Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Documentary: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i9t5abZyq5euo2w.html Do yourselves a favour and watch what is arguably the best documentary made by a watch brand to date. This is the reason why we all want to own a Blancpain. Enjoy!

Luxury watch makers not giving us what we really want seems the standard. Blancpain and Omega both have a design that could really compete with the Rolex submariner but choose not to 😎! Best regards

Blancpain is one of my favorite brands and I think you’re absolutely correct in your assertion 👍🏻

Couldn’t agree more… I’m a huge Seiko fan so when I saw that particular version of Bathyscaphe at an online auction I first thought it was Blancpain copying Seiko because of how proudly they hold their 62MAS, until I realized the Blancpain was 5 years younger. Completely ruined the 62MAS for me. Great to finally see someone call them on it! Great channel, great work! 👍

I think there is a watch out there’ off the radar , a top notch high horology piece absolutely a contender for greatness and longevity, every bit as good as the fifty fathoms. Im 60 now and have been a watch collector and lover for 54 years. My wife gifted me the watch I speak of for my 60th. I have owned Rolex , Omega, Jlc and yes ,the fifty fathoms too. Literally hundreds of divers and thousands of watches. I wear this new wonderful watch on it’s provided canvas type strap and despite it being a £10-12k watch. I have a 7 inch wrist but this watch is tall and 43mm . Magically it wears brilliantly and it’s magic trick of disappearing on the wrist at its size is frankly astonishing to me. This watch is high horology and stands head and shoulders above mass produced Rolex.s and for me blows the venerable Blancpain out of the deep too. The watch in question is……… the Glashutte Original Sea Q Panorama date 43 . It’s not common and for me ouches just a shave under the holy trinity of Patek AP and Lange. I have owned all these makes in the past so I think this hand made tough and elegant diver is just the best diver I have ever owned . Not jewellery an actual proper tool like watch , built for purpose but oh so cool with a movement to die for. After a year of constant wear it’s running at +0.5 every 24 hours! Makes the -2+2 bragging of Rolex a bit if a joke. Actually I have had three Rolex,s , none of them were able to sustain their timing claim. Still a Rolex fan boy though but this watch has ruined me for all other divers…. Im truly diver sated.

The 45mm FF has a pop on my wrist unlike any other watch. Received a couple of compliments in the first few days of wearing it from people who never heard of BP. It has a look that draws attention while also being under the radar.

Blancpain ALL THE WAY!! simply beautiful. love the date at 4:30.

“Before we dive in….”, I see what you did there 🤣. Great thought provoking video as always, thanks.

Well it’s 2024 and we now have smaller FF and Bathyscaphes. I just adore both. But I think the 45 mm Fr and 43 mm Bathyscaphe are both fantastic and good looking. And now we have smaller versions. Perfection.

loved this video. as a bathy owner, agreed with everything you said. everything

Blancpain or Glashutte...with the discount its the same price as Sub and you are getting something so much better. I went Glashutte Seaq Pano over the Blancpain but it was a close. Both are incredible.

Excellent video! If you refer to old US Divers catalogs from the 1970's, the Doxa models were actually more expensive than the Blancpain divers. It was only after Biver repositioned Blancpain that it became "haute horologie" and expensive. Blancpain needs to make a diver in the US$8K range. Even if that means a lower grade movement, since a diver does not need a "haute horologie" movement in all reality.

These videos are so interesting and really offer a unique perspective. Thank you for all the effort!

The Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, is an outstanding watch

I remember when you reviewed my Bathy and early Sub a couple of years back. Interesting to hear your views as always - keep creating great content

BTW, your rendering at 8:48 is perfect. In a 38 or 39mm case, it would check every box. As always, another stellar video.

I’d also love to see Blancpain make more of their 50 fathoms in the smaller sizes on bracelets

So true. I feel exactly the same way. Blancpain are completely missing a trick. I would buy any one of those renditions.

Yes! I agree with your assessment on Blancpain, they're truly one of my favorite brands and my personal favorite Diver if I could pick just one right now would be a Fifty Fathoms but like you said ideally one of the limited references, the renderings you made with dial designs pulled directly from their own back catalogue looked stunning! Blancpain needs to make it happen.

Geez buddy, your tenders are insane. Fantastic work!!!

I'm looking to treat myself to a Fifty Fathoms next year for my 50th. I'm favouring the OG, that curved bezel is so sensual and alluring. I did think about the Bathyscaphe, but you are right that it is too much linked to Seiko (a brand I do love and own 3 of their watches). The only question is do I buy a non limited edition or hold out to see if they release one next year. First world problems, I know.

Another great video. Excellent insight. I really think you hit the nail on the head… again.

You’ve got this bang on. You’ve literally hijacked my thoughts on this line. The heritage and provenance put almost everything else in the ground but the bathyscaphe design is lacking compared to other modern favourites. And ultimately most purchases will come to looks and brand bias I think. If Blancpain listen to you and tweak the design a little I would likely strive to get one because everything else about this watch is fabulous including that spectacular movement. The 38 looks good but the 43 needs your ideas applied to it!

Great video! Thanks for addressing this. Blancpain had some great watches in their catalogue (and still have) Villeret, Aqua Lung... But the modern Bathyscaphe is something that I struggle to understand also. These applied markers are so small that the watch looks funny. I am pretty sure that with only a few tweaks in the design the Bathyscaphe would become a gorgeous model.

Well done and I agree with your assessment on Blancpain as a whole. I own the 43mm bathyscaphe on the x-70 bracelet. It is the highest quality diver that I have ever owned including my Deep Sea and Submariner. It is a stark contrast to it’s baroque styled big brother the 5015. To me, the dial conveys the vastness of the ocean with port holes glistening in the distance. This would be the retro/futuristic watch the alien stranger Klaatu from the movie “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (1951 ) would wear.

Agree with assessment. I have a Leman and wish they brought back that range personally. Though Putin wears a BP Leman as everyday beater so timing not ideal perhaps....

As always, great thoughts. Let’s hope they are listening 🤯

Blancpain make outstanding watches. I prefer a smaller size in 38-40mm

100%!! Blancpain make such fabulous watches.The lack of a ~40mm tool diver is down to the lack of a suitable movement - the 1315 in the 45mm 50F and 43mm Bathy is a fantastic, purpose-built tool calibre, but (like GO's SeaQ Pano) is big (too big for a 40mm diver). The 1150 Villeret movement is great for Bathy complications (the point of the strange, sparse Bathy dial) in a smaller watch, but its no tool calibre, so just used for collector special 50Fs. So, Blancpain would need a new, smaller version of the 1315 to make what many want, possible. That said, for years I criticised the size of the 50F, but now, looking down at it on my wrist, I f....kin' love it! It takes a big commitment, but once you dive in (!) you'll never regret it. It is an absolute beauty, so special and like an Explorer 36, it owns its size.

Excellent video, you definitely made me look at their designs again. And yes I totally agree about the dial size… PS, glad you’re finally dressing like an adult 😂

I reached out to Blancpain they sent me two very nice catalogs ,The Fifty Fathoms is one of my favorite watches i would take it over a Submariner any day . Another great video 👍

You do good reviews. This is a good analysize of Blancpain as a Brand. And the Bathyscaphe has a lot of potential for further development. The problem of the empty dial or what you adress I do not agere with. This is one of thoose watches that dont get justice when photographed. Wear one for a month and emptyness on the dial or poor legibility is noonexisting. This is the most legible dial I have had. And I used to wear an Explorer 1 MK2. Keep making theese great content videos Sir!

I did a valet dive for a Principal off Grenada . He wore an X Fathoms . I have never wanted a watch more , never ….. Great insight as always ;)

Excellent video as always. Just got my SM300 back from service, £485 & 4 months, was a long painful wait but it's honestly like new & well worth it. Cheers mate 🥃

Wonderful analysis, as always. We no longer expect any less. When are your live streams coming back 😁👏🙏🥃

Another great video on another great series of watches. I would love to hear your ideas on the very quirky ZRC range of watches.

completely agree with your assessment on the Hodinkee Bathy. It’s a truly outstanding design that, if made available, would crush the competition.

I own the Bathyscaph 38mm and as a retired graphic designer I find the design to be refreshing . It has to be worn to understand it .

Great look at a great watch! I am definitely taking pointers for my channel. Nice work!

So true… I think blancpain will release a fifty fathoms this year at 42mm in the non limited collection. It will be the cornerstone of their collection. It will be their speedmaster.

I agree 100% with you. The fifthy fathoms should be around 42mm and more atainable.

Excellent video - thank you !

I actually agree with this guy 💯

Just received my “new” Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and, although this may not be a popular opinion, I love the 45mm size. This watch was always designed with toughness and legibility in mind, and 45 mm provides far more legibility than smaller sizes. But would I welcome a 40mm version? Sure!

Cant agree more!! BP.. come on! Would sell some pieces off the collection for a BP iff the only adjust some of the things

Terrific exploration of Things FF and Bathyscaphe, really enjoyed it. Also great to see some airtime for the Longines Avigation Bigeye, a piece with more charisma than seems reasonable. Love mine. Try it on Forstner's Beads of Rice and you'll swoon :)

Agreed! Thanks for the video! I agree with you. Hodinkee showed the way… they should pursue that route!

That outro mock up is 🤌🏼

I just can’t “fathom” why can’t they do it ! Killer line! Great content as always

Fully agree with what you have said.

I had this exact discussion with the manager of WoS on Bond St (I think it was). They’re one step away from really shaking up the market but aren’t taking it. They have everything a buyer wants; history, heritage, quality, function etc. and you won’t get your arm cut off when wearing one. I can’t help but think they’re working on a new movement to fit in the newly-loved circa 40mm size divers. Here’s hoping. I just picked up a no-date Sub from the AD but I’d question a few things if any of your renders came into production. Hope you’re keeping well sir! I’ve been quiet for a while - lots going on, though the collection is still growing and I still intend to lend it to you, one of these days!! 🥃😉👍

I have the 43mm Bathy it’s great in so many ways can overlook the small things as I yet find a perfect watch

Where’s the strap on your Longines Bigeye from? Might need one for mine!

Thanks for the video; while the provenance of Blancpain is notorious going through their back catalog is tremendous well done!

I have a Helm Miyako, which homages the Fifty Fathoms (with its own unique design traits). ISO 6425 compliant and beautiful (but with a 2 year waiting list), it compares in build quality to Tudors I have handled. Would highly recommend it, they are built for adventure and exploration. It has become my "dress diver" and daily wear. It's unfortunate that one brand gets all the praise, but maybe thats because the current Blancpains are also very highly priced and often wear very large. At that level, most watch enthusiasts, including myself would probably go for a Sub or Planet Ocean.

Fantastic Avigation big eye. Could you share what is the strap brand, please? Thanks.

I literally love the last titanium one….

I sold my hulk to get the mil spec hodinkee version. Bloody amazing watch. I hope they get more attention in future!

The Leman flyback big date was my daily for years, it's a shame they have discontinued it, a beautiful watch.

huge huge fan of blancpain, and was considering a FF big date for awhile. Going to save up and hopefully their 70th anniversary FF next year will be a home run (and actually available)

Could not agree more! A 42mm 50-Fathoms for around $12k would be a Submariner killer!

So funny I took my blue ceramic Bathyscaphe on sail cloth out of the winder just three days ago and have been as the young people say rocking it. I bought it right in the middle of the pandemic and right about the time you made some unflattering comments about the Bathyscaphe. We both love the 50. But the 50 for my thin wrist just didn't work and as you pointed out and both know getting a 50 at 40mm is difficult and pricey. I got my Bathyscaphe under 9.5 K USD. I could agree more with your thoughts on what Blancpain should do. I know I would love to add another to my collection a moon phase annual calendar this time. But with the world wide economy so unsettled I'll probably have to wait. Again loved the Bathyscaphe love ❤️ buddy. Be well.

Very nice review of the Blancpain diver history. Many gorgeous pieces. Unfortunately then I went to look at prices on their website. Not sure I’m seeing the value proposition. If I want to go with a ‘out of the ordinary’ diver I’d probably pull the trigger on a tegimented Sinn U50 and use the $10k for a trip to Singapore or Dubai.

So true, 100% my thoughts. At some point you have to admire how a company can ignore such an obvious potential 🙈

I actually like the design of the current Bathyscaphe, and my only knock would be the size of 43mm, which I feel should be reduced to 41mm. This in itself would reduce the amount of negative space on the dial that most people complain about. But I am not sure size alone would prevent me from getting the recent titanium Bathyscaphe, with its monochromatic grey hues, which I find fantastic. With a lug to lug of 49.5mm, a reasonable case height (13.4mm) and the lightness of the titanium, it should be very manageable to wear on my 7 inch wrist.

You are so right. The potential is limitless. I have no interest in a Submariner or a Seamaster (The 1957 "Trilogy does interest me..but they are no longer available). The Blancpain FF is MY grail watch. I can rationalize the money. However, I can't really rationalize the size. I have a 6.5 inch wrist. I would never be able to pull it off. For this reason, I have gravitated towards the Bathyscaphe. But, a non hacking movement in a $9000 dive watch???? Blancpain needs to look at the marketplace more closely and design the Bathyscaphe to fill the void that exists. There are people like me who appreciate the history and amazing engineering of dive watches, but dont really want to be just another dude wearing a Submariner

Great video as usual. I agree with every word

Great vid thank you, this watch is about $15,000 in Canada. I do like it and also see your point. I have always like their complicated dress watches from the 80's. What do you think of the Tissot Seastar as an alternative to the Bathyscape? They look similar and so does some the Glashutte original dive watches. Any thoughts? Regards, Chris

Excellent watch channel

The hodinkee was just fantastic

Beautiful pieces agree 100% they could easily double their production since they produce such small numbers and hopefully reduce the price by a mere 10-20% to make them more accessible. Then everyone wins

My grail dive watch is the bathyscaphe desert edition 🤩

Very well put IDGuy. They could land on so many more peoples radars if they made some tweaks to the limited models and produced them as a non limited model. I have no data but I wonder if the production of these watches is limited by the manufacturing capability, I don't know but being part of the formidable Swatch group I'm not so sure. Maybe the Swatch group wants to keep Blancpain more exclusive. Who knows? Not I. One day we may (50) fathom it out.

I did recently went for the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms titanium blue 45mm….I think people should really try before believing the 45mm on paper … the Blancpain GF really fits like 42mm. To me, Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is the most refined diver in todays market. After having owned the Submariner, Sea-Dweller and Deepsea .. . I can easily say, the Blancpain FF is just a better watch in every single way …..

Excellent video. I wish Blancpain offered a 39mm diver. I wonder if it's because their cases are rather thick and perhaps they don't have a slimmer movement for a smaller case.

As You see Blancpain present iconic collections like :Mil spec,Barakuda,no rad,Nageurs de Combat..its not necessery that they ‘tomorow’ present this tribute to edition on bathyschape collection because they are now focused on anather important history timepices…they will made tribute of more than 20 famous editions..on this moment they also put focus to help and protect the ocean ,because of that you can see Mokarran bathyschape,Ocean comitmment 1/2/3,now we weith PADI edition… Blancpain politic is top,they are clever and they have very good strategy ! They are not trend manufacture that they must run for money and owernight made tribute in bathyschape collection,only to sell collection..they have passion for every story and timepice ..Blancpain is investmnt and most best diving timepice ever made.. if we talk abauth diving watches Blancpain is king and 3class up..people buy rolex only becsuse of cousin’s,friends,rolex is cheep product it must cost -60% under retail price ,not up..

Also it’s not just the design, these are finished like a dream for watches that price (secondary market, as that reflects the true demand imo)

Great episode. A few years ago i looked at a 40mm Fifty Fathoms. Really lovely watch but as you indicated; I could justify it for myself. My summer/driver is the PO at 42mm. Still have the Blancpain in my mind, maybe one day. How are things going with your Tudor?

Saw a blancpain Aqua Lung asking 44k . It's like they have it backwards. Their LE should NOT be limited editions but rather regular releases... Their current FF lineup is ghastly imo...

wow, thank you very much for this video :-)

Do they make bracelets for them? If not, then a great bracelet would help out a lot. I didn’t see any in the video and mostly saw sailcloth straps.

Hey, money, size, design that’s pretty much everything for considering (barring history)😄 But seriously, I feel the swatch group doesn’t know what to really do with Blancpain and Breguet. Both in terms of positioning and marketing budgets, so it’s easier to go with Omega and Longines to get the revenue and maintain the premium/luxury positioning for the group. I’m hoping the recent bull run in the watch market will wake them up, it’s easier to be creative and risky when the market is responsive. After all the enthusiast community is only 10% of the market at best, something Rolex understands pretty well imo

Love the FF.....not too crazy about the Bathyscaphe.

I love my BOC3, I count my lucky stars I was able to get hold of one.

I drool over the Blancpain catalogue! I suggest people follow the Blancpain channel, they did two great videos about their history

I would love a Blancpian, but unfortunately a manufacturer beyond my means. I would love to see Blancpian (and Breuget) challenge the likes of Rolex, Patek and AP more. I can’t work out if being a part of the Swatch group is a help or a hinderence for the two brands? Love your wrist check, I have a Longines Spirit Chronograph in my collection. Good choice regarding the “Big Eye”.

Hi ID guy. Have a great day

The crux here, to me at least, is market positioning/role in the consortium of Blancpain. Your pitch is superbly persuasive if the goal is to move units. A very Tudor dynamic of Black Bay 58 & Pelagos imported for the Bathyscaphe & Fifty Fathoms. Lean into it as a dress diver. Offer it on a beads of rice or jubilee type 5 or 7 link bracelet. Would be delicious. But Blancpain's role in the Swatch portfolio isn't what Tudor's is at the Wilsdorf Foundation. I believe they are a halo brand of Swatch (with Breguet, often Glashutte). Amp up the small scale, hand crafted, atelier/mansion/haute horologie aura in the mass market luxury sector. I'm more sympathetic to your insight. This design has breadth, foundation, utility, and affinity. The heritage of Blancpain divers on a human scale (50 Fathoms, while as svelte as a 43 can get, very much embraces the drive instrument brief). Should be leveraged more for wide spread enjoyment, public appreciation.

Click Video… Click Like…Watch Video… Can never go wrong

They should do a collaboration with Swatch. The BathySwatch!

I missed the 70th anniversary just release and it sold out in a Lightning, I agree BP best watches are limited in production and I can't understand why would Blancpain do this.

You’ve got an amazing voice

2:49 "...If money wasn't an object, if size and design weren't an issue...". I'd love to be in a position to purchase luxury items with such blatant nonchalance.

Yes!

I’ve been selected for the giveaway package but can’t seen to contact you

I think your video encourages Blancpain to look at their back catalogue, but I prefer the idea that they are rather creating something primarily new, even if it's divisive. The Bathyscaphe is a weird watch, but that weirdness keeps it from being just another diver. If they shift to primarily draw from their back catalogue, do they lose some of their differentiation (setting historical significance aside)? There are already many options on the market that fill the retro-classic-diver need. I like the Bathyscaphe, especially in 38. Sometimes I imagine it will be better appreciated in retrospect as a strange and beautiful piece that's under-loved in its time.

The blancpain bathyscaphe complete calendar is my grail

When Blancpain first time decide to represent tribute to famous collection they know that they can use this special editions on bathyschape collection..they didn’t miss anithing,they have respect for this iconic vintage collection it not necessery over night to present this tribute edition ..they have time

I have an original 50th Anniversary Submariner Kermit and a blue titanium 50 Fathoms (5015). More people have talked to me about the 50 Fathoms than the Kermit.

It's a bit like Panerai, if Panerai made smaller versions of their watches their would be none on the left shelves. Some of these watch companies are almost stuban in their attitude to change.