Introduced: 2015
Purpose / Inspiration: Clé means “key” in French—and this watch was built around one. Cartier reimagined the winding crown itself, shaping it like a key you turn to wind time. The Clé de Cartier was about precision, proportion, and purity—a return to simple elegance with a subtle twist. Every curve was considered, from case to crown.
Designer: Created by Cartier’s in-house design and movement team as part of a push for ergonomic, contemporary shapes anchored by traditional craftsmanship
Case size: Available in 31mm, 35mm, 40mm, and 41mm
Case options: Stainless steel, rose gold, yellow gold, two-tone; also seen in high jewelry and diamond-set editions
Powered by Cartier’s in-house Caliber 1847 MC automatic movement (debuted with this model)
Bezel: Rounded, high-polish bezel, seamlessly integrated with the domed case profile
Dial options: Silver flinqué or sunburst with guilloché center; bold Roman numerals, date window, blued steel hands
Water resistance: 30m to 100m depending on model
Bracelet: Leather strap or integrated bracelet—designed to mirror the smooth case curvature
Still in production in limited variants, but no longer a primary focus of the collection
Why it matters: The Clé introduced a whole new silhouette for Cartier—balanced, wearable, and designed around a tactile experience. You didn’t just look at the watch—you felt it every time you set it.
The Crown, Reimagined: A rectangular “key” crown that clicks like a fine instrument
Elegant from Every Angle: Case, lugs, and bracelet formed a single, seamless line
In-House Engine: Debuted the 1847 MC, Cartier’s workhorse automatic movement
Modern Classic: A Cartier for the minimalist with an eye for detail