Pre-Owned Cartier Ballon Bleu 40950054/AS05403

WHY WE LOVE IT

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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, silver 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?

OVERALL CONDITION

The case is in fantastic condition overall showing recent professional refinishing and faint signs of wear from careful handling. White 'guilloche' dial with printed 'Roman' indices is in as-new condition with matching blued-steel 'sword' handset. Guarded sapphire cabochon crown.