The Cartier Baignoire debuts new shapes and styles

One of the many things we love about Cartier is how it can always take something so plain and simple, and transform it into something utterly elegant and beautiful. Think about the Cartier Tank, the Santos de Cartier, Juste Un Clou, and you'll know exactly what we mean.

It is the same with the Baignoire. Cartier's classic oval watch. Appearing for the first time in 1912, this elegant timepiece is named after and inspired by – of all things – a bathtub. Clearly, to reveal beauty in all its guises is an enduring concept and invaluable talent at the maison Cartier.

As with most watches made in that era, the Baignoire started out as a gentleman's watch. But over the years, it won over the hearts and wrists of some of the most singular women in history. Catherine Deneuve, Romy Schneider, Jeanne Moreau were just some of them.

Gradually, the Baignoire continued to evolve and gained its smooth, curved oval shape in the late 1950s, along with gold gadroons and the signature Cartier Roman numerals.

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But the story is still being written. This year Cartier reimagined the Baignoire for the 21^stcentury, establishing a new aesthetic for the watch that's sophisticated yet edgy – reminding us instantly of the Clash de Cartier jewellery collection.

Glamorous gold and diamonds meet hard metallic spikes called clous carrés. The case and numerals have also been elongated, spotlighting its unique shape and accentuating the wrist. Of course the standard elliptical model is also refreshed, with a sharper typeface and better water resistance (30m).

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The case of the new classic Baignoire differs from the previous version in that it is curvier, while the other is oval but with a flat profile. Price wise, the small model in rose gold on leather is $13,700 while the new one in yellow gold and same size lists for $15,100.

Oh and if you like yellow gold, it is one of the few modern watches made in that material.

Available in a range of sizes, diamond setting and case material, these watches are paired with slim alligator leather straps, except for the full diamond pavé white gold pieces, which are delivered with a diamond set white gold bracelet.