This Cartier Ballon Bleu 33mm review looks at ref. WSBB0062, a pre-owned steel automatic with a blue sunray dial. At 33mm, it is the compact size of Cartier’s round Ballon Bleu. It suits anyone who wants a refined, everyday watch without a large case. This one comes with box and papers at $6,106. Read on for the design, fit, and value. You can also see the Cartier Ballon Bleu listing directly.
We spent time with this watch in person at Precision Watches. Below, we cover how it looks, how it wears, and where it lands on value.
First Impressions and Design
The dial comes first. It is a silvery blue with a fine sunray finish. Light moves across it as the wrist turns, so the color shifts from pale ice to deeper steel blue. Black Roman numerals ring the dial. A railroad minute track sits inside them, and “Automatic” is printed below the center.
Then comes the shape. The Ballon Bleu launched in 2007, and its curved case still looks like nothing else Cartier makes. The crown sits inside a rounded guard, which gives the case its “balloon” outline. A synthetic blue spinel cabochon tops the fluted crown. That small stone is a signature Cartier detail. If you like it here, our Révélation d’une Panthère review shows how Cartier uses the same idea on a very different watch.
The hands are blued steel and sword-shaped. They stand out cleanly against the pale dial. The sapphire crystal sits over it all, so the face stays clear and scratch resistant.
On the Wrist
At 33mm and under 10mm thick, this watch wears slim. It slides under a cuff without effort. The steel bracelet is interchangeable, and the polished and brushed links feel smooth against the skin. If you are unsure which size suits your wrist, our guide on how to measure your wrist is a good place to start.
This is a small watch with real presence. The curved case and domed crown guard add visual weight, so it never looks timid. It also fits the trend toward smaller cases. For more options in this range, see our roundup of small watches for women.
Water resistance is 30 meters. That covers splashes and handwashing. It is not a swim watch, so treat it as a dress and daily watch.
The Movement
Inside is an automatic, self-winding movement. The rotor winds the watch as you move, so there is no battery to replace. If you want a quick refresher, our explainer on what an automatic watch is covers how it works.
The movement drives the hours, minutes, and seconds. There is no date window. That keeps the dial clean and the Roman numerals evenly spaced, which suits this design well.
Specs at a Glance
- Reference: WSBB0062
- Case: 33mm stainless steel, 9.96mm thick
- Dial: Blue, silvered, sunray finish, Roman numerals
- Hands: Blued steel, sword-shaped
- Crown: Fluted, set with a synthetic spinel cabochon
- Movement: Automatic, self-winding
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Water resistance: 30m (3 bar)
- Bracelet: Interchangeable stainless steel
- Condition: Pre-owned
- Box and papers: Both included
Price and Value
Precision Watches lists this Cartier Ballon Bleu 33mm at $6,106. The box and papers are both included, which makes the listing complete.
The Ballon Bleu is one of Cartier’s best-known round watches. Collectors recognize it right away, and that recognition supports steady interest in the model. A full set also helps when you decide to sell later. Our guide to used Cartier watches shows what else we have in the collection.
33mm vs. the Extra-Large
Cartier makes the Ballon Bleu in several sizes. We have also reviewed the Ballon Bleu Extra-Large, which sits at the other end of the range.
The 33mm is the slimmer, quieter choice. It slips under a sleeve and suits smaller wrists well. The Extra-Large is bolder and takes more space on the wrist. The design is the same. Only the size and the way it wears change. If you are shopping for a first Cartier, try both on before you decide.
Who This Cartier Is For
This watch suits a buyer who wants a compact, elegant daily watch. The blue dial adds color without making the watch loud.
It also fits someone building a Cartier collection who wants a round counterpart to the Tank or Santos. If you are browsing broadly, our guide to Cartier watches for women covers the wider range. And if you want to compare a more technical Cartier, read our Calibre de Cartier review.
Buy This Cartier Ballon Bleu at Precision Watches
This pre-owned Cartier Ballon Bleu 33mm is available now at Precision Watches, an Authorized Cartier Watch Dealer and family-owned retailer near Philadelphia.
If you already own a Cartier and want to part with it, our team can help you sell my Cartier with a straightforward quote. You can also trade your watch toward this Ballon Bleu or another piece in our showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cartier Ballon Bleu 33mm
How big is the Cartier Ballon Bleu 33mm?
The case measures 33mm across and 9.96mm thick. That makes it a compact, slim watch that wears easily under a cuff.
What movement does the Cartier Ballon Bleu 33mm WSBB0062 have?
It has an automatic, self-winding mechanical movement. The rotor winds it as you wear it, so it needs no battery.
Is the Cartier Ballon Bleu 33mm water resistant?
Yes, to 30 meters (3 bar). That handles splashes and handwashing, but it is not meant for swimming.
What is the blue stone on the crown?
It is a synthetic spinel cabochon set in the fluted crown. It is a signature Cartier detail.
Does this Cartier Ballon Bleu come with box and papers?
Yes. The pre-owned WSBB0062 at Precision Watches includes both.
