At the heart of this 39mm Cartier Ballon Bleu is the manufacture caliber 9452 MC, a manually wound mechanical movement composed of 142 individually numbered parts, including 19 jewels. The flying tourbillon complication displays running seconds via a distinctive C-shaped carriage, and the movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour with a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. A total movement diameter of 24.9mm and a thickness of 4.5mm — 5.45mm accounting for the tourbillon — speak to the refinement of its construction.
The 18k white gold case measures 11.4mm in thickness and is fitted with a sapphire crystal and sapphire case back. The fluted crown is set with a blue sapphire cabochon, while the guilloché dial beneath the blue translucent enamel features a satin-brushed cartouche, a black minute circle on a sunray base, and sword-shaped steel hands. Water resistance is rated to 3 bar (30 meters).
The watch is worn on a dark blue alligator skin strap secured by a double adjustable folding buckle crafted in 18k white gold. As Cartier notes, carat weight and the number of precious stones may vary slightly between individual pieces.
