Quick answer

A fake Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 5200 copies the flyback chronograph model. The genuine watch measures 43.6 mm across the case, about 15.2 mm thick, and carries a 300 m water rating. Its F385 caliber beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour. Most copies miss one or more of those numbers. A buyer with calipers, a caseback photo, and the reference number can filter out copies before money changes hands.

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Genuine reference 5200 specs

  • Case width 43.6 mm; thickness about 15.2 mm
  • Materials: black or grey ceramic, titanium, and steel versions
  • Bezel: ceramic insert with Liquidmetal hour markers
  • Caliber F385: automatic flyback chronograph, column wheel, vertical clutch, silicon balance spring
  • Frequency 5 Hz (36,000 vph); power reserve 50 hours
  • Water resistance 300 m
  • Dial: 30 minute counter at 3, small seconds at 9, date at 4:30
  • Caseback: sapphire, movement visible
  • List price near $17,000 to $19,000, set by case material and bracelet

Replica tells

  1. Case thickness. Copies built on a 7750 clone or a Seagull chronograph run 16 mm to 17 mm. The extra 1 mm to 2 mm shows at the case flanks.
  2. Subdial spacing. The two subdials sit at 3 and 9 with a clear gap at 6. Many copies pull them inward or add a third subdial.
  3. Date at 4:30. Copies place the date at 3 or print a date wheel with the wrong font.
  4. Bezel insert. Liquidmetal markers sit flush inside the ceramic. Copies print on top of the insert. A fingernail catches a printed marker edge.
  5. Dial text. Check the stroke weight of the Blancpain script and the letter gaps in FIFTY FATHOMS. Copies use a heavier stroke.
  6. Caseback. Engraving depth, font, and serial format matter. Reference numbers on copies repeat across many units.
  7. Flyback test. Press the lower pusher while the chronograph runs. The genuine F385 resets to zero and restarts in one press. A 7750 clone needs stop, reset, then start.
  8. Case weight. Ceramic is less dense than steel. A ceramic 5200 case weighs less than a steel copy of the same size.

Movement checks

Blancpain lists 322 parts and 37 jewels for the F385. The rotor is gold. Copies carry a Chinese chronograph movement with a decorated plate and a rotor marked by shallow laser engraving. Under a loupe, a watchmaker sees the column wheel and vertical clutch on the genuine movement. Copies cover that area with a plain plate. A timegrapher reading near 36,000 vph matches the genuine rate. Copies read 28,800 vph.

How to Find a Discounted Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 5200

Price and legal status

Replica listings for the 5200 run about $300 to $900. Genuine examples list near $17,000 new and about $10,000 to $14,000 used with box and papers. Import of counterfeit watches into the United States breaks 19 U.S.C. 1526 and 15 U.S.C. 1124. CBP can seize the shipment and assess a civil penalty. Blancpain does not service copies and does not sell parts for them. Selling a copy as genuine is trademark infringement.

high-quality fake fifty fathoms bathyscaphe 5200

Verification steps

  1. Ask for photos of the front, back, both case flanks, and the clasp.
  2. Ask for the reference number and serial from the caseback.
  3. Compare both numbers against Blancpain records or an authorized service center.
  4. Ask for caliper photos of case width and thickness.
  5. Ask for a video of start, stop, flyback reset, and the date change at midnight.
  6. Pay for an inspection by an independent watchmaker before funds move.