No, it’s not a Tank. And yes, it deserves your attention!

While Parisian jeweler to the stars Cartier may be best known in horological circles for its famed Tank watch, the French firm produced — and continues to produce — numerous other models that deserve equal billing for their unique and sumptuous designs. 

The Baignoire — or ‘bathtub,’ for we Americans — is a collection that dates all the way back to 1906. Elegantly rounded with a thick, wide bezel, it still exists in the contemporary Cartier lineup as a series of svelte ladies’ watches whose proportions and executions simply ooze elegance. 

The particular Baignoire we have here is a ladies model from the 1990s. Housed in an 18.5mm 18K yellow gold case with a sapphire crystal and a polished bezel, it features a satin silver dial with classic, painted black Roman indices and a matching, blued steel sword handset. Ultra-svelte and compact, it doesn’t have a traditional winding crown, but a small time-setting button on the case back. Powered by a quartz movement, it comes paired to a matching 18K yellow gold Baignoire bracelet with a deployant clasp.

Several watches from different manufacturers have taken on the serpentine aspect of the Baignoire over the years — but there’s something about the original that betrays a thorough understanding of elegance in design. And it doesn’t hurt that this particular example comes with all its factory goodies.

Give this Tank alternative a try today!