The Ballon Bleu is one of Cartier’s great success stories. It’s unisex; it’s available in a variety of different materials; it can be simple or complicated; and it comes in seven different sizes with various options and styles of gem-setting. Its name comes from the angle at which the lugs meet the case, which resembles the way in which a hot air balloon tapers down towards the basket; it’s also a reference to the three-dimensional curves of the case. The blue comes from the precious spinel set into the crown, protected by a small metal bridge. The Ballon Blanc shares the same shape, but not the same vocation.
Its launch was relatively low-key. Originally, the Ballon Blanc was offered only on a bracelet made of tiny articulated beads, like strings or pearls made of precious metal, and only in pink gold. What makes this Ballon ‘blanc’ is the stone set into the crown; here, it’s a diamond, nudged over into the 4 o’clock position. A closer look, however, reveals that this little protuberance isn’t hiding the crown, because there isn’t one. The bulge in the bezel is there to replicate the characteristic outline of the Ballon Bleu, and to provide a setting for the precious gem, this time set face-up. And thus the Ballon Blanc remains faithful to its mission as a feminine ladies’ watch designed to look beautiful on the wrist. Consequently, it comes fitted with a quartz movement, which does away with the winding crown in favour of a small button discreetly located on the back of the case.
The Ballon Blanc comes in three diameters. The original 24 and 30 mm sizes have now been joined by a 26 mm version. There are also two more styles: it’s possible to select a plain bezel in addition to the model set with one row of diamonds, and there’s also a black alligator strap. The original version with its elaborate gold bracelet has evolved into something simpler, more contrasting, almost casual. But in every case, the Ballon Blanc continues to offer that extra something that was a major factor in the success of its predecessor. The generously rounded case, smooth as a perfectly worn pebble, is astonishingly comfortable to wear, and that’s something a photo will never adequately convey.
