Cartier Ballon Bleu

It’s the year 2024, and Cartier is just as, if not more, relevant than when they released the Tank in 1917. Actually, Cartier is absolutely hot right now. 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 modern Ballon Bleu features a gorgeous, 36mm 18K rose gold case with a sapphire crystal and a guarded crown. It features a sunburst silver guilloché dial with painted black Roman indices, an asymmetric hour track, a blued-steel 'sword' handset, and a hidden Cartier signature within the 7 o’clock hour marker. Powered by an automatic movement, it comes outfitted on 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?