Amid the low five figure echelons, the Cartier Ballon Bleu Black Dial Chronograph Men’s Watch W6920052 is undeniably a fair-priced find. While its black band is not an obvious eye-catcher and its unequivocally-round, stainless-steel bezel turns me off, an alligator strap is a nice touch of detail for the buyer who enjoys small things that make for distinction. Since the Cartier Ballon Bleu W6920052 is readily available on a plethora of websites, you can easily knock $1000 from the retail price if you are a smart shopper. Overall, if you are looking for a classy watch from a high quality brand family, I say go for it.

In the Cartier Ballon Bleu Black Dial Chronograph men’s watch, the signature Cartier Roman-numeral dial-face is an exquisite standout against a silver-faced backdrop. As always, Cartier also offers high quality materials, premier repair service, and high quality Swiss quartz movement.  While I would be more likely to spend $7000 less on a functional diving watch such as the Invicta Men’s 6555 Subaqua Noma IV for my sea-faring hubby or less than four figures on a Gucci Men’s YA126222 G-Timeless Brown Chronograph G Dial for my European styling brother, I support you in this purchase if you or a male giftee prefers the old money air of unassuming, high quality from an elite brand family.  If you are already a Cartier devotee and a sucker for 18K gold, with a bit more cash to spare, you can find a surpassingly distinctive Cartier Calibre De Cartier Automatic W7100007 Men’s Watch online for only $5000 more than this Cartier Ballon Bleu. If any brand can smatter gold atop its watches sans an air of uncouth, in-your-face gaudiness, it’s Cartier. With the Calibre De Cartier Automatic W7100007, they do it well. All in all, you have many high-end options among which the Cartier Ballon Bleu Black Dial Chronograph Men’s Watch is a respectable mid-range choice for the high-end, traditional, classy, dresser.

Ultimately, this is a fair-priced purchase leading to a buying decision that comes down to personal taste. If you like the looks of this watch and you have the money to spend, go ahead and buy it. The materials are top notch, the price is fair, and the Cartier brand is classy and reliable. While I would not purchase it as a matter of personal taste, I urge you to follow your heart on this one. If you are a classy, stylish, unassuming man (or love one enough to spend five figures), this Cartier Ballon Bleu Black Dial Chronograph could be the perfect purchase for you!

Cartier makes some very classy watches. I would refer to these, not as “men’s watches,” but more as “gentlemen’s watches.” Indeed, Cartier is the taste of many a refined gentleman. The Cartier Santos Dumont Mens Watch W2006951 is no exception to the trend as it boasts elegant and classic features that have a certain distinguished quality to them.

On the shape of the watch, it has a square face with an exquisite leather alligator style bracelet. The overall effect of this is a contrast to the metallic nature of most watches and allows this watch to have a more earthy and natural look and feel to it. This is enhanced by the roman hour makers arranged around the face of the watch. It gives the timepeiece an ancient feel, as f part of some long standing and respectable tradition. And such a feeling is not far from the truth. In 1904, the prototype for this watch was given to the Brazilian pioneer aviator, Santos-Dumot, hence the name of the collection. The namesake for the watch is fitting as it evokes feeling of a refined and beguiling adventuresome man of old. It in fact reminds me of the most interesting man from those beer commercials. I am pretty sure he would wear a watch like this. Furthermore, a gentleman is never without his trusty sword. That is why this watch comes with sword shaped black oxidized steel hands. Perhaps this is the most interesting watch in the world.

The natural feel of this watch doesn’t mean it is dowdy however. There is an 18kt pink gold case as well as octagonal crown with The case, octagonal crown, and buckle all are 18kt pink gold–how very refreshing. The octagonal crown also boasts a sapphire set into it. Speaking of sapphire, the sapphire crystal is scratch resistant and the watch is water resistant to 30 meters–talk about durable. A rhodium plated dial and mechanical movement with manual winding top out the list of specs for this piece.

Now, the case is about 44.6×34.6 mm which makes it quite large. Coupled with the big roman numerals this watch is easier to read than the back of a cereal box. However, if you have petite feature than perhaps this is not the watch for you. But, if you are a refined gentleman like Ernest Hemingway, Theodore Roosevelt, or the guy from the beer commercials, then this is the perfect watch for you.

The Cartier Tank Americaine Mens Watch W2609156 features a brown leather strap with a crocodile pattern. It may be reminiscent of your trip to the amazon where you bagged your own gator. Then again, maybe not. But perhaps it is, and you want to swap out the leather for some you took from a trophy kill personally, the choice is yours and the possibilities are endless. Moving past the band, the buckle is gold. Or a better less awkward way to describe it is an 18kt gold buckle. Maybe you have an 18kt gold buckle that you use to hold up your pants. And while your holding up your pants with gold you want to look at the time on your wrist and you want that time to be set in gold, because these are your golden years. Bam. Done. Did somebody say 18kt rose gold face? I did and this watch has it. Simply stunning. We got a sapphire crystal scratch resistant surface and water resistance to 100 feet. If you can dive more than 100 feet you don’t need a watch you need a handshake, because that is pretty impressive. The dial is completely classic invoking the ancient societies with its roman numeral silver grained style. Oh so elegant and classy.

Some of the cooler specs include the crown which is an octagon with 18 kt gold and a blue sapphire cabochon, which is pretty neat. The watch also feature self-winding automatic movement, because you have enough to worry about in life as is. Let yourself be well-assured you’ll be on time.

If you are looking for a very sophisticated watch, that any gentleman would be proud to wear and own, then this watch is for you.

If you do not want a classic style and are looking for something shiny then get off my lawn and find one of those bling pieces the kids are talking about because this isn’t it.

Would you consider your personal style to be classic and traditional? Or maybe you prefer a modern look, and wear nothing but the most current, cutting-edge fashions. If either of these descriptions sounds like you, or if you think you might fall somewhere in between, the Cartier Ballon Bleu Steel W6920002 Men’s watch will keep both yourself and your style right on track.

A classic watch with a modern flare, this timepiece boasts an ageless design packed with contemporary details that make it a good choice for anyone from your grandfather to a college student. To keep it traditional, the W6920002 features a round shaped case, a simple and un-crowded dial, and a chronograph function that includes 30-minute and 60-second subdials. On the other hand, there are a number of little details that bring this watch into the here and now. If the name of this watch didn’t already give it away, stainless steel is one of, if not its main feature. This surgical grade metal is not only used in the bracelet, case and bezel, but the hands themselves are also made from a blued-steel. Even though the dial plays a big part in keeping this watch classic, the minute markers on its inner rim and the use of nine Roman numerals instead of twelve give it an ultramodern kick. The fluted steel crown also adds interest as it is set with a blue synthetic spinel cabochon.

The Ballon Bleu W6920047 offers many of the same features but with a more varied appearance, all twelve numerals and a lower price.

Other features include:
• Skeleton case back
• Date display located at the 9 o’clock position
• Silver flinqué dial
• Mechanical movement with automatic winding
• Water resistant to 100 feet
• Sapphire crystal

To recap the reasons why you’ll probably want to own one of these, here are some pros:
• Classic yet modern look
• Unapologetic use of stainless steel—makes it sturdy and difficult to break
• Simplicity of design—easy to read and uncomplicated to use
• Automatic winding

Unfortunately, nothing is perfect, so I would consider these cons before you buy:
• It’s expensive—with a price tag of $10,900, the high cost will be a deal-breaker for some.
• The missing numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock—if you’re a perfectionist like me, you’ll most likely prefer to see all twelve hours on your watch face.
• The stainless steel—even though this might be a big pro for some people, it might be overwhelming for others who prefer a leather or rubber strap, or a dial with a contrasting color.

This is a watch that is not only stylish, but appropriate for guys of all ages. However, if you fall into the category of people who are turned off by any of its cons, there are many other models in the Ballon Bleu de Cartier collection that are more affordable, feature a variety of different materials, and have all hours represented on the dial. Also, if price is your only major concern, there are watch distributors online that have the W6920002 listed at prices significantly lower than the manufacturer’s. On the other hand, if cost isn’t an issue for you, and you like the way this watch looks, I don’t think buyer’s remorse will be a problem with this purchase.

If you are a man with a sensibility for 1930′s New York, you may find the Cartier Tank Americaine 18k Yellow Gold Men’s Watch W2603156 exceptional for its nostalgic air. This member of Cartier’s French-style wares ranks among the watchmaker’s widely cherished classics. It is a real throwback in time. Favored by many, this timepiece sports a handsome, guilloché silver-grained dial; black Roman numeral scales; the company’s signature solid 18k gold arched case; and a comely crocdile-skin, brown leather strap. For anyone seeking a true Cartier classic, consider this Tank Americaine.

Since their inception in 1917, Cartier’s Tank models have proven popular. The W2603156 is no exception. Distinct features of the collection include: handcrafted bracelets and square cases; crisp black Roman numerals; and the well-recognized, blue sword-shaped hands.  Cartier offers the Tank Americaine as one of its more innovative and distinctive pieces. In 1932, a first-of-its-kind water resistant design came to fruition in response to a special order made by the Pasha of Marrakesh; the convenient feature remains among Cartier watches’ most desirable attributes.The Tank Americaine W2603156 is notable for its long, rectangular gold case; adjustable, crocodile-skin leather strap; 18k gold tang buckle; and exaggerated, somewhat convex lines.

Tang Buckle: A Classic Convenience

Features:

• 18k yellow gold octagonal crown with blue sapphire Cabochon
• Scratch resistant sapphire mineral crystal
• polished 18k gold case
• Automatic movement
• 7″ adjustable brown leather crocodile-textured strap
• 18k gold tang buckle
• 1.75″ x 1.0″ solid 18k gold case
• Water resistant up to 100′
• 120 Cartier caliber

Though its retail value is $15,000, the Tank Americaine W2603156 is available for discounted prices at: Authenticwatches.com ($12,950); Startoftime.com ($13,995); Prestigetime.com ($13,050); Watchesonnet.com ($13,495) – among other sellers. To find it online you may also search for “Model # 2603156.” Note, too, variations of this piece include: Cartier Tank Americaine models W2603256 and W2603556; and Cartier Tank Solo 1018855.

Serving royalty since Napoleon III’s court in 1851, Cartier is one of the oldest watch and jewelry makers in the world. And the Cartier Tank Americaine 18k Yellow Gold Men’s Watch W2603156 is one example of why. It is among the maker’s time capturing pieces, as it calls to mind a bygone era. Its celebrated characteristics include its famous rectangular 18k gold case; octagonal crown set; artisan-made, textured leather strap; and expertly crafted mechanisms – all of which combine to make this Tank Americaine an exquisitely smart choice for any man looking to distinguish himself as a lover of time and ago.

Tank Americaine W2603556

Tank Americaine W2603256

In search of a luxurious designer watch to bring a classy feel to your overall look?  Look no further, your search ends here.  The Cartier Ballon Bleu large men’s watch incorporates elegance and punctuality all within one ritzy time piece.

This chic watch is perfect for just about every occasion you could possibly think of.  The beautiful 18kt white gold case measures at 42 millimeters, making it a larger sized watch and harder to pull off on certain men.  The silver dial contains blue steel sword shaped second, hour and minute hands which all point to roman numeral hour indicators.  A great feature of this watch is the date window by the hour three.  The dial is protected by anti-reflective sapphire scratch resistant crystal.  Around the dial is an 18kt white gold fixed bezel.  The movement of this watch is automatic.  To match the rest of the 18kt white gold theme, the watch has an 18kt white gold bracelet with a hidden folding clasp.  An awesome feature of this watch is that it is water resistant in up to 100 feet of water, making it great for that big summer cruise or a day at the lake.  This watch retails at $38,500, making it a very expensive accessory to own.

If you’re not a fan of this particular color scheme or size of this featured watch, don’t you worry.  The Cartier Ballon Bleu collection offers several variations of this watch.  The watch is available in not only a large model, but a small and medium model as well.  The color variations are almost unlimited it seems with black and white dials, black or gold numerals and gold and white gold bands.  There’s even a chronograph version with black or brown leather straps available of the Ballon Bleu.  When it comes to the Ballon Bleu collection the style choices almost seem unlimited.

Pros

• Available in many different variations
• Water resistant up to 100 feet
• Scratch resistant sapphire crystal
• Luxurious designer watch

If you are genuinely interested in purchasing this fine watch, it is best to do so through an authorized Cartier dealer or an actual Cartier store.  Cartier is one of the most counterfeited brands on the internet so it would be a shame to fall victim to a scam.  Make sure your seller is credible and that you’re getting your money’s worth!  You’re sure to be the envy amongst all of your friends with the Cartier Ballon Bleu large men’s watch.

Do you favor a tailored look? Does dapper draw your eye? If so, join the elite whose fine taste is exhibited with the Cartier Calibre de Cartier 18k Rose Gold & Steel Automatic Men’s Watch W7100011. This handsome piece is one well-oiled system. Its brown croco-embossed leather bracelet, rich 18k gold bezel, and black Roman numerals wrap its time keeping movements in exclusive style . Additionally, a silvered and snailed opaline dial and black oxidized-steel, luminescent hands contribute to this piece’s masculine bearing.

With the W7100011 Automatic, Cartier offers a sophisticated addition to a wardrobe showcasing designer suits. At a retail price of $10,000, this timepiece targets those with funds for the finer things in life. If a stainless steel case, date display, seconds sub-dial, automatic movement, sapphire crystal, and adjustable deployment clasp are vital features for your watch selection, you will find them with this Cartier Calibre. It is further enhanced by its Cartier 1904-MC engine, minute markers around the outer rim, and polished silver dial. But this unit’s primary appeal is its striking combination of  rose gold bezel and deep brown, textured leather strap.

Cartier is Solid, Like its Case Back

Additional Features:

• Hours, minutes, seconds, date functions
• Polished silver analog dial
• Stainless steel hexagonal crown
• Seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock position
• Luminescent dial markers and sword-shaped hands
• Solid case back
• Round case shape (42 mm diameter; 14 mm thickness)
• Scratch resistant sapphire crystal
• Calender display at 3 o’clock position
• Water resistant to 30 meters (100 feet)
• Self-winding automatic movement
• Brushed and polished stainless steel
• 7 inch adjustable strap

The pros of this product are all of the above attributes. Its con is obvious: it is expensive. But, through Shopping.yahoo.com ($8,995) Amazon.com ($8,886), Authenticwatches.com ($8,995), and Jomashop.com ($7,999), this Cartier Calibre de Cartier Men’s Watch is readily available at discount prices. Note that this model is also known as: model # W7100011 / 7100011 / CRW7100039 / 7100039, so expand your search if you have a hard time finding it.

If you would like to count yourself among royalty, consider this watch for your next purchase. If you like the notion of carrying a Cartier like the long line of celebrities who have done so for generations, then the Cartier Calibre deCartier 18k Rose Gold & Steel Automatic Men’s Watch W7100011 could be your ticket to a proximity to fame (or at least famous tastes). Be Paris-inspired with this luxury accessory. Be the buyer of its worldly manufacturer’s endeavors. Be a prince among princes, wear this Cartier.

The Finest Could Be in Your Future

With its machine-like design and futuristic style, the Cartier Santos-Dumont Skeleton Carbon Men’s Watch W2020052 looks like something you would expect to see someone wearing in The Matrix. So, if you’re the kind of guy who likes to picture himself in a black trench coat and dark sunglasses dodging bullets and single-handedly fighting off a crowd of bad guys with your ultramodern ninja skills, this is definitely the watch for you.

As a brand, Cartier is known for its intricate, whimsical and sometimes even bizarre designs, and the W2020052 is no stranger to this trend. This watch boasts an entirely titanium case, bezel and crown, sword-shaped brass hands and an alligator skin bracelet with an adjustable 18-karat white gold buckle. Its most interesting and notable feature however, is the detailing on the face. Because this is a skeleton watch, it lacks a solid dial. Instead, the Roman numerals that form the bridges of its movement create a sort of makeshift dial, through which you can see this timepiece’s inner workings.

The W2007051 brings a more traditional look to Cartier's Santos-Dumont collection.

Other features of this watch include:
• Mechanical movement with manual winding caliber
• 38.7 mm x 47.4 mm case dimensions
• Up to 72 hours of power reserve
• Water-resistant to 100 feet (30 meters)
• Movement is individually numbered
• Sapphire crystal and case back

Despite its somewhat spindly appearance, this watch is actually quite solid. The strength of the titanium used throughout its composition will make this one difficult to break. However, if there are problems with your watch, it is protected under a two-year limited warranty.

To sum up all the pros about this watch:
• Its interesting and intricate design
• Its durability
• Its three day long power reserve
• Its water-resistance

Unfortunately, you can’t have pros without cons:
• Price—$46,000 (and that doesn’t include any sales tax)
• Readability—if you didn’t already know there were Roman numerals on this watch, I bet you wouldn’t even notice them.
• Its futuristic look will probably only appeal to a small group of shoppers
• Lack of variety— not for those who prefer a diverse color palette or a selection of different materials in the construction of their watch

If you have the money to spend and this selection from the Santos-Dumont collection satisfies your stylistic tastes, then go ahead and get this watch, I don’t think you’ll regret it. However, if you prefer something a little more subdued, Cartier offers other watches in the same collection that have a more traditional look.

Looking for an elegant yet relatively modest luxury chronograph watch? Try the Cartier Ballon Bleu Chronograph Automatic Men’s Watch W6920003 ($10,300). Sophisticated yet rugged, it may come as a surprise to you that this watch is from Cartier. With its silver stainless steel dial, black leather band, and clean design, this timepiece is great for business or pleasure without the ostentation.

Cartier has been known for its quality watch-making (since 1888) almost as long as its jewelry-making (1847). The Ballon Bleu, one of the newest additions to the Cartier family, boasts a classic round shape, Swiss quartz movement, and automatic self-winding movements. This Ballon Bleu has those elements and more.

 Pros

Let’s start with the visual appeal: the Ballon Bleu W6920003 demonstrates casual elegance. The classic Roman numeral pattern is covered in part by the minute markings and the sub-dials, a bold visual statement that you the wearer are not confined by tradition, but can handle unconventional thinking and art. The circular date display window and sub-dials also show off a playful part of the wearer’s personality through its asymmetry. The silver stainless steel case and silver guilloche and lacquered dial lend an air of sophistication while the black crocodile skin strap exudes an down-to-earth confidence lacking in a chilly metal bracelet. Finally, the fluted steel crown with a black synthetic spinel cabochon adds a whimsical touch while the blue hour, minute, second and sub-dial hands add a splash of color.

As for functionality, the Ballon Bleu W6920003 boasts an automatic chronograph function with two sub-dials displaying 30 minutes and 60 seconds, a date display at the 9 o’clock hour, and minute markers around the outer rim, all of which make for easy telling of time. It is also water resistant up to 99 feet (30 meters), making it suitable for enduring splashes of water, rain, and short recreational swimming. Anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial, while the deployment buckle makes for easy but secure opening and closing with a snap. In addition a 24-month warranty ensures your peace of mind.

An alternative look with a silver stainless steel bracelet: Cartier Ballon Bleu Silver Dial Chronograph Mens Watch W6920002

Cons

• Please note, however, that this is the extra-large size men’s watch. You may want to consider large, medium, or small models if your wrist is slimmer.
• This is also a rather expensive watch, so despite its water resistance, it is probably not a good idea to expose it to water.
• Or, others may desire a watch that has a metal bracelet as the strap for a more durable look. Yet others may prefer having no chronographs so as to have a less cluttered look.

For the first case, a close cousin would be the Cartier Ballon Bleu Silver Dial Chronograph Men’s Watch W6920002, a beautiful extra-large alternative which features light blue hands, a blue spinel cabochon on the fluted steel crown, and of course, the silver stainless steel chain bracelet (pictured to the right). For the second case, a good alternative would be the ballon bleu de Cartier Watch Extra-Large Model Automatic White Gold Leather W6920055.

The Final Word

The price point may be a bit high, but for Cartier quality, you know you’re getting a well-crafted instrument; in fact, it is at the lower end of the extra-large sized Ballon Blue watches. For a clean-cut, modern, yet subtly sophisticated timepiece, the Cartier Ballon Bleu Chronograph Automatic Men’s Watch W6920003 is a good choice.

This sizable men’s watch from the French jewelry and watch maker is extremely limited with only 30 pieces being released. Coming in at a rotund 43.5 mm in diameter and 16.25 mm thick the case to this Rotonde de Cartier Skeleton W1580017 is made of 950‰ platinum with circular grain crown set with a sapphire cabochon. The gold dial with snailed counters is marked by apple shaped blue steel hour and minute hands. The crystal is sapphire as is the case backing. The dial is skeletonized revealing all the 457 parts and 37 jewels of the tourbillion movement with individually numbered mechanical manual winding via the 9362 MC caliber producing 21,600 vibrations per minute and approximately 8 days of power reserve. All of that power to run the single push piece chronograph with perpetual calendar complications. The black alligator leather strap is secured with a double adjustment deployment buckle that is also made of 950‰ platinum. Also, this watch is water resistant to 30 meters or 99 feet.

This is a remarkable watch by a remarkable watchmaker. With features like the intense power reserve, immensely complex tourbillion movement and the precious gems and metals used in the manufacturing of this timepiece it is no wonder they’ve only made 30 of them. It is a big sexy watch with gorgeous design and the skeleton dial adds a fantastic mechanical allure with so many moving parts powering the beast. The only issue with this design decision is because of the complexity of parts having a skeleton design with three calendar sub dials makes the watch remarkably difficult to read. The central position of the sub dials and the thinness and shape of the hour and minute hands make the markers hard to track. The blue steel just isn’t enough of a contrast and the very thin second hand only complicates by getting in the way.

There can be no understating the absolute elegance and class this watch exemplifies. The luxury of this timepiece is adequately reflected in the limited edition of only 30 pieces. But, as one can imagine, so is the price. Cartier does not publish the list price on their website but a potential buyer can request more information on the watch. This is a very special watch that belongs in the upmost echelon of extravagant luxury watches. If you’re looking for a one in a million piece of jewelry that is also a watch it might be wise to go ahead and request more information from Cartier. Remember, there are only 30 of them in existence so it’s not technically one in a million. A purchase is sure to be worth it. I wonder what the box it comes in is made from and looks like.