Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 2001 Reference No: WL408031 Case No: 120'232 AF and 2486 Model Name: Baignoire Allongée Material: 18k pink gold and pink diamonds Calibre: Mechanical, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Light violet Cartier satin strap Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink gold Cartier folding deployant clasp Dimensions: 24 mm. width Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Cartier Certificate dated 22 May 2002 confirming the present watch is fitted with pink diamonds with pink gold case, and is produced in one example of special design and delivered on July 2001, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
This watch, delivered in 2001 and confirmed by its Cartier certificate, was made on special order in one example only for Cartier's esteemed clients. Featuring a pink gold case with matching pink gold numerals, the watch furthermore features pink diamonds that adorn the outer case and band. Even the crown is fitted with a pink diamond, whereas normal examples are fitted with a white diamond. These elements blend together in a gorgeous manner, further heightened by the fact that this watch is a unique piece.
Cartier hardly ever created unique pieces for clients, given the firm's reputation as a world class, exclusive jeweler. Only their most distinguished and exclusive clientele had the privilege of specializing their timepieces. It is apparent that the client whom commissioned the present watch had a great eye for design, style and colour.
With 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.