Cartier Cle de Cartier 35mm

About This Watch

The Cartier Cle de Cartier 35mm, launched in 2015, introduced a completely new case shape to Cartier's lexicon — and a revolutionary crown mechanism that gives the collection its name. "Cle" means "key" in French, and the crown is designed to be wound and set with an intuitive turning motion, like turning a key in a lock. The crown itself protrudes slightly from the case in a distinctive angular housing, creating a unique silhouette that is immediately identifiable. The 35mm size serves as an elegant women's or unisex option, with the round case featuring convex sides that give it a three-dimensional, pebble-like quality similar to the Ballon Bleu but with sharper, more defined edges. The silvered flinque dial adds texture through its guilloche-like pattern, while maintaining the expected Cartier elements: Roman numerals, railroad minute track, and blued sword hands. The in-house caliber 1847 MC provides reliable automatic winding with 42 hours of power reserve, confirming the Cle's credentials as a serious timepiece rather than a design exercise. The date window at six o'clock adds daily functionality. The Cle de Cartier represents Cartier's willingness to innovate within its design tradition — the crown mechanism alone makes it worth experiencing. For those seeking a Cartier round watch that stands apart from the Ballon Bleu, the Cle offers a more architectural, contemporary alternative.