The "33708" fake Ballon Bleu is a wholesaler catalog code, not a Cartier reference number, used for a replica of the Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier, most often in 33mm or 36mm stainless steel with an automatic movement. The code tells you almost nothing about quality. What matters is the factory tier, the movement inside, and how faithfully the case, dial and crown guard copy the genuine watch.
fake ballon bleu 33708 replica
What Does the "33708" Code Actually Mean?
Replica sellers assign internal SKU numbers so buyers can reorder the same build from the same factory. Cartier's genuine references look completely different, for example W69012Z4 or W6920046, and they appear on the caseback and paperwork. Before ordering, ask the seller which genuine reference the 33708 build is copying, because that determines the correct case diameter, dial layout and movement.
Which Genuine Ballon Bleu Does It Copy?
Cartier introduced the Ballon Bleu in 2007. Its signature details are a domed "balloon" case, a fluted crown set inside a curved crown guard, and a blue sapphire cabochon nested into that guard at 3 o'clock. The dial uses Roman numerals on a guilloché-textured surface with a hidden signature worked into the VII.
fake ballon bleu 33708 replica
Sizes run from 28mm up to 42mm. Most 33708 listings map to the mid-size 33mm or the 36mm automatic, the two most replicated versions.
- 28mm: quartz, often a fashion-oriented build
- 33mm: quartz or automatic, commonly listed as a women's or unisex size
- 36mm: automatic, the most accurate and most available replica
- 42mm: men's three-hand or chronograph, harder to replicate well
What Separates a Good Replica From a Bad One?
Case finishing and movement type drive almost all of the price difference. A well-built replica reads correctly at arm's length and holds up under a loupe on the parts you actually see.
- Case profile: the bezel should curve smoothly into the mid-case, with crisp contrast between polished and brushed surfaces and even lug thickness on both sides.
- Crown guard and cabochon: the guard should sit flush against the case, and the blue stone should show depth rather than a flat plastic look.
- Dial printing: Roman numerals should be sharp and evenly spaced, the guilloché pattern consistent, and the secret signature present inside the VII.
- Hands: sword-shaped hands should reach the minute track without overhang, and the blue-steel tone should look heat-treated, not painted.
- Movement: a Miyota 9015, a Sellita SW200 clone or a Seagull automatic sweeps at 28,800 vibrations per hour. A ticking second hand means quartz.
- Caseback: engraving depth and serial placement should be clean and centered, not shallow laser etching.
- Water resistance: ask about gaskets and caseback sealing, since this is where budget builds fail first.
What Should a 33708 Replica Cost?
Expect roughly $80 to $150 for quartz builds, $250 to $400 for Japanese or Swiss-clone automatics, and $500 and up for top-tier builds with clone movements and corrected case geometry. Prices far below those bands usually signal a plated case, a quartz movement, or photography borrowed from a different factory.
What Are the Legal and Practical Risks?
Selling counterfeit branded goods is illegal in the United States under trademark counterfeiting law, and shipments can be seized by customs. Buyers face lower legal exposure but still carry the practical risk of receiving a watch with no service support and no resale value. A replica is a wearable homage, not an asset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 33708 a real Cartier model number?
No. Cartier references use a letter-number format such as W69012Z4. The 33708 code belongs to the replica seller's own catalog.
Which size is safest to order?
The 36mm automatic is the most replicated and most consistently accurate. The 33mm is a good choice for smaller wrists if you accept a quartz movement in most budget builds.
Can a replica Ballon Bleu be serviced?
Any watchmaker can service a Miyota or Sellita-based movement. Parts specific to the case, crown or cabochon are usually unavailable, so treat the watch as disposable.
How do I check a seller before buying?
Ask for dated photos of the actual watch, a movement shot with the caseback off, and confirmation of the factory name. Sellers who reuse stock images across listings rarely ship what they show.