BB58 vs Bathyscaphe
 

I just sold my 36mm Rolex Explorer and on the hunt for my next timepiece.

I’m stuck between the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 39MM vs Blancpain Bathyscaphe 38mm. They both have their pluses and minuses and history. They both initially have larger sizes and release a smaller version to accommodate everyone’s taste. If depreciation is not in the picture. Can someone whom had owned either timepieces or have any insights give me some recommendations?

Thanks

https://www.reeds.com/pub/media/cata...8c3a25f2_1.jpg

https://www.prestigetime.com/images/...-1140-o52a.jpg

Tudor no doubt.

BB58 for me.:cheers:

Objectively I feel the Blancpain is a better watch. It has the history and pedigree but I just don’t like those hands. It’s also a lot more money.
If it were my decision I’d go with neither and much prefer the new Seamaster Diver 300 in blue wave dial.
But for the sake of the thread, I would chose the BB58.

I agree with the recommendations and the hands are less to desire but it is a nice watch. I tried the SM300 but didn’t like it. I only wish I bought the Hodinkee x Bathyscaphe. Hehe

Even being a huge Tudor fan I have to admit the Blancpain is a super nice piece and this is a tough decision to make. Oddly enough the hands on the Blancpain are the deal breaker for me also! BB58 for the win!

I'd be going for the Bathy, without hesitation :thumbsup:

As much as I love the Tudor, the Blanc is hotness!

(Full disclosure: I have not worn either and have not seen either in person)

Having had the hodinkee 38 and several BB I’ll vote neither. I don’t like the impossible to grip bezel on the BP or the date location and the BB bracelet is unforgivable with its faux rivets.

In a vacuum I’d go Tudor as I could put it on a strap. In fact put the BP strap on the BB and you have a winner lol

I’ve got the 43mm Bathyscaphe and think the hands are beautiful. They look so much better in person than any of the images on the BP website.

The bezel on the 43mm is simple to grip- what was the problem you had? Tim Mosso also referred to it being hard to grip on one of his reviews but mine was easy from day 1. I really like the 430 date. It is orientated correctly and is simple to view from the natural angle of a resting hand on a desk. I realise this is a minority opinion though! :cheers:

I don’t own both. Wife has the BB58N and it’s a great watch. I won’t speak for the BP as I imagine it’s a good watch but I will say you won’t go wrong choosing the Tudor.

I appreciate everyone insightful recommendations. I need to narrow down it to just few points.

So far,
I can get a BB58 at retail cost. I like how slim the watch wears. It does bother me a little bit regarding the riveted bracelet. It is heritage? I will probably get a Bathyscaphe in the 6-7K range used/new is ok. Having seen both watches in person. The Blancpain had caught my eye. It is better in person. I like the sapphire caseback and 100-hrs power reserve.

Trying to decide between the two which will allow me to wear it weeks at a time. Thanks all!

Oh my. I didn't even know then Bathyscaphe came in a 38mm which is why it was off the radar for me. Interesting.

Definitely the Blancpain of those two despite the 4:30 date (which I normally despise). No question.

Bathyscaphe all day for me. Great history and fantastic movement. Beautiful dial and very well made. You also will be wearing something not many people have.

Both are great choice, if I had to pick one, it would be BB58.

I have had neither but would pick the Blancpain any day of the week. In my opinion, it just looks the more elegant watch.

I like Blancpain, but that date window :error:

Bathyscaphe without a doubt. Far more unique, the blue is excellent, and IMO overall superior quality. I was really close to getting a Bathyscaphe instead of my SD43. I’m glad I held out for the Rolex, but think I’d be nearly as happy with the Blancpain.

It’s been a long time since I’ve handled the 43 so I can’t comment if they are the same but the coin edge for lack of a better term was too shallow. I would have to really squeeze down to get enough grip to adjust it properly. Compared to say a Rolex which is butter. Not a huge fan of tudors execution of this feature either but I never had issues like I did with the bathy in the extremely brief period I owned it.

Blancpain without question - these pieces are just on another level.

I actually like the date window -

Gotta go with neither.

Sort of an apples and oranges thing as well since Tudor is not on the same level as Blancpain.

Also I don't like the hands on either one.

Shame on you for selling your Explorer. :eek:

As to the topic at hand, if you are seriously torn between the Tudor and the Blancpain, go with the Tudor.

I prefer the BP.

But you can’t lose with either.

The BB58 blue is a really nice watch, I got one this summer as a summer watch but I am still wearing it.

I’m a Tudor fan, but would pick the BP all day in this comparison. The movement and case are on another level.

I tried to keep this watch for a year. Ever so often I develop a rash on my wrist few days after wearing it. I tried everything to remedy the problem. I wore the watch sporadically with 1mm thick felt. It sort of works but just don’t get the feeling of wearing a Rolex. I have my other watches on leather straps. I would need buy pre 904L watch or maybe give new OP a try? Hence is why I sold it.

I agree the BP is next level between the two. Considering the BB58 is hot now I could probably get it easily with time later in the future.

Blancpain

[emoji106]

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

Blancpain for me all day. To me, Tudor is not even in the same league as BP. But if I am on budget, I will settle for the BB58.