Cartier Baignoire

No, it’s not a Tank. And yes, it deserves your attention! While Parisian jeweler to the stars Cartier may be best known in horological circles for its famed Tank watch, the French firm produced — and continues to produce — numerous other models that deserve equal billing for their unique and sumptuous designs.  The Baignoire — or ‘bathtub,’ for we Americans — is a collection that dates all the way back to 1906. Elegantly rounded with a thick, wide bezel, it still exists in the contemporary Cartier lineup as a series of svelte ladies’ watches whose proportions and executions simply ooze elegance.  The particular Baignoire dated to circa the 2000s and features a 22.5mm 18K yellow gold case with a sapphire crystal, a white dial with classic, painted black 'Roman' indices and a matching blued-steel 'sword' handset, and a signed black alligator leather strap with a signed yellow gold deployant clasp. Several watches from different manufacturers have taken on the serpentine aspect of the Baignoire over the years — but there’s something about the original that betrays a thorough understanding of elegance in design. Give this Tank alternative a try today!