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ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
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#1 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Cave
Watch: Sundial
Posts: 33,922
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Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Sport (modem burner)
![]() ![]() As some may recall, I recently acquired a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Sport on bracelet. Here are my thoughts on the watch after a month... Blancpain was started in 1735 by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain. Mr Blancpain didn't know it at the time but he had just started the world's oldest watch brand. In 1932, the Blancpain family lost control of the company and it has changed management a few more times since then but the identity of the manufacture has been preserved. The FF is interesting as it was conceived as one of the earliest dive watches, if not the first. It was born before the Rolex Sub or Omega Seamaster. In 1952, the French Navy created a group of elite combat swimmers, not unlike the UDT/SEAL teams. The group leader, Capt Robert Maloubier found that there were no adequate dive watches at the time. So he designed his own and Blancpain agreed to build it. Throughout the 50s to the 70s, 20 different variants were built and the FF was also adopted by the Israeli, German, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, and most famously, American fighting forces. When the Americans were looking for a dive watch, there was a resolute "Buy American" policy for all units - so no watch with "Blancpain" on the dial were acceptable. So, an American company named Tornek-Rayville took the FF and rebranded it. About 1,000 Tornek-Rayville FF were produced, and most were destroyed by the Navy at the end of the commission, so the surviving examples are very collectible today. Worn by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, among others, the FF became the standard reference among diving watches. ![]() The FF is a serious dive watch. It is as pure of a diving watch as can be found in current production among the old-line Swiss houses. Aside from the date display that's tucked between the 4 and 5 o'clock markers, every detail provided by the FF is essential for diving. Without any superfluous subdials to obscure the dial, it's easy to read the total bottom time (by way of the uni-directional bezel that's adjusted to line up with the minutes hand just before descending) and the time of day with just a quick glance. The bezel of the FF is particularly nice for diving; it's easy to grasp with gloves and is wider than most so that it's especially easy to read. ![]() Inside the FF is the Blancpain Caliber 1315 movement. It has a shockproof balance system designed to endure real world conditions and a heavy bi-metal rotor that makes it a very efficient winder. Another technical refinement lies in the date display on Calibre 1315, enabling fast date-change at midnight in either direction. To avoid the disturbing effects of magnetic fields, the Calibre 1315 is enclosed within a cage protecting it on all sides. It also features the following technical specifications: - Exclusive movement, automatic winding - Diameter 30,6 mm - Thickness 5,65 mm - Power Reserve 120 h (three barrels) - Free-sprung Glucydur balance - Rubies 35 - Components 222 handfinished parts - high-end, "industrial" finish ![]() The FF case is 45mm in diameter and 15,5mm thick. It's not a small watch but isn't uncomfortable to wear and its classic looks make it equally at home on land. Despite the size, the case shape bears a striking resemblance to Panerai's 1950 Luminor cases. Similarly, they both are very comfortable to wear despite being 44-45mm. Panerai 233 ![]() ![]() The "Blancpain" on the case side isn't as distracting as you'd think and the 0,9mm hex nut lug screws are much easier to remove than slotted screws. ![]() ![]() The dial is remarkably legible and the applied markers and numerals add just he right touch of sophistication. The splash of red on the tip of the second hand is gorgeous! ![]() The slightly domed sapphire crystal and bezel give the FF a unique look. Almost too pretty? But the scratch resistance of the watch is amazing - despite having a 100% polished case! ![]() The lume on this watch is BRIGHT and long lasting. More than sufficient to last a dive or for the evening. ![]() The X-71 bracelet is excellent and, with the included three half links, very adjustable although the task is tedious and requires the same 0,9mm hex drivers as the lug screws. ![]() ![]() Although the X-71 is an excellent bracelet, there's something very special about the OEM waterproof Sailcloth strap. ![]() ![]() The FF may not be the most advanced dive watch, but it is without a doubt the prettiest luxury dive watch on the market today IMHO. Despite being so attractive, it still holds it own where it counts... under the waves. ![]() Thanks for reading! Please do not QUOTE if responding due to the length of my post. |
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#2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Real Name: Rami
Location: Jordan
Watch: Rolex and others
Posts: 825
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Nice review and great watch thanks for sharing
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"You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice" |
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#3 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Here and there
Posts: 935
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I thoroughly enjoyed the write up, Mike. Photos are great too
![]() It's an amazing watch! Thanks for the post ![]() |
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#4 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: N/A
Watch: the girls
Posts: 7,095
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Crazy nice pal,especially love the strap ,you may can upload some more pix about it
Best George Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Best George "Also remember that feet don't get fat and a watch will always speak volumes." Robert Johnston --------------------- *new*https://youtu.be/EljAF-uddhE *new * http://youtu.be/ZmpLoO1Q8eQ IG @passionata1 |
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#5 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Real Name: Xenophon
Location: UK
Posts: 2,712
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Great review, Mike. Love the combo of straps
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The sea! The sea! Θάλαττα! θάλαττα! |
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#6 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Sydney
Watch: ing you...
Posts: 3,775
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Great write up Mike, and such an elegant dive watch...that Sailcloth strap really suits the FF.
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#7 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 34,982
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awesome post, mike. thanks! love the FF.
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#8 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Real Name: Clive
Location: Exoplanet
Watch: spring-driven
Posts: 38,856
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Great post Mike, of one of my fave watches - possibly the favourite
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#9 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: NC, USA
Posts: 681
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Very nice review, Mike. It truly is a special piece.
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#10 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Real Name: Neil
Location: UK
Watch: ing ships roll in
Posts: 59,357
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Love this watch, esp the beautiful and distinctive crystal bezel. Its on my list to buy tho it may take a while as Ive got Rolexes and APs to buy first. Many thanks, Mike, tho you are not helping!
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#11 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Cave
Watch: Sundial
Posts: 33,922
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Nathan, you're an example of why I love this place. If everyone hasn't read my 'Shoutout to Xenophon' thread yet (see link below), the lovely OEM sailcloth strap in these pictures was generously donated by this kind chap.
Mike http://rolexforums.com/showthread.ph...=1#post3792130 |
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#12 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Real Name: Mik
Location: USA
Posts: 13,723
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Really nice write up. Any cons on the watch at all that you have found?
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#13 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Real Name: gus
Location: East Coast
Watch: APK & sometimes Y
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Mike,
thoroughly enjoyable read and photos!!!!! and of course always nice to see a dive watch under water ![]() ![]() ![]()
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#14 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Cave
Watch: Sundial
Posts: 33,922
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Quote:
The 23mm strap size makes finding alternative straps a challenge. I've been squeezing in 24mm straps but I've noticed that it can cause the lug screws to deform slightly from the pressure of thicker 24mm straps. I've replaced the screws and will cut down 24mm straps to 23mm if I use them on this watch. This watch is a looker! It's big and shiny like Panerais. The bezel gives it a very jewel like quality. I've received many comments about how 'pretty' that huge watch is. Definitely not under-the-radar. It looks very dashing with a suit - wore it to a formal event and it didn't look out of place. |
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#15 |
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Real Name: Phong
Location: Toronto
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Outstanding write-up and pics of a seriously beautiful dive watch, Mike
![]() I especially like its side view with the very unique-looking case and the domed glass. This piece is definitely on my radar along with the JLC mc navy seals. |
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#16 | |
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Quote:
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#17 |
2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Joe
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Explorer
Posts: 12,834
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Very nice!
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#18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: ...
Watch: Rolex
Posts: 4,466
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As usual Mike, nice write and great pics as well. A classic piece and I really like the sail cloth strap on the watch.
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#19 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Real Name: Marc
Location: USA
Watch: GO Sport Evo
Posts: 674
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Just got an FF about ten days ago, and will be road testing it this week....love the super long power reserve. I also had to buy a new regular length strap and sourced some super nifty .9mm hex drivers with freewheeling handle ends like a jeweler's screwdriver...made the strap swap super easy.
Nice essay on the watch. Cheers, -Marc |
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#20 |
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Real Name: Kevin
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Thanks for the great write up, Mike! Your pictures are amazing. They really show off this beautiful watch. My "next" list includes this and an AP RO! Enjoy it in the best of health!
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Patek Philippe Rolex |
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#21 |
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Real Name: Heath
Location: Lawrenceburg KY
Watch: Submariner
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Great watch. Thanks for sharing
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#22 |
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 26,846
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#23 |
TRF Moderator & SUBMARINER 2024 Patron
Join Date: Oct 2005
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Posts: 35,458
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Very nice review Mike
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#24 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Real Name: Alex
Location: Chicago
Watch: AP,PP, Rolex
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Thanks for posting
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#25 |
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A comprehensive and enjoyable read and view. Thanks!
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#26 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: All over
Posts: 633
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Love it Mike
![]() Love the FF, unfortunately a tad too big for my wrists/liking. Love the crystal bezel and the lume, just like I love the same on the Grand Seiko GMT. Thanks for the read ![]()
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#27 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Real Name: Capt Swerve
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Sir, you have a hell of a watch. A true classic.
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#28 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Real Name: tom
Location: northern ireland
Watch: my fins
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great review of one of my fave watches ,,,, close up pics are outstanding too.
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#29 | |
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2012
Real Name: Rob
Location: Thousand Oaks
Watch: DSSD
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Quote:
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#30 |
Banned
Join Date: May 2011
Real Name: HR
Location: Planet Earth
Watch: -ing Barts.
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Nice review my friend, what do you think about the Rose gold version ?
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