Short answer
33649 is not a Cartier reference number. Cartier reference numbers begin with the letter W. A Ballon Bleu 42mm steel automatic carries the reference W69012Z4. The 33mm automatic carries W6920071. Listings that use 33649 use a seller code or an auction lot number.
Ballon Bleu basics
- Cartier released the Ballon Bleu de Cartier in 2007.
- Case sizes run from 28mm to 44mm.
- The crown sits inside a crescent-shaped guard.
- The crown holds a blue cabochon. Cartier uses sapphire on genuine pieces.
- Dials carry a flinque guilloche pattern with Roman numerals.
- Quartz and automatic calibers both appear in the line. Cartier marks the caliber number on the caseback.
Check points
- Cabochon. A genuine stone has a dome and a deep blue color. Glass and spinel copies look flat and paler.
- Dial pattern. The guilloche is cut into the dial. Printed patterns show no depth under light.
- Numerals. Genuine printing holds a sharp edge at 10x magnification. Copies show ragged edges.
- Caseback. Cartier stamps a W reference and a serial number. Engraving has depth. Laser etching looks shallow.
- Weight. A 42mm steel case on a bracelet has more mass than a plated brass case of the same size.
- Movement. A quartz movement ticks one step per second. An automatic runs at 6 to 8 steps per second.
US law
18 U.S.C. 2320 makes trafficking in counterfeit goods a federal crime. A first offense carries up to 10 years. A repeat offense carries up to 20 years. Customs and Border Protection seizes counterfeit watches at ports of entry. A package label does not change the legal status of the goods.
What to ask a seller
Ask for the case size, the caliber number on the caseback, the serial number, and photos of the crown from two angles. Ask for a photo of the movement. If the seller cannot supply the W reference, the listing rests on the code 33649 alone. That code carries no meaning in Cartier catalogs.