148 Cartier A fresh to the market, important and very rare, Baignoire Oblique, oval-shape manual wristwatch in yellow gold, with black numerals dial, made in London.
Estimate: Fr. 50'000 – 100'000
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- Model Baignoire Oblique London
- Year Circa 1967
- Case Material 18K yellow gold
- Case Number 10'546, 7'939
- Bracelet Material Leather strap
- Movement Manual, jewelled
- Movement Number 3'788
- Dimension 23mm width x 31.5mm length
- Signed Case, dial and movement
The present lot represents an exceptionally rare and highly sought-after iteration of Cartier’s most poetic form: the Baignoire. The name itself is thought to derive either from the French word for “bathtub,” evoking its softly elongated oval silhouette, or from the “baignoire” boxes of the Paris Opéra, those elegant, curved-front seats at stage level reserved for distinguished guests. Both associations capture the spirit of intimacy, refinement, and subtle theatricality that defines this design. Cartier had been experimenting with oval forms as early as the first years of the 20th century, long before the shape was formally introduced into the maison’s catalogue under the name “Ovale” in 1958. It was only in 1973 that the now-iconic designation “Baignoire” was officially adopted. The present watch, however, predates this formal naming, placing it within a fascinating and transitional period of Cartier’s design history. Even within this already rare lineage, the “Oblique” configuration stands apart. Characterized by a case rotated approximately 30 degrees relative to the strap, the design introduces a dynamic asymmetry that feels both daring and effortlessly elegant. This subtle yet striking shift transforms the watch from a classical oval into a sculptural object, enhancing its presence on the wrist while maintaining perfect harmony. The example offered here was produced in London and crafted in yellow gold, bearing the traditional English hallmarks. The presence of the date letter “m” allows us to confidently attribute its production to circa 1967. London-made Cartier pieces from this era are themselves highly sought-after, distinguished by their artisanal character and unique regulatory markings. To the best of our knowledge, only two other examples of the Baignoire Oblique are known to exist. The present watch, numbered 10546, sits chronologically between these two recorded pieces, numbered 10545 and 10548. This places it not only within an extraordinarily limited production but also at the very heart of this elusive sequence.
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LUGANO
Villa Principe Leopoldo, Via Montalbano 5
3 June - From 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
GENEVA
Beau-Rivage, Quai du Mont-Blanc 13
9 May - From 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
10 May - From 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM