Cartier Ballon Bleu Ref. 2998 18k Yellow Gold 42 MM Watch
View Similar Items
Cartier Ballon Bleu Ref. 2998 18k Yellow Gold 42 MM Watch
About the Item
- Creator:
- Design:
- Case Material:
- Movement:
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:n/a
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Miami, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1731215210312
Ballon Bleu de Cartier Watch
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.
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.
On 1stDibs, find a growing collection of contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories.
- 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 36mm in 18k Rose Gold Auto Watch REF. 3003By CartierLocated in Miami, FLBrand: Cartier Model: Ballon Bleu Movement: Automatic Case Size: 36 mm Dial: Roman Numeral Hour Markers Bezel: 18K Rose Gold Case Material: 18K Rose Gold Band Material: ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern 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 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 W69012Z4 42mm Stainless Steel WatchBy CartierLocated in Miami, FLThe Cartier Ballon Bleu stainless steel watch is a timeless masterpiece. With its sleek, round stainless steel case and signature blue cabochon crown , it exudes elegance. The dial a...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Cartier Ballon Bleu Ref: 3220 Rose Gold Watch, W6920035By CartierLocated in Miami, FLBrand: Cartier Model Name: Ballon Bleu Model Number: 3220 Movement: Quartz Case Size: 38 mm Dial Color: Mother of Pearl Metal: 18K Rose Gold Hour Markers: Roma...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold, Rose Gold
- Cartier Ballon Bleu Ref 2998 42mm 18K Yellow Gold Brown Leather Band Box PaperBy CartierLocated in San Diego, CAStyle Number: 2998 Year: 2019 Model: Ballon Bleu Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: Leather Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Dial: Silver Face: Sapphire Crystal Case Si...Category
2010s Wrist Watches
- Cartier Ref 3000 Ballon Bleu De Cartier 18K White Gold Box PaperBy CartierLocated in San Diego, CAReference Number: 3000 Year: 2007 Model: Ballon Bleu De Cartier Case Material: 18K White Gold Band: 18K White Gold Bezel: 18K White Gold Dial: Silver Fac...Category
Early 2000s Wrist Watches
- Cartier Ballon Bleu 18k rose gold Automatic Wristwatch Ref W6920009By CartierLocated in Surfside, FLCartier Ballon Bleu XL Chronograph in 18k rose gold on a black leather strap with 18k rose gold deployant buckle. Automatic movement under glass w/ date and chronograph and sweep sec...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold, Rose Gold
- Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Silver Dial Two Tone Unisex WatchBy CartierLocated in New York, NYCartier Ballon Bleu 36mm Steel 18K Yellow Gold Silver Dial Two Tone Unisex Watch Custom Diamond Bezel W6920047 This Beautiful Timepiece is Powered b...Category
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
$10,529 / itemFree Shipping - Cartier Ballon Bleu 41mmBy CartierLocated in New York, NYCartier Ballon Bleu Steel Rose Gold Brown Dial Watch (Model W6920032). This exquisite timepiece seamlessly combines classic elegance with modern sophistication. The round stainless s...Category
Early 2000s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Cartier Ballon Bleu 18K Yellow Gold Silver Diamond Dial Ladies Watch WE902027By CartierLocated in New York, NYPre-owned in excellent condition. It comes with the original box but no papers.Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsYellow Gold
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.