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 watches, 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 Cartier 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 iconic famous combination of Roman numeral indices and blued steel sword hands.

This particular example, a solid-gold Reference W6900551, is housed in a 42mm 18K yellow gold case with a sapphire crystal and sapphire cabochon crown, recessed and guarded within the case edge. It features a classic, silver guilloché dial with printed black Roman indices, a blued-steel 'sword' handset, and an inner minute track printed on a polished silver chapter ring that bends around the 3:00 date window. Powered by an automatic movement, it comes paired to a signed brown alligator leather strap with a matching 18k yellow gold deployant clasp.

With lots of attention on Cartier and seemingly everyone clamoring for a Tank or Santos, why not expand your horizons and try something a bit more playful and artistic - this Ballon Bleu will surely lift your dress watch game to new heights!