The Cartier Baignoire is an fascinating, and certainly under-represented watch in Maison’s lengthy and illustrious lineup. The ancestor of this form dates method again to 1912, after the Santos and the Tortue, and earlier than the iconic Tank first noticed the sunshine of day. Initially this form was conceived as an oblong case with rounded ends. The form developed till it settled into the shape we’re acquainted with at present in 1958. This form is the ‘curved oval’, the place the smooth strains of the case are crafted to suit the contours of the wrist.
It took one other few a long time for this elegant form to formally be bestowed with the title Baignoire, in 1973. Earlier than we get to the newest iteration of this seductively formed jewelry watch, it’s value noting — for all of the non-French audio system on the market — that Baignoire interprets to ‘Bathtub’, which manages to one way or the other be an correct descriptor of this advanced form and a delightful instance of dissonant nomenclature that Cartier manages to excel at. To assist add to the attract of the Baignoire, Cartier has enlisted the assistance of Lou Doillon, the gifted singer/actor/mannequin with a connection to the Baignoire that goes again to her 18th birthday when her mom (none aside from Jane Birkin), gifted her one of many stylish watches.
Cartier isn’t messing round, having launched 11 new takes on the Baignoire, 5 within the Mini measurement and measurement and 6 within the Small. The proportions of the brand new Mini fashions have been tweaked, emphasising how effectively the watch can pull double responsibility as a bangle (although, in fact, there are two variations — yellow gold and absolutely set — provided on patent leather-based straps). The big (however nonetheless reserved) Small mannequin, which formally measures in at 31.4mm lengthy and 23.1mm throughout, has additionally been given a refresh. The curved crystal and stylish Roman numerals are framed solely in treasured metals.
On the extra accessible finish of the gathering, there’s strong yellow gold on leather-based or a yellow gold bracelet which echoes the curve of the case. There’s additionally yellow and rose gold variations set with a single row of 42 brilliant-cut diamonds or, if white gold is extra your velocity, there are two variations with instances set with 227 diamonds on white gold bracelets. Probably the most extravagant of those fashions sees the bracelet dripped out with an extra 798 diamonds, with a mixed case and bracelet carat weight of round 6.4 carats. That must be the flashiest bathtub we’ve ever seen.
Cartier Baignoire Watch Mini Fashions
Motion: Quartz
Operate: Hours, minutes
Case: 24.6mm size by 18.7mm width, yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, a number of choices with diamonds, waterproof to three bar
Dial: Silvered dial, blued-steel sword-shaped arms
Strap: Supplied on bracelet in yellow or rose gold, absolutely set white gold bracelet or patent calfskin strap
Value: From Euro 6200
Cartier Baignoire Watch Small Fashions
Motion: Quartz
Operate: Hours, minutes
Case: 31.4mm size by 23.1mm width, yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, a number of choices with diamonds, waterproof to three bar
Dial: Silvered dial, blued-steel sword-shaped arms
Strap: Supplied on patent alligator strap, yellow or white gold bracelet, or absolutely set white gold bracelet
Value: From Euro 10,300
