Popularity of Cartier Ballon Bleu

[eRelyx]

Cartier just announced that the Ballon Bleu is its best selling line. The CEO said it was because in difficult economic times consumers are looking for more discreet timepieces.

I completely disagree with his explanation. I think they're popular because:
1. They look great
2. Celebs are wearing them, giving them more exposure.

Thoughts?

Blog here: Cartier Says that the Ballon Bleu is its Best Selling Watch

[LouS]

The Ballon Bleu is discreet? I suppose compared to an iced-out Breitling, but I wouldn't call it understated, even within Cartier's own product line. I prefer your explanation, plus Cartier's own promotional efforts.

[eRelyx]

The Ballon Bleu has a slimmer profile - but the men's version is still 42mm.

And Cartier has been introducing new, larger models. The Calibre de Cartier is not small.

[Watchbreath]

Discreet, that would be something like the 'Tank Cartier XL - W1551451'.

[ulackfocus]

I've yet to see a Ballon Bleu in the wild.

[alton1]

I think the Ballon Bleu is a particularly attractive watch. However, I think its design lends itself to formal dress occasions, and for that reason, I see it as more of a niche watch. I couldn't, for instance, see myself wearing a Cartier Ballon Bleu to my university classes. From the CEOs point of view, it might, indeed, be discreet. But I have the sneaking suspicion that the CEO of Cartier runs in a circle of friends and associates who can afford to (and do ) exhibit tastes far more extravagant than mine.

I would love to own one, but I don't see that I would find very many functions to attend that I think would justify my wearing what I consider (and not disparagingly so in the least) a "tuxedo" watch.

Cartier Ballon bleu de Cartier flying tourbillon, 9452 MC calibre
- 46mm case
- Geneva Seal





Cartier Ballon Bleu Chronograph
- offered in both bracelet and leather strap





photos courtesy of PuristSPro watchprosite

[bio]

I've yet to see a Ballon Bleu in the wild.

2 of my relatives already have it, and I could instantly recognize it. It really looks nice on the wrist and is on my ever expanding wishlist of watches that I'll need to wait for along time to get. My uncle was lucky to get it at a great price. He was in Paris sometime back and happen to chance on a store which was closing down its Cartier division and were selling them at a discount. It made me think if it's going to be a similar story with Tag.

[RobinO]

I have a Cartier Santos (not one of the newer much bigger sizes) and have always really loved it. The only thing I don't like about it is that it's the quartz model and not the mechanical version. Up until now none of the later releases by Cartier have really appealed to me but having seen and actually tried the Ballon Bleu on I have to say I was extremely impressed. It's so nice to seen Cartier doing something a bit different and their newly found desire to concentrate on the watchmaking side of their business. The prices of the Ballon Bleu are also pretty competitive.

[Scott D]

Every time I see "Ballon Bleu" I can't help but think it's some kind of variation of Cordon Bleu chicken dinner I'd order at a nice restaurant.

And who wants to wear their dinner on their wrist?

[ulackfocus]

Every time I see "Ballon Bleu" I can't help but think it's some kind of variation of Cordon Bleu chicken dinner I'd order at a nice restaurant.

And who wants to wear their dinner on their wrist?

Sounds like a good idea to me. I end up wearing dinner on my shirt half the time so if it were on my wrist it would be easier to clean up afterwards.