What a Fifty Fathoms chronograph super clone is
A Fifty Fathoms chronograph super clone is a replica of a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms chronograph. Most examples copy the Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback, reference 5200. The genuine watch has a 43.6 mm case, 300 m water resistance, and Blancpain Caliber F385. The replica copies the outside. It does not copy the movement.
are fifty fathoms chronograph replicas any good
Genuine specs to compare
- Case: 43.6 mm for the Bathyscaphe chronograph
- Water resistance: 300 m
- Movement: Caliber F385, automatic flyback chronograph
- Frequency: 5 Hz, 36,000 vph
- Power reserve: 50 hours
- Features: column wheel, vertical clutch, silicon balance spring
Blancpain also made a 45 mm Fifty Fathoms Chronographe Flyback, ref. 5085. Replicas of that model exist. Check which reference the seller claims to copy.
fifty fathoms chronograph replica review
Movement in the replica
Most Fifty Fathoms chronograph replicas use a 7750-based automatic chronograph. Some sellers call this a super clone. The 7750 has a different architecture from Caliber F385. It uses a cam and lever system, not a column wheel with vertical clutch. Subdial spacing and date position follow the 7750 layout. A true clone of the F385 is not common. Ask for movement photos. A decorated rotor and bridges do not make the movement a clone.
Case, dial, and bezel checks
Measure the case. The Bathyscaphe chronograph is 43.6 mm wide. Many replicas run 44 mm or more. Check thickness. The genuine watch is about 14 mm thick. Thick cases often hold a 7750 with a spacer.
fifty fathoms chronograph replica movement comparison
- Bezel: ceramic insert with clear markings. Check alignment at 12.
- Crystal: sapphire with anti-reflective coating. Look for a blue or purple tint under light.
- Dial: two subdials plus a date window. Check subdial spacing and date font.
- Hands: hour, minute, chronograph seconds, and subdial hands. Check length and finish.
- Caseback: engraved rotor and reference numbers. Replica engravings often have soft edges.
Water resistance
Do not dive with a replica. The 300 m rating applies to the genuine watch. Replica cases are not pressure tested to that standard. Gaskets may be missing or dry. A pool splash is not a test. If water resistance matters, buy a pressure-tested dive watch from a known brand.
Price and what you get
Prices for a Fifty Fathoms chronograph super clone vary by seller and movement. A 7750-based example sells in the hundreds of dollars. Higher prices do not always mean a better movement. Ask for:
- Photos of the movement
- Case measurements
- Weight
- Video of the chronograph start, stop, and reset
- Return policy
A flyback function is rare on replicas. Test the chronograph. The seconds hand should start, stop, and reset to zero. A flyback should restart without a stop and reset. Most 7750 replicas do not have a true flyback.
Limits
A super clone is not a Blancpain. It has no factory service, no warranty from Blancpain, and no collector value. Movement parts may be hard to source. Resale is low. Buy it as a replica, not as an investment.