Quick answer
The number 33682 in a search for a replica Ballon Bleu points to a case-back reference stamp on Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier models. Cartier does not publish a public table that maps that number to one size or one dial. On a replica the stamp is an engraving, nothing more. Judge the watch by case diameter, crown position, dial printing, and movement.
What the number refers to
Ballon Bleu de Cartier launched in 2007. Case backs carry a reference stamp in the 3000 and 33600 range plus a serial. Sellers list 33682 for steel automatic models between 33mm and 42mm. The exact factory pairing is not documented in public sources. Ask the seller for a measured diameter and a lug width before you pay.
Sizes and specs to verify
- Case diameters across the line: 28mm, 33mm, 36mm, 40mm, 42mm.
- Case material: 316L stainless steel on most replicas. A claim of 904L needs proof in photos of the raw case.
- Crystal: sapphire with an anti-reflective coating. A plastic crystal gives a dull tick when tapped with a fingernail.
- Water resistance: steel originals list 30m (3 bar). Most replicas hold 30m at best after a gasket check.
- Case thickness on the 42mm automatic original: about 13mm.
Movement
Replicas of this model ship with three movement classes.
- Quartz. No rotor. The second hand jumps once per second.
- Chinese automatic, DG2813 family. 21,600 vph, about 36 to 40 hours of reserve. Rotor noise is common.
- Clone ETA 2824 or Miyota 8215. The ETA beats at 28,800 vph with 25 jewels. The Miyota beats at 21,600 vph with 21 jewels.
The original 42mm automatic runs Cartier caliber 049, based on the ETA 2892-A2, at 28,800 vph with about 42 hours of reserve. A replica that beats at 28,800 vph and hacks looks closer on the wrist.
Crown and cabochon
The crown sits under a curved metal guard at 3 o'clock and holds a blue cabochon. Cartier lists synthetic spinel for the cabochon on steel models. Replica stones are glass or low-grade spinel. Check the color in daylight and look for a dome with no flat top. The guard should sit flush with the case flank. A gap shows a cheap case.
Dial details
Roman numerals, a guilloche center, and blued sword hands. On replicas, look at numeral thickness, the shape of the X on the VII, and the position of the Cartier print under the 12. Print that sits off-center or under the crystal edge is a defect. The date window on automatic models sits at 3 o'clock.
Prices
Quartz copies: $30 to $70. Chinese automatic: $80 to $180. Clone ETA with a sapphire crystal and a steel bracelet: $200 to $450. A listing above $500 needs a documented movement, not a photo of a decorated rotor.
Care and service
Ask for a pressure test if the watch sees water. Wipe the case with a dry cloth and store it away from magnetic chargers. A watchmaker can regulate a Chinese automatic to within 20 seconds per day in most cases. Gaskets on replicas dry out in 12 to 24 months.