Introduced at Baselworld 2012, the Cartierhttp://www.syrauto.com/best-cartier-ballon-bleu-w69013z2-replica-watches-6r3w.htmlwas the follow-up to the Thin-O-matic and it took the "vintage inspired" trend a step further, towards what I would call "modern vintage." Aside from the movement and the flush mounted crystal, one could almost believe that the Ballon Bleu was NOS (new old stock), found in your Granddad's drawer, minty and forgotten for over fifty years.

The trend towards watches that pay tribute to brand's legacy models is one that theW200737G replicawatch world has seen many times and to varying degrees of success. The Cartier Ballon Bleu is an interesting example of this trend in that the aesthetic of the watch is purely vintage 60's, but the aesthetic is not used exclusively for irony and nostalgia. While I would agree that the Ballon Bleu is a very nostalgic timepiece, it is also one with practical and modern elements that translate well to today's wrists.

I had originally requested the 42mm for review as I seldom wear watches smaller than 40mm. While I did not yet know it, it was a fortunate happenstance that no 42mm samples could be sourced for the review. AW10198U2 replicawas sent instead, and I have found this size to be excellent. Given the minimal bezel, expansive dial, and extra long baton markers, the Ballon Bleu wears much larger than the case measurement would suggest. I can only assume that the 42mm version would feel closer to 45mm on the wrist.

Please see the included video which shows a side-by-side sizing comparison with a 41.5mm Omega Seamaster.This 38mm dress watch is 10mm thick with a lug to lug length of just 44mm. These proportions, along with the 50g weight (on the included leather strap) make the Ballon Bleu a very comfortable and exceedingly wrist-friendly option for those with smaller or thinner wrists. If you have a large wrist or prefer the presence of a larger watch, stop by a Cartier retailer and try both on for size, you may be surprised by which model you prefer.

With a very minimal polished steel case, much of the Ballon Bleu's character comes from its simple but elegant faceted lugs and its expansive sunburst dial. While I think this is the best version, there is also the option of a black dial or even a model with a gold case. The dial carries no numerals, with long and legible baton markers making up the only scale present in the design. Dial text is right on the line of being obtrusive and one could argue that Cartier need not include both "automatic" and "Ballon Bleu" on the same dial. Most prominent in the dial design are either the large and vintage inspired Cartier "H" logo, or the date window which is integrated at six o'clock. The Ballon Bleu has no seconds hand, which is something that I would really miss if I were going to use this as a daily wearer. The hour and minute hands are done in a stick style which matches nicely with the hour markers.The end result is a beautiful watch which features a simple but elegant design that pays tribute to Cartier's American roots.

http://www.osmodo.com/groups/cartier-ballon-bleu-replica-watch-available-on-james-list/
http://www.mivendo.eu/watchesukchm/2014/12/29/cartier-pasha-and-santos-100-skyfall-watch/
http://batjokes.com/forum/217872-cartier-pasha-and-santos-100-skyfall-watch
http://www.totsites.com/tot/rocketboychm/journald/598214.html

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