Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Documentary: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UuI6SAF1Js8.html Do yourselves a favour and watch what is arguably the best documentary made by a watch brand to date. This is the reason why we all want to own a Blancpain. Enjoy!
As per usual, it seems you have divined the collective hopes and dreams of the world wide watch community and articulated them in spot on fashion. I feel as if my running subconscious thoughts on Blancpain divers has been turned into a concise documentary! I am shaking my head, still marveling that one of the top brands have not ended your RU-vid career by hiring you on. You have once again made it clear that many of the decision makers at our favorite watch makers are too close to the blackboard to see the writing (or, perhaps, they just have a chalk up their arse). Keep on. Well done, and Cheers!
@@jkid9244 You humble me sir. Ah, as much as it is a dream of mine to be a consultant with these brands, nobody has ever reached out. But then that's what they're paying their in-house teams for at the end of the day. Never say never though. Really thank you so much again for the flattering comments man... it makes this so much more worthwhile knowing that there's at least someone out there who enjoys my ramblings! ;)
Why do you think Blancpain does so many limited runs on what are obviously so much more desirable and pleasing models of watches? It’s quite puzzling to say the least. As you said, they are sitting quite literally on a gold mine of excellent watch designs in their back catalog. You always manage to present such fresh insights to a wide range of watch brands and models. Your work is very much appreciated! You make achieving excellence look effortless.
@@alvinmick218 Thank you Alvin. I reckon its a combination of things. The Limited Edition / Reissue run of models from Blancpain started up again in 2017 (which is quite new) But it also seems like a Swatch Group thing to push for LE releases. There is definitely hope that we might see something more tangible in the future - especially if ideas like these are spread out there for manufacturers to see ;)
Luxury watch makers not giving us what we really want seems the standard. Blancpain and Omega both have a design that could really compete with the Rolex submariner but choose not to 😎! Best regards
It's almost like it's planned ;) Thank you as always for watching these clips Underachieving and I hope you're having a superb summer wherever you are in the world!
Omega has three designs which compete with and IMO are better than the submariner, the 300, 300MP and the PO. I’d buy any of those before I even considered a submariner. If if comes to competing I think the 300MP has already won, it’s the luxury dive watch I see the most of.
Couldn’t agree more… I’m a huge Seiko fan so when I saw that particular version of Bathyscaphe at an online auction I first thought it was Blancpain copying Seiko because of how proudly they hold their 62MAS, until I realized the Blancpain was 5 years younger. Completely ruined the 62MAS for me. Great to finally see someone call them on it! Great channel, great work! 👍
I really thought it was common knowledge about the 62MAS / Bathy, but it's crazy right? I have no idea if there ever was legal involvement back then... but Seiko marketed and sold them so well & soon after the 6105 arrived on the scene (maybe it was to squash the 62MAS publicity) ;)
@@ID-Guy Just to comment on the inspiration for the Seiko 62MAS: while the dial and bezel clearly take their cue from the vintage Bathyscaphe, the case design with its short / stubby lugs and flat inter lug section finds its inspiration elsewhere. I have seen a number of skin divers from the early 60's, predating the 62MAS that came out in 1965, with this case design. JeanRichard Aquastar comes to mind, which was issued in 1963.
It's a brand that we all aspire to own one day as that completion to a collection. I'm definitely gunning for one (many many years) in the future ;) Thanks for this Niko!
I'm looking to treat myself to a Fifty Fathoms next year for my 50th. I'm favouring the OG, that curved bezel is so sensual and alluring. I did think about the Bathyscaphe, but you are right that it is too much linked to Seiko (a brand I do love and own 3 of their watches). The only question is do I buy a non limited edition or hold out to see if they release one next year. First world problems, I know.
Phew, a dream Stu! If it was me I'd chase after a fancy LE model given the chance (difficult, I know) My love has always been for the more "traditional" models that they produce BUT the modern piece (modern dial) is also a gem. Patiently waiting almost always gives us the best results though so I'd say give it a few months and hope the Blancpain gods are listening ;)
Excellent video! If you refer to old US Divers catalogs from the 1970's, the Doxa models were actually more expensive than the Blancpain divers. It was only after Biver repositioned Blancpain that it became "haute horologie" and expensive. Blancpain needs to make a diver in the US$8K range. Even if that means a lower grade movement, since a diver does not need a "haute horologie" movement in all reality.
@@ID-Guy keep doing what your doing brother! I honestly thing a lot of your ideas are truly better than what we actually see from companies like Tudor and Blancpain.
Saw a blancpain Aqua Lung asking 44k . It's like they have it backwards. Their LE should NOT be limited editions but rather regular releases... Their current FF lineup is ghastly imo...
I have to correct you because you stated something incorrectly. Now while the Bathyscaphe was cheaper. It was not meant to be a more affordable version of the Fifty Fathoms. The average price difference between the Fifty Fathoms and Bathyscaphe was an mere 10 USD at the time (the FF was 90USD). Even in 1953 money that’s about 100 USD difference in todays money. The Bathyscaphe was made simply as a civilian friendly version of the Fifty Fathoms. Meant to appeal to civilians. Simply speaking it was aesthetic design that transformed them from military issued watches to civilian tools. It simply wasn’t a cheaper man’s Fifty Fathoms.
Excellent video as always. Just got my SM300 back from service, £485 & 4 months, was a long painful wait but it's honestly like new & well worth it. Cheers mate 🥃
A 4 month wait... ugh that must've been torture!! I hope the service wasn't too hardcore Steve! Rocking mine today "The Weekend Warrior" and it's always a treat 😉 Have a great weekend!
Did you just pretend this watch could "withstand" a nuclear explosion just because it was "tested and experimented on" in the same place they do those test explosions? Lol it's a sensitive mechanical watch it would stop immediately if it was within a few hundred miles of a nuclear explosion due to the magnetism alone, but I guess that's fine because what use is an accurate auto watch when the person is dead or dying (to make a quick RU-vid vid maybe before they go?!?) and I guess they found all that out when they did those "experiments" 😂
I have to disagree. I've been collecting/enjoying mechanical watches for almost two decades, and Blancpain isn't on the radar of most enthusiasts. They could make attractive and appealing watches at an attainable price, but they don't. Omega does dive watches so much better, it's not even close.
It's kind of sad that what were once tool watches - divers, field and pilot - became expensive luxuries that the theoretically specific public cannot easily afford. Of course times changed and the pragmatic tool watch is pretty much any G-Shock, but still.
It is sad that the word "luxury" has to back these names. I can't say I see any of my pieces like that but the whole "prestige" that people chase doesn't have much to do with their histories or provenance... just status. BUT then again, there are brands out there that are picking up the slack ;)
These are not tool watches, but luxurious blingy homages to tool watches of yesteryears. While tool watches still exists, in examples like G-shock which you and perhaps even the Apple Watch. Mechanical tool watches have no place in modern times except existing as emotional products.
Agree with assessment. I have a Leman and wish they brought back that range personally. Though Putin wears a BP Leman as everyday beater so timing not ideal perhaps....
It's the Hodinkee Bathyscaphe that they produced in 2019 (without the faux lume) Imagine these were made in mass? Safe to say a model like the Explorer would have to take a backseat in a lot of collections if this existed for all of us - Thank you as always Col. ;)
Yes! I agree with your assessment on Blancpain, they're truly one of my favorite brands and my personal favorite Diver if I could pick just one right now would be a Fifty Fathoms but like you said ideally one of the limited references, the renderings you made with dial designs pulled directly from their own back catalogue looked stunning! Blancpain needs to make it happen.
100%!! Blancpain make such fabulous watches.The lack of a ~40mm tool diver is down to the lack of a suitable movement - the 1315 in the 45mm 50F and 43mm Bathy is a fantastic, purpose-built tool calibre, but (like GO's SeaQ Pano) is big (too big for a 40mm diver). The 1150 Villeret movement is great for Bathy complications (the point of the strange, sparse Bathy dial) in a smaller watch, but its no tool calibre, so just used for collector special 50Fs. So, Blancpain would need a new, smaller version of the 1315 to make what many want, possible. That said, for years I criticised the size of the 50F, but now, looking down at it on my wrist, I f....kin' love it! It takes a big commitment, but once you dive in (!) you'll never regret it. It is an absolute beauty, so special and like an Explorer 36, it owns its size.
Nice take on this James and thank you for sharing. There's something so charming about knowing this name and watch kickstarted what we see today in the modern diver space. Sometimes it's almost an unspoken connection we have with these pieces, y'know? ;) I really hope you've been enjoying the hell out of it (as you should) - I've read so many testimonials from wearers who sell off their collections for a FF and never look back. Great commitment right there. Thanks as always James!
@@ID-Guy Oh mate, that 50F heritage means so much - all I read as a kid was undersea exploration books! As I became a Marine Biologist, it payed off! Fans of such similar watches share a real affinity - we think (too?!) deep about these ticks and their design, heritage and utility resonate so much!
One of the coolest pieces around... Wow, what a pickup James! Also love the fact that 98% of people out there have no idea what makes it such a killer watch ;)
Blancpain is the biggest disappointment in Swiss watches, followed closely by Tag. And it really is a disappointment. So many of us would love to own one that isn’t the size of a birthday cake and is priced in alignment with their actual heritage. Oh, Panerai is a disappointment, too. Fortunately, Seiko is just on it.
You do good reviews. This is a good analysize of Blancpain as a Brand. And the Bathyscaphe has a lot of potential for further development. The problem of the empty dial or what you adress I do not agere with. This is one of thoose watches that dont get justice when photographed. Wear one for a month and emptyness on the dial or poor legibility is noonexisting. This is the most legible dial I have had. And I used to wear an Explorer 1 MK2. Keep making theese great content videos Sir!
Is it a dive watch or a "luxury" watch? Judging by the prices I'd say the latter. Nice looking sure, but it's basically a homage to the defunct brand, they resurrected it, plonked the Blancpain name on it and charge 10 grand for it. Pfssst. Hard Pass!
Blancpain or Glashutte...with the discount its the same price as Sub and you are getting something so much better. I went Glashutte Seaq Pano over the Blancpain but it was a close. Both are incredible.
I think there is a watch out there’ off the radar , a top notch high horology piece absolutely a contender for greatness and longevity, every bit as good as the fifty fathoms. Im 60 now and have been a watch collector and lover for 54 years. My wife gifted me the watch I speak of for my 60th. I have owned Rolex , Omega, Jlc and yes ,the fifty fathoms too. Literally hundreds of divers and thousands of watches. I wear this new wonderful watch on it’s provided canvas type strap and despite it being a £10-12k watch. I have a 7 inch wrist but this watch is tall and 43mm . Magically it wears brilliantly and it’s magic trick of disappearing on the wrist at its size is frankly astonishing to me. This watch is high horology and stands head and shoulders above mass produced Rolex.s and for me blows the venerable Blancpain out of the deep too. The watch in question is……… the Glashutte Original Sea Q Panorama date 43 . It’s not common and for me ouches just a shave under the holy trinity of Patek AP and Lange. I have owned all these makes in the past so I think this hand made tough and elegant diver is just the best diver I have ever owned . Not jewellery an actual proper tool like watch , built for purpose but oh so cool with a movement to die for. After a year of constant wear it’s running at +0.5 every 24 hours! Makes the -2+2 bragging of Rolex a bit if a joke. Actually I have had three Rolex,s , none of them were able to sustain their timing claim. Still a Rolex fan boy though but this watch has ruined me for all other divers…. Im truly diver sated.
I had this exact discussion with the manager of WoS on Bond St (I think it was). They’re one step away from really shaking up the market but aren’t taking it. They have everything a buyer wants; history, heritage, quality, function etc. and you won’t get your arm cut off when wearing one. I can’t help but think they’re working on a new movement to fit in the newly-loved circa 40mm size divers. Here’s hoping. I just picked up a no-date Sub from the AD but I’d question a few things if any of your renders came into production. Hope you’re keeping well sir! I’ve been quiet for a while - lots going on, though the collection is still growing and I still intend to lend it to you, one of these days!! 🥃😉👍
It's amazing how these coincidences happen, right? But you're right (especially rocking one of these stealthily) Ironically, the cooler watch in almost every day AND hardly anyone out there would recognise it ;) The same's been going on this side, lots of planning ahead for the move going on BUT to borrow anything from you would be amazing... That damn 36mm Explorer is nagging at me. It's an itch that keeps occuring haha! Massive congrats on the new Sub pickup! Guaranteed that won't be going anywhere. We'll have to keep in touch through IG when you're free again. Ah, take care brother!
@@ID-Guy I’ll get that damn Explorer to you if it kills me! It’s currently on a B&J grey seatbelt NATO (20mm fits beautifully) and is an excellent summer watch. Yes, must keep in touch on here. I’m moving to Devon next month…will keep details to DM 😂
Must say I’m in the minority I do not lust after or desire to own Blancpain or Panerai I have a Vostok that has Fifty Fathom vibes. It’s a great watch for £100 it’s not a look I’d want to pay £1000’s for.
And it's great to look at it differently. Today there are quite a few names out there who have made better value FF-styled pieces. The Baltic Aquascaphe is one example that looks terrific! I've heard so many positive testimonials about them. Some have even sold off their entire collections and ended with the piece.
@@ID-Guy thanks the key I believe is to accept that and at times be happy with what you have already. Take a step back and appreciate what you acquired not just looking for the next “fix” this is the part I’m working on now 😀
Well done and I agree with your assessment on Blancpain as a whole. I own the 43mm bathyscaphe on the x-70 bracelet. It is the highest quality diver that I have ever owned including my Deep Sea and Submariner. It is a stark contrast to it’s baroque styled big brother the 5015. To me, the dial conveys the vastness of the ocean with port holes glistening in the distance. This would be the retro/futuristic watch the alien stranger Klaatu from the movie “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (1951 ) would wear.
Even though I probably will never understand the Modern Bathyscaphe (maybe I'm too much of a traditionalist) Its design is going to last the test of time extremely well. This retro 70's - space-age - Kubrick's 2001 look live always live on ;) Love the tank tread bracelet on these too! Ah, love your take on this machine brother. Also hope you continue wearing it in good health!
Just received my “new” Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and, although this may not be a popular opinion, I love the 45mm size. This watch was always designed with toughness and legibility in mind, and 45 mm provides far more legibility than smaller sizes. But would I welcome a 40mm version? Sure!
The way they nailed the shorter lug length means that it'll fit most of us mortals very well. Amazing when we look at the original straight lug cases and how far they'd span back in the day. Really hope you're enjoying the wear Richard. It's the kind of watch that you know you've "arrived" with. Ah, what a milestone!
@@ID-Guy Thank you very much. This may be an unpopular move, but I traded a Rolex Explorer II for the Blancpain, with no cash exchanging hands. I could not be happier. It’s a grail watch I’m fortunate to own. Thank you for all of your content. It’s the finest analysis, and greatest presentation style, I’ve seen on any medium. Please keep up the phenomenal work!
@@richardwarren2024 Between you and me, I probably would have done the same. The new Exp2's leave me quite cold (it's the proportions that feel really off for me) A Fifty Fathoms is one of those pieces that'll always start the conversation. I'm very happy for you that you made the decision Richard. I feel the same way about a recent experience with a Tudor that just arrived in my collection. Cathartic is the word ;) - Presentation - speaking of which, I'm in the process of starting a new channel where I present the design / history / ideas on all topics so reading this from you really means more than you know! Thank you sir!
I'm sure a lot of us wish they were still independent and prices will always affect the impressions they leave on people. Thank you as always for taking the time to watch the clip Tim!
@@fahadkhan-db6bh I'm a sucker for the Leman series. From the chronos to the simple "Explorer Killer - Putin" model. Big date. Ah, they make great pieces...
You are so right. The potential is limitless. I have no interest in a Submariner or a Seamaster (The 1957 "Trilogy does interest me..but they are no longer available). The Blancpain FF is MY grail watch. I can rationalize the money. However, I can't really rationalize the size. I have a 6.5 inch wrist. I would never be able to pull it off. For this reason, I have gravitated towards the Bathyscaphe. But, a non hacking movement in a $9000 dive watch???? Blancpain needs to look at the marketplace more closely and design the Bathyscaphe to fill the void that exists. There are people like me who appreciate the history and amazing engineering of dive watches, but dont really want to be just another dude wearing a Submariner
I did recently went for the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms titanium blue 45mm….I think people should really try before believing the 45mm on paper … the Blancpain GF really fits like 42mm. To me, Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is the most refined diver in todays market. After having owned the Submariner, Sea-Dweller and Deepsea .. . I can easily say, the Blancpain FF is just a better watch in every single way …..
The FF always says that you've arrived. And will always make for the coolest conversation piece. One of the oldest names in the industry, the dive watch progenitor. It's too cool. Best part of all, its unrecognisable to most ;) Huge congrats Rodrigo!!
I have a Helm Miyako, which homages the Fifty Fathoms (with its own unique design traits). ISO 6425 compliant and beautiful (but with a 2 year waiting list), it compares in build quality to Tudors I have handled. Would highly recommend it, they are built for adventure and exploration. It has become my "dress diver" and daily wear. It's unfortunate that one brand gets all the praise, but maybe thats because the current Blancpains are also very highly priced and often wear very large. At that level, most watch enthusiasts, including myself would probably go for a Sub or Planet Ocean.
It's a bit like Panerai, if Panerai made smaller versions of their watches their would be none on the left shelves. Some of these watch companies are almost stuban in their attitude to change.
It's crazy how similar the two arguments are, right? A few weeks ago my Panerai video looked at the same subject, give us some of your nicest, special properties and make them small ;)
@@ID-Guy I was watch looking a few months ago and looked at a few Panerai, some of them are gorgeous but would look ridiculous on my 6.5 inch wrist. Looking forward to seeing which Tudor you have bought. Great videos and thoughts keep up the good work👍
I definitely wouldn’t want my Barakuda to be mass produced. Part of what makes it so special is its rarity and the craftsmanship behind it. If it became more common, it would lose that unique appeal that drew me to it in the first place.
Well it’s 2024 and we now have smaller FF and Bathyscaphes. I just adore both. But I think the 45 mm Fr and 43 mm Bathyscaphe are both fantastic and good looking. And now we have smaller versions. Perfection.
I might be a little late to the discussion, but I couldn't agree more. For me, the Limitierte Edition Bathyscaphe ref. 5100 1130 63A is much more appealing to the masses than the regular one. This would be my grail watch, it's kinda devastating that they only made a hundred. The standard model is just too dressy-looking for me.
I actually like the design of the current Bathyscaphe, and my only knock would be the size of 43mm, which I feel should be reduced to 41mm. This in itself would reduce the amount of negative space on the dial that most people complain about. But I am not sure size alone would prevent me from getting the recent titanium Bathyscaphe, with its monochromatic grey hues, which I find fantastic. With a lug to lug of 49.5mm, a reasonable case height (13.4mm) and the lightness of the titanium, it should be very manageable to wear on my 7 inch wrist.
As You see Blancpain present iconic collections like :Mil spec,Barakuda,no rad,Nageurs de Combat..its not necessery that they ‘tomorow’ present this tribute to edition on bathyschape collection because they are now focused on anather important history timepices…they will made tribute of more than 20 famous editions..on this moment they also put focus to help and protect the ocean ,because of that you can see Mokarran bathyschape,Ocean comitmment 1/2/3,now we weith PADI edition… Blancpain politic is top,they are clever and they have very good strategy ! They are not trend manufacture that they must run for money and owernight made tribute in bathyschape collection,only to sell collection..they have passion for every story and timepice ..Blancpain is investmnt and most best diving timepice ever made.. if we talk abauth diving watches Blancpain is king and 3class up..people buy rolex only becsuse of cousin’s,friends,rolex is cheep product it must cost -60% under retail price ,not up..
The 45mm FF has a pop on my wrist unlike any other watch. Received a couple of compliments in the first few days of wearing it from people who never heard of BP. It has a look that draws attention while also being under the radar.
They do many very good bacelets for the FF and the "X70" for the Bathyscaphe - sometimes even in full titanium. But it seems like bracelets are more of a rarity with these pieces (like every 1 in 10 models are produced with bracelets)
I missed the 70th anniversary just release and it sold out in a Lightning, I agree BP best watches are limited in production and I can't understand why would Blancpain do this.
So true… I think blancpain will release a fifty fathoms this year at 42mm in the non limited collection. It will be the cornerstone of their collection. It will be their speedmaster.
I have an original 50th Anniversary Submariner Kermit and a blue titanium 50 Fathoms (5015). More people have talked to me about the 50 Fathoms than the Kermit.
Just goes to show that BP has a different touch. It's not often when you can say "this diver belongs to one of the oldest Swiss brands and pioneered the vision of the modern dive watch" ;) Thanks for sharing this brother!
I think your video encourages Blancpain to look at their back catalogue, but I prefer the idea that they are rather creating something primarily new, even if it's divisive. The Bathyscaphe is a weird watch, but that weirdness keeps it from being just another diver. If they shift to primarily draw from their back catalogue, do they lose some of their differentiation (setting historical significance aside)? There are already many options on the market that fill the retro-classic-diver need. I like the Bathyscaphe, especially in 38. Sometimes I imagine it will be better appreciated in retrospect as a strange and beautiful piece that's under-loved in its time.
I would love a Blancpian, but unfortunately a manufacturer beyond my means. I would love to see Blancpian (and Breuget) challenge the likes of Rolex, Patek and AP more. I can’t work out if being a part of the Swatch group is a help or a hinderence for the two brands? Love your wrist check, I have a Longines Spirit Chronograph in my collection. Good choice regarding the “Big Eye”.
I know what you mean, it's difficult justifying the prices of these pieces (that are out of our range) and thank you brother! Still to this day, Longines has been my bast value v money buy... such incredible watches and your Spirit is awesome! We have good taste ;)
Great vid thank you, this watch is about $15,000 in Canada. I do like it and also see your point. I have always like their complicated dress watches from the 80's. What do you think of the Tissot Seastar as an alternative to the Bathyscape? They look similar and so does some the Glashutte original dive watches. Any thoughts? Regards, Chris
Excellent video, you definitely made me look at their designs again. And yes I totally agree about the dial size… PS, glad you’re finally dressing like an adult 😂
That Hodinkee Bathy was something else... I reckon every third person would have one of these in their collections (if they were affordable and available) ;)
Great video! Thanks for addressing this. Blancpain had some great watches in their catalogue (and still have) Villeret, Aqua Lung... But the modern Bathyscaphe is something that I struggle to understand also. These applied markers are so small that the watch looks funny. I am pretty sure that with only a few tweaks in the design the Bathyscaphe would become a gorgeous model.
The only reason I do not have a Blancpain, or a sports model Seiko or GrandSeiko automatic is the complete lack of dateless opitons. Whenever a brand releases a special edition of dateless watches, they sell out immediately! So it is beyond me, why brands like Blancpain, Seiko, Zenith, Citizen, Glasshutte Original and some others FIRMLY refuse to serve this large portion of the enthusist market. What a pity...
Hey, money, size, design that’s pretty much everything for considering (barring history)😄 But seriously, I feel the swatch group doesn’t know what to really do with Blancpain and Breguet. Both in terms of positioning and marketing budgets, so it’s easier to go with Omega and Longines to get the revenue and maintain the premium/luxury positioning for the group. I’m hoping the recent bull run in the watch market will wake them up, it’s easier to be creative and risky when the market is responsive. After all the enthusiast community is only 10% of the market at best, something Rolex understands pretty well imo
Brilliantly put Fahad, the best crit I've read about this situation. Swatch also seems hellbent on making Limited Editions with so many under their umbrella. We keep thinking that as enthusiasts, we run the watch show hahaha! Classic.
@@ID-Guy I feel limited edition is for two reasons, these fifty fathoms take more time to produce than say a submariner for sure, so they’re taking the lazy way out to maintain exclusivity. Actually I feel while the internet has expanded the hobby, there’s too much focus on design/looks/size as compared to the craft/skill of hand finishing watches, less focus on actual experience with the watch and the romance it conjures up in you. TBH how many of us really understand how a Simplicity or a Credor Sonnerie make us feel? Hence the same old steel sports watches keep getting hyped up and we are where we are in terms of pricing 🤷🏻♂️ Hey, maybe there’s a video in there 😉
I reached out to Blancpain they sent me two very nice catalogs ,The Fifty Fathoms is one of my favorite watches i would take it over a Submariner any day . Another great video 👍
Those X Fathoms machines are just unreal! Think I've watched Tim's review of it at least 3 times on Watchbox... in fact, going to go do it again right now ;)
Blancpain for having invented the modern dive watch, somehow doesn't know how to make one. Either its absurdly large, absurdly limited or absurdly full of empty space. There is always some issue with their divers. I've always shook my head at Blancpain, here they have the Ferrari of divers but insist on making it unwearable for 90% of humans. If they made a 41 or 42mm Fifty Fathoms that wasn't an LE... that's the day they own the luxury diver market and beat the Sub.
That opener is absurdly accurate Nef. It's baffling that Swatch group seems so driven to produce LE pieces so often. Imagine having the best portfolio for Dive watches but choose not to use it? Ah well... maybe with enough protesting we might see something come of this ;)
@@ID-Guy remember that random 40mm regular version of the FF they were going to release last year with Arabic numerals?! They seemed to have completely changed their mind on it. I believe a woman won one as part of an ocean photography prize. She might be the only person in the world to own one!
Very well put IDGuy. They could land on so many more peoples radars if they made some tweaks to the limited models and produced them as a non limited model. I have no data but I wonder if the production of these watches is limited by the manufacturing capability, I don't know but being part of the formidable Swatch group I'm not so sure. Maybe the Swatch group wants to keep Blancpain more exclusive. Who knows? Not I. One day we may (50) fathom it out.
Swatch group and Limited Editions take the cake in general. I have no idea why they continue to produce them (besides for that exclusivity) They'd sell so many more pieces if they were standard production models but hey. All we can do is keep protesting and hope someone hears us ;)
Very nice review of the Blancpain diver history. Many gorgeous pieces. Unfortunately then I went to look at prices on their website. Not sure I’m seeing the value proposition. If I want to go with a ‘out of the ordinary’ diver I’d probably pull the trigger on a tegimented Sinn U50 and use the $10k for a trip to Singapore or Dubai.
The crux here, to me at least, is market positioning/role in the consortium of Blancpain. Your pitch is superbly persuasive if the goal is to move units. A very Tudor dynamic of Black Bay 58 & Pelagos imported for the Bathyscaphe & Fifty Fathoms. Lean into it as a dress diver. Offer it on a beads of rice or jubilee type 5 or 7 link bracelet. Would be delicious. But Blancpain's role in the Swatch portfolio isn't what Tudor's is at the Wilsdorf Foundation. I believe they are a halo brand of Swatch (with Breguet, often Glashutte). Amp up the small scale, hand crafted, atelier/mansion/haute horologie aura in the mass market luxury sector. I'm more sympathetic to your insight. This design has breadth, foundation, utility, and affinity. The heritage of Blancpain divers on a human scale (50 Fathoms, while as svelte as a 43 can get, very much embraces the drive instrument brief). Should be leveraged more for wide spread enjoyment, public appreciation.
Thank you Patrick! Ah, at the end of the day they're just opinions (which like assholes, we all have) ;) But man, they have some great designs that they could exploit so nicely...
So funny I took my blue ceramic Bathyscaphe on sail cloth out of the winder just three days ago and have been as the young people say rocking it. I bought it right in the middle of the pandemic and right about the time you made some unflattering comments about the Bathyscaphe. We both love the 50. But the 50 for my thin wrist just didn't work and as you pointed out and both know getting a 50 at 40mm is difficult and pricey. I got my Bathyscaphe under 9.5 K USD. I could agree more with your thoughts on what Blancpain should do. I know I would love to add another to my collection a moon phase annual calendar this time. But with the world wide economy so unsettled I'll probably have to wait. Again loved the Bathyscaphe love ❤️ buddy. Be well.
