The number 33704 is a Cartier case reference stamped on the back of some Ballon Bleu de Cartier watches. It is not a model name, a movement code, or a dial code. Sellers use "replica ballon bleu 33704" to mean a copy of that case. Before you pay, ask which case size and which movement the watch ships with, then compare seller photos with Cartier catalog images of the same case. Most buying errors come from two mismatches: a 36 mm copy bought when 42 mm was wanted, or chronograph money paid for a quartz watch.
What the number covers
The Ballon Bleu case has a rounded profile, a fluted crown, and a blue synthetic spinel cabochon set into a crown guard. Cartier does not publish a spec sheet per case number, so diameter, thickness, and lug width come from the seller or from your own calipers. Treat the engraving as a search term, not as proof of origin. Replica makers copy the engraving.
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Specs to get in writing
- Case diameter in millimeters, measured with calipers, not quoted from a listing.
- Thickness at the crystal and at the caseback.
- Lug width and bracelet link count, plus clasp type.
- Crown diameter and cabochon color in daylight.
- Movement name and beat rate. Swiss-pattern automatics run at 28,800 vph. Miyota 9015 runs at 28,800 vph. Cheaper clones run at 21,600 vph.
Movement tiers
Low tier 33704 replicas use quartz or unbranded automatic movements. Mid tier uses Sea-Gull or Miyota. Top tier uses a Chinese copy of an ETA 2892 for time-only dials, or a copy of a 7750 for chronograph dials. The 7750 layout puts running seconds at 9 o'clock with subdials at 12 and 6. Quartz chronographs often space those subdials at different distances from the center, which shows in a straight-on photo. Ask for a photo of the movement with the caseback removed, or a video of the seconds hand sweep.
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Photo checks that catch most bad units
- Cabochon: deep blue, no purple tone, no milky rim where the stone meets the crown.
- Dial print: spacing between the letters in "Cartier", and the hidden word inside the VII numeral.
- Hands: flat polish, no tool marks, seconds hand in blued steel rather than paint.
- Caseback: screws flush and the same length, engraving depth even.
- Bracelet: link edges rounded, no sharp burrs, screws that sit flush with the link sides.
Price bands
Quartz and low-grade automatic copies sell for about $60 to $130. Copies with a Miyota or Sea-Gull movement sell for about $180 to $300. Copies with a clone 2892 or clone 7750 and a sapphire crystal sell for $320 to $550. A price far under the band for a stated movement is a sign the movement claim is false.
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Questions to send the seller
- Exact case diameter and thickness, measured.
- Movement maker and beat rate.
- Crystal material, sapphire or mineral.
- Return policy if the watch arrives with a wrong measurement.
One legal note: US customs rules treat counterfeit watches as prohibited merchandise, and seizures happen. Check the import rules for your country before ordering.