Cartier
Ballon Bleu 42 (leather)
WSBB0026
The Ballon Bleu's signature curves in a 42 mm steel dress watch.
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Overview
The Cartier Ballon Bleu 42 in reference WSBB0026 presents the collection's hallmark rounded case in 42 mm stainless steel, paired with a silvered guilloché dial and Roman numeral hour markers. A leather strap completes the dress-watch sensibility, positioning the piece as a refined everyday companion. Powering the watch is Cartier's in-house Calibre 1847 MC, a movement developed to bring manufacture credibility to the broader Ballon Bleu range.
History
The Ballon Bleu de Cartier line was introduced in the mid-2000s and quickly became one of the maison's most recognisable contemporary references, distinguished by its domed sapphire crystal, concealed crown set within a protective cabochon, and fluid case silhouette. The 42 mm steel variant with leather strap occupied a central position in the range, appealing to collectors who favoured a larger case without the weight of precious metals. Reference WSBB0026 was produced from 2016 through 2023, representing a mature chapter of the line during which Cartier had fully transitioned the Ballon Bleu to in-house movements. Its discontinuation has drawn renewed collector attention to well-preserved examples.
Notable points
- Silvered guilloché dial features a fine hand-engraved pattern that animates the surface under changing light.
- Calibre 1847 MC is an in-house Cartier movement, marking the brand's commitment to manufacture watchmaking across its core collections.
- The signature blue cabochon crown, set flush into the case flank, is one of the most recognisable design details in modern Cartier horology.
- At 42 mm, the case sits at the larger end of the Ballon Bleu size range, lending the watch a confident wrist presence while retaining dress-watch proportions.
- Stainless steel construction with a leather strap offers a versatile pairing suited to both formal and smart-casual contexts.
Specifications
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