DESIGNER 101

Watches 101:

The Cartier Ballon Bleu

By The Rebag Team, Jun. 12, 2023

Watches 101: The Cartier Ballon Bleu

The Cartier Ballon Bleu is a modern timepiece that has captivated the hearts of watch enthusiasts for over a decade. This iconic watch was first introduced in 2007 and has since become one of the most popular and recognizable timepieces in the world. The Ballon Bleu’s elegant design, innovative features, and exceptional craftsmanship have made it a favorite among celebrities such as Kate Middleton, Selena Gomez, and Justin Bieber. Explore the history and characteristics of the Cartier Ballon Bleu watch, including the various models available, materials used, and styling tips. Whether you are a watch aficionado or simply looking to invest in a high-quality timepiece, the Cartier Ballon Bleu is a safe bet.

Further Reading: If you’re looking to delve deeper into the world of watchmaking, pay a visit to our terminology guide here to better understand every component of your favorite timepieces.

The Ballon Bleu Look

The Cartier Ballon Bleu is known for its unique and elegant design. Featuring a spherical case, it is marked by a distinctive crown cap that is decorated by the iconic blue sapphire crystal and sits under a metal hoop at three o’clock. Its  characteristic round case is also doubly convex, meaning it is domed on both the front and back. The dial typically features the iconic Roman numerals and blue sword-shaped hands, with some models including a decorative engraving technique called guilloché or a date display as well.

Cartier Ballon Bleu Materials

As with everything Cartier, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch collection is known not only for its sophisticated design but also for the high-quality materials used. The cases are made from a variety of materials including steel, gold, and platinum, which are carefully selected for their durability and elegance and are often combined to create striking two-tone or three-tone designs. Some models may even feature diamond-set bezels, dials, or bracelets, adding an extra touch of luxury.

The movements, meaning the watches’ mechanisms, are typically made of sturdy and precise materials such as stainless steel and brass, while the straps and bracelets may be made of leather, steel, gold, or other fine materials. Most notably, blue stones are a Ballon Bleu signature, with every watch in the collection marked by a cabochon, a dome-shaped sapphire or blue spinel, depending on the model, set into the crown. Some styles in the collection may also have a row of blue, pink, or alternatively hued sapphires set into the bezel or the dial, adding a colorful and eye-catching accent. Overall, the Ballon Bleu is a testament to the brand’s commitment to using only the best materials in its products, resulting in a line of watches that are both beautiful and durable.

Cartier Ballon Bleu Models

There are several models available in the Ballon Bleu collection, each with its own unique features and designs. Every iteration is crafted with attention to detail and combines traditional watchmaking techniques with modern technology to offer accurate and reliable timekeeping. Any Cartier Ballon Bleu style can be worn by both men and women; however, specific models may be designed with certain genders in mind, so it’s important to consider individual preferences. All Ballon Bleu models are water-resistant up to 30 meters. 

Ballon Bleu de Cartier Automatic: featuring automatic movement, this model is available in sizes ranging from 28mm to 46mm. It typically has either a stainless steel or rose gold case with a silvered, blue, pink, or dark gray guilloché dial, blue or white steel hands, and Roman numeral hour markers. 

Ballon Bleu de Cartier Chronograph: marked by a chronograph or stopwatch function with a 30-minute counter and a 12-hour counter, this model is available in sizes ranging from 33mm to 44mm, and has a stainless steel case, a silvered opaline dial, blue steel hands, and Roman numeral hour markers. Iterations may also be found in yellow gold, rose gold, platinum, and two-tone combinations of gold and steel. This model runs on a manufacture movement, and its buttons are rectangular with rounded edges for a polished finish.

Ballon Bleu de Cartier Moonphase: featuring a moon phase complication, located at 9 o’clock on the dial, that tracks the phases of the moon as it orbits around the Earth, this timepiece features a deep blue aventurine disc with a golden moon and stars. Available in a range of sizes, from 33mm to 42mm, it has a stainless steel case, a silvered guilloché dial, blue steel hands, and Roman numeral hour markers. Typically found in either stainless steel or yellow gold, the Moonphase is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement, the Cartier Calibre 9653 MC, which has a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Diamond-set versions are also available, with different bracelet or strap options. 

Ballon Bleu de Cartier Flying Tourbillon: the flying (i.e. exposed) tourbillon, a tiny and complex device that can be found rotating continuously inside very select high-end watches, helps average out any errors in timekeeping by counteracting the effects of gravity. Ranging from 39mm to 46mm, this limited edition model typically has a platinum or rose gold case, a silvered guilloché dial, blue steel hands, and Roman numeral hour markers. The straps or bracelets for this version of the Ballon Bleu are usually leather, platinum, or rose gold. The Flying Tourbillon is powered by a manually-wound mechanical movement, the Cartier Calibre 9452 MC, with a power reserve of approximately 50 hours.

Ballon Bleu de Cartier Quartz: powered by a quartz movement, renowned for its reliability and accuracy, this iteration is available in a range of sizes, from 28mm to 42mm. It has a stainless steel or gold case, a silvered opaline dial, blue steel hands, Roman numeral hour markers, and a date window at 3 o’clock. It is typically accompanied by a leather strap or a stainless steel or gold bracelet, with diamond-set case iterations available. The battery life for this model varies according to usage, but it typically lasts between 2-3 years. 

Ballon Bleu de Cartier Diamond: marked by a diamond-set bezel, which is the ring that encircles the crystal glass of a watch, and hour markers, this model is available in a range of sizes, from 28mm to 42mm. It has a stainless steel or rose gold case, a silvered opaline dial, blue steel hands, and Roman numeral hour markers. The Ballon Bleu Diamond is typically paired with a leather strap or stainless steel or gold bracelet. Powered by a mechanical movement, either automatic or manual, depending on the model, this timepiece has a power reserve between 38-42 hours.

Ballon Blanc de Cartier: with this model, the characteristic crown and cabochon typical to Ballon Bleu timepieces are replaced with a single diamond set, located at 4 o’clock within the case. Typically featuring a round rose gold or stainless steel case, a silvered opaline dial, blue sword-shaped hands, and silver Roman numeral hour markers, this model is available in sizes ranging from 28mm to 46mm. The Blanc is powered by automatic movement and comes in various strap or bracelet options, including leather, stainless steel, and gold.

How to Style Your Cartier Ballon Bleu Watch

Since the Ballon Bleu is water-resistant up to 30 meters, it can be worn in an array of different settings with ease. Wear it comfortably on your day-to-day routine, to the beach, poolside, to the gym, or to formal gatherings, either solo or stacked with your favorite bracelets for an extra impactful look. There is no limit on how to style your Ballon Bleu.

History Behind the Cartier Ballon Bleu

Cartier launched the Ballon Bleu in 2007 at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva, Switzerland. Designed by the brand’s in-house design team, it quickly became one of the house’s most popular timepieces, combining traditional watchmaking techniques with modern design elements for a spectacular result. It has won several awards for its design, including the prestigious “Watch of the Year” award by Japanese GQ magazine and the “Watch of the Year” award from German magazine Uhren-Magazin in 2009. 2012 saw Cartier release a limited edition Ballon Bleu featuring a dial made from a meteorite fragment that had fallen to Earth.

As one might guess, its name was inspired by the shape of balloons, with the design of the watch meant to resemble a balloon floating on the wearer’s wrist. The word ‘bleu’ (meaning ‘blue’ in French) honors the sapphire or blue spinel featured in every watch. One of the most popular Cartier watch designs, this particular style has been worn by a number of celebrities including Sofia Vergara, Brad Pitt, and John Mayer, among others.

Further Reading: If you’re looking to delve deeper into the world of watchmaking, pay a visit to our terminology guide here to better understand every component of your favorite timepieces.

The Ballon Bleu Look

The Cartier Ballon Bleu is known for its unique and elegant design. Featuring a spherical case, it is marked by a distinctive crown cap that is decorated by the iconic blue sapphire crystal and sits under a metal hoop at three o’clock. Its  characteristic round case is also doubly convex, meaning it is domed on both the front and back. The dial typically features the iconic Roman numerals and blue sword-shaped hands, with some models including a decorative engraving technique called guilloché or a date display as well.

Cartier Ballon Bleu Materials

As with everything Cartier, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch collection is known not only for its sophisticated design but also for the high-quality materials used. The cases are made from a variety of materials including steel, gold, and platinum, which are carefully selected for their durability and elegance and are often combined to create striking two-tone or three-tone designs. Some models may even feature diamond-set bezels, dials, or bracelets, adding an extra touch of luxury.

The movements, meaning the watches’ mechanisms, are typically made of sturdy and precise materials such as stainless steel and brass, while the straps and bracelets may be made of leather, steel, gold, or other fine materials. Most notably, blue stones are a Ballon Bleu signature, with every watch in the collection marked by a cabochon, a dome-shaped sapphire or blue spinel, depending on the model, set into the crown. Some styles in the collection may also have a row of blue, pink, or alternatively hued sapphires set into the bezel or the dial, adding a colorful and eye-catching accent. Overall, the Ballon Bleu is a testament to the brand’s commitment to using only the best materials in its products, resulting in a line of watches that are both beautiful and durable.

Cartier Ballon Bleu Models

There are several models available in the Ballon Bleu collection, each with its own unique features and designs. Every iteration is crafted with attention to detail and combines traditional watchmaking techniques with modern technology to offer accurate and reliable timekeeping. Any Cartier Ballon Bleu style can be worn by both men and women; however, specific models may be designed with certain genders in mind, so it’s important to consider individual preferences. All Ballon Bleu models are water-resistant up to 30 meters. 

Ballon Bleu de Cartier Automatic: featuring automatic movement, this model is available in sizes ranging from 28mm to 46mm. It typically has either a stainless steel or rose gold case with a silvered, blue, pink, or dark gray guilloché dial, blue or white steel hands, and Roman numeral hour markers. 

Ballon Bleu de Cartier Chronograph: marked by a chronograph or stopwatch function with a 30-minute counter and a 12-hour counter, this model is available in sizes ranging from 33mm to 44mm, and has a stainless steel case, a silvered opaline dial, blue steel hands, and Roman numeral hour markers. Iterations may also be found in yellow gold, rose gold, platinum, and two-tone combinations of gold and steel. This model runs on a manufacture movement, and its buttons are rectangular with rounded edges for a polished finish.

Ballon Bleu de Cartier Moonphase: featuring a moon phase complication, located at 9 o’clock on the dial, that tracks the phases of the moon as it orbits around the Earth, this timepiece features a deep blue aventurine disc with a golden moon and stars. Available in a range of sizes, from 33mm to 42mm, it has a stainless steel case, a silvered guilloché dial, blue steel hands, and Roman numeral hour markers. Typically found in either stainless steel or yellow gold, the Moonphase is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement, the Cartier Calibre 9653 MC, which has a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Diamond-set versions are also available, with different bracelet or strap options. 

Ballon Bleu de Cartier Flying Tourbillon: the flying (i.e. exposed) tourbillon, a tiny and complex device that can be found rotating continuously inside very select high-end watches, helps average out any errors in timekeeping by counteracting the effects of gravity. Ranging from 39mm to 46mm, this limited edition model typically has a platinum or rose gold case, a silvered guilloché dial, blue steel hands, and Roman numeral hour markers. The straps or bracelets for this version of the Ballon Bleu are usually leather, platinum, or rose gold. The Flying Tourbillon is powered by a manually-wound mechanical movement, the Cartier Calibre 9452 MC, with a power reserve of approximately 50 hours.

Ballon Bleu de Cartier Quartz: powered by a quartz movement, renowned for its reliability and accuracy, this iteration is available in a range of sizes, from 28mm to 42mm. It has a stainless steel or gold case, a silvered opaline dial, blue steel hands, Roman numeral hour markers, and a date window at 3 o’clock. It is typically accompanied by a leather strap or a stainless steel or gold bracelet, with diamond-set case iterations available. The battery life for this model varies according to usage, but it typically lasts between 2-3 years. 

Ballon Bleu de Cartier Diamond: marked by a diamond-set bezel, which is the ring that encircles the crystal glass of a watch, and hour markers, this model is available in a range of sizes, from 28mm to 42mm. It has a stainless steel or rose gold case, a silvered opaline dial, blue steel hands, and Roman numeral hour markers. The Ballon Bleu Diamond is typically paired with a leather strap or stainless steel or gold bracelet. Powered by a mechanical movement, either automatic or manual, depending on the model, this timepiece has a power reserve between 38-42 hours.

Ballon Blanc de Cartier: with this model, the characteristic crown and cabochon typical to Ballon Bleu timepieces are replaced with a single diamond set, located at 4 o’clock within the case. Typically featuring a round rose gold or stainless steel case, a silvered opaline dial, blue sword-shaped hands, and silver Roman numeral hour markers, this model is available in sizes ranging from 28mm to 46mm. The Blanc is powered by automatic movement and comes in various strap or bracelet options, including leather, stainless steel, and gold.

How to Style Your Cartier Ballon Bleu Watch

Since the Ballon Bleu is water-resistant up to 30 meters, it can be worn in an array of different settings with ease. Wear it comfortably on your day-to-day routine, to the beach, poolside, to the gym, or to formal gatherings, either solo or stacked with your favorite bracelets for an extra impactful look. There is no limit on how to style your Ballon Bleu.

History Behind the Cartier Ballon Bleu

Cartier launched the Ballon Bleu in 2007 at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva, Switzerland. Designed by the brand’s in-house design team, it quickly became one of the house’s most popular timepieces, combining traditional watchmaking techniques with modern design elements for a spectacular result. It has won several awards for its design, including the prestigious “Watch of the Year” award by Japanese GQ magazine and the “Watch of the Year” award from German magazine Uhren-Magazin in 2009. 2012 saw Cartier release a limited edition Ballon Bleu featuring a dial made from a meteorite fragment that had fallen to Earth.

As one might guess, its name was inspired by the shape of balloons, with the design of the watch meant to resemble a balloon floating on the wearer’s wrist. The word ‘bleu’ (meaning ‘blue’ in French) honors the sapphire or blue spinel featured in every watch. One of the most popular Cartier watch designs, this particular style has been worn by a number of celebrities including Sofia Vergara, Brad Pitt, and John Mayer, among others.

Celebrities Wearing The Cartier Ballon Bleu

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