Cartier Ballon Bleu Ultimate Buying Guide | The Watch Club by SwissWatchExpo

The Cartier Ballon Bleu is no doubt the epitome of a modern classic. Introduced in the mid-2000s, it is one of the youngest watches in the Cartier lineup; and also one of the brand’s most favored releases. Created to impress both wearers and onlookers, its profile and concept break away from the traditional angular watches of the brand such as the Tank and the Santos-Dumont. Rather than solely focusing on performance, the Ballon Bleu placed emphasis on bold aesthetics and craftsmanship.

Sophisticated and chic, its classic looks find Cartier’s passion for simple elegance alive and well. Its design also demonstrates the perfect balance between feminine and masculine aspects, which makes it an all-rounder. From music superstars like Justin Bieber and Usher to royals like Kate Middleton, the Ballon Bleu is well-loved by tastemakers from various fields.

Here is a simplified guide to the Cartier Ballon Bleu collection:

Cartier Ballon Bleu Chronograph XL Steel Mens Watches

Hallmarks of the Ballon Bleu Design

The Cartier Ballon Bleu definitely sent the watch realm abuzz when it was launched in 2007. Rarely does Cartier create a round-shaped timepiece, let alone one as fine as the Ballon Bleu. Boasting sleek lines and a refined appeal, it was created as a luxury no-frills watch with the ability to stay relevant for a long time.

As its name suggests, the Ballon Bleu has a blue sapphire cabochon crown cushioned into the right side. Taking the shape of a blue balloon, the crown disrupts the classic watchmaking codes of the Maison with its unique placement and atypical appearance.

Cartier Ballon Bleu Steel Automatic Ref. W69012Z4 / Cartier Ballon Bleu Pink Dial Steel Ref. WSBB0033

Apart from bearing a perfectly round and slightly domed case, the Ballon Bleu features a superbly executed dial, adorned with elegant guilloché patterns and a crescent moon-shaped minute track at the center. The classic Cartier character also remained with its large gilded Roman numerals and blue sword-shaped hands, but with more wrist presence. A blue cabochon crown, which is nestled in a domed arch guard, nudges the 3 o’clock hour-marker deeper into the dial.

Cartier Ballon Bleu Steel Rose Gold Ref. W2BB0003 / Cartier Ballon Bleu Yellow Gold Ref. W6900551

Variations

The Cartier Ballon Bleu offers a wide range of variations. It caters well to all wrist types with its generous sizes — 28mm, 33mm, and 36mm for women and 36mm, 37mm, and 42mm for men. In 2020, the brand added a 40mm version, equipped with a precise in-house 1847 MV movement that made the watch more reliable and approachable.

All Ballon Bleu watches are offered in a myriad of case metals including yellow, white or rose gold, steel, and a versatile blend of rose gold and steel. They also come with a choice of either a polished metal bracelet or a stylish leather strap, equipped with a quick-change system so you can swap them easily at home.

Cartier Ballon Bleu With Rose Gold Case

Their dials are nothing short of phenomenal. A gorgeous silver guilloché dial is made available in a lot of models, but there are also pale pink and vibrant blue options, which make for a youthful look. Lastly, few watches also feature mother of pearl dials, diamond hour markers, and diamond bezels to suit the ladies’ exquisite tastes.

Cartier Ballon Bleu With Blue Dial

Core Models

Cartier Ballon Bleu 33 Midsize Steel Rose Gold Mother of Pearl Ladies Watch W6920098

Ballon Bleu de Cartier Automatic

The Ballon Bleu de Cartier Automatic is one of the most elegant watches you can wear for everyday. It’s a watch that can be worn from the office to casual gatherings, but also has an air of class with the round case that makes it perfect for formal occasions.

This particular line features watch cases that range in size from 28mm to 46mm, providing sizes for all wrists and preferences. The reliable and accurate automatic movement is encased in either stainless-steel or rose gold with a guilloche dial of silver, blue, pink, or dark grey. There are even options when it comes to the hands in blue or white steel. The hour markers are classic and simply elegant applied Roman numerals.

Ballon Bleu de Cartier Quartz

The Ballon Bleu de Cartier Quartz features the more inexpensive quartz movement, with no winding necessary. Despite the change in movement, it’s known for incredible reliability and accuracy with batteries that typically last 2 to 3 years.

This particular line features sizes for men and women with case diameters ranging from 28mm to 42mm. The case can be manufactured in stainless steel or gold with only a silver opaline dial. The iconic hands are in blue steel with the classic and elegant Roman numeral hour markers that typify the line. Included on this model is a simple date window at 3 o’clock.

Depending on your preferences, you can get a matching bracelet in stainless steel or gold or a sleek leather strap. You also have the option of adding more luxury to your wrist with diamond-set cases.
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Cartier Ballon Bleu 28 Rose Gold Diamond Ladies Watch WE902050

Ballon Bleu de Cartier Diamond

The Ballon Bleu de Cartier Diamond shares the same features as the Ballon Bleu de Cartier Automatic, except that it has a diamond-set bezel and hour markers. Like the other models, this line caters to both men and women with case sizes ranging from 28mm to 42mm in stainless steel or rose gold.

The diamond hour markers are set into a silver opaline dial with the classic blue steel hands. While typically, this lovely piece straps to your wrist with supple leather, you can get matching linked bracelets in stainless steel or rose gold.

The Ballon Bleu de Cartier Diamond line is powered by a mechanical movement, rather than quartz and whether it’s manual or automatic depends on the model itself. Either way, the movements come with power reserves between 38 and 42 hours.

Cartier Ballon Blanc MOP Rose Gold Diamond Ladies Watch WE902057

Ballon Blanc de Cartier

The Ballon Blanc de Cartier is a watch that appears to have been created for those who want something fancy and elegant with its feminine and distinctive round case shape and fluted crown.

The Ballon Blanc de Cartier has an automatic movement inside of it which means that, the natural motion of your wrists power the watch – you only need to wind it from time to time.

This watch comes in many different styles a various strap options. The typical Ballon Bleu design is replaced with a single diamond set at 4 o’clock within the case itself. The case can be constructed from stainless steel or rose gold with the Ballon Bleu silver opaline dial and blue sword-shaped hands of Cartier. The Roman numeral hour markers maintain the simple elegance expected of any Cartier watch.

Unlike other lines of Ballon Bleu, the Ballon Blanc range of case sizes are on the smaller side, from 24mm to 30mm.

Cartier Ballon Bleu Extra Flat (photo: Cartier)

Ballon Bleu Extra Flat

The Ballon Bleu Extra Flat comes in the more modern 46mm, larger case but that only serves to accentuate the 7mm thinness against your wrist. So, while, for a Cartier watch, it’s wider than usual, it’s also incredibly and comfortably flat against your wrist, easily slipping right underneath that shirt cuff.

Cartier was able to achieve this amazingly thin model thanks to the manual winding caliber 430 MC. Combine that with the slight curve to the lugs and you have a large watch that settles right into the natural curvature of your wrist for endless comfort.

There are several references in the line that come in various materials like rose and white gold. A special platinum case is the only reference to feature a stunning blue dial. The gold models feature the typical silver dial with a guilloche, sunburst effect that perfectly contrasts with the stark black Roman numeral hour markers. The two dark, sword-shaped hands finish off the simple elegance that draws many a watch aficionado to add Cartier to their collection.

Complications

Much like the brand’s other products, Cartier also used the Ballon Bleu collection to appeal to diehard watch fanatics. Aside from the basic time-and-date design, the Ballon Bleu also comes with a chronograph, moonphase, and flying tourbillon versions.

Ballon Bleu Chronograph

The Ballon Bleu Chronograph is a sporty take on the classic Ballon Bleu. Measuring about 44mm in diameter, it has a rose gold construction and a polished finish that provides a graceful appeal to the watch.

Cartier Ballon Bleu Chronograph Ref. W6920052

This model remains faithful to the Ballon Bleu’s design DNA but with few subtle differences in the dial. Instead of bearing a single large dial, the chronograph version has two sub-dials, along with a well-defined date window beside the 9 o’clock. The black Roman numerals are tucked under the sub-registers, while the miniaturized hour marker at 3 o’clock is eliminated for a symmetrical look.

Ballon Bleu Moonphase

Next, we have the Ballon Bleu Moonphase, adorned with a moon phase indicator at 9 o’clock. Unlike the previous model, this watch is smaller in size and come with a choice of either a smooth or diamond-set bezel.

Available in rose or white gold, this watch has an organized dial similar to the original Ballon Bleu watch. Cartier also brought back the recessed 3 o’clock index and the signature C-shaped minute track with black markers.

Cartier Ballon Bleu Moonphase

This model’s moon phase feature is shown in a traditional way, using blue and yellow accents, and playful illustrations. The guilloché patterns were cleverly alternated to highlight the celestial complication, while the automatic Caliber ETA 2671 makes the watch highly functional.

Ballon Bleu Flying Tourbillon

Cartier’s ingenuity continues with the Ballon Bleu Flying Tourbillon. What makes this watch special is the deep blue enamel dial, furnished with a flinqué motif and silver sword-shaped hands. There’s also a large opening surrounded by a silver railroad track at the bottom, which displays the intricate flying tourbillon carriage at work.

Cartier Ballon Bleu Flying Tourbillon

Inside, this watch runs on a hand-wound Calibre 9452 MC with 19 jewels and 50 hours of power reserve.

Who wears Cartier Ballon Bleu watches?

This newer line launched in 2007 quickly rose to fame and became one of Cartier’s most popular watches alongside the Tank. Designed to look like an elegant balloon on the wrist (hence the name) Cartier was able to combine traditional watchmaking with more modern elements to appeal to a larger audience.

With its classic elegance, it’s no wonder you see one of these models gracing the wrists of celebrities and royals. Actress Sofia Vergara was snapped wearing her own model in Miami. You’ll also find photographs of stars like Justin Bieber, Johnny Depp, and Usher sporting this luxury piece on their wrists. Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton frequently wears a Ballon Bleu, a gift from her husband Prince William, and it also happens to be the favorite watch of her sister Pippa Middleton.

With the Ballon Bleu’s immaculate looks, unique concept, and wide assortment of designs, Cartier succeeds in mastering the art of horology. Explore our collection of Cartier Ballon Bleu watches at SwissWatchExpo.com.