Breitling Exospace B55 Connected vs Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 40mm

In-Depth Comparison

The Breitling Exospace B55 Connected and the Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 40mm represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.

Heritage And Brand Prestige

Breitling and Cartier are both highly respected names in watchmaking. Both watches hail from Switzerland, benefiting from the region's deep horological tradition. This particular Professional reference was introduced in 2017, while this Ballon Bleu reference debuted in 2021. The Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 40mm is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.

Movement And Mechanics

At the heart of the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected beats the Breitling B55 (SuperQuartz) caliber. The Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 40mm is powered by the Cartier 1847 MC with a 42-hour power reserve operating at 28,800 vph featuring 25 jewels.

Dimensions And Wearability

The Breitling Exospace B55 Connected features a 46.0mm case at 15.3mm thick with a 53.0mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in Titanium with DLC coating. The Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 40mm comes in at 40.0mm and 12.4mm thick with 48.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from Stainless Steel. The Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 40mm wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 115g, the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected is the lighter of the two.

Materials And Construction

The Breitling Exospace B55 Connected uses a Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal paired with a Bidirectional rotating, compass bezel, while the Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 40mm features Sapphire crystal with a Fixed, polished dome bezel. On the wrist, the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected comes on a Titanium bracelet with DLC coating with Folding clasp with safety catch, while the Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 40mm is fitted with Stainless steel bracelet featuring Concealed folding clasp.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Breitling Exospace B55 Connected is rated to 100m / 328ft and the Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 40mm to 30m / 98ft. For serious diving or water activities, the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected offers a meaningful advantage.

Pricing And Value

At retail, the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected lists for $7,000 compared to $7,050 for the Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 40mm. On the secondary market, the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected trades around $4,000 while the Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 40mm commands approximately $6,300.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Breitling Exospace B55 Connected and the Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 40mm ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For dress occasions and smaller wrists, the Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier 40mm is more versatile. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.