If the Cartier Santos-Dumont was the Maison’s first commercially produced timepiece in 1911, the shapely Baignoire wasn’t far behind — the first design for the Baignoire dates back to 1912. Famously, the model had a surprising inspiration — the soft oval shape was inspired by the gentle curves of a bathtub. We dare not speculate as to whether or not Louis Cartier was, in the manner of Archimedes, ensconced in the tub when he had his Eureka moment.

Before coming up with his iconic rectangular watch designs, Louis Cartier experimented on the traditional round shape of a watch’s case by stretching it into an oval, and the Cartier Baignoire or ‘bathtub’ was born. This original example dates from 1912 (Image: Cartier)

It took a little while for the Baignoire to make it into production — we didn’t see the first model until 1958, but it was very much an example of the right watch at the right time. The trademark curved oval case, devoid of visible lugs, was perfectly on trend for the Swinging Sixties, an era of experimentation and bold ideas when it came to shaped watches. Of course, shaped watches are very much within Cartier’s wheelhouse, and the ovoid watch matched its novel shape with the traditionalism of Cartier’s established dial codes — Roman numerals, and soft silver and white finishes, along with a cabochon-tipped crown.

The trademark curved oval case, devoid of visible lugs, was perfectly on trend for the Swinging Sixties, an era of experimentation and bold ideas when it came to shaped watches

Over the years, the Baignoire continued to evolve. Indeed, it wasn’t until 1973 that the model was formally named as such. The name didn’t do anything to fundamentally change the identity and allure of the design, however. The combination of the soft shape, with the seemingly never-ending variety afforded by the addition of diamonds and other decorative elements, ensured the Baignoire was a firm favorite for those looking for a blend of classicism and chic.

In 2025, the Baignoire has evolved once more; this time, Cartier took the classical shape and extended the soft curves in a surprising direction — a bracelet. Blurring the lines between timepiece and jewelry even further, this latest expression of the design is a celebration of gold. The case, bracelet, dial and hands all gleam in the original expression of precious metal — yellow gold.

The 2025 Cartier Baignoire (©Revolution: Photography Sidney Teo, Art Direction Clementinus Liem)

The sunray of the dial, and polish of every rounded surface, made this Baignoire glisten in all lights — something that’s only accentuated by the diamonds. The case, bracelet and crown of this watch are set with over 70 brilliant-cut, flush-set diamonds, weighing 0.81 carats in total, and the crisp white light of this most beloved of stones accentuates the warmth of the gold, the deliberate, graphic and almost polka-dot-like setting of the stones adds an entirely different dimension to the Baignoire, one entirely in keeping with Cartier’s approach to watchmaking through the eyes of a jeweler.

The sunray dial, and polish of every rounded surface, made this Baignoire glisten in all lights.

Tech Specs: Cartier Baignoire

Ref CRWJBA0064
Movement Quartz
Functions Hours and minutes
Case 24.6mm × 18.7mm; 18K yellow gold with diamonds; water resistant to 30m
Dial Gold
Strap 18K yellow gold bracelet with diamonds
Price AUD 39,900