Cartier Ballon Bleu WJBB0034 Unisex Watch in 18kt Rose Gold
About the Item
- Creator:
- Case Material:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:21st Century
- Condition:Polished.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Cartier Ballon Bleu WJBB0009 Unisex Watch in 18 Karat Rose GoldBy CartierLocated in New York, NYCartier Ballon Bleu WJBB0009 Unisex Watch in 18kt Rose Gold SKU: 129939 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Cartier Model: Ballon Bleu Country of Origin: Switzerland Movement Type: Mechanical: ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose Gold
- Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier W69003Z2 Unisex Watch in 18kt Yellow GoldBy CartierLocated in New York, NYCartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier W69003Z2 Unisex Watch in 18kt Yellow Gold SKU: 131612 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Cartier Model: Ballon Bleu...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsYellow Gold
- Tiffany & Co. Cocktail 2-Hand 60558272 Unisex Watch in 18kt Rose GoldBy Tiffany & Co.Located in New York, NYTiffany & Co. Cocktail 2-Hand 60558272 Unisex Watch in 18kt Rose Gold SKU: 135274 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Tiffany & Co. Model: Cocktail 2-Hand Country of Origin: Switzerland Moveme...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose Gold
- Hermès Arceau Ecuyere AR6.670.221.MN0 Unisex Watch in 18kt Rose GoldBy HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermès Arceau Ecuyere AR6.670.221.MN0 Unisex Watch in 18kt Rose Gold SKU: 117008 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Hermès Model: Arceau Ecuyere Country of...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose Gold
- Breitling Navitimer 38 U17325211G1A1 Unisex Watch in 18kt Stainless Steel/Rose GBy BreitlingLocated in New York, NYBreitling Navitimer 38 U17325211G1A1 Unisex Watch in 18kt Stainless Steel/Rose G SKU: 129960 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: Breitling Model: Navitimer 38 Country of Origin: Switzerland Mov...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel, Rose Gold
- DeWitt Blue Empire BEM.QZ.001 Unisex Watch in 18kt Stainless Steel/Rose GoldBy DewittLocated in New York, NYDeWitt Blue Empire BEM.QZ.001 Unisex Watch in 18kt Stainless Steel/Rose Gold SKU: 131686 PRIMARY DETAILS Brand: DeWitt Model: Blue Empire Country of Orig...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose Gold
- Cartier Ballon Blue Rose Gold Diamond Ladies Watch WJBB0015By CartierLocated in Atlanta, GACartier Ballon Blue Rose Gold Diamond Ladies Watch WJBB0015. Quartz movement. Caliber 057. Round 18K rose gold case 28.0 mm in diameter. Fluted crown ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose Gold
- Cartier Ballon Blue Rose Gold Diamond Ladies Watch WJBB0015By CartierLocated in Atlanta, GACartier Ballon Blue Rose Gold Diamond Ladies Watch WJBB0015. Quartz movement. Caliber 057. Round 18K rose gold case 28.0 mm in diameter. Fluted crown set with a blue sapphire cabocho...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 Ballon Bleu Rose Gold Mens Watch W6920083By CartierLocated in Atlanta, GACartier Ballon Bleu Rose Gold Mens Watch W6920083. Manual winding movement. 18K rose gold case 40.0 mm in diameter. Fluted crown set with a blue sapphire cabochon. 18K rose gold smoo...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Wrist Watches
MaterialsRose 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 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
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.