A Quandary with Fifthy Fathoms

[2Redbulls]

I'd like to get some thoughts from you guys about which one to keep.

I've owned my Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 5015 to the point where my watch needed service. While it was gone for 4 months an opportunity presented itself with a Fifty Fathoms Mil Spec. In my typical impulsive fashion, I bought the watch immediately and have enjoyed wearing it. With my smallish wrist (6.75) the 40mm makes sense and feels right. Yet, as time went on I began to miss my 5015 (45mm). I realized that I preferred the hands, the stepped dial and the indices on it. So I ended up putting my Mil Spec for sale. Now after getting the 5015 back and having both side by side, I'm not really sure what to do. Keeping both doesn't seem to make sense to me since they are so close in design. I almost feel that Blancpain needs a Goldilocks model in the 42mm size but with the 1315 caliber.

I realize that the Mil Spec is a limited piece and that some folks find the uniqueness a huge appeal and/or the design homage of the moisture indicator adds a special touch but I find the dial a bit boring. I also find the 40mm size case a tad too small.

I'm genuinely on the fence and would love to hear your guys opinion not just on which you would keep but why? What aspect do you find most compelling/interesting that you would keep one over the other.

Thank you!

[vipereaper30]

I was about to suggest a Bathyscaphe but then you mentioned you find the mil spec dial boring. In that case the bathy is a total no-go as the dial is pretty sparse.

I think the 5015 looks better overall but 45mm is a touch too big for me. And the 40mm is slightly too small as well. Since you're not going to find an in-betweener with the FF I'm going to say go with the 5015 and let the mil spec go. Plus it looks great on your wrist from your photos.

[PJ S]

40mm is probably fine, if only it had the 45’s dial... hmmm

This might solve your dilemma — http://forums.watchuseek.com/f30/fs-...m-4651639.html

[1William]

I prefer the looks of the 45 mm watch. It does not appear too large for your wrist. Work out a trade for something else that you want and you will not miss the watch you got rid of.

[brandrea]

I was looking at FF a while back and I much preferred the 45mm. I thought I wore much smaller than that and based on your pictures I think it looks perfect on your wrist.

[Etschell]

id keep the one you like and don't worry about the size. it looks fine to me and size is a personal preference.

i found that if i were to listen to others i would never buy a modern tudor because its too thick. blah blah blah.

[macct]

I agree about the ideal being 42mm. My wrist is about the same size and previously owned the FF. I ultimately parted with it just finding the size being out of my comfort zone, albeit it looked okay. I personally prefer the 40mm size, but passed on it because I wished it was a bit bigger. IMO, it wears or looks small due to the prominence of the sapphire bezel. So many sport and casual watches are either 40mm or 45mm plus when it seems so many want 42mm. Many manufacturers don’t listen to the market, but that is another story.

[_speedmaster_]

If it were me, I’d pick the mil spec all day. The slight uniqueness and the nod to the military diving history are what bring it over the top for me.

That said, definitely pick what you are comfortable with. Never mind what others say or the current trend is. If you don’t love the look, or the way the watch sits on your wrist, then it’s not for you. Wear what you love.

[raky]

Both are beautiful. I would gravitate more towards the 45mm. Definitely on my list of potential future purchases.

[Brew]

Gorgeous quandary!

[Cru Jones]

The 5015 looks good on your wrist, and is the one I'd rather have.

[rfatm3f]

Keep both!

[improviz]

Of those two, I prefer the 5015.