Even if Blacpain is not on the wish list of every watch admirer, this brand enjoys a pretty decent reputation and demands appreciation. One of Blancpain’s most outstanding collections is Fifty Fathoms. The knockoffs of these watches are not as expensive as Omega, Patek Philippe, or Rolex imitations. Regardless, this line has something to offer, especially to those looking to add a diver’s watch to their collection.
Today I want to discuss Fifty Fathoms replica watches in detail. More carefully, I will analyze the Grande Date replica model. As with any imitation, these watches have many advantages, but also disadvantages. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.
Brief overview
The first models from the Fifty Fathoms collection appeared in 1953, being among the first modern diving models. The watch aficionado community as well as die-hard connoisseurs of fine horology immediately drew attention to this collection. Modern Fifty Fathoms watches have evolved substantially over time, being available in different colors and aesthetic details. However, in each of them, we can observe traditional contours and elements that honor the first models.
I decided to do a review of the Grande Date replica model today. What attracted me to it are the rather imposing proportions. We are talking about a case of 45 mm and a height of 16.2 mm. So the first conclusion we can draw about this knockoff is that it is specifically suitable for people who love the concept of oversize and want their watch to stand out.
Apart from the generous proportions, the replica watch is highlighted by its robust body, unidirectional bezel, and notched edge. The imitation shines brightly in the dark, as is to be expected from a divers watch.
Aesthetic details
The Fifty Fathoms Grande Date replica watch features a black dial. It has a slightly matte texture and features a sunray finish. The applied hour markers have an arrow shape in a stainless steel frame. What I like about this imitation is that it looks quite clean both in the light and in the dark. Thanks to the Superluminova layer on top of the hour markers and hands, the watch emits a strong and attractive green light.
The hour and minute hands have a shape reminiscent of a tie. The second hand is the most elegant and subtle, it has a long and extremely thin shape. In contrast to the hour and minute hands, the seconds hand features lume coating only on its tip. In the dark, it becomes luminous, and during the day, the tip of the second hand is red.
Further on…
As the name of the series suggests, the Grande Date replica watch features a date function. You can see it at the 6 o’clock marker. The background of the date aperture is also black. Inside it, the date indexes have a subtle and visually pleasing shape and font. In general, the date aperture fits harmoniously into the entire design of the watch.
To adjust the date, as well as the time of the replica watch, it is necessary to use the crown as a “command” button. By the way, the crown is very “ergonomic” and compactly fixed to the body of the watch. It is very easy and pleasant to turn it back and forth. As far as I can tell, the interior of the crown is well lubricated, because its rotation produces neither strange sounds nor strange sensations.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Grande Date replica watch case and bracelet
Let’s move from the dial to the replica watch case. The nice part about this imitation is that it comes with titanium details in it, making it very light. Initially, when I just received this set of watches from the manufacturers, I imagined that it should be very heavy, considering its dimensions. But, thanks to the titanium material included in the manufacturing process, the knockoff is very light.
The texture of the case features a brushed finish. This texture extends from the bezel to the lugs, including the crown and the crown horns. Even the pin buckle of the strap has the same brushed texture. The brushing seems to be quite qualitative. To the touch, I do not notice that the titanium surface of the watch is scratched by badly processed areas. On the contrary, the entire surface is quite smooth and pleasant.
The Grande Date replica model is available with a canvas strap, for a strong sporty, and practical vibe. I was surprised to discover that there is a rubber backing on the interior part of the canvas strap. Its purpose is to provide the strap with additional strength so that the replica watch is resistant both over time and in different fierce conditions.
As far as I can see, this replica has a very robust and safe construction. All the details of the case are well assembled to withstand various challenges throughout the day. The conclusion I draw is that this watch is a reliable one specifically for an active lifestyle in which there is no shortage of physical effort and adventures.
You can equally find this replica watch with a bracelet or fabric strap version. The bracelet version offers the watch a more casual look. As for the fabric option, I don’t really find it resonating with me. If it is to choose between the canvas and the fabric, I’d suggest you go with the canvas one.
Technical differences between Fifty Fathoms Grande Date replica and the genuine models
As a general conclusion regarding the aesthetic aspect, the replica watch is no different from the authentic example. If there are any differences, these are almost invisible to the untrained eye.
The most prominent differences between the original watch and its replica version consist of their technical profile.
Let’s start with the authentic model. The original Fifty Fathoms Grande Date has a transparent sapphire caseback. It offers the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and accuracy of the inner mechanism, in which the movement details waltz to the rhythm of time. For this watch, the brand installed an in-house mechanism caliber 6918B. With every movement of the wrist, you can see it spinning. And the most impressive part of this movement is that it supplies the watch with an effectiveness of up to 120 hours or up to 5 days of activity.
Also in this context, the authentic model has an impressive water resistance profile. Being a diver in every sense of the word, it can withstand up to 300 meters thanks to its construction which has all the necessary water protection systems.
On the other side of the coin…
The replica version lacks the transparent caseback, unfortunately. The back of the imitation is covered by a stainless steel plate. I took responsibility and opened the replica caseback to see how well the inner movement looks. The imitation runs on the basis of an AAA-grade mechanism. It looks quite well processed, and the edges are smooth enough to conclude that it is a fairly reliable Asian mechanism.
Besides the caseback difference, the watches also differ in their activity capacity. While the original model activates as a workhorse for up to 5 days, the imitation mechanism ensures operation for up to 48 hours. It’s not bad, of course, but I would have liked it to last at least 3 days.
Another differentiating aspect is the water resistance profile. The manufacturers assured me that the imitation is resistant up to 100 meters. This novelty is very gratifying, especially for watch enthusiasts who are used to using their watch to the maximum, including in water conditions. It is important not to forget that this watch is still an imitation and you can never be sure that the water resistance profile is really viable. Personally, I recommend you to be cautious with it, avoiding strong interactions with water. As far as I know, manufacturers do not have enough tools to test water resistance. As a result, their promises are in most cases theoretical, not guaranteed.
In the same context…
I noticed that many dealers propose this replica version with a resistance of up to 300 meters. Personally, I don’t believe in such a capacity. So I recommend you be vigilant. A replica watch with a resistance of 300 meters is a rarity. And even if it is possible, it is unlikely that such an imitation will have a moderate price.
Pros and cons of Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Grande Date
If you’re still in doubt about this replica watch, here’s what you need to know about it.
Its advantages are primarily the visibility and clear readability of its dial. Due to its imposing proportions and rather limited functionality, the watch is very easy and quick to read, with just a glance. All its indicators and functions are clearly and expressively visible from a distance. Even the date aperture is clearly visible, despite the fact that it does not have contrasting colors compared to the dial.
Another positive aspect of this imitation is the fact that it belongs to an exclusive series. The authentic Grande Date line is valid in a limited edition of only 500 units. In addition, all the watches in the Fifty Fathoms collection have the date aperture located at 3 o’clock. Only in the Grande Date series, it is displayed at 6 o’clock. In conclusion, this model is an exclusive and rare one, compared to the other Fifty Fathoms watches.
The most promising advantage is the fact that the imitation is identical from an aesthetic point of view to the original model. All the details of the case, as well as the dial, are reproduced highly professionally. On the wrist, the watch feels very light and comfortable. In addition, it attracts high attention due to its architecture. Considering its price, I can say that it is an extremely profitable replica watch that justifies its level of quality quite well. There is a pretty promising balance between quality and price.
On the other side of the barricade, here are the disadvantages you will face…
First of all, you probably already realized that the proportions of the watch are both an advantage and a disadvantage. The architecture of the watch is not only wide in diameter but also quite tall. So it can be a watch not exactly suitable for all wrists and all tastes. The majority of watch lovers are looking for complex functions integrated into slightly more subtle bodies. And this watch model does not quite match such a description. Aesthetically, the imitation is visually pleasing. Proportionally though, it leaves much to be desired. Consequently, the Fifty Fathoms Grande Date replica remains to be addressed to people with massive wrists or with special preferences for oversize watches.
How valuable is Blancpain as a watch brand?
If you like this watch model, but you are not sure how valuable Blancpain is as a brand, here are some insights about it. Blancpain is famous for its diver watches. But this vector is not the only ace up his sleeve.
When we talk about Blancpain, we are actually talking about the oldest watch company that has operated continuously since its inception. Officially, this brand was born in 1735. However, rumors claim that the house was still producing watches until this year, but not much was known about it.
Blancpain is synonymous with horological mastery. Over time, this house developed the entire watch creation process by itself, starting with the design and ending with the integral parts. Respectively, when we talk about Blancpain, we are actually referring to a brand that depends exclusively on itself and its masterful abilities.
As a brand with great values and goals, Blancpain has dedicated a large part of its attention to supporting projects aimed at protecting the environment, especially the oceans. It also set some ambitious goals through the Blancpain Ocean Commitment. Being in close collaboration with various organizations, the watchmaking house initiates campaigns for expeditions, investigations, and ocean protection measures on a global level.
As a final thought, be sure that your idea of having a Blancpain watch, be it a replica one, is a formidable idea. By wearing a Blancpain watch, you are wearing a true horological history on your wrist.