At Watches and Wonders 2026, Cartier affirmed its unique position in high watchmaking as the unrivalled master of shaped watches.
Rather than focusing purely on mechanical complexity, this year’s releases celebrate design, heritage and exceptional craftsmanship, reinforcing the Maison’s ability to blend jewellery artistry with horological precision. Across six emblematic collections - Baignoire, Myst de Cartier, Cartier Privé, Roadster, Santos‑Dumont and Tortue - Cartier reinterprets historic forms with contemporary refinement, ensuring each creation remains unmistakably Cartier in both spirit and execution.
Baignoire: Jewellery Watchmaking at its Purest
The Baignoire has long embodied Cartier’s talent for transforming a timepiece into an objet d’art. In 2026, the Maison heightens this identity with new creations adorned with the clou de Paris motif, applied seamlessly across the bracelet, case and dial. The result is a sculptural aesthetic that plays beautifully with light while preserving the watch’s iconic oval silhouette.
The diamond interpretation further elevates the collection, taking the work of the setter to new heights of prowess. Brilliant‑cut diamonds animate the dial with subtle brilliance, reinforcing the Baignoire’s status as a refined fusion of watchmaking and jewellery craftsmanship.
Myst de Cartier: The Spirit of Jeanne Toussaint
With Myst de Cartier, the Maison continues the tradition of jewellery-watches imagined by Jeanne Toussaint, whose visionary approach shaped Cartier’s most expressive creations. The Myst creation is conceived as a sculptural piece, where materials, depth and technique merge into a singular design language.
Its bracelet takes inspiration from a trompe-l’oeil bracelet, a bead‑setting technique using stones of different sizes to create perspective and volume and an architectural presence. Available in yellow gold and white gold, with a magnificent amount of diamonds, the Myst de Cartier stands as a contemporary interpretation of the jewellery‑watch - bold, elegant and deeply rooted in Cartier heritage.
Cartier Privé: Radical Heritage Reimagined
The Cartier Privé collection continues to explore the Maison’s most daring historical designs through limited and highly considered reinterpretations. In 2026 we see the new design integrate a skeleton movement into the radical shape of the Crash watch, a true technical feat. The impressive movement was specially developed to house 142 components in this minimal space, uniting aesthetic daring with mechanical excellence.
The Tortue Chronograph Monopusher is completed with the Manufacture 1928 MC movement. At just 4.30mm thick it is the Maison’s thinnest chronograph, with a single-button chronograph movement that has been specifically designed to fit the shape of the case.
Tortue: An Icon Refined by Proportion
In 2026 Cartier has delighted watch-lovers with a new Tortue collection. The emblematic design has been introduced in new rounder and more generous proportions, softening the silhouette whilst enhancing its wrist presence.
The evolution respects the Tortue’s historic character, whilst introducing greater fluidity and balance. Each new model is united with a sleek shape but equally has its own character. With yellow gold and diamond-encrusted white gold versions available the pinnacle of the collection is the amazing Panthère Mêtiers d’Art Tortue featuring a bejewelled panther across the dial.
Roadster: Sculpted for Movement
With the return of the Roadster, Cartier highlights its role as a true “watchmaker of shapes”. The tonneau-shaped watch has a unique look, with the new interpretation celebrating the sophisticated aerodynamic allure of the timepiece. Complete with a speedometer-inspired dial, conical crown, headlight-shaped date magnifier, rivets and screws it’s a powerful yet sophisticated design.
With a more streamlined shape, the impressive watch saw more than 100 skillsets work together to develop the new interpretation of a well-loved timepiece. Available in three new versions - gold, steel or a combination of the two - the new interpretations beautifully balance technical ingenuity with visual impact.
Santos-Dumont: Elegance with Aviation Heritage
The Santos‑Dumont collection continues to honour the pioneering spirit of Alberto Santos‑Dumont, whose lifestyle inspired one of the earliest wristwatches. The 2026 models feature a precious dial paired with a flexible bracelet, designed to showcase the style and heritage of the original and legendary wristwatch.
Meticulously assembled at the Cartier Manufacture the impressive bracelet has been crafted with extreme flexibility, composed of 394 links. This flexibility enhances comfort while preserving the collection’s signature elegance, reinforcing the Santos‑Dumont as a refined expression of heritage, innovation and enduring style.
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