61 Cartier An attractive and rare, Baignoire, oval-shaped manual wristwatch in yellow gold, with roman numerals dial, made by Cartier London.

Estimate: € 18.000 –⁠ 36.000

• Model Baignoire
• Year Circa 1964
• Case Material 18K yellow gold
• Case Number 9'728, 7'127
• Bracelet Material Leather strap
• Movement Manual, jewelled
• Movement Number 1'675'453
• Dimension 19mm width × 25mm length
• Signed Case, dial and movement
• Accessories Accompanied by Cartier fitted presentation box.

Among vintage Cartier wristwatches, few signatures stir the hearts of seasoned collectors quite like “London.” Produced in limited numbers during a fascinating period when Cartier’s London workshop operated with a degree of creative independence, these pieces today represent some of the rarest and most charismatic expressions of the Maison’s design language. Far from being simple geographic variations, London-signed watches embody a distinct chapter in Cartier history, one defined by experimentation, low production, and an unmistakable aura of exclusivity. The Baignoire itself traces its origins back to the 1910s, when Louis Cartier created an oval wristwatch for Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna of Russia, setting the stage for what would later become one of the brand’s most enduring shapes. Officially introduced to the public in 1957 and named after the French word for “bathtub,” the Baignoire has since appeared in countless interpretations, from high jewellery masterpieces to minimalist everyday pieces. Yet examples from the London workshop remain in a league of their own. The present Baignoire London, dating to circa 1964, perfectly captures that spirit. Its softly elongated yellow gold case frames the classic white dial with bold Roman numerals and blued steel hands. Inside, a manual-winding Jaeger-LeCoultre movement underscores the quality and seriousness of these early pieces. Preserved in outstanding original condition, with clearly visible serial numbers on the caseback, this watch stands as both a refined object of design and a rare survivor from Cartier’s most collectible era.