Ballon Bleu de Cartier: Which One Suits You?
By Goh Wei Tjin
As regal as the blue cabochon crown elegantly perched on its side, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier is no doubt one of the most sophisticated-looking watches around.
It’s iconic Roman numerals, the convex curves of the case, the guilloché dial, the sword-shaped hands, and the satin-finished links of the bracelet are just some of the emblematic features that the Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch is known for.
Ever since it was introduced in 2007, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier has been enchanting both the men and women clientele of the brand, with its combined expertise in watchmaking and sensibilities in fine jewellery — something that Cartier is famous for. From royals like Kate Middleton to Hollywood superstar like Johnny Depp, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier has its own famous following.
Here are our top 7 picks from the elegant Cartier Ballon Bleu collection.
Ballon Bleu de Cartier Automatic WSBB0025
With its silver Roman numerals, silver sword-shaped hands, and blue guilloché dial, nothing is classier than the Ballon Bleu de Cartier WSBB0025 timepiece. Running on the automatic-winding Calibre 1847 MC movement, this watch ensures maximum time-telling accuracy.
The 42mm stainless steel case stands out with the signature crown embellished with a cabochon-shaped synthetic blue spinel. The watch is also protected with a sapphire glass crystal to prevent scratches. Meanwhile, the alligator strap has a similar blue theme and is secured by a double adjustable steel folding buckle. A date display peeks at 3 o’clock. To top it off, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier WSBB0025 also has a water resistance of up to 30 metres.
Ballon Bleu de Cartier Automatic W69012Z4
At one glance, it is evident that the Cartier Ballon Bleu De W69012Z4 has been carefully crafted, especially for the classic gentleman in mind. The elegant 42.1mm stainless steel case features the signature fluted crown with a synthetic blue spinel cabochon and blued steel hands.
Its silvered guilloché dial also displays the Roman numerals, as well as a date aperture at the 3 o’clock position. Running on the 049 Calibre automatic movement, this watch has a frequency of 28800 bph and a power reserve of 42 hours. A stainless steel bracelet compliments the overall design of the watch. This is one watch that fulfils all the requirements of the modern man who has a deep love for all things old-school.
Ballon Bleu de Cartier Automatic W69016Z4
The Ballon Bleu de Cartier Automatic W69016Z4 is yet another timepiece that stands out in the collection. A 42.1mm stainless steel casing with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal highlights a silvered guilloché dial.
The Manufacure 049 calibre automatic movement powers the watch, giving it a power reserve of 42 hours. As usual, the crown features a synthetic blue spinel cabochon, which matches well with the blued-steel sword-shaped hands. Finally, a black alligator leather strap with a deployment clasp finishes the aesthetics of the Ballon Bleu de Cartier W69016Z4 watch. A date aperture also appears at 3 o’clock.
Ballon Bleu de Cartier Automatic WGBB0009
The Ballon Bleu De Cartier WGBB0009 boasts a self-winding mechanical movement encased in a 36mm 18K rose gold body. It also highlights a fluted crown set with a blue cabochon-shaped sapphire.
Its silvered guilloché lacquered opaline dial displays the iconic Roman numeral indexes and blued-steel sword-shaped hands. A sapphire crystal protects the casing from scratches, and it is water-resistant up to 30 metres. The brown theme of the timepiece has a retro feel to it, reminding one of the good-old classic design of vintage watches. An elegant brown alligator leather strap completes this sophisticated dress watch.
Ballon Bleu De Cartier Chronograph W6920063
With an additional chronograph function, the Ballon Bleu De Cartier W6920063 comes with a calendar aperture at 3 o’clock and small seconds display at 6 o’clock. The mechanical self-winding Calibre 8101 MC movement allows for a precise time down to every second.
The robust 44mm stainless steel case features a silvered guilloché dial with a sunray effect. Meanwhile, the 18K rose gold fluted crown highlights a synthetic spinel cabochon. The sapphire crystal protecting the transparent caseback ensures maximum durability and water resistance of 30 metres. Lastly, the steel bracelet features an elegant two-tone motif of silver and gold, making it attractive amongst watch collectors.
Ballon Bleu De Cartier Tourbillon W6920105
Highlighting a flying Tourbillon complication featuring a C-shaped carriage to indicate the seconds, the Ballon Bleu De Cartier W6920105 is a widely acclaimed model for its technical excellence and craftsmanship. The blue guilloché dial is almost bare, except for its steel sword-shaped hands and the Tourbillon at 6 o’clock.
The mechanical manual winding calibre 9452 MC movement consisting of 142 parts drives the watch, giving it 60 hours of power reserve. The 39mm 18K white gold case features the iconic fluted crown in an 18K white gold set with a blue sapphire cabochon. A dark blue alligator leather strap finishes this sophisticated mechanical watch.
Ballon Bleu De Cartier Carbon WSBB0015
Mysterious yet elegant, the 42mm Ballon Bleu De Cartier Carbon watch shines from the rest with its all-black design. Running on the 1847 MC calibre self-winding mechanical movement, this black-themed masterpiece has a steel and ADLC case. And, of course, it also features the signature fluted crown set with a synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel.
For a dramatic contrast, its Roman numerals and sword-shaped hands in steel are visible against the all-black theme. The black dial sports a calendar aperture at 3 o’clock along with the Cartier logo engraved proudly at 12 o’clock. Its black calfskin strap fits well with the overall aesthetics of the watch. Finally, a steel double-adjustable folding buckle fastens the strap, which is both stylish and functional.
Are you in the market for a Cartier ladies’ timepiece? Prepare to fall in love with the Panthère de Cartier Collection. Read our feature here.
