As a female with an interest in horology the Ballon Bleu De Cartier strikes a cord with me. I often get baffled by the lack of understanding that women, indeed, can enjoy both men’s and women’s watches. Often, a lady’s watch does not carry the same value as men’s, simply because it is perceived that women like “bling and glitter”, and watches are just a pretty accessory with the diamond bracelet and rows of rings. And too many watches spot the bling, where, I think, it is totally unnecessary.

For me it was really exciting to see a Ballon Bleu De Cartier watch in Pink. A fully automatic 36mm piece with a sunray dial and stunning guilloche, applied Roman numerals and an option for either a stainless steel bracelet or a pink alligator strap. The bracelet is a good option for a guy who wants to have a pink iconic watch (there is NOTHING wrong with that) thought I do think that the stainless steel bracelet washes out the beautiful pink of the dial. So it is both a pro and a con for me. The iconic blue hands really stand out in the sunlight against the dial, the simplicity and the classic elegance of the design, make the Ballon Bleu De Cartier a quite unique but spectacular piece.

Cartier first introduced Ballon Bleu in 2007, and is still available today, though with an in-house movement.

The 36 mm Ballon Bleu De Cartier is typically too big for a dress watch as most women’s dress pieces would be around 33 mm. On a skinny bony wrist like mine it does wear quite large, but elegant nonetheless. It is also very comfortable to wear thanks to its unique case shape.The sapphire cabochon crown is protected by the integrated crown guard. Being pink and with a pink strap – it is surprisingly not overpowering at all.

This Ballon Bleu De Cartier is one of the most accurate watches I have ever seen. This pre-loved, or rather, unloved, piece measured +1 second a day on a timegrapher. I am so glad I spotted it in a second hand watch store!

The watch is rather noisy, like many eta 2892 movements housed in a very thin case. That aside the Ballon Bleu De Cartier is a very elegant and unique piece that can be worn as a dress watch or with causal wear. This   piece is a real pleasure on the wrist.