Notched Strap for a Cartier Ballon Bleu
The Cartier Ballon Bleu recesses its strap into the case, so a standard band simply will not thread through it. The fix is a notched strap: a band cut with a step at the end so it slots into the case opening and sits flush. This one was built in Tiffany-blue Epsom for an order from Florida, corner-notched to the customer's exact measurements for a 6-inch wrist.
Strap specifications
| Watch model | Cartier Ballon Bleu |
|---|---|
| Leather | Tiffany-blue Epsom |
| Notch type | Corner-notched (A/B/C) |
| Notch measurements | A 18 mm, B 11 mm, C 3 mm |
| Wrist size | 6 in |
Why these choices
A notched strap is the only way to put leather on a case like this. We cut two patterns: center-notched, measured X/Y/Z, and corner-notched, measured A/B/C — the pattern Cartier uses on the Santos and the Ballon Bleu. This one is corner-notched at A18, B11, C3mm. Those millimeters have to be exact, so we cut to the customer's own measurements and recommend having a jeweler take them off the case before ordering.
Epsom is a stamped-grain calfskin, the same family of leather Hermes uses on its bags. It is light and scratch-resistant, and the pressed grain helps it hold a structured shape and a vivid color. Tiffany blue is a confident choice on a Ballon Bleu: it picks up the watch's blue cabochon crown and turns a restrained dress watch into a real statement.
From the bench, this one was cut for a 6-inch wrist, so the proportions were kept small and neat to suit a smaller arm. A notched strap that is even a millimeter out will not seat properly against the case, which is the whole reason we build them one at a time from your figures rather than offering them off a shelf.
Cartier's own straps for these cases are expensive and slow to source, and very few makers cut notched leather at all. Building to order means you can have the correct shape in a color Cartier would never offer — like this Tiffany blue — rather than settling for black or brown.
★★★★★
“I needed a notch cut into the strap. VGreen took my measurements and pictures, communicated with me, and did a perfect job. Love these straps. Well made and great looking. Totally recommend.”
Bob S. · Verified purchase · Custom notched strap
FAQ
How do I order a notched strap for a Cartier Ballon Bleu?
Measure the notch as a corner notch (A/B/C) or send clear photos along with your wrist size, and we cut the strap to those figures. A jeweler-measured set of numbers gives the cleanest fit.
What is the difference between center-notched and corner-notched?
Center-notched is measured X/Y/Z with the step centered on the strap end; corner-notched is measured A/B/C with the steps at the corners. The Ballon Bleu and Santos both take the corner-notched pattern.
Start your own notched strap, browse all custom notched straps and Cartier watch straps, or see our Epsom leather collection.