Ever since Cartier reimagined its oval-dial Baignoire watch (named thus after its bathtub-inspired shape) with a rigid bracelet in 2023, bangle watches have been having a moment. This year, as part of the novelties unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2026, the maison has created a new diamond-studded version of the Baignoire, but not in the polite, predictable pavé way.
Instead, the 171 brilliant-cut stones on the 18-carat yellow gold case and bangle are set upside down, with slightly less pronounced tips creating a spiky texture on the surface, seamlessly blending in with the tiny pyramids of the maison’s Clou de Paris motif. The iteration transforms the familiar, feminine silhouette into something more architectural, edgy, and tactile, like armour for your wrist.
