Thanks for that, Daan. You have set me up for my main point perfectly there. Here it is: the perfect replica Rolex Submariner is indeed more versatile but not at the expense of diving prowess. The current model features the same 300m water resistance and even greater legibility. The combination of the markers and hands is simply better optimized for legibility. Even the lumed bezel of the Fifty Fathoms cannot compensate for that.
I agree that the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms somehow feels a little more diving-first. But if I had to actually rely on either underwater, I would opt for the luxury fake Rolex Submariner. While Blancpain is striving for some sort of balance between Haute Horlogerie and hardcore tools, Swiss movement replica Rolex just makes the most rock-solid watch imaginable. So even as a pure diving tool, I would not opt for the Blancpain.
Let’s compare the base Fifty Fathoms Automatique ref. 5015 1130 71S and the 1:1 fake Rolex Submariner Date ref. 126610LN as an example. From a functional/technical point of view, these offer the same things. The Sub, however, is 4mm smaller, 3.2mm slimmer, and has a more confident date placement and a no-date alternative. And this is before I get into the bracelets, of which Rolex’s is simply best in class. Granted, the FF has a fancier movement, but we were talking diving tools here, weren’t we? After all of this, the AAA quality replica Rolex Submariner is still €8,450 more affordable at retail, even if it is hard to come by.
The Rolex Submariner replica for sale is better managed than the Fifty Fathoms
You already mentioned, Daan, how the Fifty Fathoms had to be reintroduced at some point. I will not hold that against it…stuff happens. But I don’t think the Swatch Group has gotten the best out of it since then. I get the whole “serious diver” vibe of the Fifty Fathoms, but the Bathyscaphe could have been used to create the ultimate luxury, everyday diver. And somehow, Blancpain let high quality fake Rolex take the cake on both of those concepts — with a single watch, even!
Honestly, my hands itch when I look at the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms’ history. I would just love to team up with Max Resnick and develop an FF watch that is an actual luxury alternative to the cheap super clone Rolex Submariner. I understand that this sounds extremely pretentious coming from a lowly writer and aspiring watch brand owner. I just truly feel there is low-hanging fruit to be picked.
As I touched upon in a recent article, best quality fake Rolex is fantastic at managing its brand heroes. The Submariner is no exception. Honestly, there hasn’t been a bad one since 1953/1954. My pick of the bunch would be a no-date ref. 14060, but the earlier ref. 5513 is aesthetically stunning too. Okay, the current ones are a tad too shiny for my liking, but I certainly would wear those as well. Contrastingly, as you say, the best modern Fifty Fathoms somehow seem to always be the limited editions. And the Rolex Submariner replica watches online in general is a bit of a mixed bag, with too many hit-or-miss versions. Sorry, Blancpain. I absolutely love you, but I have to be strict here in Sunday Morning Showdown.