When many brands at the SIHH this year introduced adaptations of preexisting models, Cartier watches amazed us with a new collection named Clé. Using its streamlined, ergonomic and compatible lines, the newest Cartier Clé watch includes a new key-shaped crown where the set derives its title. The unusual form of the crown is a nostalgic reminder of those times when pocket watches and clocks required a secret to be wrapped.
Cartier has been able to bring the audacity and imaginative joy of its own high jewellery pieces to its equally appreciated high watchmaking actions. Inspired by the shape of a WWI Renault tank along with the crumpled remains of a Cartier oval watch following a car crash – that gave birth into the square lines of this 1917 Tank watch along with also the groovy asymmetry of the 1967 Crash watch respectively – Cartier’s designers find stimuli in the oddest places. What is both reassuring is that the enduring success of Cartier’s unconventional watch shapes. The Tank, the square Santos pilot’s watch along with the plump, round curves of the Ballon Bleu are as in demand now as they were when they first started.

The newest Cartier Clé collection opens the door to some more contained and tapered rotundity than the Ballon Bleu. The challenge here is to create a new case based on a perfect circle. The round dial, with its classic Roman numerals along with guilloché center, is offset by softly arching lugs, giving the profile a graceful ergonomic lineup which sits perfectly on the wrist.
As Cartier aficionados knowthe crown of Cartier watches is always a distinguishing feature, by the protruding blue sapphire cabochon on the Tank watch into the round protection cover around the Ballon Bleu. The Cartier Clé watch introduces a novelty with its rectangular-shaped crown, and that resembles the classic keys used to wind pocket watches and clocks. Cartier’s hallmark blue sapphire has not been excluded and continues to be fitted within the curved contours of the rectangular case. To adjust the time, the key could be pulled out and turned to the accompaniment of a reassuring click.
Every one of those models in this new collection of Cartier watches homes a cutting movement developed and assembled by Cartier’s watch manufactory in Switzerland. Calibre 1847 MC is a brand new automatic movement using a dual-direction winding system guarantee that a continuous power source of 42 hours, which retains the hours, minutes, central seconds and date works in excellent time. Women have more options in a smaller 31mm case, which can be requested in rose or white gold, either with or without brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel, or a sumptuous full pavé version.