Written by: Garrett Miller

Cartier, a brand that has long been associated with luxury and refinement, is continuing their tradition of producing classically elegant watches. The Ballon Bleu Steel W69012Z4 maintains this tradition while its sleek, shiny appearance simultaneously acknowledges the “futuristic” aspects of the present day and age. This lovely men’s dress watch features a silver guilloched opaline dial and Roman numeral hour markers, giving it the old-fashioned grandfather clock charm. At the same time, its highly polished steel case, bezel, and bracelet give it a sleek, silvery, and decidedly futuristic aesthetic.

Cartier Ballon Bleu Steel

About This Watch:

• Swiss crafted
• Cartier Caliber 049 engine
• Silver opaline dial with Roman numeral dial markers
• Fluted set crown with synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel
• Sword-shaped blue hands

Details/Specifications:

• Self-winding automatic movement
• Functions include hours, minutes, seconds, and date shown at 3 o’clock position
• Sapphire crystal with scratch-resistant coating
• Water resistant to a depth of 30 m (100 ft)
• Polished steel case
• 42 mm (1 5/8”) case diameter
• 13 mm case thickness
• Polished steel bracelet
• 7” adjustable bracelet length
• Fixed stainless steel bezel
• Deployment buckle clasp

Availability: This watch retails from Cartier at $6200. It is also available from the following retail websites:

•  Traxnyc.com, listed at $5520
• Jomashop.com, listed at $5485.63
• Authenticwatches.com, listed at $5295

Drawbacks: This watch features a simple, clean aesthetic with minimal distractions, sub-dials, or extra markings. It is not a sports or “performance” watch.  It will not allow you to read out second measurements while driving a race car. You cannot take it scuba diving. It will not survive a 1,000 foot fall from the top of a cliff. You get the picture. Rather, this timepiece is a well-crafted, elegant timepiece that will impress in the boardroom, on a date, or at a ritzy social function.

The Bottom Line

The Cartier Ballon Bleu Steel W69012Z4 is not the watch for an extreme athlete or outdoor enthusiast. It is, however, a versatile, stylish, classy timepiece that is sure to impress on any occasion.