Cartier released the 40mm version a couple years ago with their in-house movement, and IMO it is the PERFECT men's sizing for the watch. I ended up buying it and on the leather strap I prefer it even to my Santos.
I thought I wanted a Santos for my first watch and the everyone else is in love with the Santos, but I really like the classic style and unique bezel of the Ballon Bleu. It may be my first watch instead. I just seems really versatile, especially with leather strap options.
One of my favourite things about Cartier is how versatile they are, despite looking like pure dress watches at first glance. Great review on a great watch!
Brandon's videos are always terrific! I learn things I would never think about, for example -- how the gold compliments skin tone, think of "round" as a bold move in the Cartier lineup, the surprising lug-to-lug distance makes it wearable, and on.... Always an interesting theme, good music choices, and a relaxed yet full-of-useful-knowledge presentation. Can't be beat.
Bravo and finally, a review of a 42 mm Ballon Bleu! This watch seems to be generally missed or avoided by most of the market but me thinks it is a hidden gem in rose gold. Love the design, rounded contours, and funky playfulness about the curves. Sort of like a disco volante.
This watch has been my "north star" since when I first started buying luxury watches a decade ago, I hated the Ballon and pretty much anything from Cartier. To me, nothing was more beautiful than a five digit Sub. Fast forward years and many watches that have come and gone, the Ballon Bleu has steadily crept up my wish list and every time I have tried it on at an AD, I have liked it more and more. Something about the pebble shape, the roman numerals, and the dial being so elegant but then you have a splash of daring from that crown pushing the minute track into the watch. Beautiful!
Let's be honest...We all said Tank or Santos as the first to pop into our heads! The thing I really love about Cartier pieces is that they're distinct and most times you can spot one at first glance. Elegance defined in most cases
This man is such a relief, great quality video's but most of all truly a week on the wrist video instead of a dude on a chair talking about a watch when the title suggest he wore it a week.
Very good review. Makes a good argument for this Cartier. Also, some nice location choices (Glendale Library is a great example of brutalist architecture). Well done Hodinkee.
A Cartier watch beside a bread! Which one is more important?! For me, at the moment, both! Love your presentation Brandon. God bless you and your family.
Wearing a gold dress watch with sweats is a fantastic look. I know the smash burgers were for the last video, but Cartier with some FTW would be the ultimate high brow low brow combo!
I love this. BUT. I wish Cartier did not add that 'Automatic' lettering on the dial. Infact, I feel they should remove the 'Automatic' lettering on all their Automatic watches. We get that it's an Automatic piece. But this is Cartier and not Omega or Rolex. Cartier pieces have that refined elegance to it and I feel the 'Automatic' lettering isn't congruent with the brand's legacy. Just my 2 cents.
I can see what he's trying with so called mix matching style, but this time it doesn't quite work with his "street" style with that BB. Works with Tank tho.
With the low power reserve, difficult crown and classic look, the Ballon Bleu sits firmly in the occasion watch category. IMO the closest to the ideal everyday watch from Cartier is the Tank solar - svelte and powered by the sun.
Which is ironic because it is one of Cartier's most popular models of all time. Go to any fancy or bougie event and you'll see soooo many women wearing them.
I feel like I’ve had some issues with mine, I’ve only had it like 6 days, brand new purchased direct from Cartier themselves: I noticed that I can hear a slight rattling in the watch sometimes as I shake it lightly or even just manipulate the watch. Also, I’ve noticed that the second hand regularly stops moving and I have to pull out the winding crown and mess around with it a little for it to start again… I’m a little concerned as I was so hesitant to bite the bullet and I was so happy with the piece, but now I’m feeling a little worried about it… can anyone help? Is this normal? I’m also a little worried as I had it engraved and they won’t take it back for a refund or return
It. Looks. Enormous. Stunning watch, but my goodness. With no bezel, that looks every bit of 42mm. And for a dress piece, that’s gonna be a huge turn off for many. But it sure is stunning
I can’t stand the reviews from this guy, apparently I’m the only one. His voice and his approach, I don’t know what it is, but makes me change immediately the video. 🤷🏻♂️
I’ve owned this watch for three years now. In my opinion, wearing it with casual/sweats/hoodies is a little ridiculous and a disservice to the model. I don’t think it looks good on him either.
I am sorry.. but they just made a girls watch bigger that's all. If you really like it, get the rep. There are better gens to buy than wasting on watches where Cartier needs to destroy themselves.
