Cheng Yi wearing the Tudor Royal with blue dial.
In the ever-evolving world of fine watchmaking, two timeless icons step into the spotlight this month.
Tudor’s latest Royal gives off sporty-chic sophistication, while Cartier’s updated Ballon Bleu reimagines classic refinement with a modern twist.
They embody two distinct expressions of luxury – one bold and versatile, the other graceful and artistic.
The name Royal was first used by Tudor in the 1950s to emphasise the superior quality and designs of its watches.
A brand classic, both sporty and elegant, the Tudor Royal impresses with its integrated metal bracelet, signature bezel, and automatic movement.
It’s the embodiment of sport-chic.
The latest Tudor Royal with striking blue face.
Now, Tudor has come up with a striking blue dial in the Royal range that is fronted by Tudor brand ambassador Chinese actor Cheng Yi.
The distinctive new dial accentuates the 28mm Royal with a diamond-set bezel, with stainless steel or gold option.
You can’t help but notice the outstanding blue dial and diamonds.
The model itself boasts first-class technical performance and refined aesthetic.
The dial comes with diamond-set applied hour-markers and baton hands with Grade A Swiss Super-LumiNova material.
Since its founding in 1926, Tudor has endeavoured to produce the best possible watches at the best possible price.
This mission is inspired by the vision of the brand’s founder Hans Wilsdorf, who is also the inventor of several cornerstones of modern fine watchmaking – wristwatch precision, waterproofness and the self-winding mechanism.
Wilsdorf dreamt of devising a watch that was technically perfect while remaining affordable.
The Tudor Royal range forms part of this uncompromising heritage, promising its future owner no less than the best possible quality at the best possible price.
Made in Switzerland from 316L steel, the case of the Tudor Royal models is waterproof up to 100m below sea level.
The movement − the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking expertise − is finely decorated and adjusted to the highest chronometry standards in the watchmaking industry.
Last but not least, the smooth and seamless five-link metal bracelet stands out because of its design, manufacturing and finish.
Characterised by its three wide satin-brushed links set between two slimmer polished elements, the smooth quality of its surfaces and edges emphasises the importance that Tudor places on ensuring its comfort on the wrist.
All these come together under Tudor’s renowned philosophy encapsulated by the brand’s signature, “Born To Dare”.
Tudor has a five-year guarantee on all its products, which does not require the watch to be registered or any periodic maintenance checks to be performed.
The guarantee is transferable should the watch change ownership during coverage.
It is available in stainless steel or with alternating links in stainless steel and yellow gold.
Cartier’s Ballon Bleu
With its sleek design and pebble-like appearance, the Ballon Bleu watch − launched in 2007 − featured a perfect circle on both the top and bottom of its curved case, giving volume to time.
With Ballon Bleu, the most sensorial of all round watches, Cartier offers a new interpretation of the circle.
Cartier Ballon Bleu with Day/Night complication.
It adapts to any occasion and slips elegantly onto the wrist, symbolising universal, timeless harmony.
A Cartier icon, Ballon Bleu pays homage to the great tradition of watchmaking and brings a new twist to its codes.
Protected by a metal arch, the sapphire cabochon on the winding crown defines the watch’s signature aesthetic.
The rail track is present, but takes a slight diversion.
The Roman numerals are stretched out under the optical, magnifying effect of the sapphire crystal.
The collection is now enriched by four new precious creations, whether it be via the delicacy of a watchmaking complication or through an elegant interplay of colour.
Equipped with a Day/Night complication, the first watch indicates the transition from day to night through a crescent-shaped aperture at 10 o’clock.
Bluish iridescence interacts with the sparkle of the diamonds on the crown of the 36mm mother-of-pearl dial.
The Roman numerals are elegantly displayed, concealing a secret Cartier signature on one of the bars on the VII.
A model showing Ballon Bleu de Cartier.
The aesthetic matches the semi-matt grey of the leather strap.
This watch is also available in an aventurine glass dial version on white gold.
This material is composed of glass and copper crystals that capture the light and significantly enhance the watch’s aura.
To bring this magic to life, the watch’s heart beats to the rhythm of a mechanical movement with automatic winding.
The Ballon Bleu watch in yellow gold has a bright green or blue sunray dial measuring 40mm, with Roman numerals finished in yellow gold.
Equipped with a Cartier Manufacture mechanical movement with automatic winding, calibre 1847 MC, these two watches complete the steel range, which also includes large models with either green or blue dials.
