Is the Baignoire a mechanical or quartz watch?

This small model uses a quartz movement. That keeps the case slim and means no winding, but it is not a mechanical caliber.

What size is the small model?

It is listed as the small model, size 16, on a rigid gold bracelet. The oval case wears smaller than a round watch of similar width.

What is the case made of?

The case and bracelet are 18k yellow gold (750/1000), and the crown is a gold beaded crown set with a sapphire cabochon.

How does it compare with the Cartier Tank?

The Tank is rectangular and often offered in steel; the Baignoire is oval and, in this version, solid yellow gold. The Baignoire reads more as jewelry, the Tank more as a classic watch.

Can the bracelet be resized?

It is a rigid gold bracelet, so fit adjustment is limited compared with a linked or leather strap. Have sizing done by a jeweler familiar with Cartier bracelets.

Is it suitable for daily wear?

It can be worn daily, but the polished gold scratches and the small dial is not the easiest to read. Many owners keep it for dress and evening wear.

Where is the Cartier Baignoire Watch cheapest?

At Mayors, for $17,800.00, 21% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the Cartier Baignoire Watch?

11 stores we checked sell it, including selfridges.com, Mayors, Betteridge, NET-A-PORTER, Lyst.

Cartier Baignoire Watch

Best price now

$17,800.00at MayorsChecked Nov 4

21% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 11 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Mayors

What reviewers say

Owners of the Baignoire line praise its elegant oval case and its look as jewelry, and many treat it as an heirloom piece. Common complaints are the small dial's legibility and the ease with which polished gold picks up scratches.

What people mention

Case shapePraisedOwners single out the oval bathtub case as the reason to buy it over a round watch.
LegibilityCriticisedThe small dial and slim hands make the time hard to read at a glance.
BuildMixedThe gold and finish feel luxurious, but polished surfaces show scratches with daily wear.
MovementMixedQuartz keeps it slim and low-maintenance, though some buyers expect mechanical at this level.
Bracelet fitMixedThe rigid gold bracelet looks refined but leaves little room to adjust the fit.

About the Cartier Baignoire Watch

The Baignoire de Cartier is a small-model watch, size 16, with a quartz movement. The case, beaded crown and rigid bracelet are all made of 750/1000 yellow gold. The crown is set with a sapphire cabochon, and the watch has a sapphire crystal.

The dial is silvered, with blued-steel sword-shaped hands. The case measures 31.4 mm in length, 23.1 mm in width and 6.9 mm in thickness.

Model

Small model, size 16

Movement

Quartz

Case

Yellow gold 750/1000

Crown

Yellow gold 750/1000, beaded, set with a sapphire cabochon

Bracelet

Yellow gold 750/1000, rigid

Crystal