
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Cartier Baignoire "Paris" Ladies with JLC Movement
- Maker / attribution
- Cartier (maker)
- Date
- c. 1978
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- France
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- Product 9735474774292
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Collectors Corner NY (product 9735474774292)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Cartier Baignoire "Paris" Ladies w/JLC Movement - Very Rare/*Unpolished* (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York (stock number Product 9735474774292), this is a wristwatch by Cartier, made in France, dated c. 1978. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Collectors Corner NY
Cartier's Baignoire (bathtub in French) was first created by Louis Cartier specifically for the Grand Duchess Pavlovna of Russia in 1912, pre-dating the Tank Louis. It wasn't until 1958 that the design was trademarked and later in 1973 that Baignoire became its official model name. This unique and highly elegant oval shape was a bold departure from the mostly round case shapes of its time and remains one of Cartier's most beloved designs. Throughout the decades, Baignoire watches have been documented on the wrists of notable figures from Jeanne Moreau to George Harrison, Tyler The Creator and many more. Today, Cartier feels more relevant in the worlds of fashion, music and popular culture than ever before. This particular ladies example, circa 1978-79, houses a very rare and desirable JLC backwinding movement. This piece has remained in stunning vintage condition with a mint "Paris" signed dial and case that appears crisp and unpolished. Included is what we believe to be the correct 18k Cartier deployant buckle on a genuine Cartier gator strap in black. For anyone looking for a top grade and unique Cartier case shape, this Baignoire is fit for a collection of any level. Explore more of our vintage Cartier watches .
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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