Rep Cartier Balon Bleu - 3KF vs AF?

[DreamerJayden]

Hello Cartier Brain Trust,
I’m looking at getting a Cartier Balon Bleu in size 40/42 with a black alligator leather band.


I’ve been chatting with 2 TDs and what is available is the following:

1. Cartier Balon Bleu 42mm 3KF SS/SS White A2824, Case Material solid stainless steel 316F, Front Glass is Sapphire Crystal with Swiss Grade AR coat.
2. Cartier Balon Bleu 42mm AF SS White A2824, Case Material solid stainless steel 316L, Front glass is scratch proof sapphire crystal.

Does anyone have any suggestions between 3KF and AF replicas?

Also I’m looking to get a Cartier Box for the watch. Are they made from different factories or is there one that has a better reputation for reps
It’s my first purchase so appreciate your insights

Jay

 

[cat_fashion]

Both factories make outstanding BBs in my experience. You can't go wrong with either, so in this instance, I would choose based on price.

I own 5 different Ballon Bleu 33mm reps (different dial colors, w/ and w/o "diamonds," etc.). Two of them are from 3KF, and three are from AF. Two of the AFs have the ETA clone movement, and one has the Seiko movement. Both 3KFs have ETA clone movements — that's the only version they make AFAIK.

The clone movements in the BB (33mm) from both AF and the 3KF are 2671. I have a comparison image below showing a magnified view of a couple of my movements, one from AF and one from 3KF:




I imagine you would see these similarities between the 2824s in the 42mm you're considering as well.

In terms of how similar they are on the outside, both renditions are very accurate to their respective gens. The materials are high quality and they really nailed the finishes and details. All of mine have stainless steel bracelets so I can't speak to the quality of the leather straps.

 

[cartihrome]

I am also looking to buy a 42mm Balon Bleu with a leather strap. I didn't even consider leather quality as a factor so thanks for bringing it up. If anyone knows I'm all ears.

Maybe it would be possible to buy from a TD without straps included and then buy some from one of the trusted strap dealers.

 

[cat_fashion]

I am also looking to buy a 42mm Balon Bleu with a leather strap. I didn't even consider leather quality as a factor so thanks for bringing it up. If anyone knows I'm all ears.

Maybe it would be possible to buy from a TD without straps included and then buy some from one of the trusted strap dealers.

I have a few thoughts on the strap approach.

One consideration is that the BB strap is not shaped like a typical watch strap. I’ve only found a few vendors who even make straps that can fit a BB. The lugs on the BB have a very narrow gap between them, and the straps are made to accommodate that. Additionally, the way the Cartier strap and clasp system work are different from your standard strap and buckle. There is no pin on the Cartier clasp and so the straps also don’t have holes.

I know 3KF is now making the SS bracelets with the quick change release system (Cartier started doing this recently and the 3KF one works identically). I’m guessing that AF has upgraded to that version as well. My advice would be to buy with the rep with the steel bracelet and additionally buy the rep leather strap & clasp. That way you’ll at least have the branded clasp, and maybe the strap will be great. Then if the rep strap doesn’t do it for you, just get a nicer BB strap elsewhere and use your rep clasp with it.

 

[cat_fashion]

Oh - and I left out the part of my reasoning for getting the steel bracelet and the strap rather than just the strap: that way you’ll have both. Down the road you might find you’re suddenly in the mood for the SS. It’s a good looking bracelet! It shouldn’t cost that much extra to get them both at once and they really are easy to swap out.

 

[cartihrome]

Oh - and I left out the part of my reasoning for getting the steel bracelet and the strap rather than just the strap: that way you’ll have both. Down the road you might find you’re suddenly in the mood for the SS. It’s a good looking bracelet! It shouldn’t cost that much extra to get them both at once and they really are easy to swap out.

Thank you for your insight.
It does make sense to get one as a backup, and over time the leather will wear. Or maybe it won't wear as much because of the novel mechanism. I didn't realize it wasn't using a belt.
I'll have to ask the TD's if the AF has interchangeable strap when I order.

 

[DreamerJayden]

Both factories make outstanding BBs in my experience. You can't go wrong with either, so in this instance, I would choose based on price.

I own 5 different Ballon Bleu 33mm reps (different dial colors, w/ and w/o "diamonds," etc.). Two of them are from 3KF, and three are from AF. Two of the AFs have the ETA clone movement, and one has the Seiko movement. Both 3KFs have ETA clone movements — that's the only version they make AFAIK.

The clone movements in the BB (33mm) from both AF and the 3KF are 2671. I have a comparison image below showing a magnified view of a couple of my movements, one from AF and one from 3KF:



I imagine you would see these similarities between the 2824s in the 42mm you're considering as well.

In terms of how similar they are on the outside, both renditions are very accurate to their respective gens. The materials are high quality and they really nailed the finishes and details. All of mine have stainless steel bracelets so I can't speak to the quality of the leather straps.

Thank you so much for the information!

Your insights and experience with having reps from both factories have certainly reassured me that they produce quality reps.

There is a $80 price difference and the dearer of the 2 options is made by 3KF and features AR coating on the front glass which I’ve researched and doesn’t add that much additional protection when it comes to scratches so I’ll probably choose the rep from AF.

I’ll do a bit more research on the leather bands before I make my final decision.

Did you have any thoughts on the Cartier box?

 

[DreamerJayden]

I am also looking to buy a 42mm Balon Bleu with a leather strap. I didn't even consider leather quality as a factor so thanks for bringing it up. If anyone knows I'm all ears.

Maybe it would be possible to buy from a TD without straps included and then buy some from one of the trusted strap dealers.

 

[DreamerJayden]

Have you found any TDs? If you want to share who you’re thinking of going with, feel free to message me directly and we can compare notes

 

[cat_fashion]

Did you have any thoughts on the Cartier box?

I don’t know much about the boxes. I never get them — the watches all just go into my big watch box with my other pieces when they get here anyway. And I don’t know if the same is said in the watch world, but in the rep bag world (where I spend more time) they say branded boxes can increase the risk of seizure.

 

[cat_fashion]

Thank you so much for the information!

Your insights and experience with having reps from both factories have certainly reassured me that they produce quality reps.

There is a $80 price difference and the dearer of the 2 options is made by 3KF and features AR coating on the front glass which I’ve researched and doesn’t add that much additional protection when it comes to scratches so I’ll probably choose the rep from AF.

I’ll do a bit more research on the leather bands before I make my final decision.

Did you have any thoughts on the Cartier box?

It’s interesting that the AF is the less expensive option between the two you’re looking at — I usually find the inverse is true if I’m buying a model with a clone movement. With the 33mm models, AF makes versions with plain Asian movements (cheaper) and clone movements (more expensive). I’m not sure if the same is true for the larger versions, but if having a clone movement is important to you, I would double check with your TD to know which one is in the watch you’re getting. But it doesn’t have to be important. The non-clone movements work great and are reliable (and cheap to replace if something does go wrong). They just don’t look as fancy when you open up the watch.

 

[Senor Moustashe]

Hi all, following up on this feed.

I am also looking get the BB 42mm. Seems the AF has been reviewed as NWBIG making it the super rep. I spoke to my TD and they noted the AF doesn’t have a signed movement (no logo on the rotor) and they then offered the V9F… as this has a cloned movement (logo on the rotor). Does anyone know of the V9F? is it simply the evolution of the V6F? Any insight or review of V9F would be great. Many thanks.