CARTIER BALLON BLEU CHOCOLAT

The story behind this Cartier Ballon Bleu

Launched in 2007, the Cartier Ballon Bleu incorporates the crown into its design. Fluted, it does not protrude from the case but is housed beneath a metal arch integrated into the case, which protects it and extends the curve of the case. A blue cabochon crowns it, giving the watch its signature look. In 2009, Cartier chose the Ballon Bleu de Cartier case to showcase ID One, its first concept watch, whose carbon crystal anchor and anchor wheel were designed to ensure it required no adjustment throughout its lifetime. Reference W6920032, now discontinued, features a brown dial – known to collectors as the ‘chocolate’ dial – on the 42 mm steel and rose gold version.

Case, movement and strap of this Ballon Bleu

The polished steel case measures 42 mm in diameter and is 13 mm thick. Its 18-carat rose gold crown is set with a blue synthetic spinel cabochon; the solid caseback is secured with screws, and the whole, protected by a sapphire crystal, is water-resistant to 30 metres. The brown guilloché dial features rose gold-toned Roman numerals, a railway-track minute track, a date window at 3 o’clock and the small Cartier signature concealed within the numeral VII. The sword-shaped hands are in the same rose gold hue. The self-winding calibre 049 beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour on 21 jewels and offers a power reserve of 42 hours. The steel bracelet, with central links in 18-carat rose gold, fastens with a brushed steel folding clasp bearing the Cartier signature and hallmarked ‘steel and 750 gold’.

Why this Cartier watch

Cartier no longer offers the 42 mm Ballon Bleu in steel and rose gold, and this version with the chocolate-coloured dial is now only available second-hand. It features the collection’s signature crown guard, a mechanical calibre based on the ETA 2892-A2, and a two-tone bracelet whose rose gold links echo the numerals on the dial. Depending on the light, the dial shifts from an almost black brown to a warmer chocolate shade, which bridges the gap between the steel and the gold. Adjusted to fit a 15 cm wrist, the bracelet is primarily designed for a slender wrist; a wider wrist would require the addition of links.

Contents and condition

This Cartier Ballon Bleu comes in a ‘The Swiss Collector’ presentation case with its outer box, but without the original Cartier box or papers. It has recently been polished, and both the case and the bracelet are in excellent overall condition. The sapphire crystal, dial and hands are pristine, with no visible marks. The bracelet is currently adjusted for a wrist circumference of 15 cm; no additional links are supplied with the watch.

Warranty and delivery

The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this watch, which is covered by a 24-month warranty. We accept returns within 10 days in accordance with our terms and conditions. As Switzerland’s leading second-hand retailer, backed by the largest network of shops, we offer online booking for a fitting and collection in-store, or fully secure international delivery.