WatchProSite|Market|Digest
WatchProSite|Market|Digest

Cartier

New era

 

The Ballon bleu tourbillon has certainly started 'the' new era for Cartier.
Very new looks and an extreme high level of finishing.
Last week I was at Place Vendome in Paris and saw this watch in a white gold diamond version,
it looked absolutely amazing.
Sure, a tourbillon is often seen as the 'hard to afford' very high end in watchmaking, but when compared to other brands,
these new tourbillons offer very good value for money.
I was quite impressed when I handled the Ballon bleu tourbillon and loved the new layered dial construction with the,
(compared to the regular Ballon bleu watches),
nice fatter hands, which probably read better on this type of dial.
I do agree with VMM on the Tank Americaine, especially in white, its'a also my favorite,
absolute cool, may be coolest watch of the collection.
But I do wonder how these tourbillons would be in more wearable sizes.
GEO

  login to reply
Related Content
expand_more
Ballon BleuCartierTankTank Americaine
💰185 Marketplace Listings for Cartier›Cartier Tank · 1 for sale · 958 discussions›
16 Comments view entire thread 

The Ballon Bleu Flying Tourbillon - The one that began it all

 
By: SJX : July 24th, 2010-09:14
Cartier presented the first model of its High Watchmaking collection, the Ballon Bleu flying tourbillon, at SIHH 2008. It was the first watch with the now distinct aesthetic of multi-layered ruthenium and silver dial that characterises the High Watchmakin...  

Wonderful creations.

 
By: VMM : July 24th, 2010-11:40
Some would like, and some wouldn't like them, but it's a trusted and evident fact that the new Haute Horlogery timepieces from Cartier have the best that the watch industry can offer technologically speaking, with the sweet touch Cartier puts in everythin... 

The original ballon bleu flying tourbillon is very charming...

 
By: ED209 : July 24th, 2010-23:10
And has to be seen in person. The ballon bleu tourbillon is a large watch, but fits nicely on smaller wrists. Here's a few more shots from a visit to the Cartier boutique at Wynn Las Vegas: Regards, ED-209...  

New era

 
By: Geo : July 25th, 2010-01:44
The Ballon bleu tourbillon has certainly started 'the' new era for Cartier. Very new looks and an extreme high level of finishing. Last week I was at Place Vendome in Paris and saw this watch in a white gold diamond version, it looked absolutely amazing. ... 

Wow this is a real eye opener. Never figured Cartier as a serious watch manufacture

 
By: ArthurSG : July 25th, 2010-03:01
this together with the Astrotourbi and the jump hour really repositions Cartier as a serious ocntender imo. Still have some ways to go but if ever there was trouble looming on the horizon for the other manufactures, Cartier could be it. Thanks also to JX ... 

brilliant

 
By: Hororgasm : July 25th, 2010-13:02
the ballon bleu tourby looks to me to be most "balanced" of the lot. and it fits surprisingly well one the wrist, not too thick and yet the visual enough. correct me if i am wrong, it is also the most "affordable" of all the carier tourbys?

Yes you are right

 
By: SJX : July 25th, 2010-22:36
It is the lowest priced of all the Cartier tourbillon. While by no means affordable it is certainly not unreasonably priced. - SJX

You must be one of the first owners

 
By: SJX : July 26th, 2010-07:53
great serial number on your watch too. Any reason you picked rose gold over white gold? - SJX

congrats!!

 
By: Hororgasm : July 26th, 2010-08:59
Arin - congrats, its a beaut...very nicely balanced. to me the ballon bleu series is the most attractive series that is comtemporary and yet retains the cartier "flavour". since its lauch in 2007, i have always thought that it will rival the "traditional"... 

Hi SJX

 
By: aris d : July 29th, 2010-04:41
I chose the RG, because it gives a warm appeal to the watch and , as Hororgasm said, it makes a nice contrast with the silver dial. Also it makes the watch seem smaller than it is (46mm diameter).The WG at the contrary makes it look even bigger. Aris

Although the High Watchmaking collection all have similar dials

 
By: SJX : July 29th, 2010-06:45
in ruthenium and silver, different models work best in different metals, in my opinion. The Central Chrono for instance looks best in white gold, and so does the Tank Americaine tourbillon, but I agree the Ballon Bleu tourbillon looks best in rose gold. -... 

I am more partial to the Tank Americane myself

 
By: 219 : July 26th, 2010-14:30
being partial to rectangular watches. Great review and what with the ID One being in the same shape, it is a watch that will go down in the annals of Cartier. Thanks for the review SJX - great as ever. Andrew H

Cartier Ballon Bleu Tourbillon video

 
By: ED209 : July 27th, 2010-22:10
Just wanted to share this video of the Cartier Ballon Bleu Tourbillon. I included macros of the flying tourbillon with views of the front, display back and the entire watch. Enjoy! Regards, ED-209 This message has been edited by ED209 on 2010-07-27 22:28:...