Bokey TimeHello everyone, this is Bokey. Today, I’d like to introduce the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barracuda 5008D non-radiation version from GS Factory. A total of two color schemes have been launched this time, including the calendar and non-calendar versions. These two GS Factory Barracuda 5008D models were promoted by the manufacturer since the beginning of July, but there was a long delay before they were officially released recently. Bokey has obtained the physical watches and taken photos at the first opportunity. Now, let me briefly share the craftsmanship details of the GS Factory Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barracuda non-radiation 5008D-1130-B64A.
GS factory Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barracuda non-radiation 5008D-1130-B64A – Actual shooting by Bokey.
Authentic model: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms series 5008D-1130-B64A watch (non-radiation), price: 104,500.
First of all, let’s measure the overall size data of the GS factory barracuda. Through the actual measurement by Bokey, the dial diameter of the GS barracuda is 40.3 millimeters, the thickness is 13.2 millimeters, and the weight is 92.3 grams. The overall data is consistent with the authentic product. Moreover, this size is very friendly for watch enthusiasts with not very thick wrists. For those who like the classic Fifty Fathoms but whose wrists are not particularly thick and cannot wear 45 or 43, now there is one more choice. This small dial diameter is indeed very comfortable to wear. Bokey own wrist of 15.5 cm feels very suitable when wearing it. If you have a wrist of 16 or 17, it will be even more comfortable to wear. The official price of this model is about 105,000 yuan, but basically it cannot be bought at the official price. Unless you are a VIP or buy it in the secondary market. Some time ago, the secondary market was about 120,000 yuan, but recently it seems to have been hyped up to about 160,000 yuan. So this is almost double the price at a premium.
Next, let’s take a look at the overall appearance of the GS Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barracuda. The GS factory Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barracuda non-radiation replica version adopts a deep black matte dial decorated with various geometric hour markers. The outer ring scale ring, hands, and time scales on the bezel are all coated with super luminous coating Super-LumiNova. The yellow and red two-color “non-radiation mark” is located at 6 o’clock on the dial. The dial follows the design of an antique watch from the 1960s. There is a date window at the three o’clock position. The one-way rotating bezel replicates the design features of the first-generation Fifty Fathoms watch and is inlaid with the sapphire glass inner ring characteristic of the contemporary Fifty Fathoms series. The arched contour design of the bezel can help enhance the visual depth of the watch surface.
Looking at the details, the sapphire bezel imparts a special charm to the Fifty Fathoms. The color scheme of the hands and scales is very retro. In fact, the current Blancpain Fifty Fathoms models are divided into two types: one with a sapphire outer bezel and the other with a ceramic outer bezel. The Fifty Fathoms with a ceramic outer bezel and sharp case lines was originally called the “Bathyscaphe,” which is not the most authentic Fifty Fathoms. It belongs to another series, but for most watch enthusiasts, dive watches all look alike and are difficult to distinguish. Therefore, Blancpain incorporated the original “Bathyscaphe” into the Fifty Fathoms series and promoted it. The authentic Fifty Fathoms is the sapphire outer bezel version. The curved sapphire rotating bezel has an excellent texture, especially in sunlight, which presents a lustrous and moist feel. At night, the luminous scales under the sapphire bezel will shine through, just like the original bezel, and are more beautiful than the ceramic outer bezel. However, the rotating sound of the bezel of this GS Factory Barracuda is relatively noisy, and there is some difference in feel compared to the genuine product. The original has clearer detents, but it does not affect wearing.
For the mirror, a dome-shaped sapphire is used. The cost of this dome-shaped sapphire is several times higher than that of ordinary single or double domed sapphires, and the scrap rate during production is also relatively high. Because it is hollowed out little by little from the inside to form a dome shape, and it will be scrapped if you are not careful.
In terms of hands, the white pencil-shaped hour and minute hands also have an oily luster. The luminous filling of the hands is regular and uniform without overflow, and the edges are polished without burrs. The central axis is also a bit hollow.
There is a non-radiation pattern above the six o’clock position. The meaning of this sign is that the luminous powder used in the 1950s and 1960s does not need to absorb light like ordinary luminous powder to glow, and the durability is also relatively long. However, this luminous powder contains radioactive radium. The radium element was discovered by Marie Curie in the laboratory at that time. And everyone knows what happened later. Because this self-luminous luminous powder contains radiation and is harmful to human health, so this kind of luminous powder containing radiation was not used later. At that time, humans were particularly panicked about this thing. So Blancpain directly put this sign on the dial to indicate that its luminous powder is radiation-free and does not contain radium elements. Moreover, with the progress of technology now, the luminous powder used now no longer contains radium elements. Reproducing watches from that time well restores the taste of that year, including the white frame of its date window, which is also the unique retro taste of that year. That is the meaning of this non-radiation. Since then, this non-radiation luminous powder has been used. No more elaboration will be made here. Of course, the luminous powder used in replica watches is also non-radiation, C3 luminous powder from Switzerland.
The GS factory Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barracuda non-radiation replica version uses a 316L stainless steel case with polished finish. The polishing process of the case is the same. Moreover, the font, thickness, and depth of the outer ring logo engraving are all the same as the authentic product, and the restoration degree is very high. GS factory still pays great attention to details and processes it very carefully. The engraving behind the lugs is very three-dimensional. There is no difference in size and shape, and the engraving is very clear. The only deficiency is that the engraving on the replica watch is a little bit thicker than the authentic product.
The back of the GS factory Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barracuda non-radiation replica version is equipped with a sapphire transparent back cover, allowing you to observe the operation of the self-produced movement. It is equipped with a customized CAL.1151 automatic winding movement from the Dandong version, which is the same as the zf factory barracuda. In addition, the balance wheel of the GS factory replica is at 6 o’clock, while the original is at 7 o’clock. The position is slightly off. The engraving on the movement plate is also relatively clear.
In terms of straps, a natural rubber strap is paired with a pin buckle. Let’s briefly talk about this strap. The overall texture is relatively soft, and the surface texture is also relatively clear and three-dimensional. There is no smell of inferior rubber. Moreover, the natural rubber strap is waterproof. Wearing it is more comfortable and lightweight. The back has ventilation holes like the authentic product, which is more breathable for friends who sweat a lot.
In addition, GS factory also launched a Fifty Fathoms Barracuda non-radiation version without calendar. The color of this without calendar version will be a little more orange-red. In addition, when adjusting the time, there will be an empty gear for the calendar. To adjust the time, it needs to be pulled out two gears. In this regard, the debugging is a bit different from the authentic product. It did not remove this empty gear. The movement parts are the same. The with calendar and without calendar versions are the same. However, personally, Bokey still recommends the with calendar version. The appearance is higher. Although the workmanship of the two color schemes is the same overall.
In terms of luminous, both have the same effect and are relatively strong in brightness. (Note: All the pictures used in this article are taken by Canon 80D. What you see is what you get!)
In conclusion, in terms of the overall structure, this GS factory Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barracuda 5008D non-radiation can reach more than 80% to 90% similarity. If you don’t compare it with the authentic product, ordinary people can’t tell. It’s still good for relieving cravings.
