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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Elongated curved wristwatch

Cartier London Baignoire Allongée 18k gold curved wristwatch

Partially verified

This Cartier London Baignoire Allongée wristwatch features London hallmarks for 1970 on its elongated 18k gold case. Measuring 23.5 mm wide by 52 mm in overall length, the curved case encloses a painted white dial characterized by radiating 'exploding' Roman numerals and cursive signatures reading 'Cartier' below 12 o'clock and 'London' above 6 o'clock. The source reports the movement to be a manual-wind LeCoultre caliber K840 numbered 2'060'393. Fitted with a beaded winding crown set with a blue cabochon, the watch also retains an 18k gold Cartier buckle hallmarked for 1970.

Front view of Cartier London Baignoire Allongée wristwatch showing dial and 18k gold case
Front view of Cartier London Baignoire Allongée wristwatch showing dial and 18k gold case — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.christies.com
Category
Wristwatch · Elongated curved wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Cartier
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
11
Source-reported date
1970
Country
United Kingdom
Source-reported serial
9475

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Construction and Hallmarking

The watch features a heavily elongated ovoid curved case in 18k yellow gold, measuring 23.5 mm in width and 52 mm in overall length. The winding mechanism is fitted with a beaded crown set with a pointed blue cabochon gem. According to the auction description, the case is catalogued as number 9475 and bears London hallmarks corresponding to the year 1970.

The timepiece is accompanied by a matching 18k gold Cartier buckle, catalogued with London hallmarks for 1970. Although hallmarks and case back stamps are not visible in the primary cataloguing photograph and are not recorded in detail in the provided text, the source notes an oversized gold case with full London hallmarks.

Evidence for this section
  • “Heavily elongated ovoid yellow gold case framing a white dial.”
  • “Beaded winding crown set with a pointed blue cabochon gem.”
  • “Case: 23.5 mm wide, 52 mm. overall length”
  • “CASE NO. 9475 WITH LONDON HALLMARKS FOR 1970, BUCKLE WITH LONDON HALLMARKS FOR 1970”
  • “With: 18k gold Cartier buckle with London hallmarks for 1970”
  • “oversized gold case with full London hallmarks for 1970 and matching gold buckle”

Dial and Hands

The dial is finished in white paint and framed by the elongated curved bezel. It features elongated, radiating black Roman numerals—catalogued as exploding Roman numerals—traversed by blued steel central hands.

Cursive script signatures appear on the dial surface, showing 'Cartier' beneath the 12 o'clock marker and 'London' above the 6 o'clock position. Visual observation indicates minor aging or discoloration along the lower perimeter of the dial near 6 o'clock.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: White with exploding Roman numerals”
  • “Blued steel central hands over elongated, radiating black Roman numerals.”
  • “Cursive script signatures 'Cartier' under 12 o'clock and 'London' above 6 o'clock.”
  • “Minor aging or discoloration visible along the lower dial perimeter near 6 o'clock.”
  • “cursive script signature ‘Cartier London’ on the stunning white painted dial with ‘explosion’ numerals”

Reported Movement and Provenance

The internal movement is not visible in the provided photograph. The auction catalogue documents the movement as a manual-wind LeCoultre caliber K840 numbered 2'060'393.

The lot is reported by the auction house to have been consigned by the family of the original owner, having been purchased during a holiday to England. Auction notes specify that the leather strap shown in photography was for display purposes only and was not included in the sale.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Manual, cal. K840”
  • “LECOULTRE MOVEMENT NO. 2'060'393”
  • “Remark: From the family of the original owner”
  • “The watch was purchased during a holiday to England and was sported by the mother, and has remained in the original family ever since.”
  • “Please note the strap is shown for display purposes only and is not for sale.”

Open research questions

  • What specific maker's/sponsor's mark and assay office marks are stamped inside case back number 9475 and on the 1970 buckle?
  • What is the mechanical condition and preservation state of LeCoultre caliber K840 movement number 2'060'393?
  • Does the discoloration visible at the lower dial perimeter near 6 o'clock indicate paint degradation, oxidation, or surface deposit?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cartier London Baignoire Allongée 18k gold curved wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MovementManual, cal. K840“Movement: Manual, cal. K840”
Movement Number2'060'393“LECOULTRE MOVEMENT NO. 2'060'393”
Case Number9475“CASE NO. 9475 WITH LONDON HALLMARKS FOR 1970”
Case Dimensions23.5 mm wide, 52 mm. overall length“Case: 23.5 mm wide, 52 mm. overall length”
DialWhite with exploding Roman numerals“Dial: White with exploding Roman numerals”
Buckle18k gold Cartier buckle with London hallmarks for 1970“With: 18k gold Cartier buckle with London hallmarks for 1970”
ProvenancePurchased during a holiday to England; remained in the original family until consignment“The watch was purchased during a holiday to England and was sported by the mother, and has remained in the original family ever since.”
Display Strap NoteFitted strap shown in photography was for display only and not for sale“Please note the strap is shown for display purposes only and is not for sale.”

Visible details

  • Heavily elongated ovoid yellow gold case framing a white dial.
  • Beaded winding crown set with a pointed blue cabochon gem.
  • Blued steel central hands over elongated, radiating black Roman numerals.
  • Cursive script signatures 'Cartier' under 12 o'clock and 'London' above 6 o'clock.
  • Minor aging or discoloration visible along the lower dial perimeter near 6 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • The leather strap pictured was used for display purposes only and was not included in the sale.
  • Case back, hallmarks, and internal movement are not visible in the photograph.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

CARTIER. A SUPREMELY RARE AND REMARKABLE 18K GOLD LARGE CURVED WRISTWATCH WITH CARTIER LONDON BUCKLE, CARTIER LONDON BAIGNOIRE ALLONGÉE MODEL, LECOULTRE MOVEMENT NO. 2'060'393, CASE NO. 9475 WITH LONDON HALLMARKS FOR 1970, BUCKLE WITH LONDON HALLMARKS FOR 1970 | Christie's

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 72a3babbbb

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.