CARTIER | BALLON BLEU, REFERENCE 3089 A WHITE GOLD TOURBILLON WRISTWATCH, CIRCA 2008

Dial: silveredCalibre: cal. 9452 MC mechanical, 18 jewels Movement number: 0382Case: 18k white gold, case back secured by 8 screwsCase number: 86Closure: black Cartier alligator strap and 18k white gold folding clasp Size: 46 mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Cartier Certificate

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The case with very minor signs of wear, hardly visible with the naked eye, otherwise in very good condition. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

In recent years, Cartier, the king of haute joaillerie, had begun to startle the bastions of haute horlogerie. In 2008, Cartier introduced the Ballon Bleu flying tourbillon, its first ever watch bearing the Geneva Seal. The model quickly established its formidable presence in the iconography of the luxury watches brand. 

The pebble-shaped case with the exquisite guilloché silvered pierced dial creates an illusion as if the watch is floating magically just above the wrist. The roundness is neither masculine nor feminine, it succeeds in bringing a bit of both to the equation. The flying tourbillon combining the elegant spring for the click of the ratchet with the Cartier “C” in the bridges and tourbillon cage which is just visually attractive. All the refined details added up and made the Ballon Bleu flying tourbillon a fascinating timepieces which cannot be missed.