Cartier Ballon Bleu

The Ballon Bleu proved that Cartier didn't need to revisit its archives to create a future classic. Introduced in 2007, the collection reimagined the traditional round watch through soft, sculptural curves, an integrated crown guard, and a profile unlike anything else in modern watchmaking. Nearly two decades later, it remains one of the maison's defining creations.

This Reference W6920041 captures the collection at its most elegant. Housed in a 36mm stainless steel case, it strikes a perfect balance between refinement and everyday wearability. The standout feature is its radiant pink sunburst dial, whose warm metallic finish transforms as it catches the light throughout the day. Oversized Roman numerals frame a finely guilloché center, while blued steel sword hands sweep gracefully across the dial. The signature blue cabochon crown is nestled within the Ballon Bleu's distinctive crown guard, a design element that has become synonymous with the collection.

Powering the watch is a self-winding automatic movement, bringing everyday practicality to one of Cartier's most recognizable contemporary designs. It is fitted to its original integrated stainless steel bracelet with a butterfly deployant clasp, preserving the seamless flow from case to bracelet that gives the Ballon Bleu its unmistakable silhouette.

Accompanying the watch is its original Certificate of Origin, an important addition for collectors who appreciate a bit of provenance with modern Cartier references.

The Ballon Bleu occupies a unique place within Cartier's catalog. It honors the maison's unmistakable design language without relying on nostalgia, proving that a genuinely original watch can become an icon in its own right. With its graceful proportions, distinctive pink dial, and enduring versatility, this Reference W6920041 remains one of the collection's most appealing expressions. Equally at home as an everyday companion or as the centerpiece of a thoughtfully assembled collection.

Despite being a purveyor of haute joaillerie, Cartier has had a long tradition of making watches.

It started in 1907, when founder Louis Cartier made what was one of the first wristwatches for his friend Alberto Santos-Dumont. In the following years, the brand made a name for itself with its most famous wristwatch, the Tank, in all its multitudinous forms.

Cartier introduced the Tank in 1917 — which was supposedly inspired by the Renault FT-17 tanks seen on the battlefields of World War I — with a run of six pieces. (According to legend, these were given to American General John J. Pershing and his staff.) Cartier took the look of the Renault tank's treads and applied it to the watch’s lugs, which were integrated via brancards into the case itself. That first run of six pieces increased to thirty-three by 1920, and by the end of the 20th Century, that number stood well in the hundreds of thousands. Indeed, in sheer volume alone, the Tank — in all its various models — is Cartier's largest line of watches.

The Tank Louis was introduced in 1922, followed close on the heels of the Asian-influenced Tank Chinoise. The Chinoise, released amidst a mania for jewelry inspired by the Orient, has a square rather than rectangular case and lugs that resemble the portico of a Chinese pagoda.

From its debut, the Tank would see many variations, each in keeping with Louis Cartier’s taste for clean lines and perfect symmetry. Each variant — from the original Tank to the Tank Louis to the Cintrée with its flirtatious, curvaceous lines — has its passionate devotees. Rudolph Valentino, that sensual star of the silver screen, insisted on wearing his Tank onscreen in The Son of the Sheik, and Clark Gable, Andy Warhol, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis were among those who sported a one throughout the years.

Other model lines, including the Santos (based upon the original model crafted for Alberto Santos-Dumont) and the Pasha, have developed devoted followers. Indeed, the maison is unique as one of the few jewelry brands to elicit as much passion from collectors as dedicated watch companies.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.