Watches

The Cartier Baignoire Is Fashion’s Next Favorite Timepiece

WatchesApr 11, 2023

The Cartier Baignoire Is Fashion’s Next Favorite Timepiece

You don’t have to be a watch fanatic to love the look of the Cartier revival style.

20230411_Cartier1.jpg
The 2023 version of the Cartier Baignoire sees a bangle bracelet version added to the mix. It’s available in all gold or in a diamond pavé version.
Geneva—For those who prioritize style over a watch’s mechanics, the revamped Cartier Baignoire is calling.

Created in the early 1900s, “baignoire” is French for “bathtub,” an allusion to the watch’s oval dial and sumptuous rounded oval bezel.

The 2023 quartz-powered version sees the bezel even larger, which is in line with the chunky gold metal trend seen in fine jewelry from the likes of Brent Neale or Jessica McCormack.

To make it even more jewelry-like, it’s attached to a bangle rather than a traditional watch bracelet, though there’s a black leather strap version, too.

It’s available in rose gold and yellow gold for $11,800 or white gold with full diamond pavé (seen below) for $48,800.

20230411_Cartier3.jpg
The diamond pavé Baignoire


With fashion and watch enthusiasts alike buzzing over the new Baignoire debuted at Watches & Wonders Geneva, expect it to join the ranks of Cartier’s most popular timepiece styles in the future.

Speaking of which, Cartier also showcased updates to its classic “Tank” timepiece.

20230411_Cartier4.jpg
The Cartier Tank Normale with yellow gold case and brown alligator strap is priced at $31,000.


Originally created in 1917, this year Cartier introduced an hour and minute version with a yellow gold case on a brown alligator strap (above) and with a platinum case on a black alligator strap. There are also versions with a gold bracelet and platinum bracelet (below).

The watch is powered by a mechanical movement with manual winding.

20230411_Cartier5.jpg
The new Cartier Tank Normale with platinum case and bracelet retails for $53,500.


There is also a new Cartier Tank with skeleton movement. It has a 24-hour complication with a sun and crescent moon, also skeletonized.

The minute hand turns around the dial in one hour as usual, but the hour hand turns around the dial in 24 hours instead of every 12 hours.

20230411_Cartier7.jpg
Cartier Tank with skeleton movement, yellow gold case, and brown alligator strap


The watch is available in 50 numbered editions, in yellow gold on a brown or green alligator strap with a blue sapphire cabochon on the crown ($71,000) and in platinum on a burgundy or gray alligator strap with a ruby cabochon ($80,000).

20230411_Cartier6.jpg
This Cartier Tank with skeleton movement, platinum case, and gray alligator strap is available in a numbered edition of 50.


There are also 20 numbered editions of a version with brilliant-cut diamonds and an alligator strap in two shades of blue plus a diamond on the crown ($107,000).

The Tank isn’t Cartier’s only timepiece getting the skeleton movement treatment in 2023. The Santos-Dumont is also available in a special skeleton version.

Originally introduced in 1904, the Santos-Dumont last received a design upgrade in 2019.

This year’s version is powered by the 9629 MC automatic skeleton calibre movement with micro-rotor, which took Cartier nearly two years to develop. The movement is comprised of 212 components.

It is available in a rose gold version ($40,400) or stainless steel ($31,000), as well as a limited-edition yellow gold version with navy lacquer ($41,600), pictured below.

20230411_Cartier9.jpg
The limited-edition Santos-Dumont with skeleton movement in 18-karat yellow gold with navy lacquer


Switching gears, the rectangular-dialed Tank Américaine was launched in 1989 and inspired by the Tank Cintrée.

The 2023 edition offers a more streamlined silhouette powered by the new 1899 MC movement.

20230411_Cartier8.jpg
A new Tank Américaine powered by the new 1899 MC movement. This version features an 18-karat gold case with leather strap.


There are a variety of metal case and strap combinations, including steel and 18-karat gold cases and steel, 18-karat gold, and leather straps. Some are available in diamond pavé. 

The timepiece starts at $3,400 for the mini steel version on a leather strap. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Also at Watches & Wonders, the Clash de Cartier jewelry collection received its first timepieces.

20230411_Cartier11.jpg
The new Clash [Un]Limited timepiece


A design-forward bracelet incorporates rolling ball bearings that move.

The limited-edition timepieces, called the “Clash [Un]Limited,” are available in yellow, rose, and white gold, as well as diamond pavé versions. There are special editions featuring gems like black spinels, chrysoprase, tsavorite, coral, onyx, and obsidian.

20230411_Cartier10.jpg
A special version of the new Clash [Un]Limited features diamonds, coral, onyx, tsavorite garnets, and chrysoprase.


The quartz-powered watches retail beginning at $33,300.

There were also novelties unveiled for the Panthère de Cartier range.

Unlike the wearable, square dial of the classic Panthère, these feature a striking panther head in ode to one of Cartier’s most famous symbols.

20230411_Cartier12.jpg
The yellow gold version of the new Cartier Panthère timepiece


The cat can “close its jaws” over the black lacquer dial. The watch’s geometry and sharp angles are inspired by the Panthère jewelry launched in 2005, Cartier said. The watch’s bracelet is fully articulated and flexible without visible hinges.

The watch is available in yellow or rose gold as well as a white gold and diamond version. Powered by quartz, the range starts at $27,800 for the smallest version. 

The Latest

Pandora lab grown diamond necklace
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond Claims

NDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.

Ronnie VanderLinden and Feriel Zerouki
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President

The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.

Glenn Spiro Old Moghul Golconda Earrings
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met Gala

She wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Kennedy’s Jewelers tourmaline necklace
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award Winners

Two pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.

Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Brilliant Earth Jane Goodall olive branch necklace and earrings
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1

The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.

Kashmir sapphire ring
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry Sale

Led by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.

lvajws image 1.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Billy Welshoff
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account Executive

In his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.

Jewelers of America Logo
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship Program

It has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.

White and yellow rough diamonds from the Ekati Diamond Mine
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain Future

The owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.

Pandora lab grown diamond rings
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown Diamonds

The company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.

Saks Fifth Avenue door sign
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to Approval

The retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.

Heuer Monaco Le Mans
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby's

Of the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.

Met Gala 2026 Beyonce, Lisa Manobal, Hailey Bieber
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met Gala

Megan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.

Doug Hucker
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His Roots

Following decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.

New York City FC winning the Philip F. Anschutz MLS Cup Trophy in 2021
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports History

The museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.

Exhibitor at JIS
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure Program

The new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.

Melanie Georgacopoulos Eclipse Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ Collection

The “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.

National Jeweler columnist Sherry Smith, partner at The Retail Smiths
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show Buying

Buying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.

Mugshot of 20-year-old Landen Julian Ballard of Vero Beach, Florida
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in Florida

Lazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.

Gild Zadok, Segev Zadok, and Jonathan Zadok at Austin park
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower Preservation

A portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.

Gemist new retailer offering
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization Offering

Their partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Hand putting gas pump in car
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas Prices

Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.

Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2026: Hidden Garden Butterfly Diamond Necklace
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue Book

Our Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.

The Retail Smiths partner and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance

Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.

Claire’s new summer campaign
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha

“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy