Cartier Ballon Watches
Big Watch Buyers offers a curated selection of authenticated, pre-owned Cartier Ballon timepieces in the New York Diamond District. Browse our full Cartier collection or explore the Ballon lineup below.
The Balloon That Redefined Round
The Ballon Bleu de Cartier (introduced 2007) is the most successful new Cartier design of the 21st century. Its signature element is the crown guard — a rounded bulge at 3 o'clock that wraps around the beaded crown and cabochon sapphire, creating an asymmetric profile that distinguishes the Ballon from every other round watch. The case is double-arcaded (convex on both the front and back), which means the watch sits on the wrist like a pebble — rounded on all surfaces with no flat planes. The name "Ballon" (balloon) refers to this pebble-like roundness; the "Bleu" refers to the cabochon sapphire on the crown. The Ballon Bleu is Cartier's answer to the question "what would a round Cartier watch look like if it were designed by a sculptor rather than an engineer?"
Pre-Owned Pricing Guide
| Model | Retail (approx.) | Pre-Owned Range | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballon Bleu 28mm Steel | $3,950 | $1,500–$2,800 | 29–62% |
| Ballon Bleu 33mm Steel | $4,650 | $2,000–$3,500 | 25–57% |
| Ballon Bleu 36mm Steel | $5,350 | $2,500–$4,000 | 25–53% |
| Ballon Bleu 42mm Steel | $6,350 | $3,000–$5,000 | 21–53% |
| Ballon Bleu 33mm Rose Gold | $15,200 | $7,000–$11,000 | 28–54% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Ballon Bleu or Tank?
A: The Tank is Cartier's most iconic shape — rectangular, century-old, universally recognized. The Ballon Bleu is Cartier's most modern shape — round, sculptural, and defined by the crown guard. The Tank is the heritage choice; the Ballon Bleu is the contemporary choice.
Q: What size should I choose?
A: 28mm is the classic women's size. 33mm is the crossover — worn by women who want a bolder look and by men with smaller wrists. 36mm is the smaller men's size. 42mm is the men's standard with chronograph. The crown guard adds visual width, so each size wears slightly larger than its measurement.
Sell or Trade Your Ballon
Our specialists provide transparent valuations for every Ballon reference. Walk into our 47th Street showroom for an immediate appraisal, or use our fully insured Parcel Pro shipping label for a remote evaluation with same-day payment.
Visit Us in the Diamond District
Our showroom: 20 W 47th St., Suite 401, New York, NY 10036. Walk-ins welcome.
Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM – 6 PM | Sat–Sun Closed | Phone: +1 (646) 429-9412
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WhatsApp: +1 (646) 429-9412