Cartier Ballon Bleu 33mm A1853 vs Cal.076

[powerline66]

Hi all, just a brief context, I am new to the watch scene (let alone rep watches). I am interested in getting a Cartier Ballon Bleu 33mm. However, while trying to do my due diligence, I noticed that there are a few movements that are suppose to be clones of the genuine ones. So far I've come across the Cal.076, Cartier caliber 1847 MC (23 Jewels), and just very recently the Caliber 1853 (A1853), with 25 Jewels.

Please correct me if I am wrong, but from what I've managed to gather, the Cal.076 is still being used in gen 33mm ones whereas the larger models are using the 1847 MC.

My question is, for Ballon Bleu 33mm (leather strap) specifically, which movement does the gen ones actually use?

Thank you. Hope to be able to find answers here

 

[powerline66]

Here are the photos of the different movements I am refering to:

HtioGp.png hosted at ClickPix.org

Image HtioGp.png hosted in ClickPix.org

clickpix.org

HtiIL5.png hosted at ClickPix.org

Image HtiIL5.png hosted in ClickPix.org

clickpix.org

HtiO8F.png hosted at ClickPix.org

Image HtiO8F.png hosted in ClickPix.org

clickpix.org

 

[Rkins]

I ordered a Cartier Ballon Bleu 33mm with the A1853 movement and am waiting to receive it now. Price-wise, it's cheaper than the Cal.076 but looking a the QC photos from my TD (Steve @ theonewatches) it's impossible to tell from the exterior that it has this newly discussed movement. I asked him to open it up to confirm but he said he was unable to "The caseback is screwed by screws and could not opened by ourselves, otherwise, factory would not accpet change or return. We will double check with factory for the movement if it is A1853"

Looking forward to getting it and opening it myself to take a look!

 

[Horace_Derwent]

@powerline66 : according to Watchbase the 1847MC Caliber is used by different Cartier models (Cle de Cartier, Ronde, etc) but as for Ballon is used only in the 42mm versions

Cartier caliber 1847 MC » WatchBase

Full details and images of the Cartier caliber 1847 MC, including a list of all watches using this movement.

watchbase.com

 

[Rkins]

The german cartier ballon bleu page mentions the 1853: https://www.cartier.com/en-de/ballon-bleu-de-cartier-watch_cod343549805672738.html

There's also this blog post from June about the refreshed AF ballon bleu's having an 1853 cloned movement: https://anyreplicawatches-blog.com/2023-6-14-updated-ballon-bleu-cartier-watch/

"The new releases are equipped with the better movement, clone Cartier Calibre 1853 movement, more accurate mechanical working and superb quality then Cal.076 movement, also its construction is the same as the original."

 

[Rkins]

Based on my research, the A1853 should have a moment frequency of 28,800vph.
https://swisswatches-magazine.com/blog/a-cartier-classic-a-fresh-face-for-the-tank-francaise/

I also found 2 reviews on reddit that mentioned having the A1853, they both showed 28,800vph in the timeographer display.

Adding to @powerline66 's list, The following are available options for a 33mm Ballon Bleu:
1. Quartz (battery-operated)
2. Seiko NH05 (21,600vph)
3. A076 (clone of the Cal.076) (28,800vph)
4. A1853 (new clone of the Cal. 1853 MC) (28,800vph)

The timeographer on my model appeared to show 21,600 which makes me inclined to think it's a NH05 and now the A1853 I requested. The A076 is has an established reputation but I was curious about checking out the new A1853.

 

[Horace_Derwent]

Based on my research, the A1853 should have a moment frequency of 28,800vph.
https://swisswatches-magazine.com/blog/a-cartier-classic-a-fresh-face-for-the-tank-francaise/

I also found 2 reviews on reddit that mentioned having the A1853, they both showed 28,800vph in the timeographer display.

Speaking of 1853 movement, it is itself a clone of the Sellita SW150, so not developed in house

Cartier (Re)Introduces the Tank Francaise | SJX Watches

Nips and tucks to revive a bestseller.

www.google.com

The singular automatic model is powered by the cal. 1853 MC, an automatic movement with a 37-hour power reserve. It’s actually the Sellita SW150, a compact movement for ladies’ watches, explaining the short power reserve.