Cartier is world renowned for creating some of the most beautiful timepieces in the world; born out of their workshops in Switzerland the watches are intricate in detail and classic in style.
Always pushing the boundaries of watch design Cartier is probably best known for their rectangular watches and in particular the iconic Cartier Tank Francaise and Santos de Cartier models. Such models have become timeless, staple collections for any avid Cartier collector and the watch is easily recognisable the world over.
Other models in the collection, for instance the Pasha, originally designed as a water-proof watch for the Pasha of Marrakech in 1933, massively pushed the boundaries of fine watch making and design with a special grille covering the crystal and a chain securing the crown – elements that may never have been associated with such a delicate ladies watch but that somehow Cartier pulled off beautifully.
The Cartier Ballon Bleu watches are no exception. The innovative ‘balloon’ design of the case is entirely unique and provides the first of two elements that make up the watches namesake; the second being the blue synthetic sapphire ‘cabochon’ mounted in the crown. The Cabochon is a trade mark detail of Cartier’s and the three dimensional shape of the case is tactile and beautifully contemporary.
The case curves seamlessly into the domed crystal maintaining the absolute quality expected from such a prestigious brand such as Cartier. Reminiscent of the balloons we used to play with as children the ‘knot’ is a delicate continuous loop around the crown that protects the sapphire, which again is beautifully cut to continue the line of the crown creating a perfect dome shape.
Such attention to detail is something Cartier pride themselves on and the dial is no exception; the classic Cartier silver guilloche dial is complimented beautifully with black Roman numerals and those striking blue hands. The simplicity of the watch really is second to none – the clear numerals and classic design make for a really beautiful timepiece.
January 2013 saw the release of a new look for the Cartier Ballon Bleu watches with the introduction of smaller ladies size cases and the option of a strap rather than a bracelet. This update has proven an instant success owing, in part, to the white Alligator leather strap – a modern and stylish option that is sure to be a hit come the spring and summer months.
The new options available are:
Ladies Small Ballon Bleu Strap Watch Quartz 28mm on a black strap,
Cartier Ladies Ballon Bleu Midsize Quartz Strap Watch 33mm dial on a white strap or bracelet
Cartier Ballon Bleu Ladies Midsize Automatic Strap Watch 33mm automatic on a black strap
Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm Quartz Strap Watch 36mm quartz on a white strap or bracelet
Cartier Ballon Bleu 36mm Automatic Strap Watch 36mm automatic on a black strap.