Debating...Rolex Sub No Date or Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe

[rynegne]

Hi All,

I posted a week or so ago as I was debating between a Rolex Sub, Tudor Pelagos and IWC Aquatimer. I ended up deciding on saving for the Rolex and then went through an internal debate between Date and No Date...and decided to go with the No Date in a few months when I have the money saved up.

Now, I'm a new member so naturally I've been browsing posts and reading reviews and in the process I stumbled upon the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe. There's just something about the clean aesthetics and craftsmanship of the Bathyscaphe timepiece that's making me hesitate.

This will be my first luxury watch and I'm glad I will be taking time to save up because I'm at a crossroads here and can't decide on which one I like most.

Just a rant also looking for a bit of opinions.

[AK797]

Sub for me, don't much like the Bathy, prefer the FF.

[Rocco21]

114060

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by AK797

Sub for me, don't much like the Bathy, prefer the FF.

I'm in this camp too

OP, have you tried the bathyscaphe on?

[rollee1]

You need to see the watch, the 50F is very shiny.

[KBM]

Absolutely no doubt in my mind between those two. Sub by a long way. If the contender was the FF, it'd be harder, but I'd still say sub, for the bracelet, glidelock and more wearable size. The FF is a beauty, though.

[mfnj]

the bathyscaphe is a great watch as is the 114060. they are quite different though. The bathy is a bigger watch at 43mm but wears comfortably, has a very legible date, usually comes on a sail cloth strap which is quite comfortable (a bracelet option is available but it is not to my liking) and has a legible dial. The build quality and craftsmanship of the bathy is second to none. If you were looking for a tool watch that you can bang around a bit as a daily wearer, it would be hard to argue against the 114060. but if you are looking for something a bit different that you can also use as a "diver" you will not be disappointed in the bathy, especially at pre-owned prices.

[rynegne]

I haven't tried it on. The dial is what's drawing me in. It has that classic look to it which I like. Also, why it was easy for me to choose between the Date/No Date Sub. I have a larger wrist so the 42mm size looks normal. I own one larger watch that's 46mm, actually and it doesn't look awkward on my wrist.

Originally Posted by brandrea

I'm in this camp too

OP, have you tried the bathyscaphe on?

[The Libertine]

Submariner.

[kdphan]

this should make the decision easier...



the ceramic casing is just flawless to be honest.

[Pmt2]

I'm sorry but 114060 ALL THE WAY!! That subc is AMAZING!

[Yzord]

SubC No Date, received one today and it is a no brainer!

[rossi46]

I like the FF, but the Bathy just has weird proportions. The hour markers are tiny and the hour hand isn't distinct enough from the minutes hand.

It could be a killer watch if they fixed a few details.

[rynegne]

Agree, the circular hour markers could be a bit larger. However, it does really make the sundial face radiate and even look different from various angles (just judging from photos I've seen.)

Originally Posted by rossi46

I like the FF, but the Bathy just has weird proportions. The hour markers are tiny and the hour hand isn't distinct enough from the minutes hand.

It could be a killer watch if they fixed a few details.

[FTX I]

Sub. No contest here IMHO.

[Sublovin]

Sub, if you don't already have one

[droptopman]

Sub without a doubt. I do like the regular FF a lot but not the Bathy. But I am die hard Rolex guy so will almost always choose Rolex, especially in a sport watch.

[McLovin]

Sub and a Sinn U-1

[speedmaster73]

Originally Posted by rynegne

Hi All,

I posted a week or so ago as I was debating between a Rolex Sub, Tudor Pelagos and IWC Aquatimer. I ended up deciding on saving for the Rolex and then went through an internal debate between Date and No Date...and decided to go with the No Date in a few months when I have the money saved up.

Now, I'm a new member so naturally I've been browsing posts and reading reviews and in the process I stumbled upon the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe. There's just something about the clean aesthetics and craftsmanship of the Bathyscaphe timepiece that's making me hesitate.

This will be my first luxury watch and I'm glad I will be taking time to save up because I'm at a crossroads here and can't decide on which one I like most.

Just a rant also looking for a bit of opinions.

Blancpain next level over Rolex

no contest

[DramaTurtle]

Sub. Bathyscaphe is quite a bit more expensive...

[Mystro]

Submariner.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by kdphan

this should make the decision easier...



the ceramic casing is just flawless to be honest.

My response
20170705_180613_crop_756x622-1024x842.jpg

[Hank]

I am fortunate to own both - Sub LV and BP Bathyscaphe chrono. Both beautiful but very different. I would go Sub first. It is a solid watch and suitable for literally every occasion.


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[breitlings]

Sub

[rynegne]

I probably won't be able to swing for both but I'm leaning towards the Sub for a few reasons. I just really enjoy the vintage minimalist dive watch in the Bathyscaphe...but I suppose there are other cheaper options with a similar aesthetic like the Oris divers...open to other suggestions under $2k in that regard...That way I can find a watch to hit the vintage fix and the Rolex covers the rest and would still be under the cost of a new Bathyscaphe.

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[busytimmy]

You're asking that question on the most popular Rolex forum on the internet...

[rynegne]

Originally Posted by busytimmy

You're asking that question on the most popular Rolex forum on the internet...

Yes, but, many are simply watch enthusiasts so that's why I ask. I've seen a few members here that own both the Bathyscaphe and Subc.

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[busytimmy]

Originally Posted by rynegne

Yes, but, many are simply watch enthusiasts so that's why I ask. I've seen a few members here that own both the Bathyscaphe and Subc.

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I would consider myself a watch enthusiast also. I own and wear watches from many different brands. I was just being pragmatic and stating the obvious: you will get a huge bias asking a question like that around here.

[Fleetlord]

Is resale or liquidity a consideration in the decision?

If it is, there is only one choice.

ROLEX

The ND sub is an always desirable, no mehs or buts watch.

Can be turned into HARD CASH or traded out of with absolute ease. No hesitation from dealers to buy.

The Blancpain, while better than other references in their line, is not a value retainer..

[DramaTurtle]

Originally Posted by rynegne

Yes, but, many are simply watch enthusiasts so that's why I ask. I've seen a few members here that own both the Bathyscaphe and Subc.

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For what it's worth, I would sell one of my subs and put it toward the limited mil-spec FF that's coming out. But I don't feel the same pull for the Bathyscaphe as I do for the Fifty Fathoms.