Case #109 — Cartier Clé de Cartier 40mm Ref. WSCL0007

Status: Active Investigation
Condition: Good Pre-Owned
Scope: Box Included

🔎 Case Notes

The Cartier Clé de Cartier Ref. WSCL0007 is a masterclass in modern jewelry design — a watch that redefined what contemporary elegance could look like from one of the most storied maisons in luxury. Introduced in 2015, the Clé (French for “key”) derives its name from the crown design — a polished, oblong key-shaped element set with a blue sapphire cabochon. It’s both a nod to Cartier’s past and a fresh chapter in its design lineage.

At 40mm, the Clé brings perfect balance — substantial presence without overstatement. Its sculpted case, domed crystal, and integrated bracelet flow like jewelry rather than machinery, reaffirming Cartier’s reputation as the watchmaker of form. The in-house automatic caliber 1847 MC powers it all, giving this refined creation substance beneath the surface.

This particular example remains in good pre-owned condition with its original box. The lines are crisp, the bracelet taut, and the sapphire crown — the heart of the design — gleams like the day it left Paris.

🕰️ The Evidence

Reference: WSCL0007
Case: 40 mm Stainless Steel
Bezel: Polished Smooth Bezel
Crystal: Domed Sapphire
Dial: Silvered Flinqué Guilloché w/ Roman Numerals
Movement: Cartier Caliber 1847 MC (Automatic)
Power Reserve: ≈ 42 Hours
Bracelet: Integrated Stainless Steel Bracelet w/ Double-Folding Clasp
Water Resistance: 30 m
Accessories: Original Cartier Box
Condition Notes: Light surface wear consistent with age; clean crystal and dial; crown sapphire intact; bracelet tight and well-kept.

💎 The Clé Legacy

The Clé was Cartier’s boldest new silhouette in decades — a contemporary reinvention of the brand’s design DNA. It bridges the past and future of Cartier horology: the Roman numerals and guilloché dial pay homage to tradition, while the curved case and innovative crown push the language of modern luxury forward.

Unlike the ubiquitous Santos or Ballon Bleu, the Clé remains a rare sight — produced for only a handful of years and quietly discontinued, making it one of the most collectible “modern classics” in Cartier’s modern catalog. It’s a watch that speaks softly yet exudes confidence — distinctly Cartier, unmistakably refined.

🌟 Design Provenance

The Clé’s sculptural form was developed by Cartier’s design studio as an evolution of the Ballon Bleu, but with sharper geometry and stronger architectural flow. Its ergonomic profile was shaped to feel like fine jewelry on the wrist — a seamless continuation of Cartier’s haute joaillerie heritage. This 40mm version achieves perfect symmetry: neither masculine nor feminine, simply Cartier.

🧾 From the Case File

“Recovered complete with its original Cartier box. Evidence of careful wear, but integrity fully intact. Crown sapphire unblemished — the defining signature of the Clé line. A rare model in the Cartier archives, equally suited to collectors and connoisseurs of modern design.”

🗝️ BST Verdict

Case #109 represents Cartier’s modern renaissance — a piece that blends jewelry artistry with mechanical credibility. For collectors seeking something beyond the obvious icons, the Clé offers scarcity, beauty, and distinction in one cohesive form.

Elegant, architectural, and quietly rare — the WSCL0007 is proof that Cartier still knows how to surprise the market with restraint and grace.

👉 Every case deserves a closer look.