Design First: The Cartier Baignoire Allongée

The Cartier Baignoire Allongée is a unique entry in the Parisian brand’s repertoire of watch designs. Translating to “elongated bathtub,” the Baignoire Allongée draws on Cartier’s tendency to take classic silhouettes and put an unconventional spin on them. This collection is available in three precious metallic flavors: Reference 2604 in 18k yellow gold, Reference 2514 in white gold, and Reference 2515 in 18k pink gold. With the re-emergence of smaller, dressier, and elegant everyday watches, Cartier is on the pulse of current trends. 

History 

Cartier introduced the original Baignoire design in the early 20th century, shaping it into a symbol of graceful, subtle luxury. Known for its elliptical shape, the Baignoire has always been a statement piece. When you take a moment to stop and think, it’s hard to think of any other brand that popularized and made these subtle organic shapes their own in the same way as Cartier. It really is the epitome of timeless Parisien flair. 

The Allongée variation emerged later, extending the watch’s proportions for a dramatic, wrist-hugging style that is more daring yet equally sophisticated. This model reaffirms Cartier’s forward-thinking approach to watch design, bridging modernity with tradition. As established, Baignoire Allongée translates to “elongated bathtub”. While the literal translation of the watch’s moniker may not be the sexiest thing out there, the watch itself alleviates that dissonance in a heartbeat. After all, everything sounds sexier in French, right? 

Design Details 

The Baignoire Allongée’s elongated oval case, which gives the model its so-called “bathtub” inspiration, feels both vintage and avant-garde. Each reference, whether in yellow, white, or pink gold, highlights a different facet of the watch’s character. The yellow gold (Ref. 2604) offers a warm, classic look, while the white gold (Ref. 2514) presents a sleeker, more understated appeal. Finally, the pink gold (Ref. 2515) brings a touch of romantic luxury that complements the unique shape beautifully. 

Signature Cartier elements further elevate the design, such as the iconic blue sapphire cabochon set in the crown. The sapphires, of course, signify that the watches use gold for their cases. The bold numerals, gracefully curved to follow the contours of the dial, are instantly recognizable, too. These details are quintessential to Cartier, adding a familiar sophistication. 

Inner Workings 

Cartier has made the Baignoire Allongée with both quartz and mechanical movements. While, to some, the mechanical movement found in modern iterations may be the obvious choice due to the technical complexities that we all love and adore, quartz can be considered a classier affair.

Non-automatic mechanical movements need winding and setting. What’s more luxury than a “set-and-forget mentality”? You’re far too busy to worry about that, right? 

Here’s an excellent example of the Baignoire Allongée in 18k Yellow Gold with a quartz movement and an ivory guilloche dial with stylized painted black Arabic numerals. It’s a fitting choice that emphasizes precision and ease. Although it forgoes the intricacies of a mechanical movement, the quartz caliber suits the ultra-slim profile and ensures reliable timekeeping. The movement allows the Baignoire Allongée to maintain its sleek, elongated form, ensuring that nothing disrupts the elegant proportions that make this watch just so appealing. 

Versus The Competition 

Cartier’s Baignoire Allongée stands out within the world of luxury watches – there’s nothing else quite the same as the iconic bathtub. The elongated shape and iconic design elements place it in a unique niche compared to other dress watches. Unlike round-case classics, the Baignoire 

Allongée defies convention with its flowing, oblong case. Its thin profile and distinctive Roman numerals give it an unmistakably Cartier look that is unmatched in both style and sophistication, appealing to wearers who prefer a watch that serves as both accessory and statement. That said, other options cover the same aesthetic that are always worth considering, separately and in addition. 

If you’re imagining the Baignoire Allongée on your wrist, then perhaps you should also consider one of Cartier’s other non-typical cases, the Cartier Prive Collection Tank Asymetrique “New York 5th Ave” WGTA0120. This limited edition was specially made for the Cartier boutique on 5th Avenue in NYC. It was based on a design first launched in 1936, and it features a beautiful platinum asymmetric case with an alligator strap and a matching platinum tang buckle. If mechanical is more your thing, you’ll be glad to hear it has the manual wind Cartier caliber 1917 MC beating away inside. 

Sometimes, adjusting to new ideas can take a bit of time, and non-traditional case shapes can be one of those things. If you’d rather play it safe with a round watch but also want some flair and pizzazz on the wrist, let’s move away from France to Glashütte, nestled in the East German valleys. The A. Lange and Sohne Saxonia Thin Manual Wind Blue Gold-Flux Dial ticks all the above boxes while giving a taste of what makes the brand unique. The manual wind Lange caliber L093.1, with its impressive 72-hour power reserve, is visible through the display case back. The star of the show, though, is the stunning gold-flux coated dial in copper-blue with white gold stick numerals. 

Personality 

The Baignoire Allongée is exceptionally versatile, especially given its distinct design. Measuring a slim 21.5mm diameter and just 7.8mm thick, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist, wrapping around it perfectly. Cartier has always carefully considered how its watches will wear within a

jewelry mindset, which shows here. Despite its unique shape, the Allongée is surprisingly wearable, with a subtle elegance that suits a variety of occasions. 

The gold variations cater to different tastes, with the yellow and pink gold references adding warmth, while the white gold offers a more neutral, versatile option. The watch’s elongated form adds an artful flair, whether paired with a classic dress or modern attire. With current trends moving definitively towards a preference for everyday elegance, the Cartier Baignoire Allongée is a ready-made option that ticks all the boxes. 

Final Thoughts 

The Cartier Baignoire Allongée is a watch for those who appreciate Cartier’s audacious approach to classicism. Its elongated case, iconic cabochon crown, and curved numerals encapsulate the brand’s aesthetic mastery. It’s fair to say that nobody else does it quite like Cartier. I defy you to disagree. Each reference of the Baignoire Allongée, whether in yellow, white, or pink gold, brings with it a unique interpretation, making it an appealing choice for collectors and admirers of luxury watchmaking within the jewelry sphere. To cap it all off, there are many options for dials and decoration, meaning there will likely be something special that suits your taste.

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