Elegant CARTIER Baignoire Large Gold & Diamond Watch
View Similar Items
Elegant CARTIER Baignoire Large Gold & Diamond Watch
About the Item
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Stone:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Contemporary
- Condition:Excellent.
- Seller Location:Chestnut Hill, MA
- Reference Number:Seller: 23033111stDibs: JU110307146106
Cartier
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
- Cartier Baignoire 18K Yellow Gold with Three Row Diamonds Bezel Ladies WatchBy CartierLocated in Great Neck Plaza, NYCartier Baignoire 18K Yellow Gold with Three Row Diamonds Bezel Quartz Movement 22 x 33 mm caseCategory
Early 2000s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Vintage Diamond Platinum Collectible Ladies Dress WatchBy CartierLocated in Miami, FLThis timeless Vintage Cartier Ladies' diamond watch is crafted in sensual 32.4 grams of platinum. This flexible link watch was created in the 1960s era. Features 10 large baguette ...Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Platinum
- Cartier Ladies White Gold Diamond Baignoire Mini Bracelet Quartz WristwatchBy CartierLocated in Bay Harbor Islands, FLCartier ladies watch with diamonds set on the bezel and bracelet. Size 6 wrist with deployment buckle. Quartz. Watch face measur...Category
1990s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
$22,400 Sale Price20% Off - Harry Winston Diamond Gold WatchBy Harry WinstonLocated in New York, NYAmerican jeweler, Harry Winston (1896-1978) has been known throughout the industry as the “King of Diamonds,” a moniker which Cosmopolitan magazine bestowed him in 1947, and for good...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold
- Cartier White Gold Diamond Onyx Panthere Secrete de Cartier Quartz WristwatchBy CartierLocated in New York, NYDesigned as onyx and pave-set diamond panther's head with tourmaline eyes, the head slides to reveal a concealed silvered dial. Mounted in 18k white gold with Swiss quartz movement, signed Cartier. Yafa Signed...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
- Cartier Baignoire 18 Karat Rose Gold Extra Large Skeletized Back W8000002By CartierLocated in New York, NYCartier Baignoire 18k Rose Gold Manual Wind Skelitized Back Model W8000002 44.6mm x 34.6mm Case Measurements Cartier Burnt Caramel Alligator Strap Fits up to an 8" wrist - adjusta...Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold, Rose Gold
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.