Important Watches

Cartier, London

Baignoire | A yellow gold oval wristwatch with original gold deployant buckle, Circa 1973-74

Auction Closed

April 24, 04:23 PM GMT

Estimate

400,000 - 550,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Cartier, London

Baignoire

A yellow gold oval wristwatch with original gold deployant buckle, Circa 1973-74

Dial: cream dial dial signed Cartier London, exaggeratedly stretched black radial Roman numerals, blued steel pointed baton hands

Calibre: 5¾’’’ tonneau-form movement, calibre K840, signed LeCoultre Co., damascened Côtes de Genève decoration, lever escapement, 17 jewels, annular balance, flat hairspring, unadjusted

Movement number: 1'376

Case: 18k yellow gold, oval case with rounded sides, chamfered inner bezel, beaded cabochon sapphire-set crown, case secured by 4 screws to case sides

Case number: outside case back hand stamped 1'376 and CG23768, inside case back with [JC] Jacques Cartier punch mark, London hallmarks and date letter ‘s' for 1973-74

Closure: black unsigned leather strap and 18k gold deployant buckle with D-shaped buckle, London hallmarks with date letter ‘s’ for 1973-74 and [JC] Jacques Cartier punch mark, numbered 2'163'756

Size: 35 mm length x 23 mm width

Accessories: none

Launched in 1956, the Baignoire is an iconic Cartier wristwatch design. This uniquely shaped version of the Baignoire was only available from Cartier in London. It is an excellent example of the London workshop’s individualism and flare for creating unusual variations of iconic Cartier models. At either end of the case, where usually the Baignoire’s case is pinched inwards, it is instead stretched outwards, thereby dramatically increasing the bezel’s surface area. The exaggeratedly stretched Roman numerals are considerably longer than those usually found on the Baignoire models; they fill the dial area, enhance the case’s ‘stretch’, and bring to mind the dials of the Maxi Ovals. Interestingly, the additional numbering to the case back, CG23768, is a Cartier Paris secondary market stock number which indicates that the watch was later re-sold through Cartier Paris. This watch is also unusual for being a gentleman’s sized version of the model - a rare Baignoire size to find from either Cartier London or Cartier Paris.

George Gordon, Cartier - A Century of Cartier Wristwatches, Hong Kong: Timeless Elegance, 1989, p. 411, fig. 154. A very similar example signed Cartier London and also with exaggeratedly stretched Roman numerals.

卡地亞倫敦

Baignoire

黃金橢圓形腕錶，備原裝金錶扣，約1973-74年製

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."