Watch Paparazzi

Singer Justin Bieber spotted wearing Cartier

Justin Bieber has long operated at the intersection of pop culture and serious watch collecting, and his latest sighting does nothing to undermine that reputation. The Canadian singer was recently spotted on the wrist wearing the Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier Moon Phase in 18KT white gold, reference WJBB0028 — a watch that rewards closer inspection far more than its polished, understated exterior might initially suggest.

The Ballon Bleu de Cartier was introduced in 2007, designed by Carole Forestier-Kasapi, and rapidly became one of the most recognizable watch silhouettes of the 21st century. The defining feature — a sapphire-set crown integrated into the case flank — is both a design masterstroke and a practical solution to crown protection. The WJBB0028 takes this foundation and elevates it with an in-house moon phase complication, displayed through an aperture on the dial that depicts the lunar cycle with the brand's characteristic blend of artistic flair and technical precision. The movement powering the piece is the Cartier Calibre 9908 MC, a self-winding mechanical movement with a 48-hour power reserve, built and finished entirely in-house at La Chaux-de-Fonds.

In collector circles, the white gold Ballon Bleu Moon Phase occupies a respected position. It is not a complicated watch in the grand complications sense, but moon phase executions in precious metal from a maison with Cartier's horological heritage carry genuine weight. The dial quality, the case finishing, and the integration of the complication all speak to a manufacture operating at full capacity.

For Bieber, the choice of WJBB0028 is telling. He has previously been seen with pieces from Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, but the Cartier suggests a collector who appreciates French haute horlogerie and its tradition of marrying jewellery-making with watchmaking. The white gold case and bracelet pair seamlessly with his preference for clean, monochromatic styling.

The Cartier Ballon Bleu Moon Phase WJBB0028 carries a UK list price of £28,500, translating to approximately $36,000 USD at retail. On the grey market, demand for white gold Ballon Bleu complications has kept pricing firm, with examples trading close to or slightly above retail depending on condition and provenance.