Ballon Bleu 33mm Quartz AF vs V6F

[Machinesia]

Long time lurker, second time buyer, first time poster. RWI has been mega useful!

I am planning to buy a Ballon Bleu, 33mm, White Textured Dial in Quartz as a gift for a woman. I cannot decide between the V6f version and the AF version.

The NWBIG list has the V6f listed as the one. However, many pictures I've come across show the dial of the AF to be much better: more texture and whiter (vs a plainer, yellower V6f dial).
AF:

V6f:

All of those posts however are either old or show another model of the watch (42mm or blue/pink dial). I've also read that the V6f reps an older Cartier model that was, in fact, more yellowish. So I'm a bit confused.

What's the consensus, in 2020, for the best Ballon Bleu in this spec? And, does the answer change if I ask for the best value for money Ballon Bleu?

 

[SKnight]

Id be interested in this too for the same reasons

 

[Machinesia]

sk786 I hope the post gets the attention of someone that know or maybe owns both.

By the way, to make it even more confusing, I read that the AF is best in Automatic while the V6f is best in Quartz. This doesn't make sense to me, so I hope someone can shed light into this.

 

[SKnight]

Machinesia

my TD did mention something along those lines, didn't quite understand either, however I've asked him to clarify.

One thing he did say when asked which is better automatic or quartz he said they're both equally good.

I personally think a quartz movement maybe be better due to sheer convenience.

However hopefully someone else can weigh in...

 

[Machinesia]

sk786 I'm going quartz for sure. Not everyone likes to wind watches, haha. She would kill me if I got her an auto.

 

[xcarrerassanchez]

Also interested! Let's hope someone with more knowledge brings some

 

[Machinesia]

I asked a couple TDs for their opinion. I was bugging them so much that I figured one extra (and final) email wouldn't be thaaaat bad. Will update when I hear from them.

Though I'm pretty sure that if they don't reply and I don't get an answer here in the next day or 2, I will end up with the V6f due to it being both cheaper and on the list.

 

[Machinesia]

Just heard back from one of them. This TD said that

AF is the best for Ballon Bleu , but V6 is also great.

. AF is also ~100 USD more. I cannot quite figure what the differences really are, yet.

The other 2 TDs have not got back to me yet, and they seem like they'll not get back to me.

 

[SKnight]

I'm waiting for my TD to get back to me. Will update as soon as he does

 

[SKnight]

So upon doing some more research and speaking to my TD I'm going with AF 33mm SS with quartz movement.

​​​​​Long story short, the consensus is that V6 is great, but the AF is better in terms of finish, more premium. Whether it's $70 better is debatable some feel like it is others don't think so.

What helped me decide was an extremely thorough review on Reddit's repladies by gotwagoons.

Hope this helps, let know what you decide.

​​​​​​

 

[Machinesia]

To be honest, I was leaning for the AF as well. Where do you buy that it is $70 more? I've seen the watches at $198 and $298.

 

[SKnight]

That's too much. The $ should be $268.

I'm purchasing from Li@ JTime. Great guy highly recommended.


​​​​​

 

[Machinesia]

That's too much. The $ should be $268.

I'm purchasing from Li@ JTime. Great guy highly recommended.


​​​​​

Great! I'm actually waiting on a Whatsapp reply from Li. Do you know if he offers any discounts for wire transfers?

 

[Bokthoi]

I bought the v6f for the missus a coupla years back, fit and finish was beautiful and the dial was crisp and clean, unlike the photos which show it with a yellow hue it is certainly white/silver. I'd save the money personally just my two cents.

 

[Machinesia]

As sort of closure, I ended up going with the AF for $268. I can try to upload some pictures when I get it. Or maybe do a collab post with someone that has the V6f to see what the differences are. Hit me up if interested!