Description

Cartier Baignoire Watch: History, Review, Specs & Price

The Cartier Baignoire watch is one of the most distinctive designs in Cartier’s watch collection.

Its elegant oval case gives it a very different appearance from the famous Cartier Tank or Santos.

The design is also much older than its modern name suggests. Cartier states that the design dates back to 1912, when the distinctive elliptical form demonstrated the brand’s approach to watchmaking.

Today, the Baignoire collection includes mini and small models in yellow gold, rose gold and white gold. Cartier also offers diamond-set and jewellery versions.

This guide explores the Cartier Baignoire in detail. We cover its history, design, sizes, movement, materials, water resistance, specifications, price considerations and everyday wear.

What Is the Cartier Baignoire Watch?

The Cartier Baignoire is a luxury watch recognised by its elongated oval case.

The name Baignoire comes from the French word for “bathtub”. The name reflects the rounded shape of the case.

However, the design itself came before the name.

Cartier says the watch’s design dates to 1912. The company describes the form as an elegant ellipse created in a single line.

This shape gives the watch its distinctive identity.

Unlike a traditional round watch, the Baignoire follows the natural curve of an oval.

The result is a refined design that focuses heavily on proportion and simplicity.

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Cartier Baignoire History

The history of the Baignoire begins in the early 20th century.

Cartier introduced the elliptical watch design in 1912.

At the time, unusual watch shapes were becoming an important part of Cartier’s design language.

The Baignoire was particularly distinctive because of its elongated form.

Rather than simply placing a traditional round dial inside a different case, Cartier created a watch around the oval shape itself.

This approach became an important part of Cartier’s design identity.

Over the years, the Baignoire evolved through different materials, sizes and configurations.

Today, the collection still retains the basic visual idea established more than a century ago.

That continuity is one of its most interesting characteristics.

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Why Is the Cartier Baignoire Called Baignoire?

The word Baignoire means “bathtub” in French.

The name relates to the watch’s oval shape.

The case has rounded ends and an elongated profile.

When viewed from above, the shape can resemble the curved outline of a traditional bathtub.

The name therefore describes the watch’s most obvious design feature.

It also gives the collection a distinctly French identity.

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Cartier Baignoire Design

The design is the main attraction of the Baignoire.

It has a simple dial surrounded by an elongated oval case.

The current gold models use a silvered dial with blued-steel sword-shaped hands. They also use a sapphire crystal.

The crown adds another traditional Cartier detail.

Current models use a beaded crown, while some versions add a sapphire or diamond element to the crown.

These details create a refined appearance without making the dial complicated.

As a result, the Baignoire remains visually clean.

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Cartier Baignoire Case Shape

The oval case separates the Baignoire from many other luxury watches.

Its proportions are narrow and elongated.

For example, the current small yellow-gold model measures approximately 31.4mm long, 23.09mm wide and 6.95mm thick.

The small white-gold diamond model is slightly thicker at 7.6mm. It measures 31.4mm long and 23.1mm wide.

This gives the watch a delicate profile.

It also means that the Baignoire wears differently from a conventional round watch.

Instead of focusing on width alone, the eye follows the length of the case.

That creates an elegant vertical appearance on the wrist.

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Cartier Baignoire Mini

The Baignoire Mini is the smaller option in the current collection.

Cartier lists mini models in several materials and sizes.

For example, the current rose-gold Mini Size 16 measures 24.6mm long, 18.7mm wide and 7.2mm thick. It uses a quartz movement and a rigid rose-gold bracelet.

A yellow-gold Mini Size 15 uses the same basic dimensions.

Cartier lists that model at 24.6mm long, 18.7mm wide and 7.2mm thick.

The Mini therefore has a very compact appearance.

It can suit people who prefer small watches or jewellery-style timepieces.

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Cartier Baignoire Small

The Small model provides a larger alternative.

The current small yellow-gold model measures approximately:

• Length: 31.4mm
• Width: 23.09mm
• Thickness: 6.95mm

It uses a quartz movement and a yellow-gold bracelet.

The small size provides more dial presence than the Mini.

At the same time, it retains the slim proportions that define the Baignoire.

This makes the Small model particularly useful for people who want the distinctive oval design without moving to a large watch.

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Cartier Baignoire Movement

The current Baignoire collection uses quartz movements across the mini and small examples listed by Cartier.

For example, the yellow-gold Small reference WGBA0043 uses a quartz movement.

The rose-gold Mini reference WGBA0048 also uses a quartz movement.

This choice fits the Baignoire’s slim design.

Quartz movements can also provide straightforward everyday timekeeping.

However, the Baignoire is primarily a design-focused Cartier watch.

Its appeal comes from the case shape, proportions, precious metals and overall jewellery character.

Therefore, its quartz movement is an important part of understanding the watch.

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Cartier Baignoire Dial

The dial follows a clean and traditional Cartier approach.

Current models use a silvered dial.

They also feature blued-steel sword-shaped hands.

This combination provides a subtle contrast against the dial.

The simple layout also allows the unusual case shape to remain the main visual feature.

Rather than filling the dial with complications, Cartier keeps the design focused.

That approach works particularly well with the Baignoire’s jewellery-inspired character.

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Cartier Baignoire Crown

The crown is small but visually important.

Current Baignoire models use a beaded crown.

Depending on the reference, the crown can feature a sapphire cabochon or diamond.

This is a familiar element in Cartier watch design.

It also adds a small decorative detail to the side of the case.

On a jewellery watch, these small details matter.

The crown therefore contributes to the overall elegance of the Baignoire.

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Cartier Baignoire Materials

Cartier offers the Baignoire in several precious-metal configurations.

The current collection includes:

• Yellow gold
• Rose gold
• White gold
• Diamond-set white gold
• Diamond-set gold versions
• Jewellery versions

Cartier’s current collection page lists both gold and diamond-set Baignoire watches, along with more elaborate jewellery models.

This variety gives the collection a broad range of styles.

A plain yellow-gold model has a classic appearance.

Meanwhile, a diamond-set version has a much more jewellery-focused character.

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Cartier Baignoire Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is one of the most traditional Baignoire options.

The current Small model uses 750/1000 yellow gold, which is 18-karat gold. It includes a yellow-gold case, beaded crown and bracelet.

The warm colour works well with the simple silvered dial.

It also reinforces the watch’s classic character.

The result is a Baignoire that looks elegant without relying on diamonds.

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Cartier Baignoire Rose Gold

Rose gold gives the Baignoire a warmer and softer appearance.

Current Mini models use 750/1000 rose gold.

For example, reference WGBA0048 has a rose-gold case, beaded crown with sapphire cabochon and rigid rose-gold bracelet.

The pink-toned metal changes the visual character of the watch.

It can also complement the small case particularly well.

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Cartier Baignoire White Gold

White gold provides a cooler appearance.

Cartier currently offers white-gold Baignoire models with and without diamonds.

For example, reference WJBA0052 uses rhodium-finish white gold and is set with 1,026 brilliant-cut diamonds weighing a total of 6.39 carats.

This demonstrates how far the collection can move from a simple gold watch into high jewellery.

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Cartier Baignoire Diamonds

Diamond-set Baignoire models form an important part of the current collection.

Cartier offers versions with diamonds on the case, bracelet and crown.

Reference WJBA0051, for example, has a white-gold case set with 227 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 2.3 carats. Its beaded white-gold crown also contains a diamond cabochon.

The diamond versions therefore combine watchmaking with jewellery craftsmanship.

They also provide a more formal alternative to the plain gold versions.

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Cartier Baignoire 1920

The Baignoire 1920 adds another historical variation to the collection.

Current Baignoire 1920 models are offered in yellow gold and rose gold.

Cartier lists the current Size 17 versions as Mini models with quartz movements.

The basic dimensions are approximately:

• Length: 24.6mm
• Width: 18.7mm
• Thickness: 7.2mm

The Baignoire 1920 therefore provides another way to explore the collection’s historical design language.

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Cartier Baignoire Water Resistance

Water resistance is modest compared with Cartier’s sportier watches.

Current Baignoire models are generally rated to 3 bar, or approximately 30 metres.

For example, Cartier lists the yellow-gold Small model at 3 bar.

The rose-gold Mini also has a 3-bar rating.

This rating is suitable for limited everyday exposure to water.

However, the Baignoire is not designed as a dive or sports watch.

Owners should follow Cartier’s care guidance and avoid treating the watch like a dedicated water-resistant sports model.

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Cartier Baignoire Sapphire Crystal

Current Baignoire models use sapphire crystal.

This includes the Mini and Small examples reviewed here.

Sapphire crystal is widely used in luxury watches because it provides strong scratch resistance.

It also helps protect the clean dial.

Because the Baignoire is a relatively delicate design, protecting the dial is especially important.

The sapphire crystal therefore adds useful modern functionality without changing the watch’s classic appearance.

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Cartier Baignoire Bracelet

The bracelet is an important part of the collection.

Some current Baignoire models use a rigid precious-metal bracelet.

For example, the rose-gold Mini Size 16 uses a rigid rose-gold bracelet.

The yellow-gold Small also uses a matching yellow-gold bracelet.

Other versions are available with leather straps.

Cartier’s current collection includes Mini and Small models with leather configurations as well.

This gives the collection more flexibility.

A gold bracelet creates a jewellery-watch appearance.

A leather strap can create a lighter and more traditional dress-watch feel.

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Cartier Baignoire Specifications

The exact specifications depend on the reference.

Here is a useful overview based on current Cartier models:

Specification	Cartier Baignoire
Collection	Baignoire
Case shape	Oval / elliptical
Movement	Quartz
Case materials	Yellow, rose and white gold
Common sizes	Mini and Small
Crystal	Sapphire
Dial	Silvered on many current models
Hands	Blued-steel sword-shaped
Crown	Beaded
Water resistance	Approx. 30m / 3 bar
Bracelet options	Gold bracelet or leather, depending on reference
Diamond versions	Available
Jewellery versions	Available

Because Cartier offers numerous references, the exact dimensions and materials should always be checked against the model number.

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Cartier Baignoire Price

The price of a Cartier Baignoire depends heavily on the reference.

Materials have a major impact.

A plain gold model will have a different price from a diamond-set white-gold version.

Jewellery editions can be considerably more elaborate.

Cartier’s current product pages do not expose one universal price for the entire collection. Instead, pricing and availability depend on the specific model and market.

For an SEO article, this is important.

It is better to avoid presenting one generic “Cartier Baignoire price”.

Instead, use the exact reference when discussing price.

This also makes the article easier to update later.

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Cartier Baignoire vs Cartier Tank

The Baignoire and Tank are two very different Cartier designs.

The Tank uses a rectangular case with strong geometric lines.

The Baignoire uses an elongated oval case.

The Tank therefore has a more architectural appearance.

The Baignoire is softer and more curved.

Both are important Cartier designs. However, they appeal to different visual preferences.

The Baignoire is particularly distinctive because its unusual shape immediately separates it from traditional rectangular and round watches.

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Cartier Baignoire vs Panthère

The Panthère de Cartier is another popular jewellery-style watch.

However, its case is more square and integrated into a bracelet design.

The Baignoire takes a different approach.

Its elongated oval case remains the central design feature.

The Baignoire also has a more restrained dial.

As a result, the two collections offer different interpretations of Cartier jewellery-watch design.

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Is the Cartier Baignoire Good for Everyday Wear?

The Baignoire can work as an everyday dress watch.

Its slim case and elegant design make it easy to pair with formal clothing.

It can also work with more casual outfits.

However, the 30-metre water-resistance rating means it should not be treated like a dedicated sports watch.

The smaller dimensions can also make the watch less visually dominant than a large sports watch.

That is part of its appeal.

The Baignoire is designed to look refined rather than oversized.

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Who Is the Cartier Baignoire For?

The Cartier Baignoire can appeal to several types of watch enthusiasts.

Cartier Collectors

The Baignoire represents an important part of Cartier’s shaped-watch history.

Its 1912 origins make it particularly interesting from a design perspective.

Dress-Watch Fans

The slim case and simple dial work naturally with formal clothing.

Jewellery-Watch Collectors

Diamond-set and precious-metal versions give the collection a strong jewellery connection.

Fans of Unusual Watch Shapes

The oval case makes the Baignoire immediately recognisable.

It provides an alternative to conventional round and rectangular watches.

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Cartier Baignoire Key Features

The main features include:

• Distinctive oval case
• 1912 design origins
• Cartier styling
• Quartz movement
• Yellow-gold options
• Rose-gold options
• White-gold options
• Diamond-set versions
• Sapphire crystal
• Silvered dial
• Blued-steel sword-shaped hands
• Beaded crown
• Mini and Small sizes
• Gold bracelet options
• Leather strap options
• Approximately 30m water resistance

The exact features depend on the reference.

Therefore, checking the model number remains important.

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Cartier Baignoire Review

The Cartier Baignoire is primarily a watch about shape and proportion.

Its oval case gives it an identity that is immediately different from many other luxury watches.

The design also has genuine historical depth.

Cartier traces the design back to 1912, making the Baignoire more than a recent fashion piece.

Modern versions retain that core idea while adding contemporary materials.

Sapphire crystal protects the dial, while precious-metal cases and bracelets reinforce the luxury character.

The quartz movement also fits the collection’s slim and elegant design.

For example, the current yellow-gold Small model combines a quartz movement with a 31.4mm by 23.09mm case.

The Mini models take the concept even further.

The current rose-gold Mini measures only 24.6mm by 18.7mm.

This makes it particularly compact.

Diamond-set versions then move the collection towards jewellery-watch territory.

The white-gold WJBA0052, for example, has more than 1,000 brilliant-cut diamonds.

Overall, the Baignoire remains one of Cartier’s most distinctive shaped watches.

What is the Cartier Baignoire watch?

The Cartier Baignoire is a luxury watch with a distinctive oval or elliptical case. Cartier traces its design back to 1912.

Why is it called Baignoire?

“Baignoire” is French for “bathtub”. The name refers to the watch’s elongated oval shape.

Is the Cartier Baignoire automatic?

Current Mini and Small Baignoire models listed by Cartier use quartz movements.

What sizes does the Cartier Baignoire come in?

The current collection includes Mini and Small models. Cartier also offers different size references within those categories.

Is the Cartier Baignoire waterproof?

Current Baignoire models are rated to 3 bar, or approximately 30 metres. However, it is not designed as a dedicated sports or diving watch.

Does the Cartier Baignoire use sapphire crystal?

Yes. Current Baignoire Mini and Small models use sapphire crystal.

Is the Cartier Baignoire available in gold?

Yes. Cartier currently offers yellow-gold, rose-gold and white-gold versions.

Does Cartier make a diamond Baignoire?

Yes. Cartier offers diamond-set Baignoire watches, including white-gold models with extensive diamond settings.

Is the Cartier Baignoire a good everyday watch?

It can work well as an elegant everyday or dress watch. However, its 30m water-resistance rating means it is better suited to normal daily wear than demanding water activities.

What makes the Cartier Baignoire different?

Its elongated oval case is the main feature. The design dates back to 1912 and remains one of Cartier’s most distinctive shaped-watch designs.

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Final Thoughts

The Cartier Baignoire watch is one of the most distinctive designs in Cartier’s collection.

Its story begins in 1912, when Cartier developed the elegant elliptical form that later became known as the Baignoire.

More than a century later, the basic design remains remarkably recognisable.

Current models combine precious metals, sapphire crystal, quartz movements and refined Cartier details.

The collection also offers plenty of choice.

Buyers can explore Mini and Small models, yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, leather straps, gold bracelets and diamond-set versions.

The Baignoire is therefore less about technical complications and more about design, proportion and jewellery craftsmanship.

For someone looking for a luxury watch with a distinctive oval case, the Cartier Baignoire offers a very different alternative to the Tank, Santos and Panthère.

Before publishing prices or specifications, however, the exact Cartier reference should always be checked because the collection contains many variations.