The short answer
A "fake Fifty Fathoms 1953 5050" is a replica of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, a dive watch Blancpain launched in 1953 for French combat swimmers. Sellers put "1953" in titles for the vintage-style model and "5050" as a reference number. The two tags do not always describe one watch. The real reference number sits on the caseback, not in the ad text.
What the original is
Blancpain developed the Fifty Fathoms in 1953 with Robert Maloubier and the French Nageurs de Combat. The first model carried a rotating bezel, a black dial, large numerals, and a moisture indicator at 6 o'clock. Modern Fifty Fathoms Automatique models measure about 45mm wide and 15mm thick. Most run Caliber 1315: three barrels, a 120-hour power reserve, and a silicon balance spring.
What replicas copy and what they miss
- Bezel: the original uses a domed sapphire insert. Replicas use mineral glass or plastic, and the insert sits flat.
- Case: genuine cases hold tolerances near 0.2mm. Replica cases vary by 0.5mm or more per batch.
- Movement: replica tiers use a DG2813 at 21,600 vph, a Miyota 9015 at 28,800 vph, or a decorated clone. None copy the three-barrel 1315 layout.
- Dial: lume color, date font, and the weight of the Blancpain signature are the common tells.
- Caseback: engraving depth and serial number format.
Price bands
Entry replicas sell for $80 to $150. Mid tier with a Miyota 9015 runs $250 to $450. Listings marked "super clone" run $500 to $800. A genuine steel Fifty Fathoms Automatique trades in five figures on the secondary market. Ask which movement is inside before paying.
Legal and shipping risk
US law treats counterfeit watch sales as trademark infringement. 18 U.S.C. § 2320 makes trafficking in counterfeit goods a federal crime. CBP seizes counterfeit goods at ports and destroys them. A buyer can lose the watch and the payment. That risk applies at every price tier.
Questions for a seller
- Case width, thickness, and lug width in millimeters.
- Movement maker and beat rate.
- Bezel insert material.
- Photos of the caseback and clasp.
- Return policy in writing.
Unknown: exact production numbers of the 2003 anniversary reissue and which factory made a given replica batch. Sellers do not publish that data, and no independent source confirms it.