Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 2020 Reference No: WHCL0008 Case No: 10111XX, No. 3893 Model Name: Clé de Cartier Skeleton Material: Palladium Calibre: Automatic, cal. 9621 MC, 28 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Cartier deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Cartier certificate stamped Cartier Ginza and dated 6th October 2020, instruction manual, red document holder, winding box key, fitted winding presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
- Launched in 2015, the Clé de Cartier is distinctively named after its “key” shaped winding crown inspired by traditional clocks and marks the momentous debut of the then-new case shape for the Maison.
- The present skeletonised beauty is one of six models that was introduced at the 2016 SIHH which sent shockwaves across the industry. Tastefully executed, the bold Roman Numerals on the dial are placed in a radial formation that seamlessly morphs into the case, creating a well-balanced frame that compliments the movement behind it. Cartier practices architecture to fulfil both practical and artistic requirements to house their very first skeletonised automatic movement in this 42mm palladium case. With transparency in mind, the in-house cal. 9621 MC is equipped with a hollowed 22K white gold rotor and has a power reserve of 48 hours. Furthermore, the winding crown is fitted with a self-centering mechanism that automatically puts it in line with the flank of the case when upon release.
- Offered in excellent overall condition with its full set of accessories, the present Clé de Cartier Skeleton is the embodiment of divine proportions and perfectly demonstrates the firm’s mechanical prowess.
With the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.
Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open.