WSBB0040
CurrentBallon Bleu 36mm Steel
Current
36mm steel with bracelet. Versatile size for most wrists.
Case: Stainless Steel
The Ballon Bleu de Cartier arrived in 2007 and became one of the fastest-adopted luxury watch designs of the modern era. Its most distinctive feature is the crowned crown guard — a blue synthetic sapphire sphere that appears to 'float' within an asymmetric cut in the case at 3 o'clock, giving the impression that it might roll away. This design detail, which protects the crown from impact and adds a bold sculptural element, was controversial at launch and instantly iconic in retrospect. The Ballon Bleu's round case, guilloche silver dial, Roman numeral chapter ring, and sword-shaped blue steel hands reflect the full vocabulary of Cartier's artistic heritage. It is available in 33mm, 36mm (WSBB0040, WSBB0020), 40mm (WSBB0009), and 42mm, in steel, rose gold, yellow gold, and two-tone Bicolor combinations. The 36mm rose gold with cream dial is particularly popular with women collectors; the 42mm steel with white dial is the most popular men's configuration. Pre-owned Ballon Bleu watches offer excellent value — the design is timeless enough to have appreciated modestly over time.
Key References
WSBB0040WSBB0020W6920041W6920068W69012Z4
100%
Authenticated
5,000+
Pieces Sold
25+
Countries
Specifications
Ballon Bleu Technical Specifications
| Movement | Calibre 049 (manual) · Calibre 1847 MC (automatic) · Calibre 690 (quartz) |
|---|---|
| Power reserve | 42 hours (1847 MC) · 5 years (quartz) |
| Water resistance | 30 metres |
| Case material | Stainless Steel · 18ct Yellow / White / Rose Gold · Two-tone |
| Case diameter | 33mm · 36mm · 40mm · 42mm |
| Thickness | 12.05mm (42mm) · 9.34mm (36mm) |
| Lug-to-lug | varies |
| Weight | Varies |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bezel | Smooth round with floating sapphire crown |
| Bracelet | Steel bracelet · Leather strap · Two-tone bracelet |
Reference Guide
Ballon Bleu References Explained
WSBB0020
CurrentBallon Bleu 36mm Steel/Yellow Gold
Current
36mm two-tone with steel and yellow gold bracelet.
Case: Two-tone
W6920041
CurrentBallon Bleu 40mm Steel
Current
40mm steel with bracelet — sweet-spot size.
Case: Stainless Steel
W6920068
CurrentBallon Bleu 42mm Steel
Current
42mm steel — the largest Ballon Bleu, typically men's preference.
Case: Stainless Steel
WJBB0017
CurrentBallon Bleu 36mm Rose Gold with Diamonds
Current
36mm rose gold with diamond bezel and dial.
Case: 18ct Rose Gold
W69012Z4
CurrentBallon Bleu 33mm Steel/Yellow Gold
Current
33mm two-tone — the most petite Ballon Bleu.
Case: Two-tone
Market Price
What does a Ballon Bleu cost?
Current retail (W6920041 40mm steel)
~$7,500
Pre-owned (low)
$5,500
Pre-owned (high)
$15,000
Recently observed
Steel 40mm W6920041 trades $5,500–$7,000; 42mm W6920068 at $6,000–$7,500. Two-tone 36mm WSBB0020 at $7,500–$9,500.
Rose gold WJBB0017 with diamonds $18,000–$28,000. Petite 33mm W69012Z4 at $7,000–$9,000. Discontinued 30mm references softer.
History
Ballon Bleu Through the Years
2007
Ballon Bleu de Cartier launches at SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie).
2007
Floating crown design — sapphire 'roll' inside protective metal case — becomes the signature element.
2009
First Ballon Bleu Tourbillon launched in white gold.
2010
Ballon Bleu becomes one of Cartier's bestselling references globally.
2014
Smaller 28mm and 33mm sizes added to the line.
2017
Ballon Bleu 10th anniversary — new dial and bracelet variations.
2020
Ballon Bleu de Cartier Calibre — automatic flagship at 42mm.
Buying Guide
How to buy a pre-owned Ballon Bleu
01
Pick size by gender preference & wrist
33mm is the most petite (typically women's). 36mm is the unisex sweet spot. 40mm is the modern unisex choice. 42mm is firmly in men's territory. Try multiple sizes — the floating crown adds visual presence beyond the case diameter alone.
02
Two-tone versus monochrome
Two-tone (steel/yellow gold) Ballon Bleu has the most distinctive visual presence and good resale value. Pure steel is more conservative. Rose gold is more contemporary. White gold is the most subtle precious metal option.
03
Diamond-set Ballon Bleu
Diamond-bezel and diamond-dial Ballon Bleu references add genuine value but can be polarizing. They work in jewelry-conscious markets but limit resale audience. Buy diamond-set references for personal preference, not investment.
Sizing
Will the Ballon Bleu fit your wrist?
Ballon Bleu wears slightly larger than its diameter due to the protruding floating crown. 36mm fits most wrists comfortably (5.5–7.5"). 40mm is unisex — works for both. 42mm needs 6.75"+ for proper proportions. Stack height of 9.34–12.05mm slips under most cuffs.
Compare
Ballon Bleu vs. its siblings
vs. Santos
Santos is Cartier's heritage square-case sport-utility watch. Ballon Bleu is the modern round-case watch with the floating crown. Both are Cartier classics in different aesthetics.
vs. Tank
Tank is Cartier's rectangular dress watch. Ballon Bleu is the round dress watch. Both are formal options but with different design philosophies.
vs. Panthere
Panthère is the integrated bracelet jewellery-watch. Ballon Bleu is the dress watch. Different occasions — Panthère for evening jewellery, Ballon Bleu for daily formal.
In Stock
Available Ballon Bleu Watches
Sourced on request.
We don't always have every Ballon Bleu reference listed publicly — but our global network means we can source your exact piece, often within days. Tell us what you're looking for.
Common Questions
Ballon Bleu — Frequently Asked Questions
Private Concierge
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