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SROB · 30 January 2018, 03:18 AM

I currently own a ceramic Rolex Sub.. I am debating trading it in for the FF Bathyscaphe. Curious if those who've owned, tried on, both have opinions -

I like the Sub, excellent beater, don't have to worry about it watch. I am not thrilled with the how prevalent it is [throw in most faked watch]... It's the only steel, metal, bracelet I own.

I like the FF B., think it looks great; the durability and reliability when compared to the Sub [not sure how big of a drop off, if one] are a concern and if it's as easily worn in various situations as the Sub...

Ideally, I'd like this to be a more casual watch, for vacations, weekends during the day, that I'd occasionally wear with business casual....

Thanks again for your thoughts, opinions...

Sjmoore11 · 30 January 2018, 11:02 AM

Well this photo was from an incoming just a couple of weeks ago...so you know how I feel about the subject!

I am really enjoying it. The blue dial and ceramic case are gorgeous and the Blancpain NATO is one of the best I’ve seen.
As far as your questions go, I think it will be very well suited as a casual wearer. I wear mine to work as well but it’s a pretty casual environment. It won’t dress up as well as the sub but on the other hand you won’t likely see many others wearing one.

Can’t comment on durability because I haven’t had it long. Right now I’ve actually put it aside for a few days to test out the super impressive 120 hr power reserve!

Good luck with the choice.

DKRanger22 · 30 January 2018, 11:37 AM

Hard to go wrong here - I would love to one day add a FF to my collection. Not sure if I would do it if that meant parting with a Submariner (I hope to one day have both). But if it came down to one or the other, the FF is far and away going to be the more unique piece. Good luck with your decision.

macct · 30 January 2018, 12:00 PM

I like both watches, and at one time had the sub and the FF. Of the two, the Rolex is the easier for daily wearing at least for me. It is smaller and thinner and IMO more comfortable on the wrist. I think the BP is more special, however, being more unique and better finished. I think it comes down to your wrist size and what is important to you. Which one emotional appeals to you? Which one is more comfortable? For me, neither the sub or BP were keepers. I have a JLC Deep Sea Tribute for the past few years and it fills that niche.

_speedmaster_ · 30 January 2018, 12:28 PM

I would also highly suggest the JLC tribute to deep sea alarm. It seems to check Alot of your boxes for a dive watch.

vipereaper30 · 30 January 2018, 12:32 PM

I absolutely love the sub but if I could only choose one I think it would be the bathy. That being said, I think it is less versatile than the sub so that might present a problem for the wear you describe. My issue is that the Blancpain feels too nice so I'm reluctant to wear it in more casual/beater settings. Also, it's definitely not as recognizable as the sub but I've received more complements and inquiries on the Bathyscaphe.

regnant · 30 January 2018, 06:27 PM

I had tried Blancpain diver. I was impressed with its dial color and caseback that's it as far as Blancpain is concerned. I went for Rolex Submariner 114060 and very happy with my choice

jpwv · 31 January 2018, 03:59 AM

If you are going solely for uniqueness than the FF is the way to go. No matter how popular, it is hard to beat the Sub. Such a classic watch and extremely versatile.

wach16 · 31 January 2018, 05:11 AM

Between the two options I would personally keep the sub. If it was the standard FF with sapphire bezel then I would lean towards that

kilyung · 31 January 2018, 08:16 AM

I’m a big BP fan having owned the BPFF but that Bathyscaphe has never done anything for me. Sorry Rolex is my vote.

AK797 · 31 January 2018, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kilyung

I’m a big BP fan having owned the BPFF but that Bathyscaphe has never done anything for me. Sorry Rolex is my vote.

Same here, just can't do the Bathy, but the FF is sublime if you can handle the size, esp on bracelet.

Don't want to stir things up but the BP FF is also one of the best faked watches there is somehow, better than Subc I believe.

Txkill · 31 January 2018, 01:06 PM

Man, there is something about the FF that just does it for me. It’s got great features and love the dial.

Watch Admirer · 31 January 2018, 02:06 PM

Rolex

scarlet knight · 31 January 2018, 02:12 PM

I like the Sub better. Every collector should have one.

Peterandwatches · 31 January 2018, 02:46 PM

Not a big fan of the Bathy. How about a ROO or Aquanaut to mix it up?

SROB · 1 February 2018, 05:46 AM

Thanks for the thoughts.

I have a relatively smaller wrist, 6.5; was looking at the 38mm FF, vs the Rolex..

DKRanger22 · 1 February 2018, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kilyung

I’m a big BP fan having owned the BPFF but that Bathyscaphe has never done anything for me.

That makes three of us. I love the FF, just not the Bathtscaphe iteration.

AK797 · 1 February 2018, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SROB

Thanks for the thoughts.

I have a relatively smaller wrist, 6.5; was looking at the 38mm FF, vs the Rolex..

Could work for you, too small for me, 42mm would be ideal for the Fifty Fathoms not Bathy.

charger_vital · 2 February 2018, 04:25 AM

I like the FFB way better than the Sub. I think its cooler; more thoughtful of a design, and certainly more unique. BUT I still wouldn't trade a Sub for it. You'll never get back that lost value. Better off just buying the BBF and keeping the Sub.

Sjmoore11 · 6 February 2018, 03:23 AM

One more quick note about the Bathyscaphe - the power reserve is amazing! Rated at 120 hours...I just tested mine and it was a bit over 150. Almost 6 1/2 DAYS! And only in the last 24 hours did timekeeping start to drift. I’m normally not one to obsess over movements too much but that is definitely impressive.

lapince · 6 February 2018, 03:31 AM

On looks alone I prefer the Rolex, now if you were asking about the traditional FF, I would choose the FF...

asiparks · 6 February 2018, 09:47 PM

Love my FF, but the Bathyscaphes are really very nice in real life. The angles of the case with that deep brushing, plus the lively, but subtle sunburst dial...sublime. I've tried Subs and Sea Dwellers and found them to be the most pedestrian dive watches, so horses for courses and all that...

quick FF shots:

AK797 · 7 February 2018, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asiparks

Love my FF, but the Bathyscaphes are really very nice in real life. The angles of the case with that deep brushing, plus the lively, but subtle sunburst dial...sublime. I've tried Subs and Sea Dwellers and found them to be the most pedestrian dive watches, so horses for courses and all that...

quick FF shots:

Beautiful pics on bracelet.

ap1 · 7 February 2018, 01:11 AM

I’m liking this one (40mm). I think of this one as a fancy diver. The Rolex more no nonsense.
One of each is optimal

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Vipes · 7 February 2018, 01:13 AM

How about the BP Tribute to MilSpec? Perfect size at 40mm and it is more unique with the moisture indicator. I wouldn't trade the Rolex for the Bathyscaphe.

Vipes · 7 February 2018, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ap1

I’m liking this one (40mm). I think of this one as a fancy diver. The Rolex more no nonsense.
One of each is optimal

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ha! This is the one. Gorgeous!

ap1 · 7 February 2018, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vipes

Ha! This is the one. Gorgeous!

Long power reserve and killer lume are nice attributes too

erredi7734 · 7 February 2018, 01:15 PM

I’ve both
116601LV and Bathy steel.
I am totally in love with the bathy, it is my favorite casual watch (I have several other contenders for my weekend time..)
Dial is simple But not flat, movement is quite well refine in its minimizziamo. Case is outstanding. Overall a piece I encourage you all to try and go for. Especially if you are not interests in trading watches frequently.
Go for it! No regrets

brandrea · 7 February 2018, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asiparks

Love my FF, but the Bathyscaphes are really very nice in real life. The angles of the case with that deep brushing, plus the lively, but subtle sunburst dial...sublime. I've tried Subs and Sea Dwellers and found them to be the most pedestrian dive watches, so horses for courses and all that...

quick FF shots:

Fantastic shots

very enabling

asiparks · 7 February 2018, 02:32 PM

I think I really like the Mil Sub tribute, I'd prefer a less literal version with a brushed rather than polished case, but hey, you can't please everyone...I wonder if it might feel small when I'm comfortable with the 45mm size.

Curious what Blancpain will offer at Basel, but the more I look at pics of the grey /blue ceramic bathyscaphe ( thanks SJmoore and Vipereaper), the more I really want one...

30 January 2018, 03:18 AM	#1
SROB "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: US Posts: 110	Rolex or FF Bathyscaphe I currently own a ceramic Rolex Sub.. I am debating trading it in for the FF Bathyscaphe. Curious if those who've owned, tried on, both have opinions - I like the Sub, excellent beater, don't have to worry about it watch. I am not thrilled with the how prevalent it is [throw in most faked watch]... It's the only steel, metal, bracelet I own. I like the FF B., think it looks great; the durability and reliability when compared to the Sub [not sure how big of a drop off, if one] are a concern and if it's as easily worn in various situations as the Sub... Ideally, I'd like this to be a more casual watch, for vacations, weekends during the day, that I'd occasionally wear with business casual.... Thanks again for your thoughts, opinions...

30 January 2018, 12:28 PM	#5
_speedmaster_ "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Earth Posts: 2,443	I would also highly suggest the JLC tribute to deep sea alarm. It seems to check Alot of your boxes for a dive watch. __________________ Blancpain \| Chopard LUC \| Grand Seiko/King Seiko \| Grönefeld \| Laurent Ferrier \| Moritz Grossmann \| Omega \| Trilobe \| Urban Jürgensen instagram.com/ct_watch_guy

30 January 2018, 06:27 PM	#7
regnant "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Close to Rolex AD Posts: 3,474	I had tried Blancpain diver. I was impressed with its dial color and caseback that's it as far as Blancpain is concerned. I went for Rolex Submariner 114060 and very happy with my choice __________________

31 January 2018, 05:11 AM	#9
wach16 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Chris Location: NH Watch: 228239, PAM00684 Posts: 2,121	Between the two options I would personally keep the sub. If it was the standard FF with sapphire bezel then I would lean towards that __________________ Rolex 228239 PAM00684

30 January 2018, 11:02 AM	#2
Sjmoore11 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Ontario Watch: Exp II - old & new Posts: 693	Well this photo was from an incoming just a couple of weeks ago...so you know how I feel about the subject! I am really enjoying it. The blue dial and ceramic case are gorgeous and the Blancpain NATO is one of the best I’ve seen. As far as your questions go, I think it will be very well suited as a casual wearer. I wear mine to work as well but it’s a pretty casual environment. It won’t dress up as well as the sub but on the other hand you won’t likely see many others wearing one. Can’t comment on durability because I haven’t had it long. Right now I’ve actually put it aside for a few days to test out the super impressive 120 hr power reserve! Good luck with the choice.

30 January 2018, 11:37 AM	#3
DKRanger22 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Andrew Location: Cleveland Posts: 557	Hard to go wrong here - I would love to one day add a FF to my collection. Not sure if I would do it if that meant parting with a Submariner (I hope to one day have both). But if it came down to one or the other, the FF is far and away going to be the more unique piece. Good luck with your decision.

30 January 2018, 12:00 PM	#4
macct "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: CT Posts: 45	I like both watches, and at one time had the sub and the FF. Of the two, the Rolex is the easier for daily wearing at least for me. It is smaller and thinner and IMO more comfortable on the wrist. I think the BP is more special, however, being more unique and better finished. I think it comes down to your wrist size and what is important to you. Which one emotional appeals to you? Which one is more comfortable? For me, neither the sub or BP were keepers. I have a JLC Deep Sea Tribute for the past few years and it fills that niche.

30 January 2018, 12:32 PM	#6
vipereaper30 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Real Name: BMF Location: Tennessee USA Watch: FPJ UTC Posts: 2,263	I absolutely love the sub but if I could only choose one I think it would be the bathy. That being said, I think it is less versatile than the sub so that might present a problem for the wear you describe. My issue is that the Blancpain feels too nice so I'm reluctant to wear it in more casual/beater settings. Also, it's definitely not as recognizable as the sub but I've received more complements and inquiries on the Bathyscaphe.

31 January 2018, 03:59 AM	#8
jpwv Banned Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: North Carolina Posts: 337	If you are going solely for uniqueness than the FF is the way to go. No matter how popular, it is hard to beat the Sub. Such a classic watch and extremely versatile.

31 January 2018, 08:16 AM	#10
kilyung 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,940	I’m a big BP fan having owned the BPFF but that Bathyscaphe has never done anything for me. Sorry Rolex is my vote.

31 January 2018, 01:06 PM	#12
Txkill "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Real Name: Joseph Location: Rockwall TX Watch: Lots Posts: 1,223	Man, there is something about the FF that just does it for me. It’s got great features and love the dial.

31 January 2018, 02:06 PM	#13
Watch Admirer Banned Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: somewhere Posts: 350	Rolex

31 January 2018, 02:12 PM	#14
scarlet knight "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: USA Watch: Good ones Posts: 8,459	I like the Sub better. Every collector should have one.

31 January 2018, 02:46 PM	#15
Peterandwatches "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: WA Watch: 5167/15400/Sub/JLC Posts: 1,023	Not a big fan of the Bathy. How about a ROO or Aquanaut to mix it up?

1 February 2018, 05:46 AM	#16
SROB "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: US Posts: 110	Thanks for the thoughts. I have a relatively smaller wrist, 6.5; was looking at the 38mm FF, vs the Rolex..

2 February 2018, 04:25 AM	#19
charger_vital "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Basel Watch: LF Sport & Pepsi Posts: 1,008	I like the FFB way better than the Sub. I think its cooler; more thoughtful of a design, and certainly more unique. BUT I still wouldn't trade a Sub for it. You'll never get back that lost value. Better off just buying the BBF and keeping the Sub.

6 February 2018, 03:23 AM	#20
Sjmoore11 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Ontario Watch: Exp II - old & new Posts: 693	One more quick note about the Bathyscaphe - the power reserve is amazing! Rated at 120 hours...I just tested mine and it was a bit over 150. Almost 6 1/2 DAYS! And only in the last 24 hours did timekeeping start to drift. I’m normally not one to obsess over movements too much but that is definitely impressive.

6 February 2018, 03:31 AM	#21
lapince "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Mars Watch: 5712 Posts: 11,509	On looks alone I prefer the Rolex, now if you were asking about the traditional FF, I would choose the FF...

6 February 2018, 09:47 PM	#22
asiparks "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Portland, OR Watch: ing the Detectives Posts: 1,888	Love my FF, but the Bathyscaphes are really very nice in real life. The angles of the case with that deep brushing, plus the lively, but subtle sunburst dial...sublime. I've tried Subs and Sea Dwellers and found them to be the most pedestrian dive watches, so horses for courses and all that... quick FF shots:

7 February 2018, 01:11 AM	#24
ap1 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: usa Posts: 19,517	I’m liking this one (40mm). I think of this one as a fancy diver. The Rolex more no nonsense. One of each is optimal Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

7 February 2018, 01:13 AM	#25
Vipes "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 4,909	How about the BP Tribute to MilSpec? Perfect size at 40mm and it is more unique with the moisture indicator. I wouldn't trade the Rolex for the Bathyscaphe.

7 February 2018, 01:15 PM	#28
erredi7734 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: D Location: Us/Italy Watch: DB28, MB&F LM1 Posts: 91	I’ve both 116601LV and Bathy steel. I am totally in love with the bathy, it is my favorite casual watch (I have several other contenders for my weekend time..) Dial is simple But not flat, movement is quite well refine in its minimizziamo. Case is outstanding. Overall a piece I encourage you all to try and go for. Especially if you are not interests in trading watches frequently. Go for it! No regrets

7 February 2018, 02:32 PM	#30
asiparks "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Portland, OR Watch: ing the Detectives Posts: 1,888	I think I really like the Mil Sub tribute, I'd prefer a less literal version with a brushed rather than polished case, but hey, you can't please everyone...I wonder if it might feel small when I'm comfortable with the 45mm size. Curious what Blancpain will offer at Basel, but the more I look at pics of the grey /blue ceramic bathyscaphe ( thanks SJmoore and Vipereaper), the more I really want one...

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