Written by: John Parker

The blue metallic dials hypnotized me. I first saw the Ballon Bleu Cartier Men’s W6920011 Stainless-Steel Watch while vacationing in Palm Springs last month, and it has been on my mind ever since.

Ballon Bleu Cartier: An Unforgettable Impression

I was immediately entranced by sumptuous design and classic Roman numeral hour markers, but it was the mischievous, electric blue dials that really sealed the deal. I didn’t notice them at first. In fact, I’d been talking to the owner of this watch for almost an hour when he turned to tip the waiter, the lamplight hit the watch face just right, and the blue dials leapt into my line of sight. I was, and still am, blown away by the tongue-in-cheek, youthful detailing on such a sophisticated and understated watch.

If your parents or grandparents own a Cartier watch, you may already be aware of the illustrious history of the company. Founded in Paris in 1847, Cartier was hugely affected by a 1904 royal commission that made Cartier supplier to Europe’s Crowned Heads of State. The company is responsible for the wristwatch’s triumph over the pocket watch and is also the first watch supplier to use the, now very common, deployment folding clasp (in 1910). Cartier is a rich, luxurious brand with a proud history of innovation, gorgeous detailing and quality materials.

This beautiful silver watch, with its highly-readable Roman numerals, calendar function and water resistance to 99 feet, would make an unforgettable gift to a beloved father, son, grandson, husband or friend.

Pros

• Unique Blue Metallic Hands

• Swiss Quartz Movement

• Calendar Function

• Silver Bezel

• Stainless Steel Band

• Water Resistant to 99 Feet

Cons

• Silver face will require upkeep

• Price may be prohibitive ($5,300)

If the price of the W6920011 Ballon Bleu Stainless-Steel Two Timezone Watch is a bit off-putting, Cartier offers a range of equally gorgeous, more cost-effective options, including the small W69010Z4, the most basic of the Ballon Bleu Cartier line. Small, maybe, but with a steel fluted crown and a silvered opaline dial, no less elegant. A beautiful, wallet-friendly alternative.

Speaking from experience, this Ballon Bleu Cartier timepiece leaves an unforgettable impression on friends and acquaintances. It has been the catalyst for an exciting new relationship in my life and anytime I tell the story of our first encounter, I will have to mention the electric blue hands of the Cartier watch in the lamplight. Truly, a gorgeous watch worth the money.