Fake Ballon Bleu 33660 watches are replicas of the 33 mm Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier automatic, the stainless steel model with a fluted crown at 3 o'clock under a curved guard and a blue cabochon on top. The number 33660 is a factory or seller catalog code, not a Cartier reference, because genuine Cartier references always begin with a W. A listing that leads with 33660 is describing a copy, and the digits usually identify which factory batch produced it.
What is the Cartier Ballon Bleu 33660?
The 33 mm Ballon Bleu is the mid-size automatic in the line, and it is the version most replicas copy. Knowing the genuine specs is the fastest way to judge any copy.
- Case: 33 mm stainless steel, about 9.9 mm thick, polished and brushed surfaces
- Crown: fluted, set at 3 o'clock inside a curved crown guard, topped with a blue synthetic spinel cabochon
- Dial: silvered opaline with Roman numerals, blued-steel sword hands and a fine minute track
- Crystal: convex sapphire, which produces a slight bubble distortion near the edges
- Movement: Cartier calibre 076, an automatic based on the ETA 2671, about 38 hours of power reserve
- Water resistance: 30 m on the genuine watch
How do you spot a fake Ballon Bleu 33660?
Start at the crown. On the genuine watch the cabochon is a cut synthetic spinel that catches light like a gem, while low grade copies use plain blue glass or painted resin that looks flat and dull.
The crown guard is the second tell. The real guard curves smoothly into the case flank, while many replicas show a hard seam, a loose fit or an uneven gap where the crown sits.
Dial and numerals
Genuine Roman numerals are crisp and evenly spaced, with the minute track aligned to each numeral. Copies often show thick or blurry printing, a warped VII, or hands that sit too high above the dial. The blue on the sword hands should be a deep, even tone, not purple or patchy.
Movement
Entry level 33660 replicas use quartz or a basic automatic with no decoration. Better copies use a 2824 style clone or a decorated 076 style movement, and those usually run at 28,800 vibrations per hour with a sweeping seconds hand.
Caseback and engravings
Engraving depth and font weight separate tiers more than any other detail. Genuine caseback text is shallow, sharp and consistent, while cheap laser etching looks grey, grainy or too deep. Serial and reference numbers on copies are frequently repeated across batches.
What quality tiers exist in the replica market?
Most 33660 listings fall into three rough groups, and price tracks the tier closely.
- Budget tier: quartz or low grade automatic, mineral glass, plated cabochon, thin strap.
- Mid tier: automatic clone movement, sapphire crystal on some examples, better case finishing.
- Top tier: 2824 or 076 based automatic, sapphire crystal, closer crown guard geometry and a matching alligator style strap.
Frequently asked questions
Is a fake Ballon Bleu 33660 waterproof?
Treat it as splash resistant only. Gaskets and caseback seals on copies are rarely tested, so swimming or showering can let water in even when a listing claims 30 m or more.
Does the 33660 replica use a real sapphire crystal?
Top tier copies often do, but budget and mid tier examples usually use mineral glass. A quick tap test with a fingernail gives a dull click on glass and a sharper ring on sapphire.
What size is the 33660 case?
It refers to the 33 mm Ballon Bleu, which wears smaller than the 36 mm and 42 mm versions. Check the measured case width, because many copies run a fraction larger than the genuine 33 mm.