The fake Ballon Bleu 33708 men's watch is a replica of Cartier's 42mm Ballon Bleu, built with a blue cabochon crown, a guilloché dial, and either a quartz or automatic movement. Sellers use 33708 as an internal code for the large men's case, which measures about 42mm wide and 13mm thick. Expect to pay $60 to $350 based on the movement and the case finish.
This guide covers what the 33708 code points to, how the grades differ, and which checks catch a bad build before you pay.
What does the 33708 reference cover?
Cartier does not publish a 33708 reference. Replica factories and wholesale sellers assign codes like 33708 to the 42mm men's Ballon Bleu, the same size as the genuine W69012Z4. That number tells the seller which case, dial, and bracelet to pull from stock.
Two other Ballon Bleu sizes get confused with it: the 36mm mid-size and the 33mm women's model. The 33708 code points to the 42mm case, so a listing that ships a 36mm watch under that number is wrong.
Specs that matter on a men's Ballon Bleu replica
- Case: 42mm stainless steel, 13mm thick, polished bezel with brushed sides.
- Crystal: sapphire on top tiers, mineral glass on budget builds.
- Dial: guilloché texture, Roman numerals, date window at 3 o'clock.
- Crown: fluted crown set with a blue synthetic spinel cabochon.
- Bracelet: steel with a hidden butterfly clasp, or a leather strap on some versions.
- Water resistance: 30m claimed on most replicas, though few seal well.
Movement options and what they change
Movement choice drives most of the price gap. A quartz 33708 runs $60 to $100, an Asian automatic (often a Miyota or Seagull copy) runs $120 to $200, and a Swiss ETA 2824 or Sellita SW200 runs $250 to $350.
Automatic versions add a sweeping seconds hand and a date that flips near midnight. Quartz versions tick once per second, which is the fastest way to spot one on a wrist.
Replica grades: low, mid, and high
Three grades show up in wholesale listings. The tier changes the case finish, the dial print, and the crown detail more than the outside shape.
Low grade ($60 to $100)
Mineral glass, a printed dial with flat texture, and a crown that sits too far from the case. The cabochon is plastic or dyed glass. Bracelet edges feel sharp.
Mid grade ($120 to $200)
Sapphire crystal on many listings, a stamped guilloché pattern, and a synthetic spinel cabochon. Caseback engraving is shallow. The date font sits close to the original but the window rides a bit low.
High grade ($250 to $350)
Swiss or high-end Asian automatic, a guilloché dial cut with a real rose engine pattern or a close stamp, and a crown that lines up with the case flank. Weight sits close to a genuine 42mm Ballon Bleu on a full bracelet.
How do you spot a bad fake Ballon Bleu 33708?
- Check the crown. On the real watch, the cabochon sits inside a fluted crown that hugs the case. A gap of 1mm or more is a tell.
- Look at the dial texture. Cheap builds use a flat print. Genuine guilloché catches light in rings that shift as you tilt the watch.
- Read the date. Thin or crowded numerals point to a budget dial.
- Hear the movement. A loud rotor spin or a grinding sound on a quartz model means low grade parts.
- Weigh it in hand. A hollow bracelet and a light case feel wrong next to stainless steel.
- Check the caseback. Laser engraving looks grey and shallow. Real engraving has depth.
Sizing and fit for a men's wrist
The 42mm case fits a wrist from about 6.75 inches and up. Below that, the lugs overhang and the watch wears larger than the number suggests.
Bracelet links on most replicas come out with a small screwdriver. Ask the seller for a sizing tool or buy one for a few dollars.
Buying checks before you pay
- Ask for photos of the actual watch, not catalog images.
- Confirm the movement brand and whether the crystal is sapphire.
- Request a short video of the seconds hand and the date flip.
- Check the return window. Seven days is common, 14 is better.
- Pay with a method that offers a dispute path.
FAQ
Is the 33708 the same as the W69012Z4?
No. W69012Z4 is Cartier's reference for the 42mm steel Ballon Bleu. 33708 is a seller or factory code for a replica of that watch.
How much should a good men's Ballon Bleu replica cost?
Between $200 and $350 for a build with an automatic movement, sapphire crystal, and a clean dial. Paying below $100 gets you a quartz watch with visible flaws.
Will a replica 33708 pass as real?
Not to a jeweler or a collector. The crown gap, dial texture, and caseback engraving give it away under close inspection. It reads fine at arm's length.
Quick summary
Pick the movement first, then the crystal, then the dial. A $250 automatic with sapphire beats a $90 quartz model in every check that matters. Buy from a seller who shows real photos and offers a return window.