Short answer

The Blancpain 5050-11A0-52B is a Fifty Fathoms Grande Date reference. A v3 fake is the third revision of a replica of that watch. No factory publishes a spec sheet for these revisions. The version number comes from the seller. Blancpain does not use it.

Identifying Fake Blancpain 5050-11A0-52B Watches

What the genuine reference is

Blancpain launched the Fifty Fathoms in 1953. The modern range includes the Grande Date model with a two-disc date display. Blancpain lists dimensions, movement data, and materials for each reference on its own site. Use that page as the baseline before you compare anything. A dealer listing is not a spec source.

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Points to inspect on a v3

  • Case diameter. Measure with calipers at the bezel edge, not across the crown.
  • Crown and crown guard profile. The guard is a hard shape to copy.
  • Bezel insert. Compare material and edge finish against the Blancpain page for this reference.
  • Date disc. Check digit font, digit spacing, and that both discs sit on one line. Confirm the window position on the manufacturer page.
  • Lume. Charge with a UV light for 30 seconds, then time the glow.
  • Caseback engraving. Compare letter spacing, serial format, and reference text.
  • Movement. Ask for the caliber name and a photo of the rotor and balance. Genuine watches use in-house Blancpain calibers. Replicas use third-party movements.
  • Weight in grams. Titanium and steel differ by a wide margin.
  • Crystal. A weak anti-reflective coat shows a blue or purple cast at an angle.

What v3 means

Sellers use version numbers to mark revisions: dial print, bezel, case shape, movement. The numbers are not standardized across sellers. A v3 from one seller is not the same as a v3 from another. Ask for a written change list and photos of the actual unit you will receive.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Fake Blancpain 5050-11A0-52B V9 Watches

Limits

Blancpain does not service replicas. A replica carries no manufacturer warranty. Dive ratings on replicas are not tested to ISO 6425, the standard for diver's watches. A pressure test at a local shop costs little and shows if the seals hold. Resale value is close to zero. US Customs can seize counterfeit goods at import.

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Questions for the seller

  1. Case diameter in millimeters?
  2. Movement caliber and maker?
  3. Case material: steel, titanium, or coated?
  4. Weight in grams?
  5. Date change time and mechanism?
  6. Crystal material and coating?
  7. Water resistance test result and date?
  8. Return window in days?