Baume & Mercier Baignoire Allongée

Some watches are designed to disappear beneath a cuff; others, however, are designed to be noticed.

This charming Baume & Mercier dress watch is very much of the latter variety. Dating to the golden age of midcentury Swiss watchmaking, it combines the restrained elegance expected of a classic dress watch with a distinctly Cartier-like silhouette that gives it a personality all its own. Its elongated oval form bears an obvious aesthetic resemblance to Cartier's Baignoire Allongée, yet Baume & Mercier brings its own character to the familiar shape.

Reference 38261 features a graceful elongated oval-shaped case crafted in yellow gold, its softly curved profile lending the watch an almost jewelry-like presence on the wrist. A vivid blue cabochon set into the crown provides an unexpected flash of color, while the champagne-colored dial is beautifully complemented by printed black Roman numerals and elegant black leaf hands. Measuring approximately 37mm by 18mm, its slender proportions make the resemblance to the elongated Baignoire particularly apparent.

Powering this piece is a manually wound movement. A green lizard leather strap, secured by a gold-plated pin buckle, adds yet another layer of period character, its unusual color providing a particularly handsome contrast to the warm tones of the case and dial.

Elegant, colorful, and unmistakably of its era, this Baume & Mercier is a wonderful example of the creativity that could be found in 20th-centurty Swiss dress watches — proof that even the most refined timepieces need not take themselves too seriously.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.