18K White Gold Cartier Baignoire Ladies Watch with Diamond Bezel and Sapphire Accents
Watch (Luxury Timepiece/Jewelry Watch) · White Gold (Rhodium-plated for a brilliant cool silver-toned luster).
Purity: 18K (750 fineness), consisting of 75% pure gold alloyed with white metals like palladium or nickel for strength and color.
Type
Watch (Luxury Timepiece/Jewelry Watch)
Purity
18K (750 fineness), consisting of 75% pure gold alloyed with white metals like palladium or nickel for strength and color.
Gold Type
White Gold (Rhodium-plated for a brilliant cool silver-toned luster).
Weight
Estimated 45-60 grams (total weight including movement and stones); gold melt weight approximately 25-35 grams.
Description
This exquisite Cartier Baignoire embodies the 'Jeweler of Kings' philosophy, featuring a distinct bathtub-shaped oval case in 18K white gold. The side profile reveals a graceful curvature designed to hug the wrist, accented by a dazzling brilliant-cut diamond bezel and the iconic blue sapphire cabochon crown. It is a masterpiece of fluid geometry and feminine elegance.
Key Features
Characteristic curved oval 'Baignoire' case, sapphire cabochon crown, pavé-set diamond bezel, and unique blue-tipped lug screws.
Color & Finish
Bright, high-polished silver-white finish with rhodium plating; side profile shows mirror-like reflective surfacing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected case back stamps: 'Cartier', '750', European assay marks (St. Bernard or Eagle head), and a unique serial number. Small '750' may be on the buckle.
Dimensions Estimate
Case length approx 31mm (medium size), strap width approx 12mm; ladies' standard petite fit.
Gemstones & Inlays
Bezel set with round brilliant cut diamonds (approx. 1.0-1.5 ctw, F-G color, VS clarity); crown features a signature blue sapphire cabochon; lug screws possibly capped with sapphire.
Clasp & Closure
Likely an 18K white gold ardillon (tang) buckle or a double-folding deployment buckle with Cartier branding.
Chain & Links
High-quality black leather or silk satin strap fitted with curved 18K gold spring-bar lugs.
Craftsmanship Details
Superior Swiss horological construction; CNC-machined solid gold case with hand-set diamonds and hand-polished bevels; seamless integration between lugs and strap.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic Cartier case curvature, deep and precise engraving on the back (not visible but expected), high-refractive index of bezel stones, and signature sapphire crown. Red flags for fakes include uneven stone spacing or foggy plating wear.
Origin & Maker
Swiss Made by Cartier (La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland), one of the world's most prestigious 'Maisons'.
Era & Period
Contemporary reinterpretaton of the 1906 'Baignoire' design; likely produced in the Modern/Contemporary era (2000s-Present).
Age Estimate
Likely 2010-2023 based on the crispness of the case lines and modern diamond setting style.
Cultural Significance
Represents the pinnacle of French luxury and the 'Art de Vivre'; a status symbol favored by style icons like Catherine Deneuve.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent; minor hairline scratches on the polished gold case sides; diamonds appear secure and lustrous.
Value Estimate
Estimated retail $25,000-$35,000; secondary market value $12,000-$18,000 based on gold content, brand prestige, and gemstone weight.
Care & Maintenance
Wipe with a soft cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners due to the watch movement/leather; professional rhodium replating every 5-10 years to maintain white luster.
Similar Items
Cartier Tank Américaine (more rectangular), Patek Philippe Ellipse (flatter oval), or the Cartier Ballon Bleu (circular).
Interesting Facts
The Baignoire design was gifted by Louis Cartier to the Grand Duchess Pavlovna of Russia in the early 20th century before being formally named in 1973.