The Incredible stories behind Cartier’s iconic watches

From Ballon Bleu to the Tank, here are the captivating stories behind four of Cartier’s most celebrated timepieces.

Ballon Bleu de Cartier

Sleek and simple, Cartier’s Ballon Bleu goes with everything from black tie to casual.

Princess Kate Middleton paired her steel model (a third-anniversary gift from husband Prince William) with skinny jeans and a striped top to attend a charity polo match.

A suited and velvet-booted Oscar Isaac flashed his gold version at the Venice Film Festival.

The timepiece was launched in 2007, and quickly became one of the house’s top sellers.

Its round and convex casing, refined Roman numerals and enclosed blue cabochon crown are instantly recognizable to watch collectors the world over.

Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch in 18-k yellow gold with diamonds and sapphire, $32,900
at London Jewelers, 2046 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, LI

And with scores of models and bracelet options available — in steel, mixed metal, white, yellow or rose gold, with or without diamonds — there’s something for everyone and every occasion. That includes the red carpet: Royal-in-law Pippa Middleton wore her bicolor model ringed in brilliant-cut diamonds to a London benefit.

Baignoire de Cartier

Baignoire de Cartier watch in 18-k yellow gold, $26,200
at London Jewelers, 2046 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, LI

The Baignoire de Cartier takes its name from the French word for bathtub, lending itself to a smooth oval shape.

An early version of the timepiece was conceived by Louis Cartier in 1912 and gifted to top client Russian Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna.

It was reintroduced in 1958 and later named the Baignoire. Over the years, the oval case has been elongated (Baignoire Allongée), enlarged (Maxi Oval) and tilted (Baignoire Oblique). It has even been simultaneously stretched and studded (another Baignoire Allongée). Favored by French actresses including Catherine Deneuve and Jeanne Moreau, it also graces Kendall Jenner’s wrist.

In line with the tiny-watch trend, the maison has unveiled 11 new petite models in yellow, rose or white gold, some set with diamonds. Round out your watch collection with a gleaming Baignoire.

Clash [Un]limited

Cartier Clash [Un]limited watch in 18-k yellow and purple gold, $33,300
at London Jewelers, 2046 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, LI

When Clash de Cartier debuted in 2019, the studded punk jewelry collection was a daring departure from the house’s famed Art Deco aesthetic. And yet, the experimental line reflected Cartier’s signature design codes: geometric forms and hardware details. Soon, fashion followers like Natalie Portman, Zoe Saldana and Timothée Chalamet rocked Clash on the red carpet, while “Emily in Paris” star Lily Collins flaunted it in the ads.

The house has extended its success with the spiked XL format, accented with Tahitian pearls, onyx and diamonds, and now the Clash [Un]limited range. The capsule’s innovative jewelry watch features an articulated bracelet composed of tactile rolling beads, pyramid studs and angular links with a vintage-look faceted crystal, creating an intriguing mix of contemporary and classic.

Playing with color and luster, the base model juxtaposes yellow and purple gold elements with polished and brushed finishes. It clashes confidently.

Tank

Cartier Tank Française watch in 18-k yellow gold with diamonds, $32,800
at London Jewelers, 2046 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, LI

More than a century old, the enduringly popular Cartier Tank stands the test of time. Beloved by both men and women, it has been worn by a pantheon of tastemakers, from Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart to Angelina Jolie, along with Meghan Markle, Michelle Obama and Princess Diana. (In 2017, Kim Kardashian bought Jackie Kennedy’s treasured gold Tank with a black band at auction for $379,500, and proudly wore it to the White House the following year.)

Created in 1917 by Louis Cartier, the watch’s design reflected the view from above of a World War I tank, with a rail-track minute counter, Roman numerals and a blue cabochon. That purity of line lends itself to myriad iterations.

Today, variations include the Tank Louis Cartier (an Art Deco masterpiece), the Tank Française (with its seamless chain-link bracelet), the Tank Américaine (boldly elongated to hug the wrist) and the Tank Cintrée Skeleton (its slim case showcases a visible movement). There’s endless temptation for Tank enthusiasts.