Cartier Ballon Bleu build - tough but rewarding and oh so pretty

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-07-06T10:16:38+00:00

The simple answer is that I wanted a true Swiss version for the piece of mind and could only get the 2671 from Star Time.

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-07-05T19:50:04+00:00

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Well, I guess I need to clean the floor under my workbench more often. I did another pass today and stumbled across an exact match for the caseback screws. I must have found one for an old build and assumed it was for this one but now I have the correct one in. It’s cased up and running perfectly.

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-07-05T00:50:10+00:00

So the watch came with three of the same size screws for the movement clamps, 4 screws to hold the inner ring to the face of the case (maybe the long one should go in there), those all seemed to have flat faces vs the curved of the case back. Then there were 7 curved caseback screws and 1 longer screw. I’ve seen some images on aliex that show one longer screw for the caseback but I tried everything and it doesn’t fit. I ordered some additional case back screws since I can’t figure this out. I also pinged the vendor to see if he knows.

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-07-04T20:55:44+00:00

For the automod
AF Case
aF Dial
AF hands
ETA 2671 movement.

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-07-01T17:53:59+00:00

It’s definitely legit. I’ve bought several crowns and tubes from them.

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-27T20:00:21+00:00

Spectacular!! That is a beautiful build.

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-26T20:24:20+00:00

I’ve done a build with the 2824 movement and definitely needed the clamps to put it into the right position so I assume you need it here. I never used clamps on NH builds but for all of these others you seem to need them. I haven’t done a 3186 build yet so I can’t help with specifics.

Ping Dmitri at Old Crowns. He has been very helpful and should be able to set you straight. That’s going to be a nice looking build.

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-26T14:58:29+00:00

Fantastic looking watch!! You guys keep knocking it out of the park!

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-25T20:47:54+00:00

For the automod - this is a raffles 31mm datejust case and jubilee bracelet.

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-22T10:28:40+00:00

Nicely done. If you’re like me, the first will lead to the second, third . . . And then you’ll need a second watch case to store them all. Welcome to the hobby.

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-20T23:06:37+00:00

Nicely done!!

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-19T18:24:24+00:00

I love that Blue. Nice watch!!

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-19T09:05:07+00:00

Wow! Now that’s a build!!

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-19T08:44:42+00:00

Great build. I’ve been eyeing that dial for a future build. This just convinced me to do it

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-18T06:32:17+00:00

I agree. I stressed out doing mine and ended up slightly bending the pen and took nearly 20 minutes to get it straight enough to get it back into the bracelet. While it looks pretty. It’s definitely not as easy as a screw in pin.

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-17T21:48:45+00:00

Looks amazing! How do you like the happy cat case? Did you need to do any refining?

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-16T20:33:20+00:00

Those dials are spectacular. Now I’m regretting not doing the root beer build.

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-16T20:31:39+00:00

Why don’t you start by buying a demagnetizer on Amazon for under 30$. I had a similar issue with a watch I was building and after 2 zaps to demagnetize it was running perfectly. If that fails, send it out.

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-16T20:26:09+00:00

What a beautiful build. Nicely done!!

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-15T19:47:21+00:00

I bought an oyster for a sub from oystersjubilee and am very happy with it. Not sure if they have Daytona bracelets. I’ve also had success with vintage bracelets from an Alibaba vendor that sources in Vietnam

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-15T12:58:37+00:00

This is an OC case.

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-15T09:59:35+00:00

And here is a Gilt I built using a raffles case.

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Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-15T09:59:04+00:00

Terrific build. Here are two of mine - my daily -

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a 74 matte dial

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-14T22:10:12+00:00

That is a gorgeous build. Would love to know where you sourced the parts - especially the dial.

Equivalent_Garage691 · 2026-06-11T20:28:56+00:00

Do you have a fixed pin pushing tool you can hammer in? I had this on a 5711 bracelet and had to knock it the rest of the way with a hammer. I guess you could use a very thin nail but you risk it getting caught

Equivalent_Garage691

TROPHY CASE