A fake Fifty Fathoms 45mm is a replica of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique reference 5015, built with a 45mm case, a domed sapphire bezel insert, and a decorated automatic movement. The best copies match the diameter, the 4:30 date window, and the dial layout, but none carry Blancpain's in-house caliber 1315 with its three barrels and 120 hour power reserve. Buyers judge these replicas on bezel action, dial printing, lume color, case thickness, and crown finish.
How close is a replica Fifty Fathoms 45mm to the genuine watch?
The genuine 5015 measures 45mm across, roughly 15.5mm thick, and uses 23mm lugs, so a replica that matches those numbers sits and wears the same on the wrist. Most 45mm copies hit the diameter correctly but run slightly thicker because the movement and spacer stack is deeper than the caliber 1315. Lug width is the number people miss: a 22mm strap on a 23mm case is an instant giveaway.
Which movement do 45mm Fifty Fathoms replicas use?
Three movement families dominate this size. Each one changes the caseback height and the feel of the winding action.
- Asian ETA 2824 clone: common, reliable, about 40 hours of reserve with a smooth sweep.
- Miyota 9015: thinner and quieter, often used in the better-finished cases.
- Decorated "clone 1315": cosmetic bridges and rotor engraving over a generic base, with no three-barrel architecture.
A real 1315 has a five day reserve, so a replica that stops after two days on the dresser confirms the movement is not a clone of the real thing.
What are the common tells on a fake Fifty Fathoms 45mm?
Small details separate a convincing copy from an obvious one. Work through this list before you commit.
- Date font and window cut, since the 4:30 date is the hardest element to copy cleanly.
- Bezel insert dome and anti-reflective coating, which should look glassy, not flat or milky.
- Crown shape, logo relief, and how crisply the bezel clicks through its ratchet.
- Lume evenness and color under low light, where patchy application shows.
- Caseback engraving depth and serial formatting.
- Crystal edge profile and side AR tint.
What should you check before buying?
- Ask for the measured case diameter and thickness with calipers, not the listing text.
- Request macro photos of the dial, date wheel, crown, and caseback.
- Confirm the lug width in millimeters so straps will fit.
- Ask which movement is inside and whether it has been regulated.
- Check the seller's return window and photo policy.
Is a 45mm Fifty Fathoms too big for a small wrist?
At 45mm and 15.5mm thick, the 5015 wears large and suits wrists from about 7 inches upward. Under that, a 42mm or 43mm Fifty Fathoms copy gives a better proportion.
Can a fake Fifty Fathoms 45mm be worn in water?
Replicas are not pressure tested, and gaskets vary by batch. Treat any 45mm copy as splash resistant only and keep it out of pools and salt water.