919Σ︎
Cartier
Ref. W1507451
Baignoire Allongée “Maxi Oval”
An unusual, large and rare limited edition yellow gold wristwatch with certificate and presentation box, numbered 398 of a limited edition of 400 pieces
Full-Cataloguing
- Fresh-to-the-market
- Complete with full set of accesories
- Numbered 398 of 400
If the original Baignoire's shape was daring, the elongated silhouette of the Baignoire Allongée is downright audacious. Warmly embraced by collectors, this successful evolution debuted in 1973, featuring a slender oval case previously exclusive to Cartier’s London and New York workshops. Crafted primarily in yellow gold (with occasional white gold examples), its elegantly arched form is destined to make a striking impression on the wrist.
The present example is the Baignoire Allongée Maxi Oval—the larger iteration—produced as part of a limited edition of 400 pieces in 1991. Fashioned in 18k yellow gold and fitted with a beautifully guilloché dial, its Roman numerals gracefully fan outward to form an inner circle (notably without the traditional chemin de fer minute track) while proudly displaying the “Paris” inscription. It is powered by Cartier's signed calibre 78-1, based on the reliable ETA 2512 that equipped many of the Maison’s timepieces during that era.
Numbered 398 out of 400 pieces, it remains in attractive, well-preserved condition, with strong hallmarks and crisp engravings intact. Without question, this is the perfect dress watch for the modern gentleman: it wears comfortably on the wrist, and its rarity ensures it will capture the attention of discerning collectors.
Cartier
FrenchWith the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.
Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open.