What the Replica Ballon Bleu 33682 Is
The replica Ballon Bleu 33682 is a copy of a Cartier Ballon Bleu watch. It is not made by Cartier. The number 33682 appears in product listings from replica sellers. It does not match an official Cartier reference. Cartier uses references like W69012Z4 for a 36mm Ballon Bleu.
Case and Size
Most replicas labeled 33682 have a 36mm stainless steel case. The thickness is about 12mm. The case has a round shape. The crown sits inside a protective bridge. A blue sapphire cabochon sits on the crown. The crystal is sapphire. Water resistance is 30 meters. Do not swim with it.
Movement
Replicas use different movements. Common options are a Chinese automatic or a Japanese automatic. Some sellers offer a Swiss ETA 2824 clone. The movement has 25 jewels. Power reserve is about 38 hours. The caseback is solid. You cannot see the movement.
Dial and Hands
The dial is silver or white. It has Roman numerals. The hands are blued steel. The second hand is thin. A date window sits at 3 o'clock. The date font can be wrong on low-grade copies. Check the date position. Genuine models have a crisp date.
Bracelet
The bracelet is stainless steel. It has a butterfly clasp. The links are solid on better replicas. Cheap copies use hollow links. The clasp may have no engraving. Genuine clasps have "Cartier" engraved.
Price
Prices range from $80 to $400. Lower prices mean lower grade. Higher prices mean better finish. Sellers use terms like "first copy" and "AAA". No replica equals a genuine watch. A genuine Ballon Bleu costs $3,000 to $20,000.
Buying Checks
- Look at the crown. It should sit flush.
- Check the date. It should center in the window.
- Turn the bezel. It should not move. The bezel is fixed.
- Ask for real photos. Not stock images.