Cartier Ballon Blue Two-Tone Small Watch W69007Z3

Written by Kirsten Richards

Cartier is a name of distinction when it comes to accessories.  In particular, watches made by Cartier are not only luxurious, but they are also wearable.  The Cartier Ballon Bleu Women’s Two-Tone Small Watch W69007Z3 is a perfect representation of Cartier’s superior design.  It is ideal for the woman who likes to mix and match silver and gold accessories.

The two-tone theme of the watch is presented with both polished steel and 18K yellow gold.  The case is steel along with most of the bracelet.  However, the links of the bracelet are 18K gold, providing a nice contrast to the polished steel.  Set in the 18K gold crown is a blue synthetic spinel cabochon, a reflection of Cartier’s heritage serving royalty.

The dial itself is made of silvered opaline, which provides a clear canvas to back the solid black Roman numeral hour markers and small minute markers.  The hour and minute hands are blue, tying to the blue cabochon set in the crown.  Of course, the Cartier name is clearly positioned under the 12 o’clock marker.

Other features of the watch

• Band width: 8 mm
• Case diameter: 28.4 mm
• Sapphire scratch-resistant dial window
• Hidden deployment clasp
• Swiss quartz movement
• Water resistant to 30 M

There are two distracting issues with this watch.  The first is that the 7,8, and 9 Roman numeral hour markers are squeezed very tightly together on the dial.  It’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins.  Also, because the crown is set inside of the bezel, the 3 and 4 o’clock hour markers are distorted.  Regardless of these two small problems, the watch is very functional.

The suggested retail price for this watch is $6,900.  There are several online retailers that sell the watch for significantly less, however.

Ballon Blue Stainless Steel Watch W69011Z4

If you like the basic design of the watch but want something slightly different, you can try one of the following Cartier models:

• W69010Z4—stainless steel case and bracelet, case diameter 28.4 mm, retail price $4,350
• W69011Z4—stainless steel case and bracelet, case diameter 36 mm, retail price $5,200
• W6920034—stainless steel bracelet and 18K pink gold bracelet links, case diameter 28.4 mm, retail price $7,050
• W6920047—stainless steel bracelet and 18K gold bracelet links, case diameter 37 mm, retail price $8,200
• W6920033– stainless steel bracelet and 18K pink gold bracelet links, case diameter 36 mm, retail price $7,050

Each of these similar models is available at various online retailers and at Cartier.com.

With a combination of vintage style and modern functionality, the Women’s Small Ballon Bleu is perfect if you need to transition between the office and a night on the town.  You may have to change your shoes and shed your blazer, but you can wear this gorgeous Cartier watch with pride in either situation.