By Debbie O’Brien

Pink Gold’s heirloom appearance and flamboyant personality house this Cartier Ballon de Bleu Flying Tourbillon Men’s Watch 6920001. The base of its double layer dial is light grey, while the top layer is a stenciled cut-out combining black Roman numerals on the upper half and hour markers on the lower half.

The Ballon de Bleu Flying Tourbillon 6920001 has an extra large case which is easy to see at a glance when comparing the other variations in this collection. The extra large model has a 46 mm diameter and is 12.9 mm thick. The others models, designated as “only” large, are 42.1 mm in diameter.
A manual wind sacrifices none of the standard Cartier precision and performance. It has the Cartier calibre 9452-MC engine for a power reserve of up to 50 hours. Its 19 jewel movement ticks along at a consistent 21,600 vibration frequency.

Vital Statistics:

• 18K pink gold case
• The crown is set with a sapphire cabochon
• The dial color is pale grey with an industrial galvanized appearance
• A stationary bezel is attached to the case
• Both the crystal and transparent case back are scratch resistant sapphire
• Case is 46mm in diameter and 12.9 mm thick
• Watch band is brown alligator
• Water resistant to 30 meters/100 feet            
• Crafted in Switzerland
• A shield extends as part of the case to cover and protect the top of the crown
• Warranty

Gravity works against everything that moves and watches are no different. In the late 1700’s, French watch makers invented a container for the escapement and balance wheel, calling it a tourbillon, the French word for tornado.  Invented to counter the effects of gravity upon the timekeeping mechanisms, its job was to always move in a manner opposite to the position of the watch, thus countering the wearing effects of gravity. The name fit the suspended little container, seen through the dial on this model, since the mechanisms were caught up and suspended as if they were in the middle of a whirlwind without the government of gravity.

Cartier’s creation is truly an investment for the individual who appreciates the precision of 21st century craftsmanship but is also ready to accept,  perpetuate and preserve the last 200 years of the history of man. The 18K pink gold Cartier Ballon de Bleu Flying Tourbillon Extra Large Men’s watch, Model #6920001 can be purchased online and through authorized agents in a price range, on average, of between $77,200.00 and $99,599.00.