Daytona4me Posted April 16, 2009 Report Share Posted April 16, 2009 I have been attracted to the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms style since Enzo was making some similar vintage models. I could kick myself for not buying one at the time. When this replica became available I had to purchase it just so I could review it even if it is a fantasy watch. Let me get some housekeeping items out of the way. Factory: Chanel / Chopard (produces almost solely quartz watches) Market: Guangzhou (of course) Weight: 100.4 Grams Case size: 45mm Thickness: 16.35mm Case Back to Crystal Width: 49mm Crown to Case Crystal: Advertised as Sapphire w/AR Coating. My supplier confirmed with me it is sapphire so it's a pretty good chance it is but would love for someone to test it. Lug width: 22mm Strap Length: 115mm / 75mm Strap Width: 22mm which tapers to 19.5mm Strap Material: Nylon, it could be better, to much of a plastic feel. Price: $100 (Colored Dials $105, PVD Case $125) My overall feeling about this watch left me wanting more, not more watches but more in terms of quality. This is not a super rep nor is it a steal at $100 , it is simply a Guangzhou made quartz fantasy watch that has a slightly improved SS case (engraving is decent, weight is ok) what I am saying is if you are used to wearing a super rep, this watch will simply feel like a cheaper quartz rep. There are hundreds of replicas that feel and look much cheaper than this replica so please dont think I am describing it as a worthless canal street $20 rep, it is not, it's much nicer.. but not a high end watch. The bezel insert feels acrylic and I am positive it will easily scratch or be gouged if hit against something sharp. The bezel has a lot of play. It does click nicely around the case but has play in it if you try to turn it clockwise. It is not crisp in it's clicks if that makes any sense. The engraving on the case is very nice. It is crisp and well machined. The same goes for the case back. It has a high polish to it and the etching is nice and uniform as well. The chrono pushers appear to have the locking system like the bce or daytona but on this model it is for looks only. It does not have a functioning chrono pusher locking system. The crown seems a little flimsy but is a screw down crown with decent threads as apposed to many other quartz models with a simple pull in / out function. I am not impressed with the Japanese quartz movement. The ETA quartz is far better in it's function. There is an obvious difference in the feeling when changing time and date on the ETA as apposed to the Japanese quartz movements. The dial is pretty neat. The dial appears to consist of 2 plates, the top plate being glossy or transparent as to display a carbon fiber look beneath. I belive the carbon fiber look is holographic like the Rolex stickers on the case back of many rolex replicas. The markers and hands are luminous but the bezel is not. Without further delay I present to you the photos... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strattakan Posted April 16, 2009 Report Share Posted April 16, 2009 Saw this watch at local dealer and have to agree: Its not a suer rep but worth the money. Being an automatic fan, i have to admit to be a beater quartz is very good. Also its good when u forget a week in a box and when get back just put on wrist and dont have to take care adjust hour and etc. Its practical to use it between auto watches. And finally, for this amount of money this blancpain is better than use a casio... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chino Posted April 18, 2009 Report Share Posted April 18, 2009 Thanks for the review, this was great... Interesting watch! and nice pics too. thanks a lot for sharing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shundi Posted April 18, 2009 Report Share Posted April 18, 2009 Cool watch...too bad we don't have an actual 7750 based super rep Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morlock Posted April 18, 2009 Report Share Posted April 18, 2009 I have been a long time fan of the FF, and I was very tempted to pull the trigger on this Quartz rep, but after reading your review, I will hold myself until a better piece is available. Thanks for investing your time in your informative review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corgi Posted April 18, 2009 Report Share Posted April 18, 2009 As a huge Blancpain fan this one has tempted me... but there's no way I can wear a quartz. It just isn't going to happen. I hope every single day the factories are going to release a standard, automatic, non-chrono modern Fifty Fathoms. They likely have it ready to go; but want to move some of these less popular units prior to releasing another "super rep"... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P4GTR Posted April 18, 2009 Report Share Posted April 18, 2009 Excellent photography work. Another banging review from D4M! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daytona4me Posted April 18, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2009 I was really hoping for more with this rep,, maybe I saved someone some money with this review... I guess there is something to be said if so long as you know what you are buying.. you wont be disappointed.. lol I am happy they are at least looking at this watch for replication.. as Shundi and Corgi said.. will be watching for a super rep 7750 to come out of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morlock Posted April 19, 2009 Report Share Posted April 19, 2009 I hope every single day the factories are going to release a standard, automatic, non-chrono modern Fifty Fathoms... AMEN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toadtorrent Posted April 20, 2009 Report Share Posted April 20, 2009 Either way...the photos are great!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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