Quick answer

The core advice for buying a fake Ballon Bleu 33704 is to focus on three things: the case profile, the crown assembly, and the movement. If any of those are wrong, the watch will look off on the wrist and feel wrong in the hand. Ask for clear photos of the crown, caseback, dial, and bracelet before you pay. Buy from a seller who accepts returns and provides real photos of the exact watch, not factory stock images.

What to look for in a fake Ballon Bleu 33704

Case and crown

The Ballon Bleu case has a rounded, pebble-like shape. The crown sits inside a protective guard that curves into the case. Check that the guard is not too sharp, too thick, or detached from the case line. The crown should have a blue cabochon that looks deep and glassy, not flat or purple. The caseback engraving should be crisp and centered, with the reference 33704 visible and aligned.

Dial and hands

The dial on the 33704 uses a guilloche pattern that catches light in concentric waves. Lower-quality fakes often show a printed or shallow texture. The Roman numerals should be sharp, with consistent spacing. The blue steel hands should look dark blue in normal light and brighter under direct light. The date window should be centered and the font should match the rest of the dial.

Movement and bracelet

A good fake Ballon Bleu 33704 should use an automatic movement that beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The second hand should sweep smooth, not tick once per second. The bracelet should have solid links, screws that sit flush, and a clasp with clean engraving. Run your finger along the bracelet edges. Sharp edges are a common sign of a cheap build.

Parameter bands

Use these bands to compare a replica against the genuine 33704 specs. Small differences are normal, but large gaps are a warning.

  • Case diameter: 42 mm, with a tolerance of about 0.5 mm.
  • Case thickness: about 13 mm. A much thicker case often means a low-grade movement.
  • Lug width: 20 mm. Aftermarket straps should fit without gaps.
  • Lug-to-lug: about 49 mm. This affects how the watch sits on the wrist.
  • Weight: roughly 140 g to 170 g depending on bracelet size. A very light watch feels hollow.
  • Movement: automatic, 28,800 vph, about 42 hours of power reserve.
  • Water resistance: the genuine watch is rated to 30 m. Treat any replica as splash resistant at best.

Common pitfalls

  • Buying from stock photos. Ask for a timestamped photo of the exact watch.
  • Ignoring the crown cabochon. A wrong color or shape is the easiest tell.
  • Accepting a quartz movement in a watch that should be automatic.
  • Overlooking the caseback. Poor engraving depth and wrong font are common.
  • Skipping the return policy. Without returns, you have no protection if the watch arrives with defects.
  • Forgetting local law. In the US, counterfeit goods can violate trademark law and may carry legal risk.

FAQ

Is the 33704 a 42 mm watch?

Yes. The Ballon Bleu 33704 is a 42 mm steel automatic model. A replica that measures 40 mm or 44 mm will not wear like the original.

What movement should a good replica use?

Look for an automatic movement with a smooth sweep. A common choice is a Japanese or Swiss-style automatic, but the key check is the beat rate and the feel of the winding crown. A quartz movement is a clear downgrade.

How can I check the crown cabochon?

Ask for a close-up photo in daylight. The cabochon should be a deep blue with visible light return. If it looks flat, cloudy, or purple, the watch is likely a low-tier build.

Do fake Ballon Bleu watches hold value?

No. Fake watches are not investments and have little resale value. Buy only if you understand that and you are comfortable with the legal and quality risks.

Use this guide to compare details, ask better questions, and avoid the most common mistakes when you shop for a first copy Ballon Bleu 33704.