A watch that most of us have been asking about for almost a decade? Blancpain has finally delivered on a model that is both a more wearable size and a mainline produce (non-Limited Edition) but alas the Price, Swatch Scuba collab and lack of a refreshing design for this 42mm model has left most of us cold. How do you think they could've better launched this new line? 🥃

@localheroEd

3 ай бұрын

They needed this model out BEFORE the swatch scuba.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

@@localheroEd Right?? I keep getting this feeling that the "template" or prototype for these 42mm cases were tested and verified with the Swatch Scuba. But then I think the Act 1 Anniversary model was also 42mm (with the same case) 🥃

@mikewinston8709

3 ай бұрын

The date kills it; destroys the visual balance.

@prao4166

3 ай бұрын

Bang on review. A big yawn. A decade to innovate and they introduce the Fifty Fathoms “58” with a diametrically opposite reception.

@vaughan2203

3 ай бұрын

Needed to mention was the Swatch/Blancpain plastic watch collab, and no one cared.

I can’t stop laughing. For ten years all I’ve heard is “the FF in 42mm would be perfect”. Now me, I don’t care I’m a Big Guy (8.5” wrist) so the 44mm suites me. 47mm Panerai. Nothing under 42mm. Now they give you EXACTLY WHAT TOU ALL ASKED FOR and “they don’t change the dial”… “it’s dull”… you remind me of my kids, I give them exactly what ask for for dinner and all of a sudden they don’t like it!

@musiclover4311

Ай бұрын

Shows that you can never satisfy a watchnik.

I’m so excited about the new size. I’ve been very bummed that so little has been on KZread about the new watch. This will be my next big watch purchase.

Saw these in person.... and fell in LOVE!!! Must try on 💯

Hey @IDGuy , I don't know if you noticed, but the watch you featured in your video thumbnail is the 45mm titanium version in blue; not the new 42mm as implied. The new 42mm ones do not have the step dial. Instead the 42mm's dial is a cleaner single level with an edge to edge sunburst. Also, those looking at this watch, and wanting a 40mm instead, consider this: that is exactly the same case design as it's 45mm sibling. The same case design with features that mitigate the 45mm size; like the lug design and the way the case flanks are curved inward. The same features that make the 45mm wear slightly smaller than the 45mm stat would suggest, are also present on the new 42mm. So that 42mm will actually wear smaller than the 42mm headline might indicate. The message here is: don't be put off; try one on if you can, you may be surprised. The real sticking point has to be the price of these things. They are just as expensive as the 45mm versions. But whereas you can find the 45mm 5015 at some steep discounts (as I did, I got my 5015 at a smidge over 25% off), it's going to be a while before you will be able to find the 42mm 5010 at some more reasonable prices; perhaps a year or two. If you're up for one of these, be patient.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Darn, I hoped no one would notice! (ironic because I start the video about "having a discerning eye") Couldn't find a single 42mm release image that I could work with to get an impact for the thumbnail, so I resorted to shifting the script on the dial to make it look slightly closer to 42 (but that surround on the dial I couldn't paint over well) AND I just realised that you've been daily wearing your FF! Gotta congratulate you on picking one up - if I remember it was a recent purchase? Well said all round here Meson. Thank you as always for sharing brother! 🥃

@meson183

3 ай бұрын

@@ID-Guy I bought my 5015 at the end of 2022. So I've had it for a year and four/five months now. It's beautiful, robust, reliable and super accurate. And understated at the same time; I love wearing it. Mine is the black dial titanium on the excellent titanium bracelet.

@meson183

3 ай бұрын

@@ID-Guy Also, I suspect this watch is targeted not at those who want a cheaper alternative to the ubiquitous Submariner, but at those that want a high horology alternative. And for that this fits the bill perfectly. How many high horology diver watch alternatives are there? The G.O. SeaQ for sure. Do Cartier still do theirs? Moser had their Pioneer variant, but that was a limited edition. JLC Master Compressor or Polaris. AP have their Royal Oak Offshore, but they're really silly money.

@sskumariyer

3 ай бұрын

@@meson183 AP RO Offshore is really silly money for a really silly watch (mainly for Schwarzenegger / Stallone wanna-be types; mid-age crisis watch.)

@ulifluhme

3 ай бұрын

@@meson183dream of a watch, especially with that phenomenal bracelet.

A timeless design. Elegant in its simplicity.

Nailed it. Blancpain really needs a change in management. Glasshutte and others offer far more in the price range.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Glashutte especially I think have picked up where BP has left off. Unique, interesting, gorgeous designs. Well said brother 🥃

In a perfect alternate universe, Blancpain would still be an independent brand owned by Jean Claude Biver and would bring one disruptive yet hertiage-honoring banger year after year.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

And in another universe, BP is the dominant watchmaker in this sector along with JLC (Rolex never managed to leave London and went bankrupt - now a forgotten name) 😉 ...alas, I wish JCB was still in charge of the brand, think he'd pump out some incredible pieces...

@Ossory88

3 ай бұрын

​@@ID-Guy Word bro... Word!

I personally hope everyone forgets about this watch. I had a 45mm for several years. Bought it pre-owned for $9k, sold it 3 years later for $9k. I loved it and it fit my 7.25" wrist fine. The problem was the 45mm was just a little to big to wear as much as I wanted. I have a sub too, and the 50 was always the pick to wear over the boring Rolex (orig Kermit). So I sold it in the patient hopes of a smaller 50 someday. That day has come, but the patience will continue until the forgotten downsized 50 comes at a steep pre-owned discount in a couple/few years. The Kermit will again play the ubiquous brides maid and the king of dive watches will once again adorn my wrist. Keep it secret, keep it safe.

The Fifty Fathoms is a watch that all enthusiasts love …. but few actually purchase. The X in the clip is a serious, serious piece of kit ;)

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Should’ve captioned “for Eric” in the corner somewhere - knew you’d dig it 🔥

@docfluty

3 ай бұрын

kind of like a lange 1 in that case

Say what you will. The fact is that the FF is the true king of the divers throne. Always has been and always will be. Style. Elegance and quality. It's only challenger being the Glashutte original Sea Q. But there is only one king.

I think the problems the FF has, along with BP in general, is the same problem they had with the Swatch x Blancpain - they don’t ACTUALLY give people what they want. They think they are, but they seem to wiff every swing. Now, really what most people actually want is a Submariner or “new hat” Black Bay, but be that as it may - new hat syndrome is common at BP with the Fifty Fathoms and Aqua Lung, and Bathyscaphe too being sufferers of such a condition. Except it seems you hit it right on the head, saying if these things came out 5 or 6 years ago, and in a 40mm size that 85-90% of people agree is perfect territory for office-divers (whose worst fear is a vigorous handwashing or extended rain shower) then they would have been a smash hit. Great video mate! Cheers 🍻

Owning the 5015 and no need for me to go smaller, this watch is just amazing. But if they came with the "seaweed green dial" you shared, I would think to go for a second one.

@josevasquez1781

3 ай бұрын

Just tried on the both version I went with the 42mm blue T23 bests my new Sub Kermit, Sub no date, Glashutte SeaQ gold 39mm, JLC Polaris, etc. The sales rep had on the 45mm version with polished case and I can tell you Blancpain step up the finish and it's more compact and the dual has a better layout the the biggie fifty. I should received mine I two weeks. I recommend for individuals to wee them in person instead of YT comments.

Thank you for the video. A SUPER luxury watch. If they were serious about selling it, they should price a model one thousand dollars bellow the Rolex Submariner (esp. w that fabric strap). This would open their entire brand to enthusiasts.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Just imagine? I don't get the arrogance. Either you overcharge people and have a handful of people in the stadium OR cut the ticket prices and allow the stadium to fill. "The Submariner Killer is here" blah blah, Blancpain would be mega! Well said 🥃

@miabeatz80

3 ай бұрын

If part of the argument that the Swatch colab lessened the value why would they make cheaper versions that lessen it further. I agree with some new dial variations or maybe even new models under the brand but the changes you recommend would only dilute the model. A good analogy would be using the speedmaster as example. Making an automatic version that's cheaper (speedy reduced) doesn't make the pro model sell more.

@20thcenturyboy85

3 ай бұрын

Perhaps but it would be cool to have both a Rolex diver AND a BP 50 Fathoms. This would definitely open me up for other fine selections in their brand.

@Man00ta

3 ай бұрын

Why would they? BP is already a Brand for enthusiasts who appreciate the craftmanship and the Supreme quality and attention to detail within their watches. A FF is at least 2 Level above an ordinary sub and i am a huge sub Fan and owner myself. BP is no mass production manufacturer either. Could the Price be lower - Sure. But NEVER below any Rolex dive Watch, sorry. 😅

I agree. 42 mm diameter dive watches are perfect as long as you have a short lug to lug of 46 mm to 48 mm. But, it's all down to personal preference. That's what makes this addition of ours so fascinating 😂

Sometimes people have already lost interest when they finally get what they once wanted.

To each their own, as a big fan of Blancpain I went out to the Blancpain Boutique and tried all three two in Titanium 23 blue and black dial and one in 18K solid gold they are all lovely the date which I never understood in previous times disappears the case proportion are more balanced and compact the movement we all know it's amazing with excellent finish. Long story short I ordered the blue on tropic style with pin buckle it should arrive in two weeks.

@kpmcclellan

3 ай бұрын

Congratulations!

If they release a stainless steel black dial 40 mil case that’s 12 mm thick, 20 mm lug width and on a bracelet. I’d happily fork out 10k 😃

You had me right to the end and "...finish off a collection..." Oh har har...finish the collection..."This is the last watch i'll ever buy, darling...promise..."😂😂

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

I should've added the caveat afterwards "...finish off a collection...for about two weeks" 😆🥃

@Kilimanjahro

3 ай бұрын

@@ID-Guy No it was fitting. I have a 5 piece collection and this (bigger version) was the "closer". Who really needs more than 5?😉

Hi! I’m talking constantly about the new releases. Since I purchased the Ocean of Storms Scuba-Swatch a couple of weeks ago. I would be willing to swap some of my core collection pieces to get one 42mm Fifty Fathoms in titanium. It’s less than two Subs brand new. But I’m not sure whether it’s possible to get a decent discount on the new models yet. Best wishes, Claus

No hype? ✅ maybe too many divers to choose from? ✅ Maybe too expensive. ✅ This is good. When no one remembers maybe I will buy one.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Excellent point Mike 😉 The secret to all the good stuff is misdirection 🥃

I just overlooked that green color variations. That would be awesome at max 12,5 thousand, but better around 10-ish an instant buy! 😍😍😍

I want it but it’s so damn expensive

BECAUSE IT'S TWENTY THOUSAND PHREAKING DOLLARS!

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

But it has a SAILCLOTH strap, Rancher!! 😆

@underachievingwatchcollect1878

3 ай бұрын

Maybe 🤔 when they come out with a steel version it’ll only be $18k?

Love your channel man! The fifty fathoms will always be my holy grail. I live in Malaysia, and in South East Asia, Blancpain is simply too expensive. For context, a sales/marketing manager (mid level) at a m&c company would earn max of 15 000 malaysian dollars. A Blancpain (with inflation and weak currency) here costs around 60 000 malaysian dollars (rolex explorer 1 costs 30 000 malaysian dollar). Prob why this brand has been alienated by Asians which is a shame.

If there’s one KZreadr who makes watch horology sound important, it’s you.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

I don't know whether to be flattered or embarrassed Jason 😉 Thank you sir! 🥃

At some point, I would like to see these up close. But I would want to see some of the choices that they used to offer at 45 mm (like the guilloche dial), before seriously considering this. And I, too, had the underwhelmed reaction of: “It’s an update after more than 10 years, and the only thing that changed is the case got smaller?” Just seems like there should have been something more to it.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Couldn't have said it better man, thank you 🥃

I agree with you to a large extend. Too little is made out of a wonderful and unique diver watch, not just this time, but over many years. A big pity. The last FF that impressed me was the 500 Fathoms. After that a lot of insipid variations. I dont share this overblown discussion on watch diameters. A few mm more or less dont matter at the end of the day.

The Act 3 in stainless steel with solid case back please!

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

100%, it would be exceptional! 🥃

Too expensive for me but still my favorite dive watch, I agree with you that they are late for the party and need more and unique color options.

Really appreciated your point about a lack of imagination when it comes to dial, hands, color… it seems that there are few brands that get away with tiny to no iterations in their watch design. It might be that Blanc Pain has simply lost the interest of collectors because its design does not have a modern feel. When I think of adventure and sport, I think more of Rolex, Tudor, heck, even the SeaQ has a sportier feel than the 50 Fathoms. Dare I say that the 50 Fathoms feels more steam punk than Jonny Quest aesthetically?

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Very well said, the image of "sports divers" has moved away from the FF. And the SeaQ feels like a far more interesting / engaging successor, right? The Panorama Date? What a beautiful watch... slim, clear back, unique design. The current FF was a killer model (10+ years ago) 🥃

A couple of years ago I was in Feldmar Watches in LA which sells the fifty fathoms. I expressed my admiration for the watch yet stated that I wished it was a bit smaller. Well, the salesman clutched his pearls, stuck his nose up in the air, and almost fainted. 😂 I wonder what he thinks now? Anyway, this is definitely one of my grail watches,however, the significant price increase is moving it way down my list.

It seems like a really nice watch! Your video is actually the first I’ve heard about the 42mm!, though. I suspect their marketing is lacking. Also, I just jumped on their website & it wasn’t terribly easy to navigate…and when I did find a SS version on a bracelet, it was a limited edition at $17,500! I couldn’t even find their “proletariat” model…

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

I had a gut feeling that there were more than a few out here who've not even been notified about THE smaller sized, mainline Fifty Fathoms. Glad I brought it to your attention Chris 😉 But man... I didn't realise they haven't even listed them online (properly) Honestly, the more I think about it, doesn't seem like the brand really cared about this launch at all - a shame really 🥃

Love my ocean of storms. My most worn watch. I’d really prefer it in titanium to plastic - but it’s 44 times the price!

There aren't that many of us here in Canada, but having to pay in US dollars, euros, or GBP has been a deal breaker for me personally. Paying 20-25% more than anyone else for the same item has always been a hard pill to swallow. It's just too expensive for most of us.

@waltersvandermerwe5310

3 ай бұрын

Trying living in Africa where we have all the minerals in the world but yet are struggling because of exchange rates.

@waltersvandermerwe5310

3 ай бұрын

Great show. Love watching.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

@@waltersvandermerwe5310 Thank you boet 🥃

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Exchange rates are the killer, you're spot-on. Like what Walter has replied to you here (I'm also from Africa) and the rates are beyond ridiculous 🥃

Was waiting fpr a decade for it to happen... But prices are €10.000,- up from normal prices around €10.000,- in my opinion now and that's makes it not worth unless prices decrease dramatically...

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

10k for a Titanium 300m diver... it's eye-watering, right? I think we can expect these to come down by 25%ish sooner or later 🥃

Great video so thanks. Sadly there is no pleasing the watch enthusiast collective😂 no matter what brands like Blancpain do with their product line up, people are never satisfied 🤷🏻

@josevasquez1781

3 ай бұрын

I agree and after trying all the two versions in T23 and solid 18K I ordered the blue in Titanium 23 it's amazing imo, it should arrived in two weeks. The date disappears, smaller more compact case and that 1315 is beautifully finished. I own the new Sub Kermit, Sub ND. Glashutte SeaQ solid 18K 39mm and just got the JLC Polaris this fifty fathoms is better in every way imo.

It's just price. not low enough for the masses and not exclusive enough for the elites.... There isn't really much hype about any watch in the $15k-$25k range.... anything lower you are in the rolex, cartier, and omega group... any thing over and people want AP, Patek, and VC..... i think it's in a tough area to get people excited about... but in the $15-30k range you can get other wonderful but less hyped pieces from the likes breguet, Moser, and Chopard LUC I really like this. Ive been looking for a non-submariner daily black dive watch. I think if I can get the typical 15-20% off I would consider selling two of my omegas to buy one on the bracelet.

I think you've nailed the mild response to this new 42mm Blancpain. My take: "Oh gee, another Blancpain that looks just like the older 45mm model, and it doesn't come on a standard bracelet and it's close to 70% over the price of a Rolex." Maybe I should take a spin with the Blancpain/Swatch to get a feel for it?

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

And we all know in the next 6-8 months these will be -25% retail (here’s hoping) 😉🥃

@Leftystrat

3 ай бұрын

@@ID-Guysimilar pricing to the titanium yacht master 42, funny that! Should be priced at around 18-20 k aud. On bracelet not 30k dumb delusional pricing matey

Blancpain’s mistake was the Hodinkee limited editions not being in their standard catalog. I’ll like it better at a 50% off used price in a few years! Too little, too late, and too expensive for me 😎. Have a great weekend IDGuy.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

That Hodinkee Bathyscaphe... I still wish that was around... Well said as usual Underachieving and thank you as always brother, same to you 😉🥃

It’s about value for money IMO. You’d have to be a massive fan of the brand and model to drop over £15,000 on a 14mm thick stainless dive watch on a sailcloth strap.

@derekbrettell8121

3 ай бұрын

I'd want precious metal or a complication of the price goes over 10k. They are asking silly money for what it is. Give me a Sub or Seamaster any day of the week

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

@@derekbrettell8121 100% man 🥃

If it were priced like an omega I’d buy one

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Imagine? As usual, they'd never charge a reasonable price for these 🥃

Actually the 14 mm I’d not a minus … this is a diver style watch .. just like there are no pilot watches online the styles … so for a diver it’s supposed to be big … just like iwc big pilot … you want a thin watch to get date just 36. but I give you - the green dial would go been phenomenal

So to conclude: you wanted 42 mm FF and after they made it for you, you know want 40mm. Just go and buy it :) or go and buy the Submariner (after n years of waiting) …

One major problem - people are turned off by brands that don’t listen to their customer base. Give people what they want and you will sell your product. Only offer people want you want them to have and you will fail. That’s not only true for brands of any industry as a whole, but also to individual products within the brand.

Agreed. The series 1 dial and hands are terrific. Look modern. Looks great. And...Blancpain can't be bother making them available for retail to those whom want one. Crazy business is the watch making business. Thank goodness the supermarkets and the vehicle manufactures don't follow in the watch manufactures footsteps. We'd all be out hunting and gathering. Who here owns a horse?

Great looking watch. I'm fine with them tanking in the retail market so used ones can be had at a great price. My one hang-up on this watch is the swatch collaboration: That cheapened the FF image in my opinion....but maybe that will also help keep prices down on the used market.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

I’m not a fan of either the collabs like you, it really feels so unreal to consider Speedmasters and Fifty Fathoms (soon to be Breguet next) have been treated this way 😆🥃

Beautiful pieces (agreed that Act 1), but the price proposition just doesn't sync for me.

They should bring the other swatch dial into a regular production watch as well with that one in a 40mm but this 42mm is already the release of the year for me

Great video as always! I have personally been waiting for a 40mm… not 42mm. If I’m spending FF money, I will be VERY patient in getting exactly what I want. The exact same original design, in Ti, just smaller. But owning a 124060 Sub does not help its chances for purchase TBH 😉 in fact it helps getting an FXD a lot!

Potential buyers have moved on or have purchased a replacement. With todays economy, this is also a big ask , but trust me , the potential buyers are there watching and waiting for the right moment.

@Leftystrat

3 ай бұрын

30k aud , on titanium bracelet? Could be a long forgotten wait😮

@macoyupadoodle

3 ай бұрын

@Leftystrat 🤣 yeah true ! The most "bang for buck" is the basic strap if you can say that 😉

I still love BP FF but the price increase is a hard pill to swallow. I can buy a doxa with a microadjustment clasp for a fraction of the price when at the same time its to big of a challenge for BP to engineer one. With my 8inch wrist i will be tryiung to get old 45mm version i guess

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Its unreal what sort of diver can be found for 1/4 of the price today (with even better specs - save the movement maybe) BUT keep hunting for a 45mm! They're out there and can be found for a bargain 😉

@m1k3y88

3 ай бұрын

@@ID-Guy There isnt really a lot in the UK but thanks for the thumbs up!

50 Fathoms is god damn gorgeous and useful. So tired of dials without numerals as well. After my sub and gmt ii, im leaning towars a 50 FF 42mm...and i owe that to Swatch x Blancpain collab - i wouldn't have really been paying attention to the brand until i bought the Ocean of Storms. 🎉

These are great watches, but as you said no one talks about them. In the mad rush for Rolex, and the many broken hearts for the people who could not get a Rolex, and were willing to spend Blancpain money, why didn't they get a Blancpain ?? Hype is a monster...

@salvadorHombre

3 ай бұрын

It isn't just hype. Rolexes hold their value and in many instances appreciate. Now I don't recommend using watches as an investment. But if I were dropping $10k on a watch, I'd choose something that I know will not lose me any money should I get bored of it and choose to sell it.

Price, 430 date, and more desirable limited editions (Hodinkee mil spec). They should have done this 42mm during Covid. That would have been a perfect time. I’ll just enjoy my Swatchpain Arctic.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Nailed it man, during 2020... it would've been the hottest thing since sliced bread! 🥃

They talk about it like they would buy it. Then they remember the value retension that they where born with from rolex and forget about it.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

That's also a very valid point. Most of us know that the prices of these will come down soon enough by 25%+ 🥃

The swatch collaborations are, from my pov, a case of The Emperor's Clothes. A plastic watch is a plastic watch... whatever. Hype is an illusion.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Hype and trends will always blind folks (for a while) until the dust settles and the good stuff is all that remains - the rest goes to the dump 😉

Well, the media may not be talking about them, but customers are absolutely snatching them up. I was planning to cover the release at a boutique in LA, but they completely pre-sold out.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

It's great to hear this brother! This side of the pond I've heard (seen) nothing significant at all - at least for now 😉

@AverageBros

3 ай бұрын

@@ID-Guy I was surprised myself, even the more niche strap and color combinations gone quickly. I'm certain they'll restock soon, if they haven't already but great to see them moving at release like that.

I must admit that this is my grail watch. Having a new 41 mm Submariner no date myself (which I love), I find the FF much more aesthetically pleasing. BUT, as you mentioned, the elevated price, compared to other excellent choices, makes in my opinion a poor value proposition. In addition, I would like to add that, after owning two Omegas, I dislike the watch service policy of the Swatch Group. Their recommended intervals for servicing a watch (Blancpain is not different) is around three years, due to its luxury... Well, Rolex recommends ten years for their new watches... Great video 👍

This watch has 120hr power reserve and deep history while maintaining an original design. There isn't much in this category at this price and it shouldn't be compared to Tudor or Seamaster. To have the type of movement and make it any slimmer would only drive the price. I would say this piece is a stealth wealth diver. It can fly under the radar while mechanically out performing even more expensive rivals.

Deal breaker is the damn sunburst dial, the price $30.5 k AUD for the bracelet( that you can’t see on the site properly),. and ah well my deepsea is going nowhere 😊

40mm is just fine as a dive watch and will look more harmonious on most wrists, IMO. 40mm, no 4.30 date, matte dial (no sunburst) and no white gold applied indicies and you’d have a winner. Basically a 40mm Nageurs de Combat.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

I was sure to put the NdC as one of the firsts in this lineup (I dig it too for all you've mentioned) 😉🥃

The Fifty Fathoms is my grail but I'd probably go for a Bathyscaphe for a bit less money, because I like the sleeper aspect for a high horology watch like that. I also like the gold versions of any FF or Bathyscaphe, but especially the 70th Anni Act 3 in 9k (but I'd still opt for the 18k Bathyscaphe Moonphase, for the price, maybe). I _did_ buy a sapphire crystal IWC Aquatimer 2000 (IW356809) though, because of my love for the Blancpain (and IWC). It's great. Especially when the lume is beaming.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Its fascinating, right? I'm with you on the subtlety of chasing high horology pieces, must say, Glashutte has piqued my interest a lot. From their SeaQ's to dressier pieces, I love how differently they interpret the brief. Great shout on the Aquatimer! I've heard rumblings that IWC are going to be updating the range this year 😉

I actually like the fact that the design hasn’t changed because I love it; however, they downgraded the dial by taking away the step. To answer the topic question it’s the price. To be perfectly honest, the FF uses a haute horology movement and is finished to a standard to and above its retail price. That said, people don’t care because you can easily get a 45mm FF for under $10k. Only crazy fanatics and people with deep pockets are going to buy this release, even then BP will struggle because those people were the ones who bought the anniversary model. Would I buy this watch? Possibly but on the secondary market around $10k. I will say it’s unfair to compare it to the FXD, which I own. The FXD has some of the most mundane finishing with the lowest grade titanium. Not even in the same league as the FF but it’s still the best diver ever made imo from a functional point of view. Love your point about 42mm. As you know, I also use my watches actively and came to the same conclusion that 42mm is the perfect size for functional legibility. Any more and it’s just size for size sake and less you lose legibility.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Excellent points all round here Rich (and I remember you were infatuated with your Deepsea years back) really hope you’re keeping well brother and thank you for this! 🥃

I love Blancpain watches and have had 2 Bathyscaphes (ceramic and stainless), both were insanely accurate but wore too big for my 7" wrist. I forever wished for a 40 to 42mm Fifty Fathoms as that is what I really wanted versus the Bathyscaphes. Blancpain kept teasing me with the limited editions in the perfect size but with eye watering unrealistic prices. I was so excited when I got the press release email about these watches until I saw the prices. Sorry, but $18,000 just isn't realistic for a titanium dive watch, I guess I will continue to live with my Seamaster 300m (if and until) Blancpain decides to actually give it's fans what they really want, a 42mm Fifty Fathoms in stainless for Rolex Submariner money.

Nice video mate 🥃

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Thank you Tim! Great seeing you brother! 🥃

Let's be honest- the biggest obstacle is price! If these were priced close to the Rolex Submariner and marketed aggressively-- illustrating it's rich history, it wouldn't necessarily outdo Rolex sales but come in a respectable 2nd place finish. The Swatch version is sort of baffling- do they really expect the people buying the bioceramic version to pony up 2x the price of the Rolex Sub eventually? Non-sensical. The Submariner was/is/and will remain the gold standard of dive watches- it's #1 for very good reason. How can you expect people to pay nearly 2x the price of the gold-standard?

@LoneWolf-qk9pl

3 ай бұрын

"The Submariner was/is/and will remain the gold standard of dive watches"....You must be joking.

@sskumariyer

3 ай бұрын

@@LoneWolf-qk9pl ok, here you go: Rolex Submariner = 9/10, Tudor BB 58 = 8.8/10, Omega SM Pro 300 7.5/10, Blancpain FF = 7/10, GO SeaQ 6/10. Let me know if you need an explanation behind the ratings.

Blancpain just made both the Skydweller and Ti Yachtmaster look like value propositions.

@i.am.hodgie

3 ай бұрын

To add, for fun I went to check pricing in my market (Canada). 42mm Yachtmaster in RLX titanium is $18k on a full bracelet. 45mm Fifty Fathoms is $22k on strap and the new 42mm Fifty Fathoms is $24,500!!! WHAT ARE THEY THINKING?

As the owner of a 5015, even I won’t pick this one up. It’s simply too expensive for what I already have. I think many folks who want this will wait until it’s available on the preowned market in a year, for $12,000

@underachievingwatchcollect1878

3 ай бұрын

Exactly 👍

@Leftystrat

3 ай бұрын

No micro on bracelet?

In the metal I personally don’t think it works very well at 42mm. The crystal bezel is so big and the watch is so deep that it seems odd somehow. The watch is kinda like a polo mint where the hole in the middle is the dial. The dial looks too small, it doesn’t look right for the watch, it’s too small. I think it’s tough to compare Omega Seamasters or Rolex Subs to the Fifty Fathoms. It really compares with the likes of the RO Offshore, it’s on another level to a Seamaster 300 or a Tudor Pelagos, it’s properly haute horology. Price comparisons just don’t work here. Just like you can’t compare a Datejust or an Aqua Terra with a VC Overseas or similar. They are in different levels and it’s not about tech specs. That said the Fifty Fathoms movement is technically better than pretty much any other diver but it’s finished to a haute horology level aswell. Too many people overlook the Bathyscpathe, it’s got the same movement, the same level of finishing. But it’s a much better size than this new one. Most are put off by pictures, see it in the flesh. It’s amazing and can be had for next to no money in comparison with these and in finishes like ceramic/titanium etc.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Great points all round brother and especially when it comes to models like the Bathyscaphe (a watch design I still can’t really fathom - pun) BUT maybe this 42mm is the start of something awesome, they use it as a platform to expand their designs and all the rest. What blows my mind is a 10+ year old design (that was fantastic when it debuted and blew the Rolex’s etc out of the water) hasn’t really pushed the envelope much besides shrinking down by 3mm’s 😆

@TheRunningManZ

3 ай бұрын

@@ID-Guy I have the Bucherer blue version which has the kinda pie pan like dial that the regular 45mm FF has. It really seems to sort out the negative space on the dial. The Bathy is the sweet spot for me personally in the range.

I admire and respect blancpain and their history (especially as a seiko fan) but these prices are nuts. I understand how they like to position themselves as this luxury diver but so many options at 16-18k. Even in their own line up they have the Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet at 16k that’s a better value than this. Maybe they thought those swatch collabs created enough hype that people would aspire for one of these and took advantage of the pricing. I don’t know who’s buying them but i’ve never seen anyone with a blancpain except a bathyscaphe (rarely) but maybe the sizing might change that.

What’s your view on Glycine ? I’m looking at the GMT airman ( bronze edition in blue ) Thanks ❤

@boatdetective

3 ай бұрын

A friend of mine had two that I have worked on. Classic design, but there are a lot of budget elements in there. The GMT is based on the ETA 2893 (they can come with either an ETA or Sellita), and it is not a "true" GMT. In practice, this makes it somewhat irritating to set. They are fairly priced.

@paulrobertclayton5352

3 ай бұрын

@@boatdetective thanks for your input !

Dear Mr IDGuy, psst, did you hear, there is a new 42mm Blancpain Fifty Fathoms…😅 If I gotta be nit picky, the bezel is too thick also. It’s a little girthy as you said. I’m sure once on the wrist it would be easy to live with though. ☺️

21.5 lug width? What were they thinking?

..beause it has a stupidly high price point for what it is. What are they thinking..?

funny, I've been awaiting this new FF for awhile albeit I've never been very serious about pulling the trigger on this +10k watch. But really I'm about to pull the trigger on the first gen PO 45mm after trying it on and deeming it appropriate. No need to try on the 42, the 45 felt good

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Earlier Omega's... man, Omega's in general (second hand) are just exceptional. Great call on an early PO Nathan! 🥃

I tried the Titanium 42mm on the tropical rubber strap and the full titanium bracelet in the Blancpain London Boutique and they wear amazing. It was as comfortable as my Explorer 40.....fits perfectly. But I think the price was £17k.....but will Definately have it on my grail list

Love the clean look. Almost sad to say but due to the price and as you pointed out the competition in that segment, off the radar of most people. The Swatch collab May have given them a slight bump. Maybe when work economies rebound (or govs go on another currency printing spree) the 42 will attract some buyers.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Well hey, maybe, just maybe this 42 is the start of a new platform for them to expand their designs also (probably not) 😆🥃

The biggest anti is surely price. It's in a range that most enthusiasts don't go so I wouldn't expect a big uptick in sales. Even lower down the price scale the "If it were smaller, bigger, cheaper, had an in house movement, had greater or lesser WR, etc etc" brigade often make their comments with no intention of buying if manufacturers made the change they requested. We all like to take a view however unlikely to purchase a particular watch. Found my A384 on bracelet at a very good discount so pulled the trigger, A solid addition I think

The price is fair for the 42.3 mm FF but it does indeed push the envelope to a smaller group of customers.

What's the Seiko Diver beside you ?

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

It's an SJE093 (I fitted to an Omega Mesh) Since the 62MAS used the Bathyscaphe as a template for their original design, I thought it would be subliminal 😉🥃

@Frank-qs3pe

3 ай бұрын

@@ID-Guy I live in Florida, and I occasionally go diving and snorkeling I bring my Seiko divers with me. They have never let me down always rinse with freshwater.🍻

Great article. If the Rolex is out of my price range you can imagine where the Fifty Fathoms resides. It is a watch for deep pocket collectors and they don’t make noise, they just buy the watch and go back to their super yacht. No offense meant - it I was that rich I would own a Blancpain and a super yacht and…😂

In 1959 the us navy experimental diving unit tested 3 commercialy availabe dive watches, blancpain ff us 55 , enicar sea pearl $37.50 and rolex submariner $95 , average household income in 1959 was somewhere around 5000 us $ , i think average male income was between 4000 and 5000 , so a FF blancpain was less than a weeks wages , for a solid waterproof tool watch, not a prestiege desk diver watch . I got my scuba ticket in 1986 had a $150 NZ watch that lasted 10 years , bought a seiko kinetic for about $800 NZ in 96 , lasted for 15 yrs , now have two divers one quartz cost 200 NZ $ , one auto cost 350 NZ $ , if i splashed out i could get a real nice diver tool watch for $1000 NZ (600 US) auto, quartz , 200 - 500 metre rated,from several reputable manufacturers. I love the fifty fathoms look and history same as the sub 3:14 but they are no longer tool watches for the average person , maybe a rig diver who earns a boat load of cash or a collector, but not joe average, i could put a kid through 2 years of university for the cost of these watches

Greer points in this video. You’re right!

You only buy the BPFF after you own your Submariner and scratch that itch of public perception of Brand Name vs High Horology. People are vain!

Great comments on this - very much hoped for a 40/41mm case...the 42mm works well on the wrist....but the thickness (ooofff) is so unnecessary and shows Blancpain to be lazy which translates to me as unwilling to be a good steward of a legendary watch manufacture. Build this case width but at 10mm thick and I would imagine far more demand would appear for this watch. I had hoped this would round out my collection within a collection of the 3 oldest watch makers still in business (Blancpain, VC, and Breguet). Perhaps the only way to get a Blancpain...is to wait for the right one to come along.....but how long do I have left to wait..."time ...waits for no man."

I don’t understand why watch companies release dive watch with bezel on marking 0-15 minutes. I prefer full minute marks around diving bezel.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Y'know, this was exactly going through my mind while editing this video. I really dislike that 15 minute marker setup. Either full hash marks or none around the bezel (maybe that says something about us that we prefer it all the way or none at all 😆) Well said Hugh 🥃

Pukka video as always, I’d love a Fifty Fathoms, but at that price there are other pieces I’d rather own.

Try it on it would blow your mind. It’s absolutely perfect. I was very surprised. Salud 🥂

Image the bronze/gold one they did , in a non limited version with 2-3 options of colours at 40mm and polished steel case … i would take a loan to own that

I just tried the black on the rubber and the gold on. They are incredible. But yeah they are expensive so it’s hard. But I thought they were so awesome

I miss the leman series … fly back chronograph with perpetual calendar in a sub 40mm and slim package *drools* 🤤

Great vid - and so glad you brought this up. I agree, I think it's too little too late. 40mm would have been amazing (and with the newer type-face). I've looked longingly at a distance at the 40mm special releases tbut they are always so far out of my budget! It's strange - when the moonswatch came out, it just made me want a Moonwatch all the more. But the swatch blancpain just seems to cheapen and water-down the Blancpain DNA?? Very interesting vid - thanks again!

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

The Swatch collab seems to have been quite a flop 😆 And I reckon BP is in one of the THE most awkard places in the industry (especially for divers) All the other brands around them have met the high standards (some have exceeded them) and still BP gives us a watch that made a big dent...10 years ago ;) Hope you're well Dom and thank you brother 🥃

@domgledhill4165

3 ай бұрын

@@ID-Guy As always loving your content, it absolutely makes my saturday afternoons! And looking forward to your Watches and Wonders thoughts/reactions 🙂

“So Beautiful Or So What” -Paul Simon. I’m on the “so what” end of the spectrum with these. And no amount of Why-aren’t-you’s is going to change that.

Absolutely spot on

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Thank you Matty. Too many places to point the finger at (at least we've got many on one hand) 😉

I’m interested, but they are taking the mick with the strap pricing.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

With so many of these higher end Swatch brands, it's the hardware that I love on the straps most, right? Buckles, clasps are just top notch... and the prices are eye-watering 🥃

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is the best made diver on the market, and definitely a 42mm model will be amazing as a lot of people, including me, scared of the 45mm size. I would love to have maybe a 40-41mm model, that would be my perfect range. Thanks brother for great video.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Just imagine they made a model like the Act 1 in 40-41mm, 3 lines of text at the top of the dial (gorgeous pencil hands) We might even look at the inflated prices differently? Ah, we can dream brother. Have an excellent weekend! Hope you're still getting a kick out of your Lyrique 1 😉🥃

@AbdulRWatches

3 ай бұрын

@@ID-Guy I would definitely get one if they released it, even paying MSRP 😁 Still enjoying it full, we are planning now for N.4 if you are interested 😁👍🏽 Have a great weekend brother 🙏🏽

@localheroEd

3 ай бұрын

Is #4 a Chrono or did I dream that? #2 is a sensation, congrats.

@AbdulRWatches

3 ай бұрын

@@localheroEd #3 is a going to be a Flieger style travel watch, while #4 would hopefully include a jump hour and retrograde. Thanks 👍🏽

I do like the 42mm FF, and have wanted to buy a FF for many years now, however, having seen the 70th 3rd Act in Bronze Gold, I realise what I want is the vintage styled case, so hopefully they will release that in steel or Ti.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

Why they can’t just drop these limited / anniversary editions as mainline releases? One of the biggest missed opportunities out there 🥃

@rowluxillusion5235

3 ай бұрын

@@ID-Guy Totally agree. I always buy used, never at retail, but I'd seriously consider the 3rd Act if it was released in a non limited version, as it stands I'm now looking to find a good but not great vintage example

I came very close to buying a used model...until I saw one and tried it on. The ergonomics of the piece are awful. The 14mm thickness sits more like 16-17 on your wrist. In contrast, my Seiko marinemaster with the monoblock case seems to settle deeper into your wrist. Next, the crystal has no AR coating (or at least it seems that way). The crystal seems to smudge and reflect at all but a head on view. I was surprised at how underwhelming the watch was in person.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

I think one of the biggest issues is these FF's were quite pioneering (in the 2010's) Rolex transitioning over to ceramic bezels, dive watches didn't have clear casebacks... but that was 10+ years ago 😆 Boxed sapphire, thick cases and all the rest are old news. Well said Detective 🥃

Sizewise it competes with a 42mm PO, a watch that is cheaper and imho designed better.

@ID-Guy

3 ай бұрын

And I think of a watch like the SeaQ Panorama Date, there are just so many cooler options. Well said Theo 🥃