Two of the Most Legendary Dive Watches: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms vs. Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe
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- čas přidán 3. 08. 2024
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In this video, we an in-depth look at the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, a storied dive watch with roots dating back to the earliest days of undersea watches. We'll compare and contrast the Fifty Fathoms with Blancpain's other iconic diver, the Bathyscaphe, and talk a bit about which watch might be right for you. What do you think of the Fifty Fathoms in 2022?
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Agree with you--if they were to release the original Fifty-Fathoms in 39mm with a bracelet option, they'd sell the heck out of it.
not in bidens economy
They would definitely sell a ton of them but with the current fifty fathoms being so large and them gravitating toward that kind of look I just dunno if it’s something they would do
I disagree. Their customer base are not only rich, but also who like bigger watches. Most brands in fact will sell more of the larger size variant than the smaller one. Take the rolex 41 date just or OP. Sells many times more than the 36, though both very popular
@@mjinzarli very true. Big watches are popular but I think the smaller size might open the door to different customers
P.s. I love my OP 41
Well, there's a 40mm version. Check out the 5008B 1130 B52A and the 5008D 1130 B64A, both are 40.3mm
Finally a review of the 38mm version! So many channels covered the larger Bathyscaphe.
Thank you for the great content.
Blancpain, along with Rolex, were both introduced to me during my time in the military. I own both in my collection. Without a doubt these are my 2 favorite dive watch makers in my collection. Great to see you giving Blancpain some love Teddy . Thanx , great video !!!
BLANCPAIN IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND AMAZING BRANDS THERE IS PEOPLE NEED TO LOOK CLOSER AT THEM
Tks Teddy. I pulled the trigger on the 38mm a month ago. Having a below 16cm wrist, the bathyscpache was the clear. I'm loving it. Dial, finishing, heritage, and just an excellent daily wear. 10/10
What color for the dial did you choose? For me it's one of the most beatiful watches in the market!
@@arthurtuma absolut stunner in real life. I ultimately went with the black. More strap options, easier to match on a more formal attire and while the blue dial is also beautiful the blue bezel seemed kind of cheap.
I’ve just spent far too long looking at vintage Fifty Fathoms because of this video! 🙈
Another good review. Love the fact you are time testing on your reviews. I continue to be a fan of the show.
This was one of your best reviews I have seen from you! Excellent work!!!!!
Excellent Teddy! About time someone said this. It is a priceless, discreet and classic design and it is very much overlooked! Bravo Teddy!
The first and best diver ever designed… period !!!
I like my Fifty Fathoms much more than Rolex but it's sad if you want to sell Rolex holds its price better and even appreciates. Don't get it
@@Rhardebeck it’s all about the name … people want to show up with the name Rolex and they don’t even know there is watches like the FF who are far far better than any Rolex … but to be honest, I think things are changing …prices from the Blancpain FF has been stable in the last couple of months while Rolex prices has been declining constantly
When comparing the FF-Line to the Submariner you seem to forget to emphasize the fact of qualitydifferense. Submariners are robotized massproduction versus handfinishing low volume. The FF 5015 and the 5000 are on a complete different ballpark than a Sub.
Thanks for the video. Please do more on Blancpain
You’re right. Rolex is in the sold by the millions ballpark while Blancpain only survives on sycophants like yourself.
100% agree
Thanks for reviewing these Teddy! I have the 43mm ceramic blue Bathy and I wish you had added that size in as another side by side comparison. It's big without being bulky and the use of negative space really sets it apart from the other two. I'm also partial to the blue dial; when it catches in the sunlight... wow
I have the bathyscaphe 38mm in blue.
My wrist is thick at 19cm but I love how it looks and wears. Even if it’s the newer model, it gives out a very cool vintage feel.
Coool ! do you also own a bb58? I have been searching for pictures of those two watches next to one another and cant find any.... also do you know wide is the bezel in the bathyscape.
I think the 38 MM fits you perfect 👍🏽
Forgot to say… Teddy your watch videos are the best on CZcams !
That Fifty Fathoms is my grail watch. Holy moly😍
Thank you for profiling these watches, Teddy. I have wanted to learn more about them for quite some time, and your overview was most helpful
I have the blue Fifty Fathoms with titanium case and sailcloth/rubber strap. With the lightweight titanium case and relatively modest lug to lug dimensions, this watch wears much smaller - much smaller and far more comfortable than other large watches I've owned such as Panerai and IWC - even wears better on my 6 1/2 inch wrist than the 42 mm Sky Dweller. Incredible legibility and best lume by far of any watch i've come across. Accuracy is spot on and the 5 day power reserve is a huge bonus. Date window for me is perfectly executed - I'm glad it's there when I need it but totally unseen otherwise. Bezel action is crisp and satisfying - totally feels premium with no back-play whatsoever. The feel of the large knurled crown is very satisfying. This particular model has a display case back which for me was a big plus allowing me to admire the white gold rotor and top notch finishing. It's an immensely capable tool watch but at the same time probably the most classy and luxurious watch in the segment. The biggest plus is that it is far less prevalent and common than other top dive watches.
FF no rad is my absolut favourite watch, I wear it since it was launched pretty much every day and night, still -1/2 sec, absolutely stunning piece
I can remember going to the Blancpain boutique store in Las Vegas. I was impressed with the variety of models to choose from including tourbillon models. The watches are slightly more expensive than counterpart models made by competitor brands. However I do like the detail of the dials and bezels. The Fifty Fathoms is an impressive looking watch.
I tend to think of blancpain finishing (especially of the movement) to be more in line with Le Brassus’ other famous house, Audemars Piguet. The 50 would be my pic Royal Oak offshore diver personally even as a gift.
Didn’t even know they had a boutique in LV. I used to go to LV every year. I’ll have to check it out next time.
@@WatchUnwind In the Forum Shops Mall at Caesar's Palace.
@@scottbrandon6244 cool thanks for the info
@@WatchUnwind there is the tourbillon boutique (not a blancpain only but an AD for lots of high end brands) and horologio they carry blancpain that I remember offhand. The tourbillion boutique is awesome.
Nice vid, Teddy, thanks for that🙏! After the Fifty Fathoms has come to market, there was no need to build another diver anymore ! I´m just in Love with this watch 😊
Just bought the fifty fathom complete calendar. I think Blanc Pain is one of the overlooked brands that provides high quality. Storied history and reasonable price points. Love it.
For the first time Teddy has me considering the Blancpain. The 50 fathoms may just be my next piece to extend my collection.
Hi teddy, great video, i think a video showcasing the best rectangular shaped watches at different price points would be really neat
Blancpain only makes around 10k watches per year they are not designed to be mainstream, they are for watch nerds
I know people like to hate on these, but seriously try them on. They feel so nice on the wrist! Personally, they’re super cool. Having owned a sub and SMPc, this watch feels significantly different on the wrist. But, its a chonky boi.. The smaller one works better for me personally but i prefer the finish of the bigger one, the bezel and the blancpain engraving as well. So cool!
Very thorough and informative... shame I can’t afford one but. Really enjoy your content mate. Thank you
It's my first choice divewatch ! I was hesitating between the 40mm limited editions and the 45mm. I have a small wrist but after trying, the 45mm fits me pretty well, so I bought the titanium one in blue.
Great choice! Welcome in the club of not many! A good club to be in.
I got the exact same model. A truly beautiful watch and my favorite dive watch in my collection, if not my entire collection.
Thanks alot for the review,
After trying it out, the blue batyscaphe was a watch i was aiming for, but thanks to you i just learnt that it the 1150 movement doesn't support hacking seconds, which is kind of unexpected for this price range.
This is an important point for me (which may be pointless for other ppl) so i'm going to reconsider my purchase.
Thanks for all your quality videos, i really enjoy them :)
Great review Teddy! With Blancpain's rich dive history, I think they should look back at their old catalogues and introduce a 40mm re-issue. This is what Longines and Tudor have done quite successfully. Squale did one with Amsterdam Watch which did very well. I love the brand but too bad its not getting the love it deserves.
Unfortunately they've only done this for special editions, e.g. Hodinkee, at exorbitant premiums over the standard 45mm. As someone with a 6.3"/16cm wrist, the 45mm is laughably huge. The 38mm Bathyscaphe is on my radar.
I truly enjoyed your video. I immediately subscribed and liked.
I have the Ceramic Bathyscaphe, it's my daily, its great, super high quality and inspiring. I can't recommend enough.
I own the bathyscaphe on steel bracelet and it’s an awesome understated watch. The 1315 movement is a beautiful movement no way around it Tim from watchbox studios has good video on this one.
Those are both beautiful. 120 hrs of power reserve at 4Hz is incredible with the Fifty Fathoms! I really like the size of the Bathyscaph, however.
Always love the “deep dive” pun
I’m fortunate enough to own the 5015 on bracelet and the 43mm Bathyscaphe on bracelet and they are of exceptional quality.
Stupendi entrambi. Due riferimenti. Complimenti per la recensione.
I am loving my Bathyscaphe 43mm with the 1315 movement. Beats ALL of my other watches and even most of my quartz watches in accuracy. It’s a remarkable watch and when you get the ceramic case versions, they looks pristine even after many years….
wow it’s crazy to hear it’s that accurate but I believe it. Blancpain is who they are for a reason.
I love how Blancpain stay true to their design language. The fifty is a diving tool and makes no apologies for it. Apex horology.
Both are grails of mine, thanks for the video. I’d go for the titanium, whether the FF or the Bathyscaphe, the latter especially in the latest 43mm with ti bracelet. Now just need a no-date and I will be yet again unreasonable.
The 50 Fathoms would be my choice not the least of which is because of the larger case size. Im currently not looking for a dive model but this one has my attention. Thanks Teddy !
Teddy needs a signature line of turtlenecks
I really love the 50 Fathoms as it exists today, emulating the original at 45mm in its current refined details. I prefer the ‘grand date’ version, not just aid my aging eyes, and dont really like the offset date window at 4:30. The rest of this model is as near perfect as it gets, which I prefer - and this is hard for me to admit, so its a major compliment - to any comparable Rolex model. To date by far… It’s simple and sophisticated, doesn’t scream arrogance or ‘watch guy’. The titanium case is light and easy to wear at its size. And overall handmade construction is devoted to its use without beating it over the head. Take it and love it as an item close to perfection in my opinion, from a connoisseur of fine watches. That’s clear from the intellect of the eyes that catch it as i wear it as an everyday watch that dresses up perfectly - all without the bling or obvious iconic recognition of a Submariner or Deep Sea even. Performance and durability are as good as I’ve experienced, even compared to far higher price points. Subtle and sexy…its quiet more modern details and form factor that draw straight from its history and intended uses - without bling, make it my watch of choice.
A gold rotor painted black is very extravagant. Blancpain is a dream watch but I am way too cheap. A Spinnaker Fleuss scratched the itch....for now! Great content👏
The rotor was not painted
I buy the bathyscaphe 38mm blue last march , very good watch
I love the 50 Fathoms and I'm glad they have offered it in a smaller package now that isn't a limited edition. I'm torn on the bath. There are times when I look at it and love it and other times when I look at it and don't. I think I like it more than I don't like it but I'm not convinced!
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is the worlds first modern diver ever made and the most refined/ luxury diver in todays market… it doesn’t fit like 45mm at all but kind of 42mm - it wears even smaller and it’s way more comfortable than the SD43mm ….
Cannot wait to see a comparison with Glashutte SeaQ
Always enjoy your videos and takes on all these wonderful brands!
You forgot to mention that when the Fifty Fathoms was first re-issued 20 odd years ago it came in a 40 mm size, and those are pretty available for much less than their primary competitor. The do have a polished steel bezel, like the Yacht Master, instead of the sapphire covered black bezzel, but till a good looking watch, IMHO, at a relatively affordable price with the same movement as the 38mm Bathyscaphe. And all the models are available pre-owned at less than retail, so you can often get a almost new one for less than Sub retail.
A thing of intense, effortless beauty - the connoisseur’s choice - and best of all without the stigma that comes with a ‘follow the herd’ Submariner
I recently went to my local AD with the intention of perhaps adding a Fifty Fathoms to my collection. Unfortunately its size was larger than I was expecting. I would love a 1953 "reissue" with the same aesthetic and size as the original.
Last weekend I was at their boutique at Caesars Palace..... I tried on the 45 mm, it was absolutely amazing normally a watch like that would be too big for my wrist it actually looked just fine. Beautiful watch great fit and finish! For a watch enthusiast like me, it was a religious experience!!! Lol
Strongly considering a Blancpain but I find the selection is much larger than these 2 long standing models. Looking through the catalog I discover many limited edition versions, like the tropical version you mention. Any chance of doing a video on the variations to help folks decide? It seems the moon-phase version has become more available recently.
I own a bathyscaphe 43mm and a Léman Flyback big date and love them both
If blancpain released a 40mm fifty fathoms I’d stop wearing my submariner
It just blows my mind that this half a century old design looks so timeless. Blancpain created the look that we know today as dive watch. However the prices are crazy high. For myself I would go with vintage swiss skin divers that follow this design for a fraction of the price.
@Harry Balls Hey! There are a ton of models from random swiss brands that went bust during the quartz crisis. But to name a few that come up: Caravelle (Bulova) 665-1, Valgine :D, but one that is strikingly similar is Sicura 400. Cheers!
@Harry Balls I just bought a Baltic.
I love blancpain. The Fifthy Fathoms is a beast of a watch but their dress watches are gorgeous as well. I would love to get a a fifthy fathoms and a Villeret or Leman.
I really liked the bathyscaphe. I am putting it on my wishlist
Nice presentation. I only consider a true diver watch with a domed crystal. I still don't understand why Rolex still has a flat crystal.
I love the hands for the Bathyscaphe.
The 38mm looks perfect for your wrist
fifty fathoms and blancpain are phenomenons in Chinese market btw
Interesting video. Have you ever considered a video on the Trilogy series released in the early 2000's? I have the (true) GMT version, and it is a very beautiful and functional piece.
I am definitely interested to own a 40.3 mm Fifty Fathoms and most like the blue Ocean Commitment III special edition. I have high hopes that Blancpain offers a PADI version of the Ocean Commitment with the PADI logo replacing the globe, with the red diver offering a nice little color pop to a blue face. That would be my dream watch. Up the offering to 1000 pieces so I may have a chance to find one! and, no need for a bracelet.
Hey Teddy, lately I've been looking for a nice dress an thin watch but so far I haven't had too much luck. I think there is none better than you for this job so I would really appreciate a video about slim watches, under 10 mm and for different budgets (if possible). Just a suggestion here. Keep the nice content!
Zelos is releasing a new watch in 30 minutes that is under 10mm
Thanks for the idea, Don! I don’t know what your budget is but if you want under 9 mm you’ll probably have to go with a manual wound ETA movement like the 7001 or ETA 2801-2. Most things below that from miyota or seiko are thicker movements to case up. Have a great Friday!
Grande Seiko Soko
Or make an appointment with Teddy’s staff and they can help you find the perfect watch. 😊
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms was the first watch I lusted over.
I've been looking at the BP for a few weeks and tried several on several times so its weird this video has turned up, is the universe trying to tell me something?? The 38mm Bathyscaphe is a little small for me I think, but it is a close call. The 45mm FF is big but I can pull it off, its meant to be a big watch as its a dive watch and the size works. The lugs are short and stubby so its not a lot bigger than a super case Rolex Submariner lug to lug. I wish the steel BP FF had a display caseback though, the 1315 is such a lovely movement to look at. If the FF was 40mm it would be a total no brainer for me, the 45mm case has me a little hesitant. Having said that I'm sure I'll get one soon.
I LOVE much about the Bathyscaphe...The case, bezel and general dimensions are fabulous for me. But I find the dial a little...empty? Maybe if the indices/text were more substantial? And I really like the handset of the 50 fathoms. Would look great here too. I don't think it matters to me too much, but at the price point, I was surprised it didn't have hacking.
Empty space is luxury, and let’s the amazing dial shine, their sunburst has to be seen in the sun, very nice…also form follows function, hence the date at 4:30 to not interfere with the lume and usability as a diver’s watch. The larger Bathyscaphe (43mm) ones hack and they have 120 hours power reserve….
These watches break my heart. They’re absolutely beautiful, and yet Blancpain can’t make them in a reasonable size for most people. I will hold out for a 40-41 mm bathyscaphe, but I may be waiting for Godot.
I would like a 67mm fifty fathoms
Excellent summary of these 2 iconic designs and my grail watch! While I save up for the 50 Fathoms I have bought a Bulova MilShips, which harks back to the same era of original dive watch conception, being a reproduction of the Bulova prototype for a US Navy dive watch contract in the 1950s. It is similar in simplicity and design to the Bathyscaphe, the lume is rubbish and the movement an off the shelf Japanese one, but it’ll do until I scrape together the necessary £13,000!
Absolutely one of the best brand 😍
Love mine thanks for sharing
Hey Teddy, have you ran into any Rotary watches? They're based here in the UK and are quite a recognisable name over here. They have the Regent which is a great looking Genta/Royal Oak inspired watch for a pretty damn low price. I was thinking of picking one up for my first auto watch but I haven't seen any reviews from any of the bigger names in this space! Would love to see what you think of it as an entry-level option as I don't want to buy something crap!
The 50 is my next watch over the sub. I prefer to fly under the radar and Rolex, to me, are too pretentious.
Wearing either one of these immediately signals to other connoisseurs that you know your horology because you could have easily purchased a Sub, and you didn't.
Paintialy waiting for the 5kx gmt review from teddy.
Keeping on this theme, you should also review Squale watches. I’m really surprised you haven’t already.
I can cover the 1521 at some point. They certainly contributed a lot when it comes to their cases especially.
@@TeddyBaldassarre that would be lovely. Maybe review 1521 and Matic, just like you did with the Blanpains here.
Didn’t they make the cases for the Fifty Fathoms back in the 60s/70s?
@@jonnyedge7094 they sure did.
Had a Bathyscaphe on a bracelet and it was a nightmare to take out links because you needed special tools, had to rely on the AD to get it done. The newer versions today has more clever adjustments like the Glashütte. And the butterfly clasp without micro adjustments was easy to accidentally open and bend, which I did. Lovely hand finished movement with a gold rotor but single balance cock and not that accurate. Bought 35% under msrp and sold it for same. If I would have paid full price, I would definitely had taken a "bath".
... by the way cc the figures at 12:06: The Bathyscaphe has a automatic mouvement ;)...and you spoke about the rotor at 11:45...
I am on the road to buy a diving watch. Personally, considering myself as a 007 fan, I love the Seamaster No time do Die. I have 16,3 cm and I do not know if will look good on my wrist. Other two options are this Baby Blancpain and Tudor 58. Two questions:
1) Would the 007 Omega Look good for me?
2) Which of the 3 watches is the best regarding the case diameter?
3) If the Omega would be to big ,would rather buy this one or Tudo?
Thanks
If the fifty fathoms 45 mm style was made available in the 40.3 mm X 13.5 mm, they would have a 'Goldilocks' sized watch that would have more appeal than these two examples. Blancpain have the tooling to produce a 40.3 mm casing as they have done it a few times with limited editions in the recent past.
These two are very beautiful watches.
$1 in 1953 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $10.95 today, that watch was around 1000$, why now it's 15 times more? By the way, I've both of them, but the Bathyscaphe in 43mm version (my wrist is 19.7cm). I user the Bathy more frequently because it's more comfortable and thin to wear. Both are lovely pieces anyway.
The modern 5015 is a much more luxurious watch today. The movement, case finishing, dial, dial furniture etc.
These are new to me, very handsome. I like that they have 200+ ,meter depth rating, but dont have the super chunky bezels
Thx Teddy a tech question for you. How about magnetism protection for the Bathyscaphe? I love how understate but rich it is..I suppose I'm trying to justify moving away from my SMP300 😅 if it hears me it will stop working 😂
One day.
Too many people just buy Rolex thinking its the best. So many better options
Would these be adequate for Muff Diving and Dumpster Driving
All Blancpain needs to do is look to its Swatch Group sibling Omega and what they did with the Seamaster 300 1957 Trilogy edition. Actually, can we get Omega to talk to Omega about bringing a non-limited version of that to market?
I feel the dial markers on the bathysphere are too small and should use a incabloc stick hour marker would be perfect. I’d just go out and buy, buy and buy
I am so glad you made this video, Teddy. For the life of me, I can't understand why more people who are prepared to fork out $13-15k at current market rate for a Submariner do not consider a BP FF instead. They would be getting so much more watch for the money, with a pedigree equal (some would say superior) to Rolex. I think BP is missing a trick by only proposing it in 38 / 43 / 45mm (except for limited editions). If they made a 40-41mm version, they'd be flying. Seriously considering a 2021 Bathyscaphe 43mm in titanium for myself. Incredible model.
It's funny, I never really considered blancpain outside of these two watches but then I saw a leman timezone in person at my local ad. I bought that sucker immediately and I've kept it on my wrist since. These watches are just such high quality that it's absurd.
how would this compare to the Omega Seamaster 300 Chronograph? that would be an interesting comparison
its a good watch but what are we paying for?! it was the first diver but so what. ill take a OMEGA any day over this. As always, another great video TED!
Hi Teddy. this was a great video, as usual. You are one of my favorite creators on CZcams and I look forward to each video.
I have always thought the Fifty Fathoms was cool, but I'm not sure that they are a realistic option given their price, as is the Submariner. I would be uncomfortable using either of them as actual dive watches these days.
Anyone who has been involved with scuba and free diving knows that diving of either sort is hard on gear. Things get banged around and scratched up. Often, the locations that have good diving aren't the safest places in the world, so theft would be a concern. The last thing I would want to do is have to worry about is a nearly $15000.00 watch while I am trying to enjoy my vacation. Heaven knows, I have a GMT Master and I quit traveling with it when the prices got nutty.
I am afraid that these watches and the Submariner are both more of a statement piece than an actually useful tool, which is too bad, as that is what they started out being.
Most divers use computers now, and the watch is merely a backup, so any one of the various Seiko watches will do the trick, without causing agita if something breaks or gets stolen.
Thanks again for the great video.
Thanks for sharing it’s not often you get input from an actual diver. I think you have to be pretty wealthy to dive with one of these on lol I have never gone diving but I did go snorkeling once and I wore my omega seamaster which is a heck of alot of money to me. I was nervous about wearing it and I think I did scratch it a little bit actually but the feeling I got when I looked at it in the same glance of a sea turtle was pretty cool and I’m not selling it so it was worth it to me
I would agree that you would have to be wealthy to dive with one, but why not if you have the bread. $15K buys a lot of good dive gear and probably a couple of decent trips to go along with it, so I would imagine that divers with more limited bank accounts would elect for that. As far as snorkeling with your Omega, I would have done it too.
I think the Bathyscaphe Chronograph looks the business.
Super Teddy
How are you Spider Man?
Thanks for sharing 🙏
Of course that every watch presented here are greatly desired to own.
Love my bathy. Subtle luxury.
Reference 5000-1210-98s is a very nice combo of everything I like: A) Full Ti (case & bracelet) B) Great legibility, night or day C) Chic but simple diver look D) Size bigger than 40mm E) Nice finished movement F) Pretty accurate caliber G) And of course, screwed crown with excellent water resistance. IMO this as close to perfection as it can be, only missing item being micro adjustment :)
If Blancpain re-releases the original Fifty Fathoms at a wearable size, every dive watch enthusiast on earth will be flocking to the store. ...But knowing Blancpain, they will make it a 500-piece limited edition just to make us suffer.