Blancpain

[bigd5506]

Hello all,

I am debating between purchasing a Blancpain Fifty Fathom Bathyscaphe and the traditional Fifty Fathoms (5015). The real question is what do you all think of Blancpain?

I love the brand and history and honest to God, go a little googly eyed when I see either watch.

My hesitation from pulling the trigger on either watch is that I know that outside of fellow watch nerds no one will know what it is...

I feel super shallow for saying (typing) that out loud but if you're spending approx $10k on a watch....you kind of what it to be noticed...

Anyone have similar thoughts or experiences?
Does that really matter?

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[brybajlak]

I love the brand history of BP, and I love these 2 watches. I have a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe which I never thought I’d get but out of numerous watches it was the one that just spoke to me as soon as I saw it.

I think BP is a great buy if you are able to get a good discount or a nice used piece, and the movement in these 2 watches is ridiculous; 120 HR PR, mine runs about +-1 since I’ve had it (a couple of months) and I’ve never had to adjust the time at all as it’s never run out of power. I also think it’s beautiful to look at.

I was mostly considering this or a Sub C, however, for me the Sub lacked character in person. In photos, I think the Sub photos better than it looks in person, and the BP for me goes the other way.

I do differ slightly from you, in that for me I don’t want people to know the price of the watch, unless I want them to. I get enjoyment out of knowing that to me, I chose the more WIS watch.

Just my 2c but I definitely don’t regret the choice.


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[arcadelt]

Pictures? This thread needs pictures!

[scarlet knight]

BP is a great brand, but I think the FF is 44-45 mm, which is big for me.

[oldcarz]

Originally Posted by arcadelt

Pictures? This thread needs pictures!

BATHYSCAPHE FLYBACK CHRONOGRAPH BLANCPAIN OCEAN COMMITMENT II

Lovely and accurate. Only 250 made. Mine came on a blue sailcloth strap, although some were distributed on a NATO.

Announcement: https://www.blancpain.com/en/news/bl...-commitment-ii

[Mach]

I want to add a dive watch to my collection. IMHO, the traditional FF is the ultimate dive watch. Despite the 45mm size, you may be surprised if you have the opportunity to see it in the flesh and try it on:




I recently visited the NYC Boutique and saw the FF Ocean Commitment in the flesh:


The only reason I haven't pulled the trigger is that I'm hoping Blancpain will release a non-LE 40mm or 42mm edition in the near future. But, my patience may run out!

[rolehex]

Originally Posted by oldcarz

BATHYSCAPHE FLYBACK CHRONOGRAPH BLANCPAIN OCEAN COMMITMENT II

Lovely and accurate. Only 250 made. Mine came on a blue sailcloth strap, although some were distributed on a NATO.

Announcement: https://www.blancpain.com/en/news/bl...-commitment-ii

Never seen that watch before so I had to research it. I now LOVE that watch! You are a very lucky man to have it in your collection.

[Alex_TA]

I prefer the classic 5015, it's in my plans.

[AK797]

I love the FF, not so much the Bathy, but the size has always been a bit on the large side for me, esp on the strap, so the bracelet is highly recommended. As for it being noticed don't think it will happen much, obvs a Rolex would serve far better here.

[brandrea]

I’ve been considering a FF for quite some time now. Great “feel” on the wrist and I just love the sapphire bezel

The part about people not noticing would be seen as a benefit to me

[bigd5506]

Thanks for all the comments!

I have to significantly delay the Blancpain decisions as my holiest of holy grail watches just became available! I'll post another thread with details and pictures!

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[asiparks]

[cdnwatchguy]

Love the history of the Brand. Not a big fan of the "tampon" hands of the Bathyscaphe but do love the Fifty Fathoms. Here is my BPFFDK (Dark Knight) Love the display back

[mickyd329]

Originally Posted by Mach

I want to add a dive watch to my collection. IMHO, the traditional FF is the ultimate dive watch. Despite the 45mm size, you may be surprised if you have the opportunity to see it in the flesh and try it on:




I recently visited the NYC Boutique and saw the FF Ocean Commitment in the flesh:


The only reason I haven't pulled the trigger is that I'm hoping Blancpain will release a non-LE 40mm or 42mm edition in the near future. But, my patience may run out!

This is a beauty!

[tudorbaja27]

The fact that no one would know what it is would make me want it even more. I'm not much for ostentatious purchases.

[vman]

"Not a big fan of the "tampon" hands of the Bathyscaphe"

^ Well said ;-) And share your sentiment--the classic is always the classic. Tried on so many variations of Bathyscaphe and loved none.

[lapince]

The original looks way cooler IMO, the sapphire bezel is awesome, plus not a fan of the hands on the bathy, if it didn't look very strange on my wrist I would probably have one, with the AP diver its the two coolest dive watches IMHO

[Sjmoore11]

Man, not a lot of love for the Bathyscaphe! :)

I really love mine. The ceramic grey case is a nice look and doesn’t show any wear at all; and the blue dial is really stunning in the sunlight. I even like the versatility on straps - probably most suited on NATO or rubber but I think can be dressed up with a nice alligator.





I like the original too. That sapphire bezel is stunning. But I just find it a bit too big.

[Frits1980]

I realy like the Bathyscaphe. Had a hard time between de 5015 and the Bathy. I like the 5015 more but i was afraid i could not pull off the 45mm 5015 on my '7inch wrist. Although i like my Bathyscaphe, i still want the 5015, especialy on the bracelet.

As for the watch. The 5 day power reserve is realy nice. Watch runs fast 2seconds fast since the beginning. No problems what so ever so far. But to be honest. If the bathyscape was 41/42 i would have loved it more. Its realy round so i feel it wears bigger then a standard 43mm.

If you want people to notice your watch than do not get the Blancpain. Nonebody knows the brand or will notice the watch, especialy on the sailcloth. Just get a TT sub if you are in to that....

[vman]

Btw, read the first post.

You really don't want people to know what watch you're wearing. I am more comfortable wearing a Lange than a Sub. A Lange is "just another round watch" a Sub is an "expensive Rolex." My advice to anyone who has the means to buy a quality watch is simple: Tone it down.

[Frits1980]

Originally Posted by vman

Btw, read the first post.

You really don't want people to know what watch you're wearing. I am more comfortable wearing a Lange than a Sub. A Lange is "just another round watch" a Sub is an "expensive Rolex." My advice to anyone who has the means to buy a quality watch is simple: Tone it down.

It depends on the situation. 9/10 times i do not want the attention. One of the reasons i walked a way from Rolex years ago (recently came back again do) But sometimes a recognisable watch has it purpose. I remember when i was young, 20 or so, and walked in to a BMW dealer to buy a car. The sales person didnt even bother. Finaly after 20min a sales person walked up to me, i saw he noticed my sub and from that moment he became real friendly and offered drinks and a testdrive. So in some situations a recognisable watch has it benefits.

[Goschi10]

I recently purchased the Blancpain 50 Fathoms and it is incredible. It has so much presence on the wrist that it still garners a great deal of attention despite lacking the same level of public recognition as a submariner. Plus if you are patient you can find them in mint condition for under 10K. I paid less than 8K for mine!

[improviz]

The Bathyscape is much more subtle than the original FF, which is similar to a Sub in that the more light you hit it with, the more it pops (although the dial much more so). I've gotten several compliments and a lot of looks like they're trying to figure out what it is since getting it...I just love it, definitely my mainstay this summer.

[Canine64]

The problem with the BP FF is that the resale is beyond pathetic. Had one about 3 years ago and got good deal at 10,400 new. Bored of it rather quickly (silly me) and couldn’t give it away. Ended up selling for 5500. Looking back I just should have kept it. Damn....

[improviz]

If resale is a big factor, don't buy new, buy a minty pre-owned with a pedigree or new if you can find a killer deal. Less sting that way if you're a flipper.

[jag32]

As an owner of the holy trinity, I think Blancpain is right up there. Resale value is similar margins to VC.

[Uppersouth]

My next watch will be a Blancpain or Breguet. I really like the obscurity of the brands, although the two watches I’m debating, are pretty bold even without a crown on the dial. I decided a long time ago the only person I try to please with luxury purchases, besides myself, is my wife. She usually just says what she likes and then says get whatever you want. Most people aren’t nearly as impressed with our toys as we think. That’s comforting to me.


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[asiparks]

the Breguet XXI is gorgeous, the newer version with the 3817 movement and display back is likely going to be my next purchase...It's a massively under appreciated brand and I think that their Chrono complication is, along with the old lemania 5100, the most legible.

[jag32]

[Talbel]

It's hard to argue against any of them. I went in originally to purchase the 5015in polished stainless, but already have the Deep Sea/Deep Blue so instead opted for this and I am very happy with it. Just a great all around watch.