A bit of history
Among the most refined creations of Maison Cartier, the Baignoire Allongée holds a truly unique place. An elongated oval design, with proportions that are unmistakably Cartier.
Its origins date back to the 1910s, when Louis Cartier envisioned a discreet oval watch for his most elegant clients. The shape immediately stood out from the round classicism of the era, introducing a new vision of the watch as a jewel.
In the 1950s and especially the 1970s, the Baignoire evolved: its curves became more delicate, its case more elongated, giving birth to the Baignoire Allongée a model that is both sensual and graphic. Its instantly recognizable aesthetic captivated style icons such as Catherine Deneuve and Jeanne Moreau, establishing itself as a symbol of feminine haute horlogerie.
A Cartier Statement
The Baignoire Allongée stands out for its slender case and distinctive proportions. Often crafted in yellow or white gold, it features a beaded crown adorned with a sapphire cabochon an emblematic signature of the Maison.
The CPCP models in particular, produced in very limited numbers, are today true collector’s pieces, sought after for their rarity and timeless elegance.
More than just a watch, the rare Baignoire Allongée is a symbol of style and craftsmanship, a bridge between Parisian jewelry tradition and Swiss watchmaking excellence.
Cartier Maxi Baignoire Allongée W1507451 pre CPCP
In the early 1990s, the Maison Cartier made the bold decision to revive some of its most iconic models through limited editions. On this occasion, the Cartier Baignoire Allongee reference W1507451 maxi ovale was reissued in 400 pieces, along with the legendary Cartier Crash limited to 80 examples.
By the late 1990s, Cartier once again sought to breathe new life into its historic creations through the renowned Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP) program. This limited-edition line, created for true connoisseurs and collectors, celebrated the Maison’s emblematic designs with high-end watchmaking finishes, Swiss mechanical movements crafted by Piaget, Frédéric Piguet, or Jaeger-LeCoultre, and an exceptional attention to detail.
Its elongated 18k yellow gold case measures 24 x 52.5 mm and proudly bears the MADE IN FRANCE signature. Inside beats the hand-wound mechanical caliber 78-1 a remarkable timepiece, and a true rarity on the market today.
Its Paris-signed dial is simply stunning, featuring a delicate guilloché pattern and dramatically elongated Roman numerals details that further enhance the distinctive character of this rare Cartier.
Today, this limited edition is among the most sought-after pieces of the CPCP line, embodying a period when Cartier beautifully reconciled its jewelry-making heritage with the art of fine mechanical watchmaking.
The CPCP models in particular, produced in extremely small numbers, are now true collector’s pieces prized for their rarity and timeless beauty.
