Ballon Bleu de Cartier
Cartier’s spherical-case dress line: sapphire cabochon crown set inside the bezel, a Cartier-designed automatic caliber in the larger sizes (1847 MC at 42mm, 1904 PS MC in the Extra-Large). The 42mm W6920095 is the largest steel reference and the family’s most-traded automatic.
Sub-lines
- OpenThe 42mm steel expression of the Ballon Bleu: the largest and most commonly sought reference in the family. The floating crown surrounded by a sapphire cabochon, the rounded case with its distinctive winding-crown guard, and the silver sunburst dial are the hallmarks of the Ballon Bleu at its most accessible.
References in this family
Which ref to buy
The Ballon Bleu is Cartier's most commercially successful design since the Santos -- the floating crown with the blue cabochon sapphire has become a modern icon. It polarizes collectors (too mainstream) and non-collectors alike (too bold). But the design is genuinely original and the execution at 42mm is particularly strong.
- 1Open
Ballon Bleu 42mm Steel -- the larger format that reads as a serious watch rather than a fashion piece.
- The case for it:
- The 42mm case gives the Ballon Bleu the proportions it needs to avoid looking like jewelry. In steel with a white or silver dial, it works as a genuine daily wear for men. Secondary market for 42mm steel is predictable -- not exciting appreciation, but stable.
- Consider instead if:
- The Ballon Bleu is one of the most widely recognized Cartier designs on the planet, which makes it mainstream by definition. Buyers chasing collector cachet should look at the Tank, Santos, or Crash.
- 2Open
Ballon Bleu Contemporary -- the more accessible entry into the Ballon Bleu family.
- The case for it:
- Lower price point makes the Ballon Bleu accessible without committing to the 42mm price. The design language is identical -- the Cartier experience at a lower cost of entry.
- Consider instead if:
- Between the contemporary and 42mm versions, the 42mm is the stronger choice for male buyers. The contemporary sizing trends toward fashion-watch territory. For the same price as the contemporary, strong alternatives exist in the Cartier lineup.
Rankings last reviewed 2026-06-07. Editorial perspective only. Not financial advice.