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.
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.
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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.
fake blancpain 5050-11a0-52b v4
Questions for the seller
- Case diameter in millimeters?
- Movement caliber and maker?
- Case material: steel, titanium, or coated?
- Weight in grams?
- Date change time and mechanism?
- Crystal material and coating?
- Water resistance test result and date?
- Return window in days?