Cloche de Cartier Platinum WGCC0004

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An idiosyncratic design by Cartier that was revived in the Privee Collection, the Cloche has made only sporadic appearances in the lineup since its introduction in 1921. Named after the French word for bell, the Cloche is highly distinct for its case orientation.

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This is the Cloche de Cartier in platinum. The Cloche made its debut in the brand’s collection in 1920 first as a ladies accessory and subsequently, as a wristwatch a year later. Given that the first two watches of the model were diamond-set, it was decidedly a ladies watch and recognized as such. Named after the French word for Bell, the Cloche is highly distinctive due to the positioning of the numbers and the orientation of the dial that was perhaps meant to be worn as jewellery or set on the desk as a tiny table clock.

Having appeared only sparingly since its introduction in 1921 up till Cartier’s coveted Collection Privee when it was released in a limited edition of 100 pieces in yellow gold, it’s safe to say that its a model with fairly low production numbers. In fact, the Cloche was a model that went under-the-radar, at least until the recent resurgence of the brand as a watchmaker and the re-introduction of the modern day Privee Collection. Following the Tank Cintree, the Tonneau and the Asymmetric, the Cloche was Cartier’s latest reinterpretation in 2021.

While the modern day Cloche retains the original case shape, everything else about the latest model has been developed to suit the tastes of today. The dial displays quintessential Cartier traits such as a railroad minute track and blue sword-shaped hands as well as the secret signature at the 7. It is also subtly detailed with the entire case being high polished saved for the flank at the 6 to allow its use as a table clock. Released in three precious metal variants, the platinum remains the most understated due to the matte dial finish. Well-proportioned with a case thickness befitting of its dimensions, the Cloche is powered by the hand-wound Calibre 1917 which was also used for other Collection Privee re-issues. Finally, as with the brand’s releases, the platinum Cloche is topped off with a ruby cabochon.

When one speaks of Cartier, the allure draws from the unique and distinctive case shapes. As a jewellery powerhouse, it’s clear that their eye for design has carried over into their timepieces and rather than focusing on competing on watchmaking, the brand has carved a niche within a crowded space to differentiate itself aesthetically. Bold, whimsical and understated, the Cloche is undoubtedly one of the models that best represents the house of Cartier.