Cartier Ballon Bleu Jumbo Large Size Mens Watch in 18k Gold with Box/Papers
About the Item
- Creator:
- Design:
- Case Material:
- Weight:220 g
- Strap Material:Gold
- Case Shape:Round
- Movement:
- Case Dimensions:Width: 1.66 in (42 mm)
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 2000
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Miami, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU649317996972
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Miami, FL
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm Watch In 18K Gold With Leather Strap & Box/PapersBy CartierLocated in Miami, FLAll original Cartier parts & movement. Comes with an additional Cartier leather strap. Cartier box, booklet, DVD, and certificate papers also inc...Category
Early 2000s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold
- Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Gold 38mm Charms Watch 2572115 With Box & PapersBy Van Cleef & ArpelsLocated in Miami, FLVan Cleef & Arpels Diamond Charms 38mm Women's Watch in 18K Rose Gold With Green Leather Strap. Complete with box and papers. 18k Rose gold case. Silver face, roman numeral hour markers. Adjustable alligator green leather band...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
- Rolex President Datejust 18k Gold Diamond Dial Ladies Watch 79178 Box/PapersBy RolexLocated in Miami, FLVintage Rolex President Datejust 18k gold ladies wrist watch. Reference 79178. 26mm case diamond hour marker dial, fluted bezel, automatic se...Category
1990s Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- 1990 Cartier Tortue 18K Rose Gold Tonneau Ladies Watch W/ Original BoxBy CartierLocated in Miami, FLPre-owned Cartier Tortue ladies wrist-watch in 18kt rose gold. Chic and slim 8.6mm thick case with integral link bracelet and hidden fold-over cl...Category
1990s Swiss Contemporary Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold, Rose Gold
- Breitling 44mm Black Dial Chronomat 1884 In 18K Yellow Gold With Box & PapersBy BreitlingLocated in Miami, FLBreitling 18K Gold Automatic Chronomat K13050.1 "1884" Wrist Watch. Rare Breitling Chronomat black dial 18 karat solid gold chronograph men's watch...Category
1990s Swiss Wrist Watches
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Cartier Ladies Watch in 18k White Gold and Round Cut DiamondsBy CartierLocated in Miami, FL18K white gold Cartier quartz movement wrist-watch with diamonds. This Watch features a caliber 687, date bubble, and 328 round brilliant diamonds of approximately 3.28 carats, Clarity-VS2, Color-G. This vintage diamond Cartier watch...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, White Gold
- Cartier Rose Gold Ballon Bleu Wristwatch New in Box with PapersBy CartierLocated in Bay Harbor Islands, FLNew with Box and Papers. Model WJBB/0019 Cartier Ballon Bleu Rose Gold Watch Floating like a balloon and as blue as the cabochon safely nestled in its side, the Ballon Bleu watch...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsDiamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
- Cartier Ballon Bleu Steel 18k Rose Gold Chocolate Dial Mens Watch W6920032By CartierLocated in New York, NYPre-owned Cartier Ballon Bleu W6920032. Minor Insignificant Scratches on the Crystal. No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with Chronostore Presentation Box and Chronostore...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Wrist Watches
- 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 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 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.