SIHH 2008 Preview: Cartier Ballon bleu de Cartier

Posted by Milan
April 2, 2008 - 08:41PM cet
IP : 207.181.202.176
Email : asanovicmilan@yahoo.com

Cartier opens the watchmaking year at SIHH 2008 with a new version of the Ballon bleu de Cartier, this time with a masculine touch. Still the quintessential dandy watch, Cartier displays its peerless design savvy with the soft curves that typify this model.


Actually, that is an understatement. Present are the usual ball-like shape, the quirky crown (with a blue sapphire cabochon) and winding mechanism and the distorting glass however this time Cartier introduces a leather strap. The Ballon bleu de Cartier watch is round on the top and underneath, but upon closer inspection the shape is somewhat more complex: a watch that seems to fit the wrist weightlessly, as if the two were already acquainted. Cartier plays with the shapes and challenges your mind in the view of aesthetics. Perhaps masculine, perhaps feminine?


The winding mechanism is decorated with a sapphire cabochon, around which the dial orbits, and is more imposing than ever before due to a precious metal protective arch. Pictures cannot fully convey the unusual personality of the watch. Surely, the serious watch lover can pause to admire the audacity of the piece - and the audacity of its owner.


Although Ballon Bleu is available in 3 different sizes (28.5mm, 36.5mm, and 42mm) the last larger size is the one displayed in in pink gold. Available in different metals (WG, RG) as well in SS the automatic watch can also serve up the time - hours, minutes and seconds - in a very peculiar and distinguished way. The new Cartier Ballon Bleu watches range from $4,950 to $46,000, and there is even a limited edition version the sells for $950,000.

Specification:

* 18 carat rhodium-plated white gold case (also available in pink gold and SS).
* Hour, minute, second and date functions.
* 18 carat rhodium-plated white gold fluted crown decorated with a blue sapphire
cabochon.
* Varnished silvered opaline guilloche dial, black Roman numerals, date window at
3 o'clock.
* Blued steel sword-shaped hands.
* Crystal sapphire.
* 18 carat rhodium-plated white gold bracelet (also available in pink gold and
SS).
* 18 carat rhodium-plated white gold safety clasp(also available in pink gold and
SS).
* Cartier calibre 049 automatic movement.
* Water resistant to 30m/100ft.

Info via Cartier, Watch Tribune and Watch Quote.

So that is Cartier à la PANERAI... or what is it... ;-)

Posted by YvesOdier
April 3, 2008 - 08:08AM cet
IP : 81.250.210.242
Email : yves.odier@wanadoo.fr

YvesOdier ^T_TT

Close but the other way around - it is paneraisation of Cartier ; - )

Posted by Milan
April 3, 2008 - 08:11AM cet
IP : 207.181.202.176
Email : asanovicmilan@yahoo.com

What goes around comes around - even in the most unexpected places of Richmond!

So a couple of years from now Panerai watches will be ballooned ? ***LOL***

Posted by YvesOdier
April 3, 2008 - 08:15AM cet
IP : 81.250.210.242
Email : yves.odier@wanadoo.fr

YvesOdier ^T_TT

Aren't they already? Have you seen the recent prices!!!! LMAO

Posted by Milan
April 3, 2008 - 08:16AM cet
IP : 207.181.202.176
Email : asanovicmilan@yahoo.com

;-)

Well, those are sure getting wilder than ever > think about it... Time... is money no?

Posted by YvesOdier
April 3, 2008 - 08:18AM cet
IP : 81.250.210.242
Email : yves.odier@wanadoo.fr

YvesOdier ^T_TT