Secrets Behind The Names of 3 Cartier Watch Collections

If you are a fan of Cartier timepieces, there are 3 cartier watch collections you would be familiar with, the Ballon Bleu, the Baignoire and the Pasha. But have you wondered how these names originated and what meaning those names hold? Here are the secrets behind their names.

1. Ballon Bleu de Cartier

As you may have already guessed it, the name does relate to balloons. The design of the timepiece draws inspiration from a balloon, and intends it to be like a balloon floating on a wrist. The word “bleu” which translates to the color blue is named after the blue sapphire cabochon winding mechanism nestled by its side and its blue sword-shaped hands. The Blue Balloon of Cartier also known as Ballon Bleu de Cartier was launched in 2007.

2. Baignoire

Nope, this name does not have any relevance to bags. Unless you are French or speak French, you probably would not have guessed it. “Biagnoire” actually means “Bathtub” in French. Why did Cartier name the collection after the Bathtub? This was because the oval bathtub inspired the design and the ellipse shape of this unique watch.  This watch was first designed in 1906, and its elegant ellipse has been uniquely forged in a single line ever since.

3. Pasha De Cartier

If you thought Pasha was another French word, well you have guessed it wrong. Pasha or pascha, was a higher rank in the Ottoman Empire political and military system, typically granted to governors, generals, high ranking officials and dignitaries. It is an honorary title bestowed, similar to the British peerage or knighthood. The Pasha of Marrakech, Thami El Glaoui in 1932, originally commissioned Cartier to make him a personal watch. Subsequently, this unique round wristwatch was introduced into the Cartier collection in 1943 and given the Pasha name in honor and tribute of The Pasha of Marrakech. What sets this time piece from the other collections is its four distinctive Arabic numerals and sword-shaped hands.

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