Cartier / Ballon Bleu
Cartier Ballon Bleu
Profil de collection · 2007
Montre ronde contemporaine distinguée par sa couronne cabochon saphir bleu intégrée dans un arc protecteur.
Vues de la collection
Prononciation et nom
bah-LOHN BLUH
Pourquoi elle compte
The Ballon Bleu matters because it became Cartier’s defining modern round watch, translating the maison’s Roman numerals, blue cabochon, and jewelry-first design language into a softer, contemporary form that proved enormously popular across genders, sizes, and materials.
Références clés
Chronologie de la collection
- 2007 — Cartier introduces the Ballon Bleu, a new round watch design built around a recessed blue cabochon crown protected by a metal arc.
- 2021 — Cartier expands the modern line with a new 40 mm Ballon Bleu powered by the in-house automatic calibre 1847 MC and fitted with an interchangeable bracelet/strap system.
- 2024 — The current Ballon Bleu collection continues in Cartier’s official catalog with steel, gold, gem-set, and leather-strap variants, including pieces marked as new on Cartier’s collection page.
Actualités
- Ballon Bleu created from a new vision of roundness 2007 — Cartier’s own Ballon de Cartier history page states that the Ballon Bleu was created in 2007 from a new vision of roundness and highlights the integrated crown beneath a protective arc as the collection’s defining feature. ↗
- Richemont cites successful launch of Ballon Bleu collection 2007 — Richemont’s interim results materials for 2007–2008 list Ballon Bleu de Cartier among the group’s main product launches and say Cartier benefited from the successful launch of the Ballon Bleu watch collection. ↗
- Cartier introduces the Ballon Bleu 40 mm with in-house movement 2021 — Hodinkee reported Cartier’s 40 mm Ballon Bleu update in April 2021, noting the adoption of the automatic 1847 MC movement and calling the release a major refresh of one of Cartier’s best-known modern watches. ↗
- Watches and Wonders 2021 brings a new 40 mm Ballon Bleu 2021 — Revolution covered Cartier’s 2021 Ballon Bleu launch and emphasized that the new 40 mm size added a fresh automatic option between the older 36 mm and 42 mm automatic models. ↗
- Monochrome details the new Ballon Bleu 40 mm 2021 — Monochrome highlighted the 2021 Ballon Bleu 40 mm as a collection update that preserved the familiar case shape while adding an interchangeable bracelet system and modernized mechanics. ↗
- Ballon Bleu remains an active Cartier collection with new-tagged references 2024 — Cartier’s current Ballon Bleu collection page shows the line still actively offered in multiple sizes and materials, with some models marked as new, confirming the collection’s ongoing relevance in the catalog. ↗
Anecdotes
Note collectionneur 1
Note collectionneur 2
FAQ
When was the Cartier Ballon Bleu introduced?
Cartier’s official history for the collection says the Ballon Bleu was created in 2007.
What defines a Ballon Bleu visually?
Its signature trait is the blue cabochon crown recessed into the case and protected by a curved metal arc at 3 o’clock, combined with a rounded, doubly convex profile.
Is the Ballon Bleu available in different sizes?
Yes. Cartier’s current collection includes sizes such as 28 mm, 33 mm, 36 mm, 40 mm, and 42 mm depending on material and movement.
What movements are used in Ballon Bleu watches?
Current Ballon Bleu models span quartz and automatic movements; examples on Cartier’s site include calibre 1853 MC in 33 mm steel models and calibre 1847 MC in 40 mm and 42 mm automatic models.
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