Incredible stories of the legendary Cartier watches

Fashion and beauty

Alexa watch

TO Alev Aktar

From the Ballon Bleu to the Tank, here are the fascinating stories behind four of Cartier’s most famous watches.

Cylinder Blue de Cartier

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

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

Oscar Isaac showed off his gold version at the Venice Film Festival in a suit and velvet boots.

The watch was released in 2007 and quickly became one of the house’s bestsellers.

Its round and domed case, exquisite Roman numerals and closed blue cabochon crown are instantly recognizable to watch collectors around the world.

Ballon Bleu de Cartier 18k yellow gold diamond and sapphire watch, $32,900.
at London Jewelers, 2046 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, Line.

---

And with a variety of bracelet styles and options—in steel, mixed metals, white, yellow or rose gold, with or without diamonds—there’s something for every occasion. That includes the red carpet, with royal mother-in-law Pippa Middleton wearing her two-tone design, adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds, to a charity event in London.

Benoir de Cartier

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

---

Baignoire de Cartier takes its name from the French word for “bath” and has a smooth oval shape.

An early version of the watch was conceived by Louis Cartier in 1912 and given to his great client, Russian Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna.

It was reintroduced in 1958 and later named Baignoire. Over time, the oval body lengthened (Baignoire Allongée), enlarged (Maxi Oval) and tilted (Baignoire Oblique). It was even stretched and spiked at the same time (another Baignoire Allongée). It is loved by such French actresses as Catherine Deneuve and Jeanne Moreau, and also adorns the wrist of Kendall Jenner.

In keeping with the trend for miniature watches, the house has introduced 11 new miniature models in yellow, rose or white gold, some of which are set with diamonds. Complete your watch collection with a brilliant Baignoire timepiece.

Collision (un)limited

Cartier Clash (Un)limited watch in 18k yellow and purple gold, $33,300.
at London Jewelers, 2046 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, Line.

---

When Clash de Cartier debuted in 2019, the collection of spiked punk jewelry represented a bold departure from the house’s famous Art Deco aesthetic. Yet the experimental line reflected Cartier’s signature design codes: geometric shapes and hardware details. Soon, fashion aficionados like Natalie Portman, Zoe Saldana and Timothée Chalamet were rocking the Clash on the red carpet, with Emily in Paris star Lily Collins flaunting it in ads.

The house has expanded on its success with the launch of the studded XL format, embellished with Tahitian pearls, onyx and diamonds, and now the limited-edition Clash (Un) collection. The innovative jewelery capsule watch features an articulated bracelet composed of tactile rolling beads, pyramidal studs and angular vintage-inspired faceted crystal links, creating an intriguing combination of modern and classic.

Playing with color and sparkle, the base model combines yellow and purple gold elements with polished and satin finishes. Faces confidently.

Tank

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

---

The ever-popular Cartier Tank is over a century old and has stood the test of time. Loved by both men and women, it has been worn by a pantheon of tastemakers, from Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart to Angelina Jolie, as well as Meghan Markle, Michelle Obama and Princess Diana. (In 2017, Kim Kardashian bought Jackie Kennedy’s coveted gold tank top with black strap 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 top view of a World War I tank, with a railway minute counter, Roman numerals and a blue cabochon. This purity of line allows for many iterations.

Today, there are options such as the Tank Louis Cartier (an Art Deco masterpiece), the Tank Française (with a seamless chain bracelet), the Tank Américaine (boldly elongated to hug the wrist), and the Tank Cintrée Skeleton (showing visible movement in a slim case). There is endless temptation for tank lovers.