Thoughts on Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

[seadog]

Thinking of straying from Rolex due to no stock of almost all sport SS models and the insane wait times in my country for these i.e. years, not weeks/months to get one.

What are the wise members here opinion on the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 5015-1130-52 ? Also, how long is the warranty on these ? The offical website is missing this info. (or I missed the page it is on......)

[edit. sorry, just seen a pic. in the thread below & it appears to be 2 year warranty, which seems rather short as Rolex & Omega offer 5 years now].

Looking to add it to my Submariner Date LN and Milgauss GV.

[Wildy]

As with many other fantastic watch brands IWC, Omega, Blancpain doesn’t hold the value in a way that Rolex does. Having said that, the build quality of the watches are on a par with Rolex. In terms of exclusivity the fifty fathoms is a rare sight to find. Unknown to many but to true watch collectors. I have been close to buying one but went the safe route and ended up buying another Rolex. I hope one day to own one, and if you do make the purchase I am sure you will be delighted with it.

[CBG1]

Originally Posted by Wildy

As with many other fantastic watch brands IWC, Omega, Blancpain doesn’t hold the value in a way that Rolex does. Having said that, the build quality of the watches are on a par with Rolex. In terms of exclusivity the fifty fathoms is a rare sight to find. Unknown to many but to true watch collectors. I have been close to buying one but went the safe route and ended up buying another Rolex. I hope one day to own one, and if you do make the purchase I am sure you will be delighted with it.

yep +1.
Found myself look at a BP FF, but just can't argue this point. I enjoy how my other Rolex have appreciated or at least have a very liquid market, I just can't see straying, yet. Maybe in another ten years, but for now while I consider a Fifty Fathoms, Chopard GT XL Power Control, Cartier Calibre de Diver, or Zenith El Primero, it just always defaults to another SubC next. Although, while pacing myself and trying to decide LN or wait more for LV, I'd take a well-priced pre-owned 46mm Superocean Heritage (non-chrono) anytime also!

[1William]

The Fifty Fathoms is a cool watch and I have always admired it from afar. There are a lot of other options that I would explore before I bought a somewhat obscure brand with a limited distribution network and service options. Not to mention the resale value on the watches are dismal at best compared to msrp. I guess it all depends on what you like, what kind of discount you can get and if you are going to keep the watch long term. I would look at Tudor, Omega and a diver from JLC.

[AK797]

Really like the Iconic watch, esp on bracelet. I prefer it to a black subc altho it is priced quite a lot higher so I think you need a good discount or buy lightly used.

[2Redbulls]

Originally Posted by seadog

Thinking of straying from Rolex due to no stock of almost all sport SS models and the insane wait times in my country for these i.e. years, not weeks/months to get one.

What are the wise members here opinion on the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 5015-1130-52 ? Also, how long is the warranty on these ? The offical website is missing this info. (or I missed the page it is on......)

[edit. sorry, just seen a pic. in the thread below & it appears to be 2 year warranty, which seems rather short as Rolex & Omega offer 5 years now].

Looking to add it to my Submariner Date LN and Milgauss GV.

The BP FF 5015-1130-52 is the only watch I haven't flipped compared to all my Rolexes. Based on your watches, I get the impression clean design/symmetry is important to you. You will love the FF. It was fantastic presence. A beautiful dial that doesn't get enough credit and hands that are beautiful and extremely easy to pickup (probably my favorite of any watch).

Buy a preowned version and you don't have to worry about resale. Not sure what others say about service. In the United States, you send it in directly to BP just like for Rolex. Why bother going through an AD??

I personally love the sailcloth strap. Super comfortable and very robust. The FF has actually opened the door for me to two other Blancpain models. The Lemans Chronograph as an inexpensive Daytona replacement and the Aqualung as a substitute to the PP Aquanaut. I know others will poo-poo my suggestions but for 1/3 to 1/4 the price you get watches that serve the same purpose, have great movements and I could argue are just as functional and aesthetically beautiful.

[astewartconst]

Originally Posted by 2Redbulls

The BP FF 5015-1130-52 is the only watch I haven't flipped compared to all my Rolexes. Based on your watches, I get the impression clean design/symmetry is important to you. You will love the FF. It was fantastic presence. A beautiful dial that doesn't get enough credit and hands that are beautiful and extremely easy to pickup (probably my favorite of any watch).



Buy a preowned version and you don't have to worry about resale. Not sure what others say about service. In the United States, you send it in directly to BP just like for Rolex. Why bother going through an AD??



I personally love the sailcloth strap. Super comfortable and very robust. The FF has actually opened the door for me to two other Blancpain models. The Lemans Chronograph as an inexpensive Daytona replacement and the Aqualung as a substitute to the PP Aquanaut. I know others will poo-poo my suggestions but for 1/3 to 1/4 the price you get watches that serve the same purpose, have great movements and I could argue are just as functional and aesthetically beautiful.

I just picked up a Leman Flyback Chrono and in my opinion it is a step above a Daytona. The dial has so much detail and the case is so nice.

Regarding a FF..I really like them wish they were smaller in diameter and thickness. If I was buying it would be used to avoid the depreciation of new


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[flintsghost]

The older Blancpain is a nice looking watch but the newer ones like like all the cheap divers. I'd wait myself. Also you definitely don't want a ceramic case due to the breakage issues and high cost to replace after the warranty is out.

[asiparks]

Originally Posted by flintsghost

The older Blancpain is a nice looking watch but the newer ones like like all the cheap divers. I'd wait myself. Also you definitely don't want a ceramic case due to the breakage issues and high cost to replace after the warranty is out.

y’okay....i’m guessing by “newer”, you mean the Bathyscaphe ? I’d argue that it doesn’t look like any other diving watch out there, let alone the cheap ones...maybe you’re thinking of the Sub, that shares looks with an awful lot of cheap divers...Love to see some instances of ceramic case breakage too, (other than that one IWC top gun.)

i have the FF on the bracelet, it does have massive wrist presence, but is surprising easy to wear for all its’ 45mm.
It’s beautifully finished, has a 5 day power reserve, brilliant lume and you’ll likely see no one else wearing one. (This can be a downside if you’re the type who really needs Maitrê d’s and Valets to recognize your watch cost a lot of money...)
The dial is really nice, lots of textured detail that doesn’t always pop out in photos, but does in real life, gorgeous sapphire bezel, excellent legibility....
the bracelet is beautifully made and finished, but lacks any kind of micro adjustment or divers extension, which seems daft, but hasn’t been an issue for me.
A good used one, with B&P, on strap will be less than a new Sub, (or used Hulk/Kermit), or about $10k on bracelet…I’d argue it’s a lot more watch for around Sub money.

As a side note buying used, it is critical to buy this from a trusted seller or reputable source especially if there’re no box and papers, the fakes, (surprising for such an uncommon watch), are amongst the best out there.

[improviz]

Originally Posted by flintsghost

The older Blancpain is a nice looking watch but the newer ones like like all the cheap divers. I'd wait myself. Also you definitely don't want a ceramic case due to the breakage issues and high cost to replace after the warranty is out.

The OP was enquiring about the Fifty Fathoms ref. 5015-1130-52, which is this one:
http://www.blancpain.com/en/watch/5015-1130-52

It does not come in a ceramic case, and does not look "cheap", and does not come cheap either.

[ChrisInCharlotte]

Originally Posted by improviz

The OP was enquiring about the Fifty Fathoms ref. 5015-1130-52, which is this one:
http://www.blancpain.com/en/watch/5015-1130-52

It does not come in a ceramic case, and does not look "cheap", and does not come cheap either.

I was definitely confused by the "cheap" description..

[GB-man]

I’ve heard everything now. The FF looks cheap?

Buy a new one off that guy ^^^

[gwalker]

I really want one. I know they are very high quality I just always see something else to buy but I’ll get one one day.


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[seadog]

Thank's for the coments guys. Great watch, but I just got the price in my country. Even with a discount, it's now off my radar budget wise.

That and only 2 year warranty vs 5 from Rolex/Omega/Breitling.

[PJ S]

^
What is your budget? What price were you able to negotiate?

Would any of these work for you?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Rarest-B...T/202047507796

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BLANCPAIN...Y/232321477592

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Blancpai...s/222728127608

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Blancpai...5/202006329907

https://www.chrono24.com.au/blancpai...-id4383444.htm

https://www.chrono24.com.au/blancpai...-id6456108.htm – no box/papers, but Blancpain could rectify that, bar the warranty card of course.

https://www.chrono24.com.au/blancpai...-id4257283.htm – as an export, it should be net of VAT, so divide by 1.22

https://www.chrono24.com.au/blancpai...-id6892677.htm

[improviz]

Originally Posted by seadog

Thank's for the coments guys. Great watch, but I just got the price in my country. Even with a discount, it's now off my radar budget wise.

That and only 2 year warranty review vs 5 from Rolex/Omega/Breitling.

?? So you wasted everyone's time without even bothering to check if its price is within your budget first?? Nice....

[asiparks]

Originally Posted by improviz

?? So you wasted everyone's time without even bothering to check if its price is within your budget first?? Nice....

Absolutely! The internet’s are not where people come to waste time!
Thank god he didn’t ask for opinions on an even more expensive watch like a Platona....
If, whilst we figure out a way to fill his house with rabid cobras and set it on fire, people could ask only serious, legally binding questions....

[GreatHarry]

Originally Posted by improviz

?? So you wasted everyone's time without even bothering to check if its price is within your budget first?? Nice....

Wasting your time?
You didn't have to reply to the OP's question.

[improviz]

Originally Posted by GreatHarry

Wasting your time?
You didn't have to reply to the OP's question.

Assumption is that if someone asks opinions on a watch, they've already done their homework on whether or not it's within their price range. Opinions are irrelevant if OP can't afford it anyway, right?

[improviz]

We really need to crack down on opioids....

[AK797]

Tried one on today for first time in years and it is a stonecold beauty, but at 45mm it was pushing my limit. RG one was also really nice, the blue bezel was a bit too navy dark for me. Asked about the Mil-spec and she looked at me with Daytona eyes...

[Pingparme]

Originally Posted by AK797

Tried one on today for first time in years and it is a stonecold beauty, but at 45mm it was pushing my limit. RG one was also really nice, the blue bezel was a bit too navy dark for me. Asked about the Mil-spec and she looked at me with Daytona eyes...

Yes I used to own one but 45mm is indeed too large for me, depends on your wrist size but 45 is really large


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[AK797]

Originally Posted by Pingparme

Yes I used to own one but 45mm is indeed too large for me, depends on your wrist size but 45 is really large


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It does wear smaller like a 43mm as often said, but the bezel is quite dominating and so I think it works best on a bracelet or thick strap to balance it out. And similarly the 40m is too small for me.

[PJ S]

^
Would you not consider that first one linked?
Don't let the .au part of the url fool you, it's in Switzerland.

[AK797]

40mm on bracelet would be interesting.

[rfatm3f]

The 40 is a very small 40. Definitely wears smaller than a sub. I’d say the 45 is comparable to the new sea dweller.

[ap1]

Originally Posted by rfatm3f

The 40 is a very small 40. Definitely wears smaller than a sub. I’d say the 45 is comparable to the new sea dweller.

I disagree with this based on trying the milspec at the boutique. On bracelet seems bigger than a sub to me. These pics aren't good but may give you an idea


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[jenniferjanef]

Originally Posted by ap1

I disagree with this based on trying the milspec at the boutique. On bracelet seems bigger than a sub to me. These pics aren't good but may give you an idea


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looks great on you!

btw what’s the round logo (yellow/white) at 6 o’clock?

HAGWE

[Watcheroo]

Originally Posted by jenniferjanef

looks great on you!



btw what’s the round logo (yellow/white) at 6 o’clock?



HAGWE

Quote below taken from this link: https://watch-insider.com/news/blanc...homs-mil-spec/

“Back in the late 50’s Blancpain made a mil-spec version of their Fifty Fathoms with a moisture indicator on the dial, the Mil-Spec 1.

Should there be any kind of leaking going on, the indicator on the dial will change colour so you will notice straight away.”

[jenniferjanef]

Originally Posted by Watcheroo

Quote below taken from this link: https://watch-insider.com/news/blanc...homs-mil-spec/

“Back in the late 50’s Blancpain made a mil-spec version of their Fifty Fathoms with a moisture indicator on the dial, the Mil-Spec 1.

Should there be any kind of leaking going on, the indicator on the dial will change colour so you will notice straight away.”

thank you for your educational feedback! HAGWE. cheers