Cartier Ballon Bleu

No, it’s not a Tank. And yes, it deserves your attention! While Parisian jeweler to the stars Cartier may be best known in horological circles for its famed Tank watch, the French firm produced — and continues to produce — numerous other models that deserve equal billing for their unique and sumptuous designs.  Launched in 2007, the Ballon Bleu is an adventurous take on the Cariter aesthetic — which is of course itself already unique within the greater watchmaking world. Featuring an opulent, round case and a ‘bubble’ winding crown, the Ballon Bleu provides a captivating housing for the maison’s world famous combination of Arabic numerals and thin sword hands. This particular Ballon Bleu, a gorgeous, solid-gold Reference 3003, is housed in a 36mm 18K rose gold case with a sapphire crystal and a guarded sapphire cabochon crown. It features a classic, white guilloché dial with painted black Roman indices, a blued-steel 'sword' handset, and an inner minute track. Powered by an automatic movement, it comes paired to an integrated, matching rose gold 'H-link' bracelet with a hidden deployant clasp. With everyone clamoring for the Tank and the Santos, why not spring for something different — and splendid — in the form of the Ballon Bleu?