The favourite watch of Catherine Deneuve and Jeanne Moreau, Cartier's Baignoire has been reworked to include new sizes and gemstone embellishments

It doesn&#39;t happen very often, but sometimes the ordinary can become extraordinary. Just take the Baignoire from Cartier as an example. The watch had its humble beginnings in 1912, when Louis Cartier experimented with form by stretching out the traditional round structure. The result? A new shape defined by two parallel lines closed by two curves, dubbed the &quot;bathtub&quot; thanks to the resemblance (Baignoire means bathtub in French).&nbsp;

6 Baignoire Watch Small Model Yellow Gold.jpg

The design evolved over the years before settling into the familiar elongated oval in the 1950s, with a dial stamped with Roman or Arabic numerals and bordered with gold gadroons. The swinging sixties ushered in another chapter&nbsp;for the Baignoire, with the longer and sleeker Allong&eacute;e that hugged the width of a woman&#39;s wrist. For decades the Baignoire has been the watch of choice for cultured women of discerning taste, such as Catherine Deneuve, Jeanne Moreau, Romy Schneider, and M&eacute;lanie Laurent.&nbsp;

2 Catherine Deneuve.jpg

3 Jeanne Moreau.jpg

4 Romy Schneider.jpg

5 Mélanie Laurent.jpg

The cult 1958 model and the later Allong&eacute;e variant have been reworked by Cartier for the 21st century (and beyond). While the essential design remains unchanged, the line now boasts a narrower bracelet, redesigned Roman numerals on a silvered sand-blasted dial face, and water resistance up to 30m.&nbsp;

The quartz-powered Baignoire Small Model comprises two versions - yellow gold with a taupe alligator leather strap and diamond-encrusted white gold with a dark blue alligator strap. Understated and elegant, the watches ooze a sense of &#39;if you know, you know&#39; allure.&nbsp;

1.jpg

The updated Allong&eacute;e now comes in medium and extra-large iterations, powered by the manual-winding 1917 MC movement. The glittering series is quite literally dripping in diamonds, with pink gold and white gold cases fully encrusted with jewels. Some models also come with dial faces covered in gems. The luxurious and dazzling pieces are definitely high on the desirability factor.

&nbsp;

10 Baignoire Allongée Watch Extra Large Pink Gold.jpg

12 Baignoire Allongée Watch Medium Diamonds.jpg

Upping the wattage even further, there&#39;s a white gold version fully paved with diamonds, topped off with a diamond bracelet that brings the gem count to a staggering 857 or 894.&nbsp;

13 Baignoire Allongée Watch Medium.jpg

The Baignoire Allong&eacute;e also introduces a fresh clou carr&eacute; design, with a gold case delicately sculpted to create a texture of small studs that complement the diamond-set surfaces. Adding an edge of punk, this design is perfect for those who dare to take a risk with style.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

First seen in the <a href="https://www.lofficielsingapore.com/fashion/so-psychedelic-l-officiel-singapore-s-november-issue-is-out-now">November 2019</a> issue of L&#39;Officiel Singapore

Shape Of Things To Come: Cartier's New Baignoire Collection

Tags

Related Articles

Watches & Jewellery

Clash de Cartier: Where Timeless Style Meets Edgy Chic

Watches & Jewellery

The Rebirth Of Cartier's Baignoire

Living

Personal Space: Cartier Will Open Bookstore, Record Store, And Café In Singapore

Recommended posts for you

Culture

The White Lotus Season Three Featuring Lisa Debuts February 17

Fashion

Calvin Klein Back at New York Fashion Week with Veronica Leoni's First Show

Fashion

Jeff Satur Is Valentino's First Thai Brand Ambassador

Fashion

Kim Soohyun is Prada's Latest Brand Ambassador

Living

A Limited-Edition Snake-Themed Tea for Lunar New Year

Fashion

10 Little Black Dresses for New Year's Eve and to Celebrate 2025

Watches & Jewellery

Rose Gold Jewellery Timepieces to Have and Hold

Watches & Jewellery

Exclusive! AESPA on Their Love for Chopard, 'Whiplash' Comeback & More