£3,350.00
In stock
The Cartier Clé de Cartier represents a contemporary masterpiece in the maison’s storied horological collection. Named for its distinctive key-shaped crown (“clé” meaning “key” in French), this elegant timepiece introduces a fresh silhouette to Cartier’s repertoire while maintaining the brand’s signature refined aesthetic. The silvered flinqué dial with sunray effect creates a captivating interplay of light, while the balanced 40mm case offers versatile proportions suitable for diverse wrist sizes and occasions.
Condition: Immaculate pre-owned condition
Includes: Original box and warranty
Guarantee: Valid until 2027 (dated December 2019)
Shipping: Free UK delivery
Since its founding in 1847, Cartier has established itself as “The Jeweller of Kings and the King of Jewellers.” The Clé de Cartier collection, first introduced in 2015, represents a significant addition to the maison’s watchmaking portfolio. The collection’s defining feature—the key-shaped crown—reflects Cartier’s genius for transforming functional elements into distinctive design signatures. This approach recalls the brand’s earlier innovations, such as the square Santos (1904) and the rectangular Tank (1917). The Clé continues this tradition of elegant innovation, marrying technical excellence with the refined aesthetic that has made Cartier timepieces coveted symbols of sophistication for over 170 years.
The distinctive key-shaped crown is the defining characteristic of the Clé de Cartier collection, giving the watch its name (“clé” means “key” in French). Unlike traditional cylindrical crowns, this innovative design features a unique rectangular shape that rotates smoothly like turning a key. When setting the time or date, the crown provides tactile feedback with a satisfying click when returned to its original position. This elegant solution combines ergonomic functionality with aesthetic distinction, demonstrating Cartier’s ability to re-imagine even the most fundamental watch components.
The Calibre 1847 MC is Cartier’s in-house automatic movement, named for the year the maison was founded. Developed and manufactured entirely by Cartier, this self-winding mechanical movement features a bidirectional winding system for efficient power generation. With a 40-hour power reserve, it delivers reliable timekeeping even when unworn for a weekend. The movement incorporates advanced features including anti-magnetic nickel phosphorus components and paramagnetic alloys to shield against magnetic interference encountered in daily life. This combination of performance, reliability, and resistance to modern environmental challenges makes the 1847 MC a technically sophisticated heart for this elegant timepiece.
The silvered flinqué dial with sunray effect represents a pinnacle of Cartier’s dial craftsmanship. The flinqué technique involves creating a guilloché pattern (fine geometric engravings) on the metal base, which is then covered with translucent silver coating. The sunray pattern radiates from the centre, creating a dynamic play of light that changes with wrist movement and lighting conditions. This delicate artisanal finish provides depth and dimension to the dial, while the crisp black Roman numerals and blue sword-shaped hands ensure excellent legibility. The result is a perfect balance between decorative refinement and functional clarity.
With water resistance to 3 bar (approximately 30 meters), the Clé de Cartier is protected against minor water exposure such as rain or handwashing. This rating is appropriate for a sophisticated dress watch, providing practical everyday protection while maintaining the elegant case proportions. The sapphire crystals on both front and back are secured with precision gaskets, while the crown includes sealing systems to prevent moisture ingress. While not intended for swimming or immersion, this level of water resistance offers peace of mind for daily wear in most environments.
The Clé de Cartier strikes an ideal balance between formal elegance and contemporary versatility. Its 40mm case size occupies the sweet spot that works well for most wrist sizes, neither too large nor too small. The integrated steel bracelet provides a sporty sophistication appropriate for business settings, while the refined dial and distinctive crown ensure it remains elegant enough for formal occasions. For owners seeking even greater versatility, the watch can accommodate compatible Cartier straps through an easy-change system. This adaptability makes the Clé de Cartier an excellent candidate for a “one watch collection” or as a cornerstone piece in a broader collection.
Within Cartier’s extensive range of iconic watch designs, the Clé de Cartier stands out for its contemporary interpretation of the maison’s design principles. While the Santos and Tank collections represent historic designs from the early 20th century, the Clé (introduced in 2015) offers a thoroughly modern silhouette while maintaining Cartier’s signature elegance. The rounded case with its flowing lines represents a departure from the geometric shapes of other Cartier collections, while signature elements like Roman numerals, blue sword hands, and the cabochon-set crown maintain clear family ties. This balance of innovation and tradition makes the Clé particularly appealing to those who appreciate Cartier’s heritage but seek a fresh expression of the brand’s design language.
For any purchases online, we offer a 14 day refund as long as they are returned exactly as sold. Any purchases in person are final.
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