What the 33687 reference is
Cartier stamps 33687 on the case back of Ballon Bleu de Cartier steel models. The number sits under the W-prefix retail code, for example W69012Z4. Retail codes change with strap and dial. The case-back number stays the same across a production run. Most listings that use 33687 show a 42 mm steel case with an automatic movement. Sellers sometimes apply the code to 36 mm and 33 mm replicas. Ask for a case-back photo and a caliper measurement before you pay.
Case specs to check
- Diameter: 42 mm on the original. Replicas run 41.2 mm to 42.5 mm.
- Thickness: 13 mm on the original. Builds at 11 mm or less use a quartz movement.
- Lug width: 20 mm. Straps cut for 22 mm lugs will not fit.
- Weight: about 120 g on a steel bracelet. Under 100 g points to hollow links.
- Crystal: sapphire with double anti-reflective coating. Mineral glass scratches in weeks.
Movement options
Three grades appear in the market. Quartz builds cost $60 to $120 and tick once per second. Asian automatic clones of the ETA 2824, such as the Seagull ST2130, cost $150 to $250 and sweep at 28,800 vibrations per hour. Swiss-pattern or genuine ETA swaps push $350 to $500. The original 33687 uses a Cartier 049 calibre, a modified ETA 2892-A2. No replica at these prices ships with that movement.
Dial, crown and finish
The dial carries a sunburst guilloche pattern, printed Roman numerals and blued steel sword hands. A blue cabochon spinel sits in the crown at 3 o'clock. On low-grade replicas the cabochon is painted plastic and the crown guard is too thick. Date windows on the 33687 sit at 3 o'clock. Font weight on the XII and VI is a common tell. Check letter spacing in the word Cartier.
Price bands
- $60 to $120: quartz, mineral glass, folded bracelet links.
- $150 to $250: ST2130 or 2824 clone, sapphire, solid end links.
- $300 to $500: Swiss ETA or Sellita, better dial print, closer case profile.
Points of uncertainty
Cartier does not publish the 33687 code in its retail catalog. The link between that number and one case size is not documented by the brand. Figures above come from seller listings and owner reports. Confirm measurements on the actual unit.