Watch reference library
Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier WSBB0048
In production 2007 to present.
The Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier WSBB0048 is a 36mm stainless steel watch with the calibre 1847 MC, water resistant to 30 meters, made 2007 to present.
Specifications
- Case size
- 36mm, approximately 12.1mm thick
- Case material
- Stainless steel case and bracelet
- Bezel
- Smooth polished steel bezel, no scale
- Dial
- Silvered guilloche dial with Roman numerals and a railway minute track
- Movement
- Cartier Caliber 1847 MC, automatic
- Power reserve
- 42 hours
- Water resistance
- 30 meters
- Crystal
- Sapphire crystal, convex profile
- Bracelet
- Stainless steel bracelet with folding buckle
The story
Cartier introduced the Ballon Bleu de Cartier in 2007, unveiled at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva. It marked a departure for a brand best known for angular, non-round case shapes such as the Tank and Santos, offering instead a rounded, convex case profile with short lugs and an arched crystal, caseback, and bezel that together give the watch a smooth, pebble-like silhouette. The model takes its name from the sapphire cabochon set into the crown guard, an arched steel bridge over the winding crown that makes the blue stone appear to float above the case, a detail that became the collection's most recognizable identifier. The line was offered from the start across a range of sizes and materials, from smaller quartz models to larger automatic pieces in steel and gold. Reference WSBB0048 represents the 36mm steel automatic configuration within the current Ballon Bleu range, built around Cartier's in-house caliber 1847 MC, a movement named for the year of Cartier's founding and produced in partnership with the Richemont-owned movement maker ValFleurier.
What to check before you buy
Check that the crown guard bridge sits securely and the cabochon crown turns smoothly, since this moving bridge is a mechanically distinct feature from a fixed crown guard and can loosen with heavy wear over time. Confirm the case size against the reference, since Cartier has sold Ballon Bleu models in several closely spaced sizes, including 33mm, 36mm, and 42mm steel variants, that can look similar in photographs. The 1847 MC automatic movement is a workhorse caliber shared across several Cartier lines, so parts and servicing are generally straightforward through Cartier's own service network.
Buying or selling a WSBB0048?
Selling one? Text photos to (605) 521-2821 for an offer within hours, or ask for one below. Moda pays by wire or Zelle within 24 hours of receiving the watch, on its own insured label. Rather sell it yourself? Post it in the Moda watch groups and run the listing through the Post Checker first. Buying one from someone you don't know? Moda's middleman service inspects the watch at Moda HQ and the buyer pays the seller only after approving the condition report. When it ships, it goes fully insured through ShipIFS, the shipping vendor Moda uses for its own watches.
Moda Watch Club is the Moda group for luxury watches, and Moda Watch Club: 10K & Under covers watches below that line. Both are free to join with a join code.
Common questions
Why is it called the Ballon Bleu?
The name translates to blue balloon, referring both to the rounded case shape and the blue sapphire cabochon set into the crown guard that appears to float above the case.
What movement does the 36mm steel model use?
It uses Cartier's in-house caliber 1847 MC, an automatic movement with a 42 hour power reserve.
When was the Ballon Bleu introduced?
Cartier launched the collection in 2007 at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva.
What sizes does the Ballon Bleu come in?
The current range spans several sizes including 33mm, 36mm, and 42mm in steel, plus smaller quartz and gold options, so buyers should confirm the exact case size against the reference number.
How water resistant is the steel Ballon Bleu?
It is rated to 30 meters, which covers everyday wear and incidental water exposure but is not intended for swimming or diving.