Bokey TimeHello everyone, this is Bokey Watch Industry. Today, I’d like to introduce a relatively retro replica watch: the latest Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 5008B-1130-B52A from ZF Factory, simply known as the ZF Factory Barracuda. Let’s first discuss the origin of this Barracuda model. It is one of the three new official genuine models launched in 2019, including the Fifty Fathoms “Frogman Commando” watch (5015E-1130-B52A), the Fifty Fathoms “Barracuda” watch (5008B-1130-B52A), and the “Air Command” Flyback Chronograph (AC01-1130-63A). In the replica market, ZF Factory previously launched a replica of the Frogman Commando, and now the protagonist today—the Barracuda—is also replicated by ZF Factory. The Air Command model has not yet been followed up by any replica manufacturers. Regarding the ZF Factory Barracuda, many watch enthusiasts are concerned about its craftsmanship and the simulation degree of the see-through movement. Next, let’s discuss the specific craftsmanship of this ZF Factory Barracuda and how it compares to the genuine model.
First, look at the genuine product parameters: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms series 5008B-1130-B52A watch (barracuda), price 104,500.
For the front appearance, the ZF factory barracuda uses a sapphire bezel and a sapphire dome-shaped mirror with a blue film coating. On the dial, large rectangular hour markers in red and white are used. This is a luminous scale design that was relatively popular in the 1960s and 1970s. The aged beige Super-LumiNova hour markers, combined with the white pencil-shaped hour and minute hands, are full of a sense of the times.
The ZF factory barracuda is a retro watch. Its prototype is the special version of Fifty Fathoms provided by Blancpain to the Federal German Navy at the end of the 1960s, and later it was also provided to the Polish Navy. The original model of this type actually had a very small production volume back then. In history, the more famous one is actually the “3H” version of Fifty Fathoms provided by Blancpain to the Federal German Navy in 1975. But because the “barracuda” has a very special appearance, it is also a very popular antique watch model in the eyes of collectors.
The one-way rotating bezel is made of sapphire as a whole, and the texture is very good. It can be clearly felt through the pictures. Especially in daylight, it will present a kind of moist luster.
And at night, the luminous scales under the sapphire outer ring will show through, which is extremely ornamental!
The calendar window adopts a black and white square frame design. The calendar font is printed in three dimensions, and the font size is restored to the genuine one.
The white pencil-shaped hour and minute hands also have an oily luster. The luminous filling of the hands is uniform without overflow, and the edges are polished without burrs.
The dome-shaped sapphire glass mirror has a convex design in the middle. This is also a design that restores the genuine product. The polishing of the lugs is also very smooth.
The whole watch is made of 316L stainless steel. The side is polished. The brand name of Blancpain is engraved. The font is clear.
On the other side is the screw-in crown. The top of the crown is engraved with the English abbreviation “JB” of Blancpain brand, which has a strong three-dimensional sense.
Looking at the back, the ZF factory barracuda adopts a see-through design. The transparent back cover is the same. The edge of the back cover is engraved with brand information. In the middle, a sapphire glass mirror is used. Through the mirror, you can see the movement running. This time, the ZF factory is equipped with a CAL.1151 movement customized by Dandong factory. This is a deck movement. The travel time error is still very good, but it will be a bit lacking in simulation. Below, I will put the genuine movement picture for everyone to compare. I won’t elaborate on it.
The natural rubber strap is matched with a pin buckle. The surface has beautiful texture. The back is a relatively breathable rhombus mesh design. It is relatively waterproof and sweat-proof. It is comfortable, concise and breathable to wear.
The wearing effect is that it is comfortable to wear, the surface texture is beautiful, and the temperament matches the whole watch very well. Here is a reference opinion. Bokey wrist circumference is 15.5 cm. It is moderate to wear. It is recommended that watch enthusiasts with a wrist circumference of 14.5-17.5 cm start. For those with a wrist circumference exceeding 17.5 cm, they should consider carefully. After all, the strap is not that long, and it is not easy to customize a rubber strap.
Summary: The Blancpain 5008B barracuda replica watch continues the high-level workmanship of ZF factory. The overall appearance is very good. Although there is a difference between the movement and the original version, with its charming retro appearance and sporty atmosphere, I believe many watch enthusiasts will recognize it!
