We could all do with some time-fixing now and then. We’d like to stretch it so that the moment feels a little longer, shrink it so it goes away faster, or change it up when it suits us. Cartier likes the idea, too. At the recent SIHH event (that would be Geneva’s annual Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie), it “stretched, shrank and transformed” the iconic timepieces from its Baignoire and Crash ranges into five individually numbered, very limited, and endlessly fascinating jewellery watches for its latest Libre Collection.
We could all do with some time-fixing now and then. We’d like to stretch it so that the moment feels a little longer, shrink it so it goes away faster, or change it up when it suits us. Cartier likes the idea, too. At the recent SIHH event (that would be Geneva’s annual Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie), it “stretched, shrank and transformed” the iconic timepieces from its Baignoire and Crash ranges into five individually numbered, very limited, and endlessly fascinating jewellery watches for its latest Libre Collection.
The Baignoire Etoilee
The original oval Baignoire face is extended – horizontally. Two rows of precious stones and a bracelet of diamonds and black spinels are then added. Limited to 15 pieces, each with an 18K white gold case and a quartz movement.
The Baignoire Debordante
It features a dramatic ring of open “petals” around its oval dial, set with diamonds and black spinels for a gradient effect. Limited to 50 pieces.
The Crash Radieuse
This is one of Cartier’s rare reinterpretations of its iconic Crash, which was first launched in 1967 and said to be inspired by an actual, accidentdamaged Baignoire Allongee. In this take, gadroons are added to the Dali-like “crushed” bezel, distorted Roman numerals are distorted further, and carved “shockwaves” radiate from the centre of the dial. This is also the only watch in the Libre Collection with a yellow gold case and manual movement. Limited to 50 pieces.
The Baignoire Interdite
Oversized Roman numerals formed from strips of glossy black ADLC (amorphous diamondlike carbon, which makes a smooth and durable coating for luxury goods) wrap around the case. The original oval Baignoire face is vertical; this is horizontal and set with diamonds. Limited to 50 pieces.
The Baignoire Infinie
A ring of diamonds encircles its minuscule round black dial. It is finished with a white gold case set with baguette-cut diamonds, white mother of pearl, Tahitian mother-of pearl, and black spinels. Limited to 20 pieces.
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