The fake Ballon Bleu 33708 is a replica of the Cartier Ballon Bleu built to match the case reference stamped on the back of the 33mm steel model. That number is a case code, not a retail model number, so two watches tagged 33708 can carry different movements, steel grades, and dial finishes. Judge the build on those parts, not on the code.
The Ultimate Guide to Fake Ballon Bleu 33708
What does the 33708 code tell you?
On a real Ballon Bleu, the short number on the case back is a case reference, while the retail model number starts with a letter such as W. A listing that quotes 33708 is pointing at the same shape: a small round steel case, a fixed bezel, and a crown guard that flows into the band.
- Diameter: 33mm, with a slim case that sits close to the wrist.
- Case: polished steel with a blue synthetic spinel cabochon over the crown.
- Dial: silvered opaline with concentric guilloché waves and Roman numerals.
- Strap: leather or steel bracelet, depending on the build.
Wholesalers reuse codes across batches. One 33708 may run a quartz movement and another may run a Swiss automatic. Ask for the movement name before you compare prices, because that single part changes the cost more than anything else.
Why the Ballon Bleu is hard to copy
The case curves in two directions and the crystal is domed, so a sloppy factory struggles to keep the crown and band in line. The dial texture is the second problem. Fine guilloché waves need a real stamping die, and printed imitations look flat from arm's length.
The crown and cabochon
The crown sits under the blue cabochon, and its guard grows out of the case without a seam. Cheap fakes use a flat plastic dot or set the stone too high above the guard. Look for a domed cabochon that sits level with the guard and turns with the crown.
The dial and guilloché
A real dial has tight concentric waves that catch light in bands as you tilt the watch. Printed dials show a blurry pattern with soft edges under a loupe. Roman numerals should have even weight and sharp serifs, with printed text that stays clear of the numerals.
The case profile and lugs
The Ballon Bleu has no traditional lugs. The strap meets a curved bar that blends into the case. If that bar looks welded on, or the case sides are flat instead of rounded, the build is low grade.
Movements used in fake Ballon Bleu 33708 watches
- Quartz (Swiss or Japanese): thin and cheap, with a second hand that ticks once per second. Common in small 33mm builds.
- Miyota 9015 or 9039: Japanese automatic, 28,800 vibrations per hour, smooth sweep, easy to service.
- ETA 2671 or a clone: Swiss small automatic built for compact cases, 28,800 vph, hacking seconds.
- Seagull ST2130 and similar: Chinese automatic, good value, louder rotor, less refined winding feel.
A 33mm case needs a small movement, so the ETA 2671 and its Asian clones show up often. Ask the seller for the movement name plus a photo taken through the case back. If the seller cannot name the movement, treat the listing as a gamble.
Materials that separate a good replica from junk
Steel grade and plating decide how the watch ages on your wrist.
- 316L steel: standard surgical steel, machines well, holds up for years.
- 904L steel: harder alloy, takes a brighter polish, less common in replicas.
- PVD gold: thin coating that wears through on edges with daily use.
- Plated or wrapped gold: 5 to 20 microns of gold, lasts longer, costs more.
- Sapphire crystal: resists scratches. Mineral glass picks up marks in weeks.
Water resistance claims deserve doubt. Most replica cases use simple gaskets and a press-fit back. A 30m rating means splash resistant at best, so keep the watch away from swimming and showers.
How to inspect a fake Ballon Bleu 33708 before you buy
- Ask for the movement name and a clear photo of the case back number.
- Check crown alignment. The cabochon should center inside the guard.
- Request a video of the second hand so you can see the beat rate.
- Confirm the case diameter in millimeters, since the same code gets used for 28mm and 36mm builds.
- Ask for an angled photo of the dial to judge guilloché depth.
- Check the clasp stamp and the link screws if the watch has a steel bracelet.
- Read the return window and the seller warranty before you pay.
Steel bracelet or leather strap?
Both versions exist, and the bracelet costs more to build well. A good steel bracelet has screw links, brushed outer links, polished center links, and a butterfly clasp with clean engraving. A leather version should use calf or alligator grain with a deployant clasp and quick-release spring bars on better builds.
Bracelet fit is the first thing to fail on a cheap build. Check for sharp edges, stiff links, and a clasp that rattles when you shake the watch.
Flaws that show up in photos
- A cabochon that sits proud of the guard or looks flat and cloudy.
- Dial text that crowds the Roman numerals or sits off center.
- Hands with thick, uneven paint or a blunt tip.
- Case back engraving that is shallow, faint, or rotated off axis.
- A crown that scrapes the band when you turn it.
What should a fake Ballon Bleu 33708 cost?
Price tracks the movement. Quartz builds sit at the bottom of the market, while automatic builds with a Swiss movement, sapphire crystal, and a steel bracelet cost several times more. A price close to genuine retail is a warning sign on its own.
Look at what comes in the box: presentation case, spare links, tool, and a stated warranty. Those extras carry real cost, and a listing that skips them often hides a cheaper build behind a nice photo set.
Frequently asked questions
Is 33708 a real Cartier reference?
It reads as a case reference number. Cartier retail references use a letter prefix such as W followed by digits. Treat 33708 as a size and layout label, not proof of origin.
Which case size matches 33708?
Listings that use 33708 almost always describe a 33mm case. The Ballon Bleu line also covers 28mm, 36mm, 40mm, and 42mm, so confirm the diameter before you order.
Can a watchmaker spot a fake Ballon Bleu 33708?
A watchmaker can open the case back and name the movement in minutes. Movement finish, engraving quality, and the cabochon material give it away faster than the dial does.
Do replica Ballon Bleu watches keep time?
A regulated automatic runs within a few seconds a day. Quartz builds hold steady for years. In both cases the case, plating, and bracelet wear out before the movement stops.
Bottom line
Judge a fake Ballon Bleu 33708 by movement, steel, crystal, and crown alignment, in that order. The code on the case back tells you the size and shape the seller is copying, and nothing more.