Everybody's watch, which is the problem
By Priya Nair, Singapore ·
Walk through Ion Orchard on a Saturday and count the Ballon Bleus. I stopped at eleven once.
That popularity is both the appeal and the issue. Since 2007 the Ballon Bleu has been the round Cartier for people who want a round Cartier, with the blue cabochon crown tucked under its little protective arc. The 33 mm automatic is the size I'd choose: silver dial, date, steel bracelet, calibre 076 with 42 hours, 30 m.
But look at the thickness. 11 mm on a 33 mm case is a lot, and the curved, pebble-like profile makes it sit tall. Under a fitted cuff it catches. And because there are so many in circulation, resale is ordinary; you'll take a real hit if you sell. At 5,850 to 6,300 dollars I'd rather have a Santos-Dumont or save a bit more for a Santos Medium. If the Ballon Bleu is the one you love, buy it pre-owned, where the market has already done the depreciating for you.