Cartier Ballon Bleu owners- wear and tear?

TPF may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, and others

R

redpapaya

Member
Sep 15, 2019
11
33
#1
Hey everyone!

Would love to know the wear and tear of the BB from current owners!

It's my dream watch and I'm looking to purchase it soon. Though I wear a lot of gold jewelry, there's just something about the SS version that to me just makes it "dazzle" the most in person.

The two-tone was a close second but I actually like the bezel in SS vs YG and I figured the "brushed" links on the SS bracelet will help with wear and tear vs the all-polished links on the two tone.

Questions about the bezel- since it's polished- does it scratch horribly?? I'm really nervous that yes I love the way it looks brand new out of the box but don't want any regrets.

I love that the SS BB is casual and classy and can dress it up or down- which is why I prefer the BB over a Rolex date just (I just feel like the Rolex is too formal for my day-to-day). I must admit the Rolex design wears really well with a fluted bezel and jubilee bracelet. And I actually prefer the look of the BB without diamonds- but know that it would help minimizing polished surface area.

Would love to see pictures of current in-use watches and hear of your experience as an owner!

Thanks!!
 
#2
Hi, I have had it in steel previously and now in solid rose gold. The bezel does scratch relatively easily. Some small surface scratches are normal and not so annoying but it's easy to make a nice ding if you nail it on something. The steel is somewhat harder than gold so that may be in your favor - I remember this being less of an issue with the steel model. Fair warning, it's also easy to scratch that domed crystal. I never get scratches on the crystal on my Rolex Day Date which takes much more abuse than the Ballon Bleu. The BB is a wonderful watch to own and in steel is probably not so high maintenance compared to a precious metal case. If you are super sensitive to condition, I might skip it and go for something more like a Rolex with a fluted bezel that hides flaws.

Does that help?
 
  • Like
Reactions: hhw
#4
lovecartier said:
Hi, I have had it in steel previously and now in solid rose gold. The bezel does scratch relatively easily. Some small surface scratches are normal and not so annoying but it's easy to make a nice ding if you nail it on something. The steel is somewhat harder than gold so that may be in your favor - I remember this being less of an issue with the steel model. Fair warning, it's also easy to scratch that domed crystal. I never get scratches on the crystal on my Rolex Day Date which takes much more abuse than the Ballon Bleu. The BB is a wonderful watch to own and in steel is probably not so high maintenance compared to a precious metal case. If you are super sensitive to condition, I might skip it and go for something more like a Rolex with a fluted bezel that hides flaws.

Does that help?
Click to expand...
This helps tremendously- thank you so much!

Do you happen to know if Cartier offers polishing services?
 
#7
redpapaya said:
This helps tremendously- thank you so much!

Do you happen to know if Cartier offers polishing services?
Click to expand...
They will certainly do it as part of a service and I must imagine you could send it away for just polishing in the same fashion as a bracelet. With that said, you don't want to over polish a watch. Ultimately, it can diminish the geometry of the case. You can polish it a few times without issue, but at some point, you may be damaging the value. With that said, I don't think Cartier watches have fabulous resale to begin with, and they are not going to the bros who care about whether their GMT is "mint, unpolished" for collection value, so it may not matter as much.
 
  • Like
Reactions: redpapaya
#10
beesknees2 said:
I'm also debating between the SS vs SS/YG BB. I'd thought I wanted the two tone, but the SS is just perfection when I tried both on. Would be curious to hear what you decide on!
Click to expand...
I had two tone watches from about 2009-2017 and at this point I have a preference for precious metals, or steel as an alternative. I'd go with the steel these days, but it's all about your personal style. Some people rock the TT beautifully.
 
  • Insightful
  • Like
Reactions: redpapaya and beesknees2
#11
I own all SS automatic with date! I absolutely love it! I have had it for over 10 years and serviced it only once. It has kept time accurately but i do have to adjust here and there which is not a problem for me. I just recently switched the SS bracelet to exotic leather straps and that made the watch even more special. Yes it does get scratched easily! But i just learn to live with it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: redpapaya
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top