75 Cartier Attractive, Baignoire Wristwatch, in Wood and Gold, With Wood Dial and Roman Numerals

Estimate: €6,000 –⁠ 12,000

Model: Baignoire
Case Material: Yellow Gold and Wood
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1970’s
Movement: Manual
Case N°: 1047
Dimensions: 27 × 37 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case

Cartier has released some odd watch designs over the years, but in the mid 70’s was launched the Organic Wood family which was released during the mists of the Quartz Crisis and can possibly be considered their most unprecedented Cartier watch creation ever seen by the brand. Since the introduction of wristwatches, manufacturers have been trying to reinvent and deviate from the traditional shapes and concepts to create something different. Most people associate Cartier with classic design and, of course, the flagship Cartier Tank with the white Louis dial, but the brand, founded in Paris in 1847, has always enjoyed creating and experimenting with controversial and unusual shapes, usually realized in solid precious metal case, with the Cartier signature white Louis dials and blue hands. In order to surprise the market, during the mid 1970s, it came up with one of their most unexpected and strangest creations ever: the result was this Baignoire shape wristwatch with wood bezel and dial. Absolutely innovative and defiantly extravagant, this specimen as a yellow-gold case nicely preserved with mechanical winding movement and hallmarks perfectly clear. On top of this carrure, a dark wood bezel that recalls the inner part of the dial. An outer ring located between the two layers of wood shows the iconic Roman numbers.