept the profile slender enough to function as jewellry first, timekeeper second.
Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier approaches horology with the perspective of a master jeweler, prioritizing form, proportion, and aesthetic purity. The Maison was a crucial pioneer of the modern wristwatch, creating the purpose-built Santos-Dumont in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont and later the iconic Tank in 1917, whose "brancards" seamlessly integrated the case and lugs into a singular design.
While historically collaborating with ebauche movement suppliers, Cartier has since invested significantly in its own manufacture capabilities in Switzerland, developing a suite of in-house calibres. The brand's enduring significance lies not in technical innovation, but in creating a portfolio of iconic case shapes that are foundational to watchmaking itself.
Overall Grade: 9 / 10 | Mint Condition, Light Visible Wear Production: 2023 Contents: Full-set Genre: Dress Watch
Size: 32mm x 24mm Thickness: 7.7mm Lug Width: approx. 15mm
Case: 18k rose gold case, mirrored finish, light signs of wear Bezel: 18k rose gold, mirrored finish, light signs of wear Dial: Silvered dial, sunray satin texture, black roman numeral markers Hands: Blued-steel sword hands
Crown: 18k rose gold beaded crown set with a blue sapphire cabochon, pull-out mechanism, light signs of wear Crystal: Sapphire crystal, light signs of wear Bracelet: Brown leather strap, 18k rose gold ardillon buckle, light signs of wear Caseback: 18k rose gold, solid, secured by screws, light signs of wear Movement: Quartz Caliber: Swiss Ebauche