Hello everyone, I am purewatches. Today I want to talk to you about the large blue balloon watch launched by AF Factory. This classic style has always been favored by watch friends for its elegant design and exquisite craftsmanship. However, there are many replicas on the market. How to choose a high-quality blue balloon has become a concern for many watch friends. Next, I will analyze the AF factory’s large blue balloon in detail from the aspects of appearance details, material selection, and movement performance to help you better understand its charm.
1. Dial revolution: the beige tone of the new year is perfectly restored
The most significant upgrade of this large blue balloon from AF Factory is the dial color. Different from the gray tone of the old batch, the new version adoptsThe same beige color in the counter in 2023, after 12 color mixing tests, the color difference was controlled within Pantone level 1. The Roman numerals on the dial are clear and three-dimensional, and the hydraulic process is properly processed, showing a delicate sense of hierarchy. The iconic five-layer fish-eye pattern effect is still retained, showing a charming visual effect as the light changes. The background color of the calendar window is matte gray, and the font has been redesigned to be thicker and more recognizable than the original version.
- Five layers of fish-eye pattern effect: The fish-eye pattern under the sapphire mirror is clearly layered, and the light refraction angle is consistent with the original product.
- Roman numeral craftsmanship: The hydraulic fonts are three-dimensional and full, with no burrs on the edges, and are still exquisite under a 10x magnifying glass.
- Calendar window upgrade: The background color is matte gray and the font is 20% bolder for clearer reading.
A cousin’s actual test: “When I compared it at the counter, even the clerk couldn’t tell which one was the replica. The beige color was so accurate!”
2. Fine steel craftsmanship: the ultimate pursuit of millimeter level
The crown of the Blue Balloon is one of its iconic designs. The AF factory version is also made of synthetic crystal stone. Under natural light, the crown shows a deep metallic blue, while under ultraviolet light it reflects a charming red light. This detail is restored very well. Pay attention to how the crown is used when wearing it. It is recommended to use two fingers to pull it out evenly to avoid damage caused by one-handed operation.
- Case treatment：
- 316L fine steel has been processed by 5-axis CNC, and the arc error from the original product is ≤0.05mm.
- Add rounded corners to the inside of the lugs to completely solve the problem of “wrist pinching”
- Watch strap innovation：
- The joints of the watch sections are alternately brushed and polished, and the movement angle of each section is increased to 25°.
- The buckle has been upgraded to a narrower design, with double screws added on the inside to secure it, with a lifespan of 30,000 opening and closing times.
- Crown design：
- Synthetic spinel shows blue-red discoloration under different lights
- Improved crown axis structure, increasing torsional strength by 50%
3. Seagull 2824 movement: stable and durable “heart”
This watch is equipped with Seagull 2824 movement, which runs stably and accurately. The calendar adjustment method is a smooth adjustment design, which is simple and convenient to operate. Although the movement is not original from Switzerland, it performs well in terms of stability and durability and can fully meet the needs of daily wear. For watch lovers who have a limited budget but pursue quality, this is a very cost-effective choice.
- Travel time accuracy: Daily error of ±5 seconds, surpassing Swiss movements at the same price
- power reserve: Measured for 38 hours under full link status
- Tuning Tips：
- The crown must be pulled out evenly with both fingers.
- Adjust the calendar in one direction clockwise to avoid gear damage
- It is recommended to adjust at a fixed time every day to extend the life of the movement.
Maintenance tips: Oil cleaning and maintenance are required every 2-3 years to maintain the best condition of the movement.
4. Guide to buying pit avoidance products
- Two major features of genuine AF factory：
- The dial must be beige (not off-white)
- The calendar font is obviously bold
- Common fraud techniques：
- Use an old watch face to pass it off as a new one
- Crown spinel has no discoloration effect
- No rounded corners at the strap connection
Summarize：How to choose high-quality blue balloons?
There are currently many versions of replica blue balloons on the market, but this large blue balloon from AF Factory is undoubtedly one of the most recommended. Whether it is the beige tone of the dial, the five-layer fisheye pattern effect, or the fine polishing of the case and strap, they all show a very high degree of restoration. In addition, the stable performance of the Seagull 2824 movement also adds a lot to the watch. If you are looking for a Blue Balloon watch with both good looks and performance, this work from AF Factory is definitely not to be missed!