While Cartier’s distinctive angular timepieces have long been coveted among luxury watch wearers, the versatile round addition that debuted in 2007 plays no small role in the acclaimed French jewelry house’s ever-broadening popularity. The Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch has a stainless-steel case that is curved on both the front and back side, lending it a traditional feel while it simultaneously caters to contemporary tastes by updating Cartier for the 21st century. The “Ballon” in its name refers to the way the balloon-like case appears to float on the wrist, but the “Bleu” hints at a more hidden touch of elegance. Tucked away on the winding crown — outside the case at 3 o’clock and below a loop extending from it — is a small sapphire or synthetic blue spinel cabochon, depending on the model. Although it’s one of the more contemporary models in Cartier’s watch arsenal, the Ballon Bleu gained fans quickly, with Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, regularly seen sporting one.
When Louis Cartier (1875–1942) made a square, flat wristwatch for Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont in 1904, a large number of people were still using pocket watches to keep time. The novel geometric design — called the Santos for the aviation pioneer and brought to market in 1911 — was hugely influential in the 20th-century rise of the wristwatch as a ubiquitous accessory. The Cartier company would continue to innovate over the following decades, such as with the Cartier Tortue watch, which is reminiscent of a tortoiseshell, and the boxy Cartier Tank watch, which was inspired by a military tank. Notably, these designs often had square and rectangular cases that contrasted sharply with the style of 19th-century watches, which were curved, like clocks in miniature. Just over a century after the Santos wristwatch was introduced, Cartier would break with its own tradition to create a throwback look with the Ballon Bleu.
The Ballon Bleu has a balanced mix of these antique references and Cartier’s own quality standards, which have been refined over 150 years of watchmaking. Designed to be worn by both men and women, it makes a statement with its slightly domed form yet is lightweight for a range of wrists, able to be dressed up or down. Roman numerals, a familiar attribute among many of Cartier’s most popular wristwatches, circle a large guilloche dial, with the time indicated by blue sword-shaped hands, all activated by the blue winding mechanism. Ballon Bleu de Cartier watches come in a variety of models — from understated versions in yellow gold to more decadent models adorned with a spray of diamonds — each boasting the same Cartier precision in its craftsmanship.
$16,800
Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch
By Cartier
Located in Sausalito, CA
With the Ballon Bleu watch, Cartier offers a singular vision of roundness, all curves and harmony. A timeless watchmaking icon whose roundness elegantly embraces the skin. Product D...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier Ballon Bleu 42mm 18K White Gold Factory Diamond Bezel Watch WE900951
By Cartier
Located in Aventura, FL
Discover the luxurious Cartier Ballon Bleu 42mm WE900951 unisex watch in 18K white gold with diamonds. Perfect for any wrist size and water resistant up to 30 meters. Crafted from 18...
Diamond, White Gold
Cartier Ballon Bleu 42mm Custom Diamond Panther Dial and Bezel W69012Z4
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu 42mm (ref. W69012Z4) has been transformed into a unique statement piece with a custom diamond bezel and a custom striking panther motif diamond dial. The poli...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
$27,200Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Ballon Bleu 42mm Certified 18k Rose Gold
By Cartier
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Cartier MODEL: Ballon Bleu 42mm CASE: 18k Rose Gold DIAL: White BAND: 18k Rose Gold WRIST SIZE: Apx. "19.1 MOVEMENT: Automatic Scratch on glass on I The rest of the watch in ...
Rose Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 36mm Guilloche Dial Mechanical Watch WSBB0048
By Cartier
Located in Aventura, FL
Floating like a balloon and as blue as the cabochon safely nestled in its side, the Ballon Bleu watch by Cartier adds a dash of elegance to male and female wrists alike. Roman numera...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 42mm Guilloche Dial Automatic Watch WSBB0049
By Cartier
Located in Aventura, FL
Floating like a balloon and as blue as the cabochon safely nestled in its side, the Ballon Bleu watch by Cartier adds a dash of elegance to male and female wrists alike. Roman numera...
Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm Rose Gold Silver Diamond Dial W3BB0007 Box Set
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm (reference W3BB0007) is a refined timepiece that exemplifies Cartier's commitment to blending classic design with luxurious craftsmanship. Crafted from s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu 28mm W69010Z4 Silver Dial Quartz Ladies Watch Papers
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Pristine condition Cartier Ballon Bleu, reference W69010Z4. This elegant timepiece features a 28mm stainless steel case with a rounded design that embodies Cartier's signature style....
Stainless Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu 28mm Pink Dial Box & Papers Steel Quartz Watch W6920038
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu 28mm (reference W6920038) is a refined timepiece that exemplifies Cartier's commitment to blending classic design with luxurious craftsmanship. Crafted from p...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu 42mm 18K Two Tone Yellow Gold & Steel Box Set W69009Z3
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu, reference W69009Z3, features a 42mm stainless steel case accented with an 18K yellow gold fluted crown set with a blue synthetic cabochon, embodying Cartier'...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu 33mm 18K Rose Gold Factory Diamond Bezel WE902064 Box Papers
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu 33mm in 18K Rose Gold with factory-set diamond bezel (reference WE902064) embodies Cartier's classic elegance. Its wa...
Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Ballon Bleu 28mm WE902030 18K Rose Steel Silver Diamond Dial
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier, reference WE902030, is a luxurious and elegant timepiece that embodies Cartier's signature blend of sophistication and innovation. This model feat...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier Extra Large Ballon Bleu De Cartier Stainless Steel and Rose Gold Watch
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Exquisite unisex wristwatch designed by Cartier. Extra large in size, the round dial features blue steel hands, a silver dial, automatic movement, chronograph, date display and black...
Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold, Stainless Steel, Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu Moonphase 37mm Automatic Watch Box Papers WSBB0021
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
iturn0image0The Cartier Ballon Bleu Moonphase 37mm (reference WSBB0021) is a refined timepiece that exemplifies Cartier's commitment to blending classic design with sophisticated ...
Stainless Steel
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold & Diamond Ballon Blue Wristwatch
By Cartier
Located in San Francisco, CA
Gorgeous and stylish blue strap Ballon Bleu! Ref 3002, automatic, 96184QX, 36mm case, the bezel set with 123 round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1.21 carats, fluted crown set with ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Silver Dial Two Tone Unisex Watch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Silver Dial Two Tone Unisex Watch Custom Diamond Bezel W6920047 This Beautiful Timepiece is Powered b...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm Watch In 18K Gold With Leather Strap & Box/Papers
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
All original Cartier parts & movement. Comes with an additional Cartier leather strap. Cartier box, booklet, DVD, and certificate papers also inc...
18k Gold
$10,880
Cartier Ballon Bleu
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier Watch - 36 mm Steel Case - Silvered Dial - Interchangeable Bracelet 36 mm steel case, 12.1 mm thick, fluted steel crown set...
Diamond, Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu Mens Stainless Steel Diamond Watch W69012Z4
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Ballon Bleu 42mm Mens Stainless Steel Diamond Watch W69012Z4.
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu 36 Silver Guilloche Roman Dial Quartz Unisex Watch W69011Z4
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned and in good condition. Can have minor scratches during handling and Shipping. No original box and papers are included. Covered by a 2-year chronostore warranty. Brand: Cartier Type: Wristwatch Department: Unisex Model Number: W69011Z4 Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland Style: Dress/Formal Model: Cartier Ballon Bleu Vintage...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu Jumbo Large Size Mens Watch in 18k Gold with Box/Papers
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cartier Jumbo Ballon Bleu 42mm in 18K Yellow Gold with Box & Papers, Cartier Ballon Bleu Large Men's Watch Ref. 2998 Full Set Cartier Jumbo reference ...
18k Gold
Cartier Ballon Bleu 28mm Factory Diamond Bezel W4BB0015 Silver Dial Box Papers
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier, reference W4BB0015, is a luxurious and elegant timepiece that combines Cartier's iconic design with exquisite craftsmanship. This model features a...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu Two Timezone GMT W6920027 18K Rose Steel Quartz Silver Dial
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu Two Timezone GMT (reference W6920027) is a refined timepiece that exemplifies Cartier's commitment to blending classic design with practical functionality. Cr...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, Stainless Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu WE900651 36mm 18K White Gold Diamond Bezel Leather Strap B&P
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm (reference WE900651) is a refined timepiece that embodies Cartier's signature elegance and craftsmanship. Crafted from 18K white gold, the 36mm round ca...
Diamond, White Gold
Cartier Ballon Bleu W69004Z2 36mm 18K Rose Gold Custom Diamond Bezel 2 CT B&P
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm (reference W69004Z2) is a refined timepiece that exemplifies Cartier's commitment to blending classic design with modern elegance. Crafted from 18K rose...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Cartier Ballon Bleu ref 3765 Stainless Steel 42mm Automatic Mens' Watch, c2020.
By Cartier
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This instantly-recognisable Cartier Ballon Bleu ref 3765 Gents’ Watch is an epitome of timeless sophistication Circa 2020, the timepiece is in excellent condition & in great worki...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Stainless Steel Ballon Bleu 42MM 3765
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier SS Ballon Bleu Watch 42MM Floating like a balloon and as blue as the cabochon safely nestles in its side, the ballon Blue watch adds a dask of elegance! **watch has 1 extr...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm W69011Z4 Silver Dial Steel Quartz Watch Box & Papers
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm (ref. W69011Z4) delivers timeless Cartier design in a versatile mid-size format. The rounded stainless steel case measures 36mm and features the collecti...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu Stainless Steel W69012Z4
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A 42mm Ballon Bleu from Cartier in stainless steel. Featuring a silvered guilloche dial with roman numerals, a date display, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, and a Cartier signature h...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu Stainless Steel Two Timezone Quartz Watch 38MM W6920011
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This Cartier Ballon Bleu wristwatch is a luxurious and classic timepiece for men. The watch features a round 38mm stainless steel case with a solid caseback and a silver bezel. The d...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu W69011Z4 36mm Unisex Watch Custom Diamond Bezel
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Cartier Series: Ballon Bleu Model: W69011Z4 Case Diameter: 36 mm Bezel: Custom diamond set, 2Ct of Natural Diamonds Dial: Silver Dial The sale includes a Cartier box and an ap...
Stainless Steel
Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm Silver Diamond Dial WE902075 Box Set
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm (reference WE902075) is a refined timepiece that exemplifies Cartier's commitment to blending classic design with luxurious craftsmanship. Crafted from s...
Diamond, Stainless Steel
