Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 2008 Reference No: 2999 Case No: 70996SX Model Name: Ballon Bleu Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 049, 21 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Cartier deployant clasp Dimensions: 42mm Diameter Signed: Dial, case, movement and clasp signed Accessories: Further accompanied by Cartier fitted presentation box
Catalogue Essay
A relatively new family of watches produced by Cartier in the mid 2000’s, the Ballon Bleu epitomizes the aura of elegance, which is always achieved by the firm. Featuring a round fluid case, with the sapphire cabochon-set crown protected by “Ballon” style crown guards, it is without a doubt an iconic case design and elegant on the wrist. The present example in pink gold with a silvered guilloche dial featuring classic Cartier Roman numerals is a perfect Christmas gift for the elegant gentleman.
With the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.
Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open.