Replica Fifty Fathoms 38mm: The Short Answer

A replica Fifty Fathoms 38mm is a copy of a Blancpain dive watch with a 38mm case. The genuine model is the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 38mm. It has a 38.0mm diameter, a 10.7mm thickness, and a 300m water resistance rating. Replicas vary in quality. Check the case size, movement, dial print, and bezel action before buying. No replica matches the genuine watch in materials or finish.

Case and Dimensions

Measure the case diameter across the bezel without the crown. The genuine 38mm Bathyscaphe measures 38.0mm. Many replicas listed as 38mm measure 39mm or 40mm. Lug width is 20mm on the genuine model. Some replicas use a 22mm lug width. Thickness is another tell. The genuine steel Bathyscaphe 38mm is 10.7mm thick. Replicas often reach 12mm or more because of a thicker movement or a spacer.

Movement Types

The genuine Blancpain Bathyscaphe 38mm uses the calibre 1150. It is an automatic movement with a 100-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Replicas use several movements:

  • Quartz: cheapest option. The seconds hand ticks once per second.
  • Seiko NH35: automatic, 21,600 vph, 41-hour power reserve.
  • Miyota 9015: automatic, 28,800 vph, 42-hour power reserve.
  • ETA 2824 clone: automatic, 28,800 vph, 38-hour power reserve.
  • Swiss ETA 2824: rare in replicas. Higher cost.

Check the movement name on the rotor or caseback. A high-beat movement (28,800 vph) sweeps smoother than a low-beat one. The genuine 100-hour power reserve is not replicated by any common clone.

Dial and Hands

The genuine dial has applied indices with lume. The date window sits at 4:30 on many Bathyscaphe 38mm models. Replicas often place the date at 3:00. Look at the printing. "Blancpain" uses a specific serif font. "Fifty Fathoms" or "Bathyscaphe" appears below. Replicas may use a sans-serif font or blurry text. The depth rating "300m/1000ft" should be crisp. The hands are sword-shaped with lume fill. Check that the hour, minute, and second hands align at 12:00.

Bezel

The genuine bezel insert is ceramic with liquidmetal or sapphire markings. Replicas use aluminum or ceramic with painted markings. Turn the bezel. A genuine bezel has 120 clicks, unidirectional rotation, and no back play. Replicas may have 60 clicks, bidirectional rotation, or a loose feel. Align the bezel triangle with the 12:00 marker. Misalignment is common on replicas.

Crystal and Caseback

The genuine watch uses a domed sapphire crystal with an inner anti-reflective coating. Replicas may use mineral glass or sapphire with weak or no AR coating. The caseback on the genuine Bathyscaphe 38mm is solid steel with an engraving. Some replicas have a display back with a glass window. Check the engraving depth and font. Serial numbers on replicas often repeat the same digits or are missing.

Water Resistance

The genuine rating is 300m (30 bar). Replicas claim 30m to 100m. Do not swim or dive with a replica unless a watchmaker tests the seals. Water damage is common.

Lume

Genuine models use Super-LumiNova. Charge the watch under a light for 30 seconds. Check the brightness and duration. Replicas often have weak lume that fades in 1-2 hours. Genuine lume lasts 6-8 hours at a readable level.

Price Ranges

Replica prices vary by movement and finish:

  • Quartz: $50 to $100.
  • Automatic with a clone movement: $150 to $400.
  • Automatic with a Swiss ETA: $500 to $800.

Genuine Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 38mm models sell for over $10,000.

Common Flaws to Check

  • Case diameter off by 1mm or more.
  • Date window at 3:00 instead of 4:30.
  • Thickness over 11mm.
  • Bezel insert with printed, not engraved, markings.
  • Low-beat movement (21,600 vph) with a choppy sweep.
  • Weak lume.
  • Misaligned bezel insert.
  • Sharp case edges or a rough crown logo.