Fake Ballon Bleu 33708 Men's: Short Answer
The fake Ballon Bleu 33708 is a replica of the 42 mm Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier steel automatic. The number 33708 is a case reference. It is not a model name. A genuine 42 mm Ballon Bleu with this case uses Cartier calibre 049. Replica versions use different movements. The movement is the first thing to check.
What 33708 Means
Cartier stamps a case reference on the back of the Ballon Bleu. The 33708 code maps to the 42 mm steel case. That case has a 42 mm diameter and a 13 mm thickness. It holds a sapphire crystal, a fluted crown, and a blue cabochon. The dial is silvered opaline with Roman numerals and a date at 3 o'clock. The bracelet is steel with a double deployant clasp.
The Ultimate Guide to Fake Ballon Bleu 33708
Genuine Specs to Compare
- Case diameter: 42 mm
- Case thickness: 13 mm
- Case material: stainless steel
- Crystal: sapphire
- Water resistance: 30 m
- Movement: Cartier calibre 049, automatic
- Power reserve: 42 hours
- Frequency: 28,800 vph
- Date: at 3 o'clock
- Clasp: steel double deployant
Movement Check
Calibre 049 is based on the ETA 2892-A2. It is 3.6 mm thick. A replica with a Miyota 9015 or a Sea-Gull ST2130 can fit a 13 mm case. A replica with an ETA 2824 clone is 4.6 mm thick. That movement can push the case past 13 mm or force a thin case back. Ask the seller for the movement name and the case thickness. If the answer is "Swiss made" with no calibre name, the claim is weak.
fake ballon bleu 33708 stainless steel
Case and Crown
The crown on the 33708 sits inside a steel guard. The crown is fluted. The cabochon is blue synthetic spinel. On a fake, the cabochon can be glass or plastic. Glass shows bubbles under a loupe. Plastic scratches. The case back should carry the 33708 code and a serial. A fake may have a blank back or a wrong code. The lugs should meet the bracelet with no gap.
Dial and Hands
The dial should be silvered opaline. Roman numerals are printed, not applied. The hands are blued steel swords. The seconds hand is thin. The date window has a steel frame. On a fake, the Roman numerals can be thick. The date font can be wrong. The blue on the hands can be paint, not heat-blued steel. Heat-blued steel shows a color shift at an angle. Paint does not.
Bracelet and Clasp
The steel bracelet has a double deployant clasp. The clasp should close with one firm press. A fake clasp can feel loose or have a stamped logo.
Questions for a Seller
- What movement is in the watch?
- What is the case diameter and thickness in millimeters?
- Is the crystal sapphire or mineral glass?
- What is the cabochon material?
- Does the case back show the 33708 code?
- What is the clasp type?
If the seller cannot answer these six questions, treat the listing as unknown. A photo of the movement and a caliper photo of the case thickness are the two best proofs.