Blancpain Fifty Fathoms: A Legendary Diver That Deserves Your Respect (Review)
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
- When examining the pantheon of legendary dive watches, we know the common brands mentioned in passing Rolex, OMEGA, Seiko, and even brands like Doxa and Zodiac. Yet amongst the dive watches mentioned for their great innovations, Blancpain typically always solidifies its place, however, in this, only appears to manage to get its full appreciation from those in the know.
In this video, we take a closer look at Blancpain’s iconic Fifty Fathoms, and why it is one of the most important, if not the most important dive watches ever created, while reviewing one of the contemporary offerings from the brand.
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At around 2:20 I mention the topic of mixed history regarding the how far along the watch was in development when it was supplied to the French Navy. In short, development was completed prior to this and the French Navy made small changes after requests for adjustment. For those looking for a complete backstory, I strongly recommend watching this presentation: ua-cam.com/video/UizMlqxTHYQ/v-deo.html Thanks for watching!
The Fifty Fathoms is THE quintessential dive watch! Nothing can take away that from Blancpain, they made the first 'Dive' Watch!
This watch has certainly gained my respect after spending more time with it on this review. Thanks for watching buddy!
2nd dive watch actually, but that's semantics. 🙂
It is undoubtedly the quintessential consumers dive watch and I covet it like crazy.
I mean no disrespect.
Just credit where credit is due, and as much as I prefer the Fifty Fathoms, credit must go to Paneri (and therefore also - unfortunately - Rolex for the movement and case 😶).
Great pens but terrible watches.
Steve - Would you mind explaining to me why you hold this opinion Steve?
I'm not challenging you. At all.
I have never used a Blancpain pen, nor handled a Blancpain 50 Fathoms.
Out of my price range unfortunately...or
The reason that your comment interests me is that this Watch has been getting plenty of positive attention from the YT review community of late, certainly more than I can remember it getting over the last few years.
Despite this, I have not heard a bad word about it, so your comment piqued my interest.
Cheers.
@@thetimemachine3828 3rd actually - the first dedicated dive watch was the Omega Marine in 1932, followed by the Panerai Radiomir 2533 in 1936. And don't forget the first Omega Seamaster in 1948, though that was designed for use on submarines and other vessels rather than diving. But I agree the Blancpain was the first of the modern dive watches with unidirectional rotating bezel.
You made me addicted to watches 😬
Both you’re welcome and I’m sorry is appropriate here 😂
we should get stimulus checks from Teddy.
I just acquired a Fifty Fathoms 5015-1130 and it is exquisite. Sporty yet elegant. Incredible wearability for its size. Everything said in this video is spot on.
I would any day go for a fifty fathoms than any other diver , especially the MIL-SPEC or BARAKUDA limited editions are mind blowing. Keeping in mind the fact that they are on a 40 mm case with the beautiful open case back of the 1151 gorgeous looking movement , love the fact that you brought this watch/brand in the conversation ,love your posts and wish you all the best .
Blancpain, another under appreciated high horology brand.They have their own unique design language, love their Villeret collection also. Just wish the case was more like 42 mm
You can get the limited versions at 40 mm. I have a Bathyscaphe 43 mm
I love the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, they are my all time favorite dive watches, such an overlooked high end brand, they're movements are beautifully finished, I'd personally take this over all the usual suspects.
I'm not a luxury dive watch aficionado. However, the Fifty Fathoms is major grail watch.
I wish Blancpain would get more recognition in general but also develop more complicated in-house movements to get the "geeks" back on board.
Yeah the 1315 is nice in the big picture but I think for a brand that has went up market I would like to see something a bit more decorated. It’s pretty industrial looking which there is nothing wrong with but when you get up there in price and where they are positioning the brand it gets a little harder to swallow. Thanks for watching buddy and keep up the good work!
@@TeddyBaldassarre Big price for a diver for sure. I think what they should do with this one is maybe close the caseback, do less finishing and position it at 8k. A diver watch doesn't necessarily need to be finished like this, but I'd love to see it better as well if they do it. :) Nice camera work also :)
Always appreciate your takes! Thanks buddy 👍🏻
To be fair, the name of the company is pretty dumb. Sure, "Rolex" is a made-up word, but come on, "White Bread"?!
Blancpain makes a lot of complications, 5015 also comes with a flyback chronometer. The Lèman series comes with split second, perpetual calender, tourbillion. The Villeret series comes with an equal variety of complications including carousel.
My comment is written as a watch enthusiast, not as a professional. Every brand has their niche. And so I’m sorry to say to Rolex, Omega and & AP - Blancpain certainly has theirs. Having direct experience with this fantastic timepiece, the Fifty Fathoms is loaded with personality and soul where all others simply fall short. This watch deserves to be the King of All Dive Watches. Rarely does a watch live up to its hype, and even more rare for a watch to surpass its anticipated hype. Don’t take my word for it. Like Teddy said, you have to get this watch onto your wrist and judge for yourself.
Well done Blancpain!
Nice review Teddy 👍🏼⌚️
Does it live up to the price though?
A Blancpain fifty fathom is what got me into collecting watches. My Dad gave me his that he had from the navy, and I had it in a drawer because the band didn’t reach around my wrist anymore. My son wanted to post it on a watch group, and when we did the group went crazy! I wound up selling it because I was offered 10 times what I thought it was worth! We needed the money, so even though I really hated to sell it, I sold it. It was an older government issue, and after I sold it I found out that it was a one of a kind. I hated losing it, but you have to do what you have to do. I miss it, but there is no way I could afford to buy it back. Great video!!! I watch anything I can find about the fifty fathom!
One of the best under-the-radar fine timepieces. Only watch geeks will know you're wearing something absolutely awesome. Best wishes to you and yours, Teddy!
Was just about to search for this watch and you upload this!!
It’s the king of dive watches. So elegant, yet also like a tool.
Damn Teddy, I was just looking at this watch online. This video couldn’t have been uploaded at a better time. Thanks!
Happy to help Jasper! Thanks for watching!
Great to see Blancpain get their due! Beautiful piece, great video again!
Thank you mike! 🙌🏻
Love this Watch! My favorite diver! The steel has a much more satisfying sound to it than the titanium model. Something that most people don’t take into account with the price is the 120 hour power reserve. Compare that to the Submariner! Expensive, yes... however I feel Blancpain has it justified.
Add also the accuracy
And a beautiful hand made movement that you can see with but need the TI version to see the case back.
I tried it yesterday, the watch is beyond breathtaking... and surprisingly wearable !
Teddy, your reviews and videos are getting better and better!
Well done, man! It's a pleasure to watch your channel.
Thank you Tomas! That means a lot 🙌🏻
I have this watch in blue. It is an accurate movement at a consistent +1 second a week. Looks Fn' awesome too!
Another awesome review Teddy! Keeping doing what you do!
The thing I love about this channel is haveing my eyes opened to the many brands and watches i have never heard of before. I could search all day and i dont even think I would have ever herald of a Blancepain, or a Monta.
This watch has a nice look for a divers watch!! So casual yet elegant!
Blancpain is the legend and icon of diving watches 👌
Awesome timepiece! Big fan of you're reviews! Keep them coming!
Perfect synopsis of this brand and the impact of the Fifty Fathoms itself! Keep the good work coming Teddy :)
Thank you my friend! Have a great weekend!
Excellent presentation, very informative.I've always been a fan of Blancpain due to the history behind the brand.Keep up the good work.
Great review man. Amazing footage of a beautiful and an amazingly well built diver.
It's been said no watch is perfect, but this is close. No on the date position, no on the engraving on the side, and that size is a tad big for me. And yet I still want it...And by the way who voted thumbs down??
An impressive watch, impressively presented. Your videography of this watch is very good. Keep up the good work.
Fifty Fathoms is my next grail watch. Most people will recognize a Submariner, but most non-watch nerds have never heard of Blancpain. But it's such a bold piece that it certainly doesn't fly under the radar either. I imagine it has the ability to stir up a lot of compliments and conversation.
Finally! Someone to properly cover this watch
Great job Teddy! My top grail watch is the flinque dial 5015D. Something about this watch blows my hat off. Another small gem is the X71 steel bracelet that is offered (though pricey). I just love it!!
Great review Teddy! Is there any bezel play or displacement?
I was honestly a little sad about the Horology House scandal as his marco videography was so good. But hot damn Teddy, your videography is getting so good it's filled up the void
Oh yeah, one of the 5 divers that are on my perfect collection list. In rose gold. Unfortunately it doesn't hold its value at all, but it's not like I ever gonna sell it anyway)
Tiny wrist people gonna be outraged tho))
Most beautiful Diver ever made. I own the one Blue with Guilloche dial in steel ... And consider It MY watch
Good Video T. I am in fact, wearing my Seiko SNZH-57J (AKA the 55 Fathoms) as I write. Yes, I'm enjoying it so much it has superseded my Soviet Sunday custom!
I think that, even though being almost a decade younger, the Rado Captain Cook should be held in the same esteem. I honestly would have a hard time deciding whether I would prefer the Blancpain or the Rado on my wrist.
Teddy,
Another great video!
When I hear folks gripe about “homage” watches today, I think about how much of the Fifty Fathoms design ethos exists in the Rolex and Omega dive watches that followed.
There are other dive watches out there but the original Fifty Fathoms (and the link to Jacques Cousteau) makes this and the Panerai Radiomir the true day zero watches for undersea adventures.
All of them are out of my price range but that hardly matters.
Thanks for this Teddy. I have a dive watch from each of those watch brands you mention at the beginning of the video. The Blancpain FF is my grail watch and would be the pinnacle of my collection. I go back and forth on whether the 45mm might be too large for my 7” wrist. This one looks good on you! 👌🏻
Spectacular piece. Grail-watch to be sure. This is a great video with history lesson, great insight, and excellent videography. Keep up the great work!
Teddy, excellent video, as always. At the beggining, when you mentioned some iconic diver watches, I would add the Citizen Pro Master. Thanks!
Another great video, Teddy. My 2 cents: Biver is rightfully a legend, but it really doesn’t sit well with me that watch brand names are traded and resurrected like this. It feels like they have disrespect the consumer and the history by trying to pull a bait and switch. Respect, honesty, and history are some of the things I find most appealing about watches, and it just feels totally disingenuous for a startup to basically have just assumed the identity of something they were not
Great video for a strong, reliable, beautiful and distinctive sports watch. The 50 fathoms is often overlooked, which is an excellent opportunity for true watch enthusiasts while the rest of the crowd is busy fighting for Rolex.
I’m lucky enough to have many of the best divers out there, some in limited editions.
Above all my FF is the one that has my heart. It’s unstated, the vast majority doesn’t have a clue of what it is. The sapphire bezel is simply from another level. The level of finishing is top also. A unique piece that deserves more attention over the usual suspects.
Great video Teddy, what are your thoughts on the YEMA Navygraf II, it came a bit later but has a similar association with the French Navy in the 70s.
Any history of the dive watch would be incomplete without a thorough look at Squale. Squale was the big dive watch casemaker of the '60s and '70s and its 50 Atmos case, with its distinctive crown position, was used by brands like Blancpain, Auricoste, DOXA, and (TAG) Heuer all the way into the 1980s.
The Blancpain 50 Fathoms. Pre my first encounter with it in real life. I thought it had a radicules big bezel, and would be very "industriel" in the feel...
I had a hands on for two weeks ago, with the new Fifty Fathoms at a AD, and it blew me away.
It's so nice and delicate a watch, that despite it's delicate feel, is a work watch, that will last a lifetime.
I was stunned about the look, and it's size. It's so tiny, but yet so manageable.
I'm a Blancpain fan, from now on. :-)
Price. Don't mind, just take my money.
Check out the variations. Like the Barracuda or Mil-Spec versions! Much cooler.
BP should get way more attention, yet it’s all about Rolex..
The Fifty Fathoms is by far my favorite dive watch. Followed by the much cheaper Zodiac Sea Wolf and then the Yacht Master in Rose gold on the Oysterflex bracelet.
Hi Teddy, just came across this review video from you which I hadn’t seen earlier. Awesome timepiece! Currently looking at maybe consolidating some pieces and pull the trigger on this one. Your review is further pushing me in that direction! LOL... Thank you for the great content! 👍🏻
I normally prefer the lighter sunburst colours and stainless steel but this is a very attractive piece. Something about it, everything just works together so well! Great review Teddy 🙏
Excellent overview of my favorite watch and it’s revered place in diving circles. Bravo for not mentioning the word Rolex once in this clip and a shot of its magnificent lume glow would have made a perfect icing on the cake here as it’s that dramatic!
Nice rarity! Excellent production quality. Nice work man!
I like the understated decoration on the movement. I've heard it described as "surface vagues"
I just tried one on, my wrist is just under 17cm. I'd always thought they were too big for me, while it is for me at the top of my size window I think it works. A rolex GMT 116710 is 48mm lug to lug and 51mm to the end of the first link so comparable to the FF. While the FF is thicker than the GMT I didnt really notice the thickness. I also tried the Grand Date FF which is thicker still and again I didnt notice the thickness. Looking at myself in the mirror in store I got a better perspective on its size than just looking at it on my wrist. I think its supposed to be a big watch as its a dive watch. A very well engineered and put together piece. Razor sharp crown edges and a rock solid bezel. Lovely movement finishing, just missing geneva stripes but maybe I'm being a bit picky there. A lovely watch and great brand, the people in store were very friendly and not what I'd expected.
Great video! I love the Fifty Fathoms, but prefer the look of the Grande Date 5050 version
Excellent review Teddy. First time ever had a chance to try the ff in a small store in Interlaken last year. I was blown away with the way it looks on the pictures but didn't match with it soon as i got one to try on my wrist. Ended up with AP Offshore Diver. But i believe Blancpain level comes with age and maturity. I see myself wearing it after 40.
Appreciate that Zodiac was a mention and a great watch at $13k less. Not judging or bad mouthing anything else out there. If given to for a military diver of said country nice watch.
Holy grail watch...pure class
I adore this watch more than any other diver on the market, but I can't reconcile the side engraving. Enjoyed the review.
This is a Diver Legend and for good reason! This watch has REAL "Soul" and is loaded with personality. It is Ferrari over Mercedez. I've had the Sea Dweller and the Fifty Fathoms. I sold off the boring utilitarian form of the Sea Dweller and kept the Fifty Fathoms as the only Haute Horology Diver in my collection and never thought twice about it. The Sea Dweller went towards an H Moser, so this was a major upgrade in the collection. Overall, you will rarely ever find anyone else with a Blancpain on the wrist compared to every Tom, Dick, and Harry who wears a sub. Follow your heart, follow the beauty, heck - even follow the science. This haute horology piece beat the Rolex Sub Mariner to market in 1953; this is the true first modern day dive watch ever built. Commissioned by the French Military, Cousteau wore this watch with great pride It was years before Blancpain's patent expired on the Unidirectional bezel and Rolex copied that onto their sub-mariner. You too can own a piece of history. Thank me later...
I've got a small wrist and the 42mm and the gigantic LLD works for me. The lugs on the 50 Fathoms looks like it makes the watch eminently wearable. Interested!
What fascinated me was noticing the Blancpain on the side of the case ... it is something (well one of the things) that Invicta regularly gets flak for ... I did not realize that another watch (much less one of Blancpains quality and pedigree) did this. I had to do a double take and re-watch it to make sure I saw it correctly.
Wydm Invicta is not a respected watch brand!?
In terms of minimalism and shape, I prefer it to the Rolex Sub. There is just a powerful elegance to it.
Thanks for showcasing Fifty Fathoms. Would you consider do one for the Villeret?
Your descriptions are poetic.
The best design dive watch. Period.
The true and rightful king to the throne. The Sub is the alternative here. It's so beautiful it.brings a year to my eye. I'm getting one this year and selling my Rolexes.
Classic piece of horological history aka an icon, great video! Keep them coming!
Would love a Mr.B but 10g used us hard to justify. Have 3 dive watches that ( for me anyhow) represent the best in three price categories. Top ,mid affordable. Top planet ocean. Mid.. Oris depth gague...affordable...Seiko turtle.
Perhaps someday...but content for now. Great video Teddy.
The watch is large because its ultimate purpose is top legibility underwater, keep this in mind before criticizing the size! Blancpain stay true to their initial goal of creating a watch that ultimately serves as a diving instrument to this day, you've got to respect that.
Exactly!
Very professional and useful review. Well done.
I don’t think you’ve done this before so could you do a ‘expensive watches that look cheap’... like the ‘cheap watches that look expensive’ you did like a year back? That would be cool
Cool concept!
I’m buying on and a 500201 iwc soon. Thanks for the vid!
I have to say, although I am new as a watch enthusiast, my all-time favorite is the Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms vintage Aqua Lung. But they are all so unique. Thank you for your review! I must admit that I do not visually see a $15,000 watch though. I must be missing something. But, this price is "value" when compared to a 50s or 60s vintage one, that are selling for thousands more.
You should do a review on the Eternamatic Suoer Kontiki. They are Iconic and they have shot up in value. They have a great history to them.
While we're on the subject of diving watches...
Maybe you should review an Edox watch in the future?
They were revolutionary in the 1960s with the Delfin watch and invented a special crown system for extreme water resistance.
It is a very interesting watchmaker from Switzerland.
I love blancpain, but I never got around to the fifty fathoms. Always came close, but became indecisive... it’s next on my list tho
This watch sounds very cool. Does it take 20 or 22mm nato and how easy to unscrew lugs and if done up again will they not loosen as not factory tight?? Interesting wrist size medium ish mine is about 7". Thanks again for review. Have you ever weighed the ti vs ss?
Beautiful watch, in my opinion the best looking dive watch. The thickness at 15.4mm is 2mm over what I would consider suitable for daily wear.
I would still buy one if I had the money spare though.
I agree. It looks stunning, has heritage, well executed and top movement.
*HOWEVER* the price of 15k $ or so it's just nuts...I feel like they put ridiculous high-price because it creates a buzz and then they can sell to grey dealers at -40% off and still get a good price 😂
For a company that was bankrupted in the 80's and changed hands for peanuts (at one point was sold for like 20 million) that's way way overpriced. This is a 5k or 6k € watch.
Companies go bust and change ownership all the time. That doesn’t mean they lose their heritage. It’s a high end luxury watch with an appropriate price in my opinion.
Find a 120 hour, highly hand finished movement with 18k gold rotor, safire and lumed bezel, and titanium case. There isn't one. You can buy new for 12k
@Teddy Baldassarre Great to have your videos buddy!! Big fan!! Can you upload your review about the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle??? Thanks a ton and Stay Safe!!!
Let me see what I can do. One of my favorite dress watches out there!
@Teddy Baldassarre Thanks a lot for replying!! I can't Wait😍😍😘
Love it! Have a 1/100 RG BP from 2006 😁. Only recently!
This and the Pelagos - 2 watch collection; dive centred and two extremes covered. Daily/beater/utilitarian Tudor and more luxurious, shiney and more likely worn at a desk, Blancpain
Love this video. Blancpain always in my favorites list. Thanks
Hi Teddy, will you be trying to get your hands on the Junghan Max Bill edition set 2020? It looks fantastic and it'd be great to see you review it.
Best diver design in every-way and of course, the first diver ever
Great review - love the Blancpain but this compare to the new Glashütte SeaQ Panorama Datum???
@Teddy what are your thoughts on the just released HODINKEE limited edition Mil Spec? Keep up the great work! 😎
Barakuda edition in 40mm, and rubber strap is perfect. Only dive watch I actually like
Brilliant review sir, I am torn between titanium or steel, what is your preference?
Ti, you can see the case back easy
Considering your wrist-size and the dimensions of the watch, it fits you surprisingly well.
That thing is just so pretty... in a weird, steam-punk-y sort of way. Not sure if I would want to own one because at that price and with its overall "prettier" looks than other tool-watches, I'd probably be worried constantly about scratching it up... :)
The most beautiful watch ever
The 50 Fathoms is a precursor to the Submariner as the Glycine DC-4 (24 h GMT) is a precursor to The Rolex GMT Pepsi (Pan Am)
Shit bro I just found this watch today and was hoping one of the better watch reviewers would make some more videos on Blancpain and specifically this watch! I really want this over a rolex it fixes everything I don't like about the tad busy look a rolex has.
This review was a great way to pay respects this iconic watch.
I've been waiting for a review of this gorgeous piece
Wait no more 😎 thanks for watching Erin!
Teddy Baldassarre .. pleasures all mine brah .. cinematography and timing is getting greater and greater. Still awaiting a whole video of your ads though.
Much love form South Africa
Great video,black or blue dial,I like the blue,thanks
Definitely Blancpain Watches are stunning pieces the but the Fifty Fathoms is a superb Watch probably the best diving Watch with 120 hours of power reserve perfect size Watch 45mm Safire bezel, something that i love on this Watch is the exclusively is hard to find someone that is wearing one of this wonderful pieces
I'm sure most of us including me, will never be able to buy one, so the chance to experience it like this is special. Unlike the sterile atmosphere of Watchfinder.Co, you give a much more intimate portrait of it. And how bout that it really looks great on your wrist. ( tempting?) Thanks for taking us down another great path Teddy