Ballon Bleu de Cartier Review

The Ballon Bleu de Cartier is a relatively young watch, less than fifteen years old. Yet, it has the look, feel, and presence of a watch with a longstanding history. This timeless nature is immediately recognizable as Cartier. The Ballon Bleu transcends trends and even gender. Unlike most watches that are specifically designed for men or women, the Ballon Bleu is one of few truly unisex models. Since its introduction in 2007, the Ballon Blue has captured the hearts of politicians, celebrities, and watch enthusiasts alike. Here, we’ve compiled a Cartier Ballon Bleu review including key features, design origins, popular variations, and famous wearers.

List of Key Features of the Cartier Ballon Bleu

•         Round case
•         Blue bubble, integrated winding crown
•         Roman numeral hour markers
•         Sword-shaped hands
•         Mechanical movement

Cartier Ballon Bleu Design Origins

Round watches are typically considered the most classic style. Yet, for Cartier, this is not the case. The brand has built a reputation for their instantly recognizable square and rectangular models. They’re even accustom to playing with more unconventional cushion and tonneau shapes. So, when Cartier introduced the circular Ballon Bleu in 2007, it was one of the most exciting launches of a round watch.

The Ballon Bleu goes beyond the traditional round watch with Cartier’s meticulous attention to detail. The model’s short lugs in combination with the convex bezel, crystal, and caseback enhance the curves of the round shape. The result is a case perfectly formed like pebble in a stream with unparalleled three-dimensional symmetry. This one of a kind construction gives it a stronger presence on the wrist than your average circular watch. It also provides the ultimate comfort for the wearer. The standard Ballon Bleu may not be loaded with bells and whistles, but its design subtlety balances form and function.

Cartier has successfully translated these unique proportions into a range of sizes to suit any wrist, gender, or age. This makes the Ballon Blue incredibly versatile. In the current catalog, Cartier offers the model in a variety of case materials, from stainless steel to precious metals. There are options for a leather or bracelet strap. Sizes range from 36 to 42mm. In addition, there’s the choice of a self-winding or automatic movement. Over the years, Cartier has continued to enhance the collection beyond basic time only models to incorporate an array of complications as well.

Popular Cartier Ballon Bleu Models

Since its inception, the Ballon Bleu has served as a vessel to showcase some of Cartier’s most important horological achievements. There are three models in particular that represent the Ballon Bleu’s important place in Cartier’s catalog. These three variations of the Ballon Bleu are a bit of a departure from the classic, time only model. However, they further exemplify the versatility of the model and its ability to integrate function without compromising the defining form of the collection.

Ballon Bleu Flying Tourbillon

In 2009, Cartier launched the Ballon Bleu Flying Tourbillon. This was not the brand’s first tourbillon – that dates back to the 1980s with the Diablo Tourbillon. However, what makes the Ballon Bleu Flying Tourbillon unique is that it marks Cartier’s first tourbillon with an in-house movement: the 9452 MC. In addition to being manufactured entirely in-house, the 9452 MC is also proudly certified with the illustrious Geneva Hallmark.

Ballon Bleu ID One Concept Watch

Later that year, Cartier developed a one of a kind concept watch called the ID One. The revolutionary model showcased solutions to three common problems: regulation, lubrication, and escapement efficiency. The brand implemented materials never used before in watchmaking to address these perennial issues. We may never see these advancements brought to life in large-scale production. For now, they live in none other than a Ballon Bleu case.

Ballon Bleu Extra Flat

Two years later, Cartier introduced a more accessible iteration of the Ballon Bleu: the Extra Flat. At first, this concept may seem in direct contradiction with the round, pebble-like shape that’s synonymous with the Ballon Bleu. However, Cartier maintains their careful attention to detail in order to uphold the integrity of the design. The model decreases in thickness by nearly half, from the standard 13mm to just 7.05mm. In addition, it features a more robust diameter than the largest standard offering, measuring 46mm.

Deep Dive on Key Features of the Cartier Ballon Bleu

A round case is likely a rather unremarkable feature of a watch from most brands. However, for Cartier and the Ballon Bleu, the round case design represents the essence of the collection. In addition, the Ballon Bleu maintains the maison’s codes with Roman numeral hour markers, sword-shaped hands, and a mechanical movement. Still, the most striking aspect of the Ballon Bleu is likely the design of the crown. A blue cabochon crown has become a trademark of the Cartier brand. Here, we see more attention to detail in the design. In the Ballon Bleu, the fluted blue cabochon crown appears to float in a uniquely crafted crown protector. This slender bridge extends from the case to create a distinctive, integrated crown system. 

Who Wears the Cartier Ballon Bleu?

Over the years, this uniquely elegant, gender-neutral watch has attracted a number of famous wearers. You can find the Ballon Bleu on the wrist of politicians and members of the royal family to actors and entertainers. The model has likely received the most attention on the wrist of Kate Middleton. However, the Ballon Bleu is also one of several models in President Bill Clinton’s collection. In addition, it’s a favorite of Julianne Hough, Johnny Depp, and Amber Heard.

Ballon Bleu W6920079

With its 44mm stainless steel case, the Ballon Bleu W6920079 is a large, eye-catching watch with a great deal of presence on the wrist. Designed for men, the W6920079 has a fairly thick 14.8mm case that solidifies its commanding looks.

Like other Ballon Bleu de Cartier models, the W6920079 has a Roman numeral dial. This model also features a chronograph with the 30-minute register at three o’clock and a seconds subdial at six o’clock.

The W6920079 uses a Cartier Calibre 8101 MC movement, with a 42-hour power reserve. The date window is at nine o’clock on the dial. Thanks to its large size, bold black dial and crocodile leather strap, the Ballon Bleu W6920079 is arguably one of Cartier’s most masculine watches.

 

Ballon Bleu W69009Z3 / 3001

The Ballon Bleu W69009Z3 / 3001 is an elegant men’s casual watch that combines Cartier’s famous design with 18k yellow gold/stainless steel. With a 42mm case, the W69009Z3 / 3001 fits most wrists comfortably.

The Ballon Bleu W69009Z3 / 3001 combines a silver dial and stainless steel case with an 18k gold and stainless steel bracelet. Like other Ballon Bleu de Cartier models, it features a Roman numeral dial, this time with a date window at three o’clock.

The W69009Z3 / 3001 uses a Cartier Calibre 049 automatic movement, offering approximately 38 hours of usage fully wound. With its gold and stainless steel crown and bracelet, simple but elegant dial, and moderate size, the Ballon Bleu W69009Z3 is a great all-around casual watch.

 

Ballon Bleu W69012Z4 / 3001

The Ballon Bleu W69012Z4 / 3001 is a simple, timeless take on Cartier’s iconic watch. With its silver Roman numeral dial, 42mm stainless steel case, and matching bracelet, the W69012Z4 combines all that’s great about the Ballon Bleu de Cartier into an excellent all-purpose watch.

At 42mm, the W69012Z4 / 3001 is a medium-sized watch that’s best suited to men, but with a  slim enough profile for women. The W69012Z4 / 3001 features a date complication at the three o’clock position and a stylish stainless steel bracelet.

With a Cartier Calibre 049 automatic movement, understated looks, and a versatility that many similar watches can’t offer, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier W69012Z4 / 3001 is an ideal choice for any watch enthusiast seeking a timepiece that’s both casual, sporty, and dressy.  

Despite its short history, the Cartier Ballon Bleu has quickly become one of the world’s most well-known watches. Whether in 18k gold or stainless steel, with a matching bracelet or a beautiful leather strap, few other watches can match the Ballon Bleu de Cartier in overall looks and presence.