Cartier Ballon Bleu Two-Tone 'Pink MOP'

No, it's not a Tank. And yes, it absolutely deserves your attention.

While Cartier's legendary Tank may be the watch most closely associated with the maison, it represents only one chapter in a design story that spans more than a century. From the Santos to the Tortue, Cartier has consistently produced some of the most distinctive watches in horology. Introduced in 2007, the Ballon Bleu quickly joined that conversation, offering a fresh and decidedly modern interpretation of the Cartier aesthetic.

This Ref. 3009 showcases exactly why the collection has become one of Cartier's great contemporary successes. Measuring 28mm and fitted to a handsome two-tone bracelet, it combines polished stainless steel with warm yrose-gold center links for a look that is both elegant and versatile. The signature rounded case flows seamlessly into the bracelet, while the collection's famous "bubble" crown—with its integrated blue cabochon—creates one of the most recognizable silhouettes in modern watchmaking.

The dial is the star of the show. Crafted from pink-toned mother-of-pearl, it shimmers with soft iridescence as it catches the light. Cartier's oversized Roman numerals stretch gracefully around the dial, bending around the crown aperture in a playful design flourish that has become synonymous with the Ballon Bleu. Blued-steel sword hands provide a vivid contrast against the luminous backdrop, while the railroad minute track reinforces the watch's unmistakably Cartier identity.

Powering the watch is a reliable quartz movement, allowing the focus to remain squarely on the design itself—a design that has proven remarkably enduring since the collection's debut nearly two decades ago. The watch is fitted with its original two-tone bracelet featuring a folding deployant clasp and is accompanied by its original bill of sale dated 2013, as well as its Cartier model pamphlet/manual.

With collectors constantly chasing Tanks and Santos models, the Ballon Bleu remains one of Cartier's most compelling alternatives. Distinctive, elegant, and effortlessly wearable, it offers all the charm and design pedigree of the great Parisian jeweler—just with a little more curve, character, and individuality.

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.

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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.