@@BarkandJackThanks for another great video, Adrian. I hope you’re enjoying Banff. I’m sure you’re having fun on the trail responsibly, leaving no trace behind. Which is why I was surprised when you said at the end of the video that you’d still buy this watch, just for fun, with Banff’s beautiful flora in the background. It seemed oddly ironic to me. I hope you will reconsider. If you weren’t so knowledgeable about watches already, I’d offer you suggestions for other fun, yet sustainable watches at this pricepoint. Hopefully, Banff’s unique forests and wildlife will not be consumed by climate change-driven wildfires later this century, because we couldn’t help having a bit of fun driving our gas guzzlers and eating massive amounts of meat.
@@BarkandJackdon't allow the herd mentality make you hate something because of peer pressure. That's just as bad as letting the herd mentality get you to get in a queue for a hype watch. If you like something you should enjoy it without having to justify it to others. If you hate something you don't have to try to gather a group to hate along with you. Be an individual.
I’ll never understand why Blancpain never makes a non limited 40mm Bathyscaphe and a 42mm Fifty Fathoms. These sizes will sell like crazy and yet they insist on making the larger versions.
I’m an owner and I will try to explain it. Unfortunately blancpain marketing only comes to people who already owns one of their watches. It’s a subtle marketing and comes in the form of paper journal and newsletter only coming to those who own a watch… they still think to the ff both normal and bathyscaphe as a tool watch to be used 300 meters under water. It just needs to be big to be readable. That’s it. Look for the documentary Gombessa. You will see this watches being worn over a dive suit in some of the hardest dive in the world and you will understand. The size is perfect ❤
They also need to ditch the date complication. I wonder if there's market research that shows that people really want that on a watch? I don't think there's ever been a scenario where I've been happy about a date. It's usually just something I tolerate.
@@ams914Rolex sells hundreds of thousands of watches with a date window. And a magnifier, too. Making it even less tolerable, you'd think. Yet, they sell. My vacation watch has a day date complication. I like to be remembered those while vacationing, when I don't otherwise have a good sense of them, yet they are important to keep track of. And I might not have my phone around on a vacation day.
In 2022 Swatch Group - includes brands Omega, Longines, Swatch, Tissot, Hamilton, Blancpain, Breguet and more - recorded net sales of CHF 7.5 BILLION, of which "only" CHF 250 MILLION came from Moonswatch sales. They seem to be doing something right.
Great take. Love the quote “sometimes you just want that dirty burger”😂 I didn’t buy a MoonSwatch. I am very tempted by this though. Love the design and colour options.
Been waiting to hear your thoughts on this collab… as always worth the wait. This guy deserves more credit for his work. Like you say clever marketing. The fifty fathoms just doesn’t do it for me in terms of a dive watch personally, x it with swatch though and it’s a more appealing offer… sure the 11750 quid saving helps….
I live in Alaska, and you rarely hear the bears before they’re close enough to run you down. Of course, I’ve also never had a bear be overly aggressive with me -just a little curious. That being said, love the video style, and it is good to see you on my side of the pond!
As you said, The Swatch Collaboration will create a temporary interest in the brand, but if Blancpain don't start making watches more people want, then it'll be short lived.
Hi @adrian Barker, seems the back of the case can be removed and thus the movement swapped and even serviced. Still cheap and all, but something to consider.
Former employee here, it’s been interesting seeing the hype around swatch now with both the omega and Blancpain collaborations. The clientele when I worked there mainly comprised of nostalgia, international customers where the brand is bigger, or someone looking for a simple watch. To now seeing people who never even heard of the brand waiting on line get one. I’ll be visiting my old location to see how the Blancpain collab look!
Got a grey one and i actually really love it ! Feel Bitter made than the moonswatch, and the nato watch combo is killer ! It will sit besides my other non serious fun watches
From the UK but on holiday in Hawaii. Just queued 3.5hrs in Waikiki store (which I hear is short). 69 pieces total. Didn't get a choice but have the Indian Ocean and Artic Ocean. Great in the flesh and love that they are mechanical.
Explorer 2 fan here! Great to see it in Canada. 6.5 inches wrist and i’m nearly backing out from getting a 226570 white dial. But on nato it looks super cool and well fitted on you. How do you find the bracelet?! Any opinion on my thoughts or the watch size would be greatly appreciated. P.s I just registered for a Black Submariner date & I have an Explorer 124270!
I bought a Seiko Snzh53k1 about 6 years ago for £99 I had no idea it vaguely resembled a 50 fathoms & it has a in house automatic movement . On a nato it looks fantastic.
Funny. I have the same Seiko. Great minds think alike. I wasn’t even aware of the Fifty Fathoms when I bought my Seiko. It’s certainly a much better alternative to the new Swatch. Higher quality at a fraction of the price.
Unlike other’s who make products through passion and desire to make great things. Think Nomos, JLC, Tudor. All money makers, but focusing on making great products above all.
It looks like a fun watch but the disposability gives me pause. I’m glad to see Blancpain to get a place in the spotlight however. Great video Adrian. Happy to see you sharing again. 😎
Can’t really tell people what to do with their time/money. Drinking, smoking, eating junk food amongst other things are not good for us but plenty still do it. Unless you live a 100% clean life and don’t consume, partake in some sort of activity that be work or hobby that isn’t good for you then this comment really comes off as hypocritical.
It would be nice but Marc Hayek has already stated in an interview that he is open to any iconic watch and brand except Breguet. So there is that. But he also flip flopped on the online sales so who knows. I own a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and a Breguet Type XX and am/ would be happy to see Swatch collabs.
This collab has caught me the opposite way the Moonswatch did. I was all for the moonswatch and got fully involved with the hype, but as time went by and the nonsense surrounding actually getting one carried on I was more and more against the whole thing. To the point where I had my choice of them in a boutique and decided against it. This on the other hand, I was done with before it was unveiled. Already done with the queues, the hype, the manufactuered lack of availability. But, as time has gone on, and I have seen more and more about them, it all kinda makes a lot more sense, and I'm now frantically looking at how I get the the Pacific Ocean or the Antarctic Ocean models! Another colab and I'm no closer to an opinion than I was before the moonswatch!
I prefer it over the MoonSwatch and may get one. I also wonder, looking at all the other brands within the Swatch group, what will be next? Until then, l’m drawn to the grey version ❤ Another cracking video (I’m showing my age) Adrian 🙏
You're absolutely right. I said the same thing when Swatch came out with the Moon watches a few years ago. There was a lot of hype, people were camped-out waiting to buy one, and they sold out very quickly. Some people bought them just so they can sell it on Ebay for a profit. I even heard about its release on primetime news like it was some great cultural event. People that may not be able to afford a luxury watch can now buy something with an Omega name at a cheaper price. It's genius on the part of Swatch in the sense of marketing and getting a buying frenzy. They also refused to sell the watch online but only through their stores. This also forces a customer to consider different models and multiple watch purchases.
The Fifty-Fathoms is an awesome watch to look at. Maybe it's outdated but it carries an elegance, Rolex will never be able to give to their designs. The size shouldn't be an issue. Divers are supposed to be big and if Bulova can make a 43mm Lunar Pilot, so can Blancpain with the FF. Your right about the price, though. I added up all components needed to make a full metal Blancpain Seiko mod that will literally last forever: It's half the price, double the fun, hundred times the lifetime!
Outdated? It’s 1315 movement is super modern. Silicon balance spring, 120 hours of power reserve from three barrels in series, exceptional accuracy across the entire reserve. Beautiful to look at with all the Hand-finishing and decoration, a solid gold rotor. If you want the more modern look go for a Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, they are absolutely amazing too and use the same movements.
I don’t know if it’s the best way to create awareness but it definitely isn’t easy or lazy… it’s actually very creative, risky and requires a lot of work and development.
I have always liked the look of the 50 fathoms. I'm not getting one of these. But I think if it proves popular maybe Blancpain should look at making a cheaper and smaller version of the 50 fathoms. If they did do that I'd consider one instantly.
Great video as usual full of information. Personally I won't be jumping on the hype plane! Ps if I see you in any of the bars in Banff, I'll buy you a beer or coffee! Stay safe out in the back country pal!
I plan on buying one once the hype dies down, I think they look cool. I often wear my moonswatch over my tudor/rolex just because its easy and you dont have to worry about it
Your comment is really interesting. How many of us do buy BlackBays, SeaMasters, Navitimers and such like, pretending to be enlightened amateurs of horology, when we are just falling for the Hodinkee marketing tricks and would live happier lifes rocking £ 300 Eco Drive Citizens ?
Good video, Adrian. I have a real 5015, the literal ideal version of this Scuba51. Yet I also want a Scuba51. I don’t have a legitimate use case for it - I have many other divers at higher prices, and even other divers around the $400 mark that outperform this as well. Yet I still want one because it’s nice to be able to capture another Fifth Fathoms with a cool color scheme for a fraction of the price. But I am bothered that the movement is designed to break and never be repaired.
Blancpain Bathyscaphe owner - blue dial, 43.6 mm, and I love it - partly because it's not an Omega or Rolex, and mainly because it's way better in terms of build and movement than those two brands. So, I will be out to get a blue dial Swatchy thing - it's a cool colab and it'll be a fun addition to the collection.
I think they are fun and kind of cool looking. But, I am not going out of my way to get one. Maybe if I happen to pass by a Swatch retail store I may drop in to see what they got on these. I'd say it may be an opportunistic purchase, but, if I don't get the opportunity, I can honestly say I wouldn't have missed anything, also. Besides, currently, I think I'd want to enjoy the watches I already have as well as apply that $400 towards a more expensive watch I'd much rather have.. every bit counts.
I do like that Swatch Group has a fun way of celebrating iconic designs from their subsideries that can be assembled at an affordable enough price for the mere mortal to join in the festivities. They've managed to pull it off in a way that is very obviously something different but captured enough of the charm to give a toothpick skewered hors d'oeuvre sized taste to the average joe. I appreciate that. The amount of under 30 year olds with face tattoos is an example of why not all fun things need to last forever. When my moonswatch kicks the bucket maybe Swatch will be doing some fun variant of Einstein's Longines or a reimagined Breguet Classique 5140
As someone with a few luxury watches, I completely agree with you about the quality, or lack of. But I’ve just bought the Atlantic because I absolutely love the look of it and now I’m like an excited child waiting for it to arrive 😂.
Im also someone with few luxury watches, and I’m trying to buy Pacific, it’s selling so fast. As someone who doesn’t live in big city I’m getting so frustrated because I really want one 😂
@@ivankuseta4913 Hi Ivan. I had the same problem. There’s not many Swatch shops in the UK and none anywhere near where I live. So chances of me passing by a store and them having stock of the one I wanted was probably zero 😂. So in the end I bit the bullet and had to buy one on the grey market 🙄.
Very insightful, as always. I like the look, but I am completely driven away by the price, especially after your own experience with the MoonSwatch pushers simply falling off. For about the price of one Blancpain Swatch (I heard someone call it a Thrifty Fathoms), I bought a Tissot Ballade with a COSC certified chronometer movement. There's a lot of novelty, but not enough value for me. Enjoy your vacation. Happy hiking!
Sentiments still being formed, but i'll be adding this to my box for many of the same reasons Adrian described. May end up being a fun piece, despite its shortcomings.
I love the fact that you shit on it and still want one. That’s exactly how I feel. I would definitely get one but like the plastic speedy, they’re not available near me and I am not travelling for one.
Great review Adrian. I want one,but won’t. Love it,but will be too expensive here in Australia. I’ll annoy the missus for something cheaper,but better. Keep up the great work.
You are right. I looked at the FF, loved the aesthetics but put off by the size. The Swatch don't make it more appealing since it's the same size. If I want a big dive watch, I already have my Panerai. Bathyscaphe can go smaller but it does not have the bubbly bezel that I adore. Any comments about the slugs at the back?
I have one and isn’t it the same with all luxury products? However with Blancpain, you get and absolutely stunning movement with lovely finishing, silicon hairpsring, 120 hours of power reserve from 3 barrels in series, exceptional accuracy, a solid gold rotor that is blackened, sandblasted, brushed, satnated and polished and overall exceptional finishing on every part. All while being still a tool and be able to be used daily. If you compare this watch to its competitors, it’s fairly priced.
@@mehdizerzeri1977 Did you see that on their website? I can only see 45mm. The smaller ones seem to be the Bathyscarphe, which is a very different design.
More interesting than the Speedmaster Mission watches. But this is like the last shot of adrenaline that will keep all those Swatch retail stores alive. Cheap watches are now the domain of Amazon and Ali Express.
Was in Banff and jasper a couple of weeks ago. And I saw a black bear! All the ‘berry season’ signs are terrifying. Also made the flight out from the UK, 100 percent worth it.
Adrian, Great terrain. Three thoughts: - bears are just as scared of you as you are of them. Just remember they can out climb, out run and out swim you; 😵💫 - it will be interesting to see if you change your mind when you handle one of these collaborations; - at the end of the day, the most practical wrist watch is the Casio F91W so looking at price is probably not something anyone but a cheapskate like me considers. Safe travels, mate!
Banff is one of my fav places! Enjoy your trip! And yes....head on a swivel for those huge carnivores running around in the woods! Recording a podcast as you hike is a great way to keep your presence known! LOL.
Love the concept, love the design ideas, watch is meh and not really my vibe. I’d still rather have a Moonswatch but that mostly because the 50 fathoms does nothing for me. Love what you do!
I think it's brilliant marketing, though the lack of actual Blancpain ADs makes increasing Fifty Fathoms sales a challenge. There's one Blancpain AD in my metro area of about 7 million, versus 6 Omega ADs/boutiques. That and the BP product itself is too big, as you said. You won't hear me carrying on about 36mm watches and I love my 42mm Explorer II, but it's a bit much in 2023. It feels more like 2013. I got to see two of the Swatch x Blancpain models at a watch event yesterday. The best thing BP has done have been their 40mm limited releases. They're really clever and I quite like them, for many of the details you pointed out. The line was 1/4 that for the MoonSwatch and they had many more in stock to sell than for the MoonSwatch. Since I'm fortunate to live close enough to a Swatch boutique, I'll probably randomly pop in after 2 or 3 weeks and pick one up, just like I did with the MoonSwatch.
I agree with your points except I will be abstaining from this one - I’ve got a lot of watches fighting for wrist time and I’d probably enjoy a bit of boisterous fun with my Panerai or colorful Paulin over this any day. On a B&J nato strap, of course.
I think most people got the wrong idea about this watch. Swatch made a “SWATCH SCUBA” inspired by Blancpain FF, not a Fifty Fathoms in “swatch plastic”. If you look at it this way, then it makes more sense in my opinion. It’s a luxury S(econd)WATCH, not a cheap disposable Blancpain FF watch. And yes swatches are supposed to be fun, cheap and disposable watches, so the price is a bit steep, but if you compare it to the prices of some garbage fashion watches, it isn’t too far out of line imo. I love and own a few colorful 90’s swatch scuba’s, so i will add the yellow one (pacific ocean) in my collection when i got the opportunity.
Same for me as the Moonswatch and a hard pass. I've always had a soft spot for the fifty fathoms and that slightly rounded bezel but that much money for a disposable movement? As for bears, you're average Black Bear will take off running as soon as they know you're in the area unless you run into a Sow with cubs in tow then just work very hard at getting distance between them and you. Grizzlies are more of a threat but the Salmon are running right now so they'll be down by the river looking for a fish dinner.
Highly respect the fact that you’re calling it for what it is, a McDonald’s style/made watch but that at the same time it comes with brand heritage just like the swatch speedy, and regardless of all the negative things it is still something that appeals to the curiosity of watch collecting. Enjoy Alberta.
Couldn’t have said it better! Your views on this industry, I think, are perfect! An FB group really wound me up today and this was a refreshing view! No pun intended. 😉
Maurice Lacroix did it first with the Tide version of their Aikon. True it was a bit pricier but if I were in the market for a new plastic watch I would go for the Tide. Maybe some other brands did it even earlier than that, not sure.
sorted, expensive fun. just about sums it up. if the look and design is desirable and you would never be able to to get the original, get yourself the Steeldive homage SD 1952. Solid watch, great looker for £150. As for the Swatch Blancpain ? If you just want a piece of disposable plastic on your wrist, wait for the Chinese version, probably available in about 6 weeks.................
When you see them lined up, it sort of reminds me of the displays of disposable vapes at the newsagent :D Cool idea, and they will sell in their droves, but if I;m dropping £300+ on another cheap watch, I'm not getting any further than the G-Shock store......
It’s true about brands getting free advertising. You mentioned the M.A.D.1 Red benefitting MB&F, Louis Erards collaboration with Konstantin Chaykin is nominated for a GPHG this year, however I love the Watch being a Regulator. These Swatches are in a different league to the M.A.D.1 and the Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin. They are in a league of toy, disposable Watches but, Swatch has a heritage of being ‘the McDonalds’ of fashion accessories when it comes to Watches. More power to them. People are queuing round the block to gobble up the hype so let them enjoy it. ✊
Great for brand awareness for new collectors and showing the public that there are other iconic divers outside the Submariner, BUT at the same time diluting the exclusivity for those who have the real one.
Hello edmonton 🇨🇦 your 3h from my house i would be able aford omega or phanton but for price both i could by tudor 1923 and rader save 3 year and get tudor
I know all the reasons I shouldn’t like it, but it’s working all over again 🙃
Haha. Same. I shouldn’t like it, but I do.
@@BarkandJackThanks for another great video, Adrian. I hope you’re enjoying Banff. I’m sure you’re having fun on the trail responsibly, leaving no trace behind. Which is why I was surprised when you said at the end of the video that you’d still buy this watch, just for fun, with Banff’s beautiful flora in the background. It seemed oddly ironic to me. I hope you will reconsider. If you weren’t so knowledgeable about watches already, I’d offer you suggestions for other fun, yet sustainable watches at this pricepoint. Hopefully, Banff’s unique forests and wildlife will not be consumed by climate change-driven wildfires later this century, because we couldn’t help having a bit of fun driving our gas guzzlers and eating massive amounts of meat.
@@BarkandJackdon't allow the herd mentality make you hate something because of peer pressure. That's just as bad as letting the herd mentality get you to get in a queue for a hype watch. If you like something you should enjoy it without having to justify it to others. If you hate something you don't have to try to gather a group to hate along with you. Be an individual.
@@TECHFIGHTER there’s no herd mentally influencing me. That would require me to consume watch content. And I don’t.
@@BarkandJackIf it was around 1/3 cheaper and serviceable I could 100% get on board with this .
I’ll never understand why Blancpain never makes a non limited 40mm Bathyscaphe and a 42mm Fifty Fathoms. These sizes will sell like crazy and yet they insist on making the larger versions.
I’m an owner and I will try to explain it. Unfortunately blancpain marketing only comes to people who already owns one of their watches. It’s a subtle marketing and comes in the form of paper journal and newsletter only coming to those who own a watch… they still think to the ff both normal and bathyscaphe as a tool watch to be used 300 meters under water. It just needs to be big to be readable. That’s it. Look for the documentary Gombessa. You will see this watches being worn over a dive suit in some of the hardest dive in the world and you will understand. The size is perfect ❤
I like the Bathyscaphe
So damn true!!!
They also need to ditch the date complication. I wonder if there's market research that shows that people really want that on a watch? I don't think there's ever been a scenario where I've been happy about a date. It's usually just something I tolerate.
@@ams914Rolex sells hundreds of thousands of watches with a date window. And a magnifier, too. Making it even less tolerable, you'd think. Yet, they sell.
My vacation watch has a day date complication. I like to be remembered those while vacationing, when I don't otherwise have a good sense of them, yet they are important to keep track of. And I might not have my phone around on a vacation day.
Shows the power of branding; throw a brand name on it and suddenly people seem to want to buy a swatch.
In 2022 Swatch Group - includes brands Omega, Longines, Swatch, Tissot, Hamilton, Blancpain, Breguet and more - recorded net sales of CHF 7.5 BILLION, of which "only" CHF 250 MILLION came from Moonswatch sales. They seem to be doing something right.
Great take. Love the quote “sometimes you just want that dirty burger”😂
I didn’t buy a MoonSwatch. I am very tempted by this though. Love the design and colour options.
Got the Indian Ocean - LOVE it!
Adrian, your videos are so watchable (pardon the obvious), beautifully made and produced. Keep up the great work.
Been waiting to hear your thoughts on this collab… as always worth the wait. This guy deserves more credit for his work. Like you say clever marketing. The fifty fathoms just doesn’t do it for me in terms of a dive watch personally, x it with swatch though and it’s a more appealing offer… sure the 11750 quid saving helps….
Thanks so much Alistair. 🙌🏻
I live in Alaska, and you rarely hear the bears before they’re close enough to run you down. Of course, I’ve also never had a bear be overly aggressive with me -just a little curious.
That being said, love the video style, and it is good to see you on my side of the pond!
Another Amazing video Adrian! Already looking forward to the next one 🙌🏼
As you said, The Swatch Collaboration will create a temporary interest in the brand, but if Blancpain don't start making watches more people want, then it'll be short lived.
Hi @adrian Barker, seems the back of the case can be removed and thus the movement swapped and even serviced. Still cheap and all, but something to consider.
Cool video as usual. I was waiting for your take on this. As usual you are spot on. 👍🏻👍🏻
Former employee here, it’s been interesting seeing the hype around swatch now with both the omega and Blancpain collaborations. The clientele when I worked there mainly comprised of nostalgia, international customers where the brand is bigger, or someone looking for a simple watch. To now seeing people who never even heard of the brand waiting on line get one. I’ll be visiting my old location to see how the Blancpain collab look!
Got a grey one and i actually really love it ! Feel Bitter made than the moonswatch, and the nato watch combo is killer !
It will sit besides my other non serious fun watches
From the UK but on holiday in Hawaii. Just queued 3.5hrs in Waikiki store (which I hear is short). 69 pieces total. Didn't get a choice but have the Indian Ocean and Artic Ocean. Great in the flesh and love that they are mechanical.
“Sometimes you just want that dirty burger”
Exactly, nuff said.
Great content as always.
Except why would you pay $15 + for a dirty bigger ?
If it was around $ 7 fair enough .🍔
Title of your sex tape.
I like Blancpain and I think this is very cool and just a clever business decision, you have to hand it to them, well done Swatch.
Explorer 2 fan here!
Great to see it in Canada.
6.5 inches wrist and i’m nearly backing out from getting a 226570 white dial.
But on nato it looks super cool and well fitted on you.
How do you find the bracelet?!
Any opinion on my thoughts or the watch size would be greatly appreciated.
P.s
I just registered for a Black Submariner date & I have an Explorer 124270!
I bought a Seiko Snzh53k1 about 6 years ago for £99 I had no idea it vaguely resembled a 50 fathoms & it has a in house automatic movement . On a nato it looks fantastic.
I’ve got the black/gold version. I recently put it on a black silicon tropical!🤤👍🏼
Funny. I have the same Seiko. Great minds think alike. I wasn’t even aware of the Fifty Fathoms when I bought my Seiko. It’s certainly a much better alternative to the new Swatch. Higher quality at a fraction of the price.
“Swatch’s money making project”… unlike others who make watches for the good of humanity and not profit. Gotcha.
Unlike other’s who make products through passion and desire to make great things. Think Nomos, JLC, Tudor. All money makers, but focusing on making great products above all.
Great video. Like the Moon Swatch, I’ll be avoiding it, but looking forward to your video on it
It looks like a fun watch but the disposability gives me pause. I’m glad to see Blancpain to get a place in the spotlight however.
Great video Adrian. Happy to see you sharing again. 😎
Buying a product, you know is garbage just seems bizarre. There are plenty other ways to have fun.
Can’t really tell people what to do with their time/money.
Drinking, smoking, eating junk food amongst other things are not good for us but plenty still do it. Unless you live a 100% clean life and don’t consume, partake in some sort of activity that be work or hobby that isn’t good for you then this comment really comes off as hypocritical.
Well, there are people who pay women to degrade them so I guess this watch isn't as far as humanity can sink
Everyone has their kink, LOL@@tonyl7286
@@tonyl7286 paying a woman to degrade you is a healthy outlet for your innocent desires. Beats being a serial rapist AND/OR KILLER.
@@tonyl7286What's wrong with being degraded ?
Would love to get one but will it be like the MoonSwack (yes) that was almost impossible to buy at retail?
I got a Hamilton khaki in white 38mm last week in a sale for £357 that to me is a better watch and better deal?
Hope it gets the word out for Blancpain. Love the Bathyscaphe . Maybe we'll get a Breguet XX next.
It would be nice but Marc Hayek has already stated in an interview that he is open to any iconic watch and brand except Breguet. So there is that. But he also flip flopped on the online sales so who knows. I own a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and a Breguet Type XX and am/ would be happy to see Swatch collabs.
that's what I'm talking about... Breguet-swatch tourbillon for under $1000... 😂🤣
@@Louen_Leoncoeur I would buy a plastic minute repeater that sounds like an original Gameboy.
@@koolpep i'd take a bite of that dirty burger😂
This collab has caught me the opposite way the Moonswatch did. I was all for the moonswatch and got fully involved with the hype, but as time went by and the nonsense surrounding actually getting one carried on I was more and more against the whole thing. To the point where I had my choice of them in a boutique and decided against it.
This on the other hand, I was done with before it was unveiled. Already done with the queues, the hype, the manufactuered lack of availability.
But, as time has gone on, and I have seen more and more about them, it all kinda makes a lot more sense, and I'm now frantically looking at how I get the the Pacific Ocean or the Antarctic Ocean models!
Another colab and I'm no closer to an opinion than I was before the moonswatch!
I love it to be honest . We finally get a genuinely Blancpain labeled watch instead of homages and look alikes
I prefer it over the MoonSwatch and may get one.
I also wonder, looking at all the other brands within the Swatch group, what will be next?
Until then, l’m drawn to the grey version ❤
Another cracking video (I’m showing my age) Adrian 🙏
Great video; wish you would do more of these in the backcountry.
You're absolutely right. I said the same thing when Swatch came out with the Moon watches a few years ago. There was a lot of hype, people were camped-out waiting to buy one, and they sold out very quickly. Some people bought them just so they can sell it on Ebay for a profit. I even heard about its release on primetime news like it was some great cultural event. People that may not be able to afford a luxury watch can now buy something with an Omega name at a cheaper price. It's genius on the part of Swatch in the sense of marketing and getting a buying frenzy. They also refused to sell the watch online but only through their stores. This also forces a customer to consider different models and multiple watch purchases.
Nice to see you back!!
The Fifty-Fathoms is an awesome watch to look at. Maybe it's outdated but it carries an elegance, Rolex will never be able to give to their designs. The size shouldn't be an issue. Divers are supposed to be big and if Bulova can make a 43mm Lunar Pilot, so can Blancpain with the FF. Your right about the price, though.
I added up all components needed to make a full metal Blancpain Seiko mod that will literally last forever: It's half the price, double the fun, hundred times the lifetime!
Outdated? It’s 1315 movement is super modern. Silicon balance spring, 120 hours of power reserve from three barrels in series, exceptional accuracy across the entire reserve. Beautiful to look at with all the Hand-finishing and decoration, a solid gold rotor. If you want the more modern look go for a Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, they are absolutely amazing too and use the same movements.
I don’t know if it’s the best way to create awareness but it definitely isn’t easy or lazy… it’s actually very creative, risky and requires a lot of work and development.
Awww yeah, my boi is in my neck of the woodssss, let’s gooo 🙌 🌲
As it's a non serviceable movement, would Swatch just replace your watch if movement is broken during warranty period?
I wouldn’t buy one, but it’s got me looking at Blancpain again 😊
Swatch: mission complete. But Blancpain is in another price bracket.
Hey Adrian you’re in Banff. Til when are you in Canada? Any meetups while here? Enjoy your stay!
where are you at? what trail / forest is that>
I have always liked the look of the 50 fathoms. I'm not getting one of these. But I think if it proves popular maybe Blancpain should look at making a cheaper and smaller version of the 50 fathoms. If they did do that I'd consider one instantly.
Great video as usual full of information. Personally I won't be jumping on the hype plane!
Ps if I see you in any of the bars in Banff, I'll buy you a beer or coffee! Stay safe out in the back country pal!
Thanks so much mate. Love Banff. Absolutely stunning area.
I plan on buying one once the hype dies down, I think they look cool. I often wear my moonswatch over my tudor/rolex just because its easy and you dont have to worry about it
Your comment is really interesting.
How many of us do buy BlackBays, SeaMasters, Navitimers and such like, pretending to be enlightened amateurs of horology, when we are just falling for the Hodinkee marketing tricks and would live happier lifes rocking £ 300 Eco Drive Citizens ?
Good video, Adrian. I have a real 5015, the literal ideal version of this Scuba51. Yet I also want a Scuba51. I don’t have a legitimate use case for it - I have many other divers at higher prices, and even other divers around the $400 mark that outperform this as well. Yet I still want one because it’s nice to be able to capture another Fifth Fathoms with a cool color scheme for a fraction of the price. But I am bothered that the movement is designed to break and never be repaired.
2:46 “Your watch is literally the equivalent of a plastic bag.” Almost spit out my coffee. 😆
Blancpain Bathyscaphe owner - blue dial, 43.6 mm, and I love it - partly because it's not an Omega or Rolex, and mainly because it's way better in terms of build and movement than those two brands. So, I will be out to get a blue dial Swatchy thing - it's a cool colab and it'll be a fun addition to the collection.
Enjoy what you love, sometimes peoples opinions are just feels too much personal and you can’t control what they think and what they say.
Enjoy what you love, sometimes peoples opinions are just feels too much personal and you can’t control what they think and what they say.
Excellent analysis and conclusions! And from such a well photographed natural environment. Top marks!
I think they are fun and kind of cool looking. But, I am not going out of my way to get one. Maybe if I happen to pass by a Swatch retail store I may drop in to see what they got on these. I'd say it may be an opportunistic purchase, but, if I don't get the opportunity, I can honestly say I wouldn't have missed anything, also. Besides, currently, I think I'd want to enjoy the watches I already have as well as apply that $400 towards a more expensive watch I'd much rather have.. every bit counts.
Welcome to Canada from Toronto! I love Banff! Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery!
Completely agree, but also want the gray/white one for that hit of fun. Will look great on the beach. And undoubtably break there too.
I do like that Swatch Group has a fun way of celebrating iconic designs from their subsideries that can be assembled at an affordable enough price for the mere mortal to join in the festivities. They've managed to pull it off in a way that is very obviously something different but captured enough of the charm to give a toothpick skewered hors d'oeuvre sized taste to the average joe. I appreciate that. The amount of under 30 year olds with face tattoos is an example of why not all fun things need to last forever. When my moonswatch kicks the bucket maybe Swatch will be doing some fun variant of Einstein's Longines or a reimagined Breguet Classique 5140
As someone with a few luxury watches, I completely agree with you about the quality, or lack of. But I’ve just bought the Atlantic because I absolutely love the look of it and now I’m like an excited child waiting for it to arrive 😂.
Im also someone with few luxury watches, and I’m trying to buy Pacific, it’s selling so fast. As someone who doesn’t live in big city I’m getting so frustrated because I really want one 😂
@@ivankuseta4913 Hi Ivan. I had the same problem. There’s not many Swatch shops in the UK and none anywhere near where I live. So chances of me passing by a store and them having stock of the one I wanted was probably zero 😂. So in the end I bit the bullet and had to buy one on the grey market 🙄.
@@haichyou2930 I know I’ll need to do the same! 😂
Welcome to Banff Hope you got to visit Calgary as well 🙌🙌
Very insightful, as always. I like the look, but I am completely driven away by the price, especially after your own experience with the MoonSwatch pushers simply falling off.
For about the price of one Blancpain Swatch (I heard someone call it a Thrifty Fathoms), I bought a Tissot Ballade with a COSC certified chronometer movement. There's a lot of novelty, but not enough value for me.
Enjoy your vacation. Happy hiking!
My fav UA-camr is backkk 😍🔥
Thanks buddy.🙌🏻🙌🏻
Sentiments still being formed, but i'll be adding this to my box for many of the same reasons Adrian described. May end up being a fun piece, despite its shortcomings.
I really like it...Probably never be able to get one though!
Great content mate, God bless you
I love the fact that you shit on it and still want one. That’s exactly how I feel. I would definitely get one but like the plastic speedy, they’re not available near me and I am not travelling for one.
Love the gray one but I'm from the West Coast so I'm also digging the Pacific version as well. First time viewer, thanks for the (sort of) review.
Adrian have you ever held in your hands a Q&Q Smile Solar watch?
Great review Adrian. I want one,but won’t.
Love it,but will be too expensive here in Australia.
I’ll annoy the missus for something cheaper,but better.
Keep up the great work.
Adrian, could you do a review and commentary of Seiko as you did for Tudor when you went to their factory and spoke about their main pieces, merci.
Hi Adrian love it and i want the Antarctic one ..the grey one.
No update as to what you been up to? Enjoy Canada it’s really lovely, they have had a torrid time.
You are right. I looked at the FF, loved the aesthetics but put off by the size. The Swatch don't make it more appealing since it's the same size. If I want a big dive watch, I already have my Panerai.
Bathyscaphe can go smaller but it does not have the bubbly bezel that I adore.
Any comments about the slugs at the back?
The Fifty Fathoms case design and shape is lovely, but the price is outrageous and its too big to be practical.
If you don't like the 45mm they now do it in 42mm and 40mm.
I have one and isn’t it the same with all luxury products? However with Blancpain, you get and absolutely stunning movement with lovely finishing, silicon hairpsring, 120 hours of power reserve from 3 barrels in series, exceptional accuracy, a solid gold rotor that is blackened, sandblasted, brushed, satnated and polished and overall exceptional finishing on every part. All while being still a tool and be able to be used daily. If you compare this watch to its competitors, it’s fairly priced.
@@mehdizerzeri1977 Did you see that on their website? I can only see 45mm. The smaller ones seem to be the Bathyscarphe, which is a very different design.
More interesting than the Speedmaster Mission watches. But this is like the last shot of adrenaline that will keep all those Swatch retail stores alive. Cheap watches are now the domain of Amazon and Ali Express.
Was in Banff and jasper a couple of weeks ago. And I saw a black bear! All the ‘berry season’ signs are terrifying.
Also made the flight out from the UK, 100 percent worth it.
Adrian,
Great terrain.
Three thoughts:
- bears are just as scared of you as you are of them. Just remember they can out climb, out run and out swim you; 😵💫
- it will be interesting to see if you change your mind when you handle one of these collaborations;
- at the end of the day, the most practical wrist watch is the Casio F91W so looking at price is probably not something anyone but a cheapskate like me considers.
Safe travels, mate!
Banff is one of my fav places! Enjoy your trip! And yes....head on a swivel for those huge carnivores running around in the woods! Recording a podcast as you hike is a great way to keep your presence known! LOL.
I unashamedly want the grey/white one!
Love the concept, love the design ideas, watch is meh and not really my vibe. I’d still rather have a Moonswatch but that mostly because the 50 fathoms does nothing for me. Love what you do!
Apparently the case back on this specific sistem51 colab can be reopened and the movement replaced
I think it's brilliant marketing, though the lack of actual Blancpain ADs makes increasing Fifty Fathoms sales a challenge. There's one Blancpain AD in my metro area of about 7 million, versus 6 Omega ADs/boutiques. That and the BP product itself is too big, as you said. You won't hear me carrying on about 36mm watches and I love my 42mm Explorer II, but it's a bit much in 2023. It feels more like 2013. I got to see two of the Swatch x Blancpain models at a watch event yesterday. The best thing BP has done have been their 40mm limited releases. They're really clever and I quite like them, for many of the details you pointed out. The line was 1/4 that for the MoonSwatch and they had many more in stock to sell than for the MoonSwatch. Since I'm fortunate to live close enough to a Swatch boutique, I'll probably randomly pop in after 2 or 3 weeks and pick one up, just like I did with the MoonSwatch.
It seems this sistem51 is actually serviceable. It has a snap on caseback
can't wait for the Breguet x Swatch pocket watch collaboration
To be honest I would love the green or blue as a summer piece - fun and good looking piece.
Just missed you in Banff 😅. Was there on my honeymoon a few weeks ago. Great insight into the Swatch marketing for the Fifty Fathoms👍
I agree with your points except I will be abstaining from this one - I’ve got a lot of watches fighting for wrist time and I’d probably enjoy a bit of boisterous fun with my Panerai or colorful Paulin over this any day. On a B&J nato strap, of course.
I think most people got the wrong idea about this watch.
Swatch made a “SWATCH SCUBA” inspired by Blancpain FF, not a Fifty Fathoms in “swatch plastic”.
If you look at it this way, then it makes more sense in my opinion.
It’s a luxury S(econd)WATCH, not a cheap disposable Blancpain FF watch.
And yes swatches are supposed to be fun, cheap and disposable watches, so the price is a bit steep, but if you compare it to the prices of some garbage fashion watches, it isn’t too far out of line imo.
I love and own a few colorful 90’s swatch scuba’s, so i will add the yellow one (pacific ocean) in my collection when i got the opportunity.
Same for me as the Moonswatch and a hard pass. I've always had a soft spot for the fifty fathoms and that slightly rounded bezel but that much money for a disposable movement? As for bears, you're average Black Bear will take off running as soon as they know you're in the area unless you run into a Sow with cubs in tow then just work very hard at getting distance between them and you. Grizzlies are more of a threat but the Salmon are running right now so they'll be down by the river looking for a fish dinner.
need that swatch rolex collab to grab a swatch rolex GMT batman, since i'll never get a real one for retail 😂
Highly respect the fact that you’re calling it for what it is, a McDonald’s style/made watch but that at the same time it comes with brand heritage just like the swatch speedy, and regardless of all the negative things it is still something that appeals to the curiosity of watch collecting.
Enjoy Alberta.
Waited over night In Manchester and battled flippers to get the Arctic version
I love it.
Couldn’t have said it better! Your views on this industry, I think, are perfect! An FB group really wound me up today and this was a refreshing view! No pun intended. 😉
well perhaps you could have said it while not out of breath hiking through the woods with a lot of background sound.
We need a collection state update Adrian. I want to know if the Seamaster or the Tudor already left, anything new? Update soon!!!
I bought a brown Bark and Jack nato strap for my Hamilton Murph and it’s fantastic. Just wanted to say that! A nicer set up than a Swatcpain I’d say.
The dirty burger. 😂 casually walking Banff… manages to record an episode. #goals
Maurice Lacroix did it first with the Tide version of their Aikon. True it was a bit pricier but if I were in the market for a new plastic watch I would go for the Tide. Maybe some other brands did it even earlier than that, not sure.
@AdrianBarker why are in Banff??
sorted, expensive fun. just about sums it up. if the look and design is desirable and you would never be able to to get the original, get yourself the Steeldive homage SD 1952. Solid watch, great looker for £150.
As for the Swatch Blancpain ? If you just want a piece of disposable plastic on your wrist, wait for the Chinese version, probably available in about 6 weeks.................
When you see them lined up, it sort of reminds me of the displays of disposable vapes at the newsagent :D Cool idea, and they will sell in their droves, but if I;m dropping £300+ on another cheap watch, I'm not getting any further than the G-Shock store......
Wait…. There is a metal system51??
What's the truth data? I'm hearing the movement can be serviced because the case back is a snap on/off and not hermetically sealed.
Lovely to see the footage from Banff / Canada :)
It really is a stunning location. I’ll be doing a Q&A video as an excuse to show more shots.
@@BarkandJack It would be amazing. Next time you are in Canada plan to stop by Toronto.
I thought this one was a better collaboration not sure if ill be getting one now that I know the price
It’s true about brands getting free advertising. You mentioned the M.A.D.1 Red benefitting MB&F, Louis Erards collaboration with Konstantin Chaykin is nominated for a GPHG this year, however I love the Watch being a Regulator.
These Swatches are in a different league to the M.A.D.1 and the Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin. They are in a league of toy, disposable Watches but, Swatch has a heritage of being ‘the McDonalds’ of fashion accessories when it comes to Watches. More power to them. People are queuing round the block to gobble up the hype so let them enjoy it. ✊
Great for brand awareness for new collectors and showing the public that there are other iconic divers outside the Submariner, BUT at the same time diluting the exclusivity for those who have the real one.
Hello edmonton 🇨🇦 your 3h from my house i would be able aford omega or phanton but for price both i could by tudor 1923 and rader save 3 year and get tudor
Love a hondikee no date in 40mm but can’t get em unless you pay the grey game and get screwed..
Shall we both get the polar dial… 👀
Hey Harrison! The Antarctic Ocean is by far the best looking one. Would look great next to your Great white SMP300👌
I got it