Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Cartier Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic vs Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon"

Two timepieces compared — $5,000–$10,000 vs $10,000–$25,000

Quick Verdict

The Cartier Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic ($5,000–$10,000) offers Cartier automatic (calibre 076, in the 33mm automatic) precision in the tier below the Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" ($10,000–$25,000). The Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic measures 33mm and is rated 30m (3 ATM). The Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional timepieces for their respective tiers.

CartierBallon Bleu 33 Automatic$5,000–$10,000 Check price RolexDatejust 36 "Wimbledon"$10,000–$25,000 Check price

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Cartier

Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic

$5,000–$10,000

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Rolex

Datejust 36 "Wimbledon"

$10,000–$25,000

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Specifications Compared

Feature	Cartier Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic	Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon"
Price	$5,000–$10,000	$10,000–$25,000
Case Size	33mm	36mm
Movement	Automatic, Cartier calibre 076	Automatic Caliber 3235
Caliber Type	Cartier automatic (calibre 076, in the 33mm automatic)	Rolex In-House Automatic, Superlative Chronometer (-2/+2 sec/day)
Power Reserve	About 38 hours	70 Hours
Water Resistance	30m (3 ATM)	100m (10 ATM)
Crystal	Sapphire Crystal	Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops
Case Material	Stainless steel	Oystersteel
Origin	Swiss Made	Swiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

🎨

Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Cartier's design language vs Rolex's approach

The Cartier Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic features a Stainless steel case at 33mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" offers Oystersteel construction at 36mm with Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Rolex

Automatic, Cartier calibre 076 vs Automatic Caliber 3235

The Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic runs the Automatic, Cartier calibre 076 (Cartier automatic (calibre 076, in the 33mm automatic), About 38 hours power reserve) at standard frequency. The Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" uses the Automatic Caliber 3235 (Rolex In-House Automatic, Superlative Chronometer (-2/+2 sec/day), 70 Hours reserve) at standard. The Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" offers a longer power reserve.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Cartier

33mm vs 36mm — different wrist presence

At 33mm, the Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" at 36mm. Water resistance differs: 30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).

💰

Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Cartier

Cartier sits in the lower tier

The Cartier Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic sits at $5,000–$10,000 and the Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" at $10,000–$25,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal with About 38 hours, against Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops and 70 Hours on the Datejust 36 "Wimbledon". Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

💧

Water Resistance

Edge: Rolex

30m (3 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)

The Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic is rated to 30m (3 ATM) while the Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" handles 100m (10 ATM). The Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" offers superior water resistance.

Our Verdict

Cartier

Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic

Choose the Cartier Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic if you prioritize Cartier automatic (calibre 076, in the 33mm automatic) engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 30m (3 ATM) water resistance. At $5,000–$10,000, it delivers Automatic, Cartier calibre 076 with About 38 hours power reserve.

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Rolex

Datejust 36 "Wimbledon"

Choose the Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" if you value Rolex In-House Automatic, Superlative Chronometer (-2/+2 sec/day) technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 36mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic Caliber 3235 with 70 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Cartier Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic and Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" represent two distinct approaches to the timepiece category — the Cartier bringing Swiss Made tradition while Rolex delivers Swiss Made engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

For water, the Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" is rated 100 m against 30 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Cartier Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic sits a band lower ($5,000–$10,000 against $10,000–$25,000), so it is the cheaper way into the category. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.

The Cartier Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $5,000–$10,000. However, the Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.

Both are suitable for daily wear. The Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic at 33mm with 30m (3 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" at 36mm with 100m (10 ATM) is similarly capable. The Ballon Bleu 33 Automatic uses Sapphire Crystal while the Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" uses Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops.

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How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.