Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 18K Rose Gold Automatic Movement Diamond Watch
View Similar Items
Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 18K Rose Gold Automatic Movement Diamond Watch
About the Item
Cartier
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
- Rolex GMT-Master II 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Automatic Black Men's Watch 116718By RolexLocated in Aventura, FLThe Rolex GMT Master II is one of Rolex's finest creations. Designed in an 18k yellow gold case featuring a black Cerachrom on the bidirectional bezel, a monobloc middle case, a scre...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Love Bracelet 18k Rose Gold with ScrewdriverBy CartierLocated in Aventura, FLLOVE bracelet, 18K rose gold (750/1000). Comes with a screwdriver. Width: 6.1 mm. Created in New York in 1969, the LOVE bracelet is an icon of jewelry design: a close-fitting, oval b...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Modern Bracelets
Materials18k Gold, Rose Gold
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 18K Rose Gold Chronograph Watch 26320OROO1220OR01By Audemars PiguetLocated in Aventura, FLAudemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Black Dial Automatic 26320OROO1220OR01. 18kt rose gold case with an 18kt rose gold bracelet. Fixed bezel. Black dial with gold-tone hands and in...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose Gold
- Cartier 18K Rose Gold Love Collection Bracelet Bangle Size 18By CartierLocated in Aventura, FLLOVE bracelet, 18K rose gold (750/1000). Comes with a screwdriver. Width: 6.1 mm. Created in New York in 1969, the LOVE bracelet is an icon of jewelry design: a close-fitting, oval b...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Modern Bracelets
Materials18k Gold, Rose Gold
- Rolex Datejust 36mm 18k Everose Gold Diamond Bezel Palm-Motif Dial Watch 126281By RolexLocated in Aventura, FLThis Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in Oystersteel and Everose gold features a silver, palm-motif dial and an Oyster bracelet. Gem-setters, like sculptors, finely carve the precious me...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
- Rolex Daytona Chronograph 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Black Dial Watch 116528By RolexLocated in Aventura, FLThe Rolex Daytona 116528 is the all-gold variation of the Cosmograph Daytona. The particular reference that is presented here is in 18 karats yellow gold finish, a 40mm Oyster case with polished lugs, a three-link Oyster bracelet with polished center links, and a sophisticated black Diamond dial. The dial also displays the chronograph registers in yellow gold as well as the Daytona logo in striking red font. As a traditional Rolex chronograph, the Daytona also boasts a 400-kilometer Tachymeter bezel and side pushers, giving this used Rolex...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Ballon Bleu De Guilloche Dial Automatic WatchBy CartierLocated in New York, NYNew Cartier Watch with Box and Papers. Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch REF.: W2BB0004 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch, 42...Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold, Stainless Steel
- Cartier Ballon Bleu 18k Rose Gold Factory Diamond Dial Ref. 3003 WatchBy CartierLocated in Miami, FLBrand: Cartier Model: Ballon Bleu Movement: Automatic Case Size: 36 mm Dial: White Crème; Diamond Hour Markers Bezel: 18k Rose Gold Case Material: 18k Rose Gold Band Material:...Category
2010s Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Rose Gold
- Cartier Ballon Bleu 18k Rose Gold 33mm Watch REF 3003By CartierLocated in Miami, FLBrand: Cartier Model: Ballon bleu Ref: 3003 Movement: Automatic Case Size: 36 mm Material: Rose Gold Features: Date Crystal: Sapphire Dial: Silver Guilloche Inclu...Category
2010s French Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose Gold
- Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier Rose Gold W69004Z2By CartierLocated in New York, NYThis elegant Ballon Bleu de Cartier ladies watch is crafted in a rose gold case measuring 36mm in diameter. The silver dial features roman numer...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose Gold
- Cartier Ballon Bleu in 18k Rose Gold Watch, Ref. WGBB0008 3003By CartierLocated in Miami, FLCartier Ballon Bleu medium size (36.6mm) in 18K rose gold case, guilloché and lacquered dial with Roman numerals, automatic winding Cartier calibre 076 movement, 18K rose gold bracel...Category
2010s French Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose Gold
- Cartier Extra Large Ballon Bleu De Cartier Stainless Steel and Rose Gold WatchBy CartierLocated in Scottsdale, AZExquisite 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...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold, Stainless Steel, Steel
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Cartier Love Bracelet
This iconic jewel has captured countless hearts with its elegant design and its amatory symbolism. Counterfeiters have taken note of the demand and created fake versions. If you’re looking for a genuine Cartier Love bracelet, it’s crucial to check all the elements for authenticity. Our guide will teach you the telltale traits of a knockoff.
The 14 Most Iconic Watches for Women
Style, craft and heritage combine to make these designs undeniable classics.