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

Ella Klein Interns Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho
Events & AwardsDec 20, 2024
Two Participants Complete Inaugural Ella Klein Internship

Jamie Dunton and Gabriella Botelho are the first graduates of the program, created by the WJA Foundation and Julius Klein Diamonds.

Retrouvai Green Sapphire and Diamond Heirloom Bezel Ring for Charity
CollectionsDec 20, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Ring for Charity

In the spirit of giving, Retrouvaí will donate $4,000 from the sale of this ring to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

DeVries Jewelers
IndependentsDec 19, 2024
Michigan’s DeVries Jewelers Unveils New Location in Time for the Holidays

Co-owner Dan DeVries shared what it’s like moving into a space triple the size of its old store and how it feels to be a “real jeweler” now.

me_myself_and_I_1872x1052 .jpg
Brought to you by
De Beers Group Launches Holiday Campaign for Natural Diamonds

‘Forever Present’ campaign revives the iconic A Diamond is Forever tagline and celebrates the diamond dream.

State Property Gardens Collection Campaign
CollectionsDec 19, 2024
State Property Transforms Spain’s Generalife Gardens into Jewelry

Along with the latest “Gardens” collection, the brand has released limited-edition designs offering more indulgent pieces.

Weekly QuizDec 19, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Two people in a rowboat
CrimeDec 19, 2024
Alleged Jewelry Thieves Attempt Rowboat Escape

The man and woman are accused of stealing jewelry from a shipping container then trying to flee by paddling a small boat out into a bay.

2488-carat diamond found in Botswana
SourcingDec 19, 2024
The Second-Largest Diamond Ever Found Now Has a Name

The 2,488-carat diamond recovered from a mine in Botswana has been dubbed “Motswedi” while its 1,094-carat sibling is “Seriti.”

ja nj btyb.jpg
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry

For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.

Rough rubies
SourcingDec 19, 2024
Gemfields Reports Record Ruby Auction Results Despite Challenges at Source

The average price per carat hit a record high for the miner, which said it remains unaffected by the conflict in Mozambique.

alexandrite ring
AuctionsDec 18, 2024
Alexandrite Ring Sells for Record-Setting $1.9M at Sotheby’s

The nearly 17-carat stone made history for the color-change gem that, according to the auction house, is experiencing a “notable surge” in the market.

Picchiotti Spotlight Campaign Video Still
TechnologyDec 18, 2024
Picchiotti Utilizes AI in ‘Spotlight’ Video Campaign

The videos highlight how pieces from the “Xpandable” and “Reversible Xpandable” collections put the wearer in the spotlight.

Steve Feldman
IndependentsDec 18, 2024
Industry Veteran Steve Feldman Set to Retire

Feldman reflected on 45 years in the jewelry industry and clarified that it’s not a total retirement.

Chanel Quilted Stars Necklace
Events & AwardsDec 17, 2024
Chanel to Receive Gem Award for High Jewelry Excellence

The luxury brand is being honored for excellence in high jewelry design in its “Haute Joaillerie Sport” collection.

Frank Circelli
SourcingDec 17, 2024
Frank Circelli, Founder of Gem Shopping Network, Dies at 75

Circelli was a pioneer in the world of TV shopping who is remembered for his passion for gemstones and his big personality.

Blue diamond ring
AuctionsDec 17, 2024
Blue Diamond Fetches $8.8M at Christie’s

The nearly 6-carat stone headlined the recent jewelry auction, which also featured Mica Ertegun’s jewelry.

Stock image of a gavel, handcuffs, and books
CrimeDec 17, 2024
‘Black Bin Crew’ Robbers Get 14-16 Years in Prison

The three men, who got their nickname because they’d toss the jewelry they stole into black plastic bins, were arrested back in August.

Cover of the new book “The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance”
TrendsDec 16, 2024
Marion Fasel’s New Book Delves Into the History of Engagement Rings

“The History of Diamond Engagement Rings: A True Romance” is a 128-page small-format book containing more than 165 images.

GCAL 8X pear and marquise-cut diamonds
GradingDec 16, 2024
GCAL By Sarine Expands 8X to 2 More Fancy Shapes

The diamond cut grade is now available for marquise- and pear-shaped diamonds.

Claudia Cividino, Sissy’s Log Cabin, Shri Govind Dholakia, Tanishq
SourcingDec 16, 2024
Diamonds Do Good Announces 2025 Award Recipients

DDG said the honorees’ business practices embody a commitment to positive social impact, industry innovation, and community empowerment.

Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco, Engagement Ring
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring

Estimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.

Martin Katz tanzanite drop earrings
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops

These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024

The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.

Tom Brady’s Rolex Daytona Paul Newman “John Player Special”
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s Auction

The highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”

Grizzly emerald mining
SourcingDec 12, 2024
Grizzly Emerald Auction Garners $22.4M

Recent expansion initiatives at the Zambian emerald mine have shown strong production numbers, said Grizzly founder Abdoulaye Ndiaye.

Carrie Forman
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of Sales

Carrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.

Models wearing jewelry by 2024 Shining Light Award winners
SourcingDec 12, 2024
De Beers Announces 2024 ‘Shining Light’ Award Winners

The competition awarded 12 designers, each from a country where De Beers recovers diamonds, with business support and tuition assistance.

Woman wearing a snake ring and bracelet
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes Elegance

The high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.

×

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