Cartier Reimagines the Baignoire with Clou de Paris Motif
A sculptural jewellery-watch expression where heritage craftsmanship meets architectural form
PRESS RELEASE | 491 WORDS | 3 MINUTE READ
Photo Courtesy: Cartier
A Heritage Motif, Reinterpreted
Cartier introduces a new interpretation of its iconic Baignoire watch, drawing deeply from its jewellery heritage. This latest edition integrates the historic Clou de Paris motif, an emblematic design language within the Maison since the early 20th century, into a fully realised horological form.
The result is a timepiece where texture, geometry, and craftsmanship converge, reinforcing Cartier’s long-standing philosophy of merging jewellery artistry with watchmaking precision.
A Fully Integrated Architectural Design
In this reinterpretation, the Clou de Paris motif extends across the entire watch from the bangle bracelet to the case and dial, creating a seamless visual identity.
This intricate guilloché-inspired pattern introduces:
A rhythmic, tactile surface
Enhanced perception of volume and structure
A cohesive architectural aesthetic
The oval proportions of the Baignoire have been carefully re-engineered to accommodate the motif, ensuring precise alignment across curved surfaces. Even the smallest elements, such as the yellow gold push-buttons on the clasp, are designed to integrate fluidly into the overall form.
An Ultra-Precious Interpretation
Cartier extends this creation further with a high-jewellery variation, elevating the Baignoire into a more expressive and luminous object.
Key highlights include:
100 brilliant-cut diamonds on the dial
Snow-setting technique creating dynamic light play
Inverted diamond setting on the case for refined depth
Harmonised interplay between gemstones and Clou de Paris relief
In this version, the geometry of the motif and the brilliance of diamonds interact continuously, revealing different visual perspectives depending on the angle of light.
A Jewellery Watch That Redefines Form
The dial features the Maison’s signature
Clou triangulaire guilloché motif. This finely engraved micro-relief captures the light and transforms each movement of the wrist into a subtle play of reflections. Against the silver-toned surface, Verzasca green accents structure the chronograph counters with clarity and evoke the mineral transparency of alpine waters. The rhodium-plated 18-carat gold applied indices are set by hand and enhanced with a black luminescent coating to ensure legibility and contrast. Skeletonised delta-shaped hands for hours and minutes extend the collection’s visual purity, while the chronograph and small seconds-hands introduce a discreet technical accent.
THE CASE: SCULPTED IN STEEL
The 42 mm case, crafted in polished and satin-finished stainless steel, is conceived as a study in proportion and precision. Satin surfaces interact with polished edges in a finely balanced alternation, revealing the tension of the lines and the clarity of the volumes.
The knurled bezel: an immediately recognisable Parmigiani Fleurier signature; captures reflections with rhythmic regularity and introduces a tactile dimension to the watch. Historically associated with functional instruments, this knurling enhances grip and subtly anchors the piece within the world of technical timekeeping. The case middle naturally integrates the chronograph pushers, while the screw-down crown ensures water resistance to 100 metres.
Availability
The Baignoire Clou de Paris by Cartier is available through the official website.
For further information, visit: https://www.cartier.com/
