One of my favourite things about Cartier is how versatile they are, despite looking like pure dress watches at first glance. Great review on a great watch!
Cartier released the 40mm version a couple years ago with their in-house movement, and IMO it is the PERFECT men's sizing for the watch. I ended up buying it and on the leather strap I prefer it even to my Santos.
I thought I wanted a Santos for my first watch and the everyone else is in love with the Santos, but I really like the classic style and unique bezel of the Ballon Bleu. It may be my first watch instead. I just seems really versatile, especially with leather strap options.
Brandon's videos are always terrific! I learn things I would never think about, for example -- how the gold compliments skin tone, think of "round" as a bold move in the Cartier lineup, the surprising lug-to-lug distance makes it wearable, and on.... Always an interesting theme, good music choices, and a relaxed yet full-of-useful-knowledge presentation. Can't be beat.
Bravo and finally, a review of a 42 mm Ballon Bleu! This watch seems to be generally missed or avoided by most of the market but me thinks it is a hidden gem in rose gold. Love the design, rounded contours, and funky playfulness about the curves. Sort of like a disco volante.
This watch has been my "north star" since when I first started buying luxury watches a decade ago, I hated the Ballon and pretty much anything from Cartier. To me, nothing was more beautiful than a five digit Sub. Fast forward years and many watches that have come and gone, the Ballon Bleu has steadily crept up my wish list and every time I have tried it on at an AD, I have liked it more and more. Something about the pebble shape, the roman numerals, and the dial being so elegant but then you have a splash of daring from that crown pushing the minute track into the watch. Beautiful!
Let's be honest...We all said Tank or Santos as the first to pop into our heads! The thing I really love about Cartier pieces is that they're distinct and most times you can spot one at first glance. Elegance defined in most cases
This man is such a relief, great quality video's but most of all truly a week on the wrist video instead of a dude on a chair talking about a watch when the title suggest he wore it a week.
A Cartier watch beside a bread! Which one is more important?! For me, at the moment, both! Love your presentation Brandon. God bless you and your family.
Wearing a gold dress watch with sweats is a fantastic look. I know the smash burgers were for the last video, but Cartier with some FTW would be the ultimate high brow low brow combo!
Very good review. Makes a good argument for this Cartier. Also, some nice location choices (Glendale Library is a great example of brutalist architecture). Well done Hodinkee.
With the low power reserve, difficult crown and classic look, the Ballon Bleu sits firmly in the occasion watch category. IMO the closest to the ideal everyday watch from Cartier is the Tank solar - svelte and powered by the sun.
I can see what he's trying with so called mix matching style, but this time it doesn't quite work with his "street" style with that BB. Works with Tank tho.
Which is ironic because it is one of Cartier's most popular models of all time. Go to any fancy or bougie event and you'll see soooo many women wearing them.
I love this. BUT. I wish Cartier did not add that 'Automatic' lettering on the dial. Infact, I feel they should remove the 'Automatic' lettering on all their Automatic watches. We get that it's an Automatic piece. But this is Cartier and not Omega or Rolex. Cartier pieces have that refined elegance to it and I feel the 'Automatic' lettering isn't congruent with the brand's legacy. Just my 2 cents.
It. Looks. Enormous. Stunning watch, but my goodness. With no bezel, that looks every bit of 42mm. And for a dress piece, that’s gonna be a huge turn off for many. But it sure is stunning
I feel like I’ve had some issues with mine, I’ve only had it like 6 days, brand new purchased direct from Cartier themselves: I noticed that I can hear a slight rattling in the watch sometimes as I shake it lightly or even just manipulate the watch. Also, I’ve noticed that the second hand regularly stops moving and I have to pull out the winding crown and mess around with it a little for it to start again… I’m a little concerned as I was so hesitant to bite the bullet and I was so happy with the piece, but now I’m feeling a little worried about it… can anyone help? Is this normal? I’m also a little worried as I had it engraved and they won’t take it back for a refund or return
I can’t stand the reviews from this guy, apparently I’m the only one. His voice and his approach, I don’t know what it is, but makes me change immediately the video. 🤷🏻♂️
I am sorry.. but they just made a girls watch bigger that's all. If you really like it, get the rep. There are better gens to buy than wasting on watches where Cartier needs to destroy themselves.
I’ve owned this watch for three years now. In my opinion, wearing it with casual/sweats/hoodies is a little ridiculous and a disservice to the model. I don’t think it looks good on him either.
Brandon is an amazing host and you should probably give him a raise. Add Brandon to any video and it gets 2x better.
Is this Brandon's alt account?
💯
This is exactly what we want for watch review. None of that boring inside of the studio video. Keep it up Brandon!
I was never fan of this model but after seeing Brandon’s review, why do I suddenly want to try it on at my Cartier boutique all of a sudden? 😅
This host is killing it!
Hodinkee, give this man a raise and a bigger spotlight, please.
One of my favourite things about Cartier is how versatile they are, despite looking like pure dress watches at first glance. Great review on a great watch!
This series from Hodinkee is the best. Nice filming style/techniques and a great host (Brandon)!
Cartier released the 40mm version a couple years ago with their in-house movement, and IMO it is the PERFECT men's sizing for the watch. I ended up buying it and on the leather strap I prefer it even to my Santos.
the 40mm is steel case, right? not sure if they made a 40mm in gold
@@GeorgioTheChef they makd the 40mm in steel and rose gold. I got the steel version
I thought I wanted a Santos for my first watch and the everyone else is in love with the Santos, but I really like the classic style and unique bezel of the Ballon Bleu. It may be my first watch instead. I just seems really versatile, especially with leather strap options.
I just love Cartier’s distinct style; unlike the rest, but always timeless.
Another great vid Brandon 🤙
Brandon's videos are always terrific! I learn things I would never think about, for example -- how the gold compliments skin tone, think of "round" as a bold move in the Cartier lineup, the surprising lug-to-lug distance makes it wearable, and on.... Always an interesting theme, good music choices, and a relaxed yet full-of-useful-knowledge presentation. Can't be beat.
Brandon is the only thing keeping Hodinkee afloat.
Thank you Brandon for making Cartier appealing to us plebs. Awesome as always. Cheers.
Bravo and finally, a review of a 42 mm Ballon Bleu! This watch seems to be generally missed or avoided by most of the market but me thinks it is a hidden gem in rose gold. Love the design, rounded contours, and funky playfulness about the curves. Sort of like a disco volante.
Ballon Bleu is gorgeous and so is Brandon.
This watch has been my "north star" since when I first started buying luxury watches a decade ago, I hated the Ballon and pretty much anything from Cartier. To me, nothing was more beautiful than a five digit Sub. Fast forward years and many watches that have come and gone, the Ballon Bleu has steadily crept up my wish list and every time I have tried it on at an AD, I have liked it more and more. Something about the pebble shape, the roman numerals, and the dial being so elegant but then you have a splash of daring from that crown pushing the minute track into the watch. Beautiful!
Let's be honest...We all said Tank or Santos as the first to pop into our heads! The thing I really love about Cartier pieces is that they're distinct and most times you can spot one at first glance. Elegance defined in most cases
Never even saw this model, but I simply lust for one. AMAZING video and review.
My man Brandon killing it once again!
This might be my first real timepiece. Excellent review.
My fave hodinkee series...
Another killer video and Cartier has become one of my favorite brands ❤️
This man is such a relief, great quality video's but most of all truly a week on the wrist video instead of a dude on a chair talking about a watch when the title suggest he wore it a week.
Awesome video… very charming host… beautiful presentation
I finally got why this guy is always wearing funny hats/caps
A Cartier watch beside a bread!
Which one is more important?!
For me, at the moment, both!
Love your presentation Brandon.
God bless you and your family.
I am so happy he did this review. I have been thinking of buying this exact watch but I haven't found many reviews on it.
Wearing a gold dress watch with sweats is a fantastic look. I know the smash burgers were for the last video, but Cartier with some FTW would be the ultimate high brow low brow combo!
Very good review. Makes a good argument for this Cartier. Also, some nice location choices (Glendale Library is a great example of brutalist architecture). Well done Hodinkee.
Best ad for the balon bleu ever!
Brandon is awesome. Keep these videos coming 👌🏻
I enjoyed your perspective and presentation style.
Beautiful watch. We should nickname it the “Packman.”
The watch dial has a chip on it, I just saw it. These watches should be flawless for the price tag
Great review for a wonderful and not so common watch. For your wrist I would go for the 36mm Ballon Blue
Excellent video. Please, more of this
Missed you already Bro, happy new year and as usual awesome video. Hope you had a great start into the new year 🙏🏻🙏🏻
I always liked this watch from its introduction. My friend owns one.
That Aesop hand cream is class
Brandon does not miss.
Another great review.
With the low power reserve, difficult crown and classic look, the Ballon Bleu sits firmly in the occasion watch category. IMO the closest to the ideal everyday watch from Cartier is the Tank solar - svelte and powered by the sun.
Brandon, you’re awesome man!
Brandon, you're Magic
what a lovely video
Yes 👏
This bloke is forever eating takeout every video. How are you not +100kg?! ...Brandon doing great content again at the 'dinkee. Like it.
My Omega aqua-terra GMT, Chrono 43mm 231.13.43.52.03.001 feels like a smooth and rounded skipping stone at 17mm thick.
Cartier is never wrong
Great video mate
I’m so sad they discontinued the drive… I actually really loved it
I can see what he's trying with so called mix matching style, but this time it doesn't quite work with his "street" style with that BB. Works with Tank tho.
Very nice watch. Not my favorite Cartier (that's the Calibre), but still very nice.
You are correct, this is not what I thought of first.
Which is ironic because it is one of Cartier's most popular models of all time. Go to any fancy or bougie event and you'll see soooo many women wearing them.
It is a cool watch, just thought of the Tanks and Santos first.
Great vid, where’s the ring from?
Nice episode
Great song choice
Cute watch and supercute reviewer❤
Please Brandon, do the Tank LC.
Great review.
The 42mm all steel ballon blue has been my grail watch ever since I first tried it on.
I love this. BUT. I wish Cartier did not add that 'Automatic' lettering on the dial. Infact, I feel they should remove the 'Automatic' lettering on all their Automatic watches. We get that it's an Automatic piece. But this is Cartier and not Omega or Rolex. Cartier pieces have that refined elegance to it and I feel the 'Automatic' lettering isn't congruent with the brand's legacy. Just my 2 cents.
Brandon, please be so kind as to tell me where the grey jacket is from?
Buck Mason 😁
@@BrandonMenancio Great jacket, thanks so much!
Excellent review and beautiful watch.
The technical sheet was missing at the end of the video
Amazing that Hodinkee is donating free advertising to these poor watch makers
I bloody hope it looks good, it's a $16,000 watch. If it's anything short of fabulous then shame on Cartier.
It. Looks. Enormous. Stunning watch, but my goodness. With no bezel, that looks every bit of 42mm. And for a dress piece, that’s gonna be a huge turn off for many. But it sure is stunning
watch nice
I feel like I’ve had some issues with mine, I’ve only had it like 6 days, brand new purchased direct from Cartier themselves: I noticed that I can hear a slight rattling in the watch sometimes as I shake it lightly or even just manipulate the watch. Also, I’ve noticed that the second hand regularly stops moving and I have to pull out the winding crown and mess around with it a little for it to start again… I’m a little concerned as I was so hesitant to bite the bullet and I was so happy with the piece, but now I’m feeling a little worried about it… can anyone help? Is this normal? I’m also a little worried as I had it engraved and they won’t take it back for a refund or return
The lust is real
Wear your Cartier dress Watch with Sweatpants. Hahaha! I guess it was to cold for Shorts.
What’s a ballon blu ?
Hodinkee keeps disappointing again and again!!! We loved hodinkee because of Ben!! Where is he now!! Money changes people right!!!
Niceeeeeee….👏👏👏👏💪💪💪💪
반지 브랜드가 궁금합니다
GIVE HIM A RAISE DAMNIT
RoseyCharlie
😅 “Balan” 😢
42 is way too big for a dress Cartier in my humble opinion. A Cartier should be an object "you look for" instead of something you can't miss.
I can’t stand the reviews from this guy, apparently I’m the only one. His voice and his approach, I don’t know what it is, but makes me change immediately the video. 🤷🏻♂️
Does he need to be eating in every single vídeo?
Absolutely 😂
Beautiful piece
I learned this watch has water resistance issues.
Cartier watches are too big. Who is designing these watches, it's ridiculous.
Its a little too feminine for me. I think in a smaller case it would look great on a lady.
I am sorry.. but they just made a girls watch bigger that's all. If you really like it, get the rep. There are better gens to buy than wasting on watches where Cartier needs to destroy themselves.
I’ve owned this watch for three years now. In my opinion, wearing it with casual/sweats/hoodies is a little ridiculous and a disservice to the model. I don’t think it looks good on him either.
Why the f would you wear a cartier ballon de bleu and fetch coffee and cross a street...? certainly not the target demographics.
My wife has this...in a 34...and it''s great. But no, not on a guy.
Maybe a nice choice for a fruity hipster in san fran 😂
i agree gold watches match darker skin r beauty⌚️✨🫱🏽
This dude looks like redman
This is exactly what we want for watch review. None of that boring inside of the studio video. Keep it up Brandon!