Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

[hanz079]

I see there's not alot of info on this model but it seems like a Blancpain signature watch.
So, I finally got the guts to chk it out some of the models on display at my local AD.

The Fathom watches on display.


The Original Fifty Fathoms.



This is a really really HUGE watch... at 45mm, I do not think small wrists can pull it off.
Nicely built... quality is there...
But the bracelet is a real turnoff...
Check out how you're suppose to open the clasp.

Closed


Step one... flip the locking clasp up "sideways"


Step two... flip open the clasp... there's no click here... just pressure lock.


Imagine if you're wearing the watch... opening and closing of the buckle is a hassle... well, to me at least.
Just so you're wondering, the RRP is RM51800.


The 500 Fathoms


The size is the same as the Fifty Fathoms. Fancier dial and overall design.
Comes with the sailcloth strap with rubber backing that I suspect will make the leather lasts longer but I have heard from the higher ups that the rubber peels away from the actual strap over time.



Feel on the wrist is same as the Fifty Fathoms... huge...
And the RRP for this one is RM74200.

The next one is a Fathoms watch with GMT... not sure what the exact model is.


Same as the previous 2... wears huge...
RRP for this one is RM86400.

These are watches that you really need to try on before committing to buy.

Just something that I'd thought I should share.

[dennis.T]

Tried FF before.. Solid watch. Even at 45mm dia it still wearable to me compare to ROO at 44mm dia. The RRP in SG is 20k sgd.

[dennis.T]

Btw, what hide behind the 3 blancpain? RO or ROO?

[ck77]

Btw, what hide behind the 3 blancpain? RO or ROO?

Hehe, sharp eyes Dennis 

[shamtv2555]

At 1b?? Going more high end again.... 

[hanz079]

Btw, what hide behind the 3 blancpain? RO or ROO?

Sharp eyes Dennis... yes it's an AP RO 15400 in black dial... just look see look see saja.

At 1b?? Going more high end again.... 

Yeah... 1B... to look see look see only... never buy anything... kao kao chan mou pong chan... hahaha

[Enkidu]

Btw, what hide behind the 3 blancpain? RO or ROO?

Sharp eyes Dennis... yes it's an AP RO 15400 in black dial... just look see look see saja.

At 1b?? Going more high end again.... 

Yeah... 1B... to look see look see only... never buy anything... kao kao chan mou pong chan... hahaha

Hi, Hanz,

Yea, I saw your posting on the Rolex Forum. I think the AP looks great on your wrist. If you ask me, I'll say you should go for the AP 15400 rather than the Blancpain FF. 

[takashi78]

The Blancpain guys seem to praise the X-71 bracelet to no end.
I remember some years back they couldnt even produce enough for people to upgrade.

If i were to get a FF, it would be one with a display back. Too pretty a movement to hide.

[JPSP]

i believe 500 fathoms (basic or GMT model) is bigger than 50 fathoms which is 48mm and 45mm respectively. Both use F.Piguet movement that has a 5-day PR. 500 fathoms although bigger in size weighs lighter because it's brushed titanium if i'm not mistaken and its lume is for the "near blind". 

very tough to pick either one because they're all great timepieces. it's a watch i would like to get but the price is very steep!

money no enuff la...
 

[G.MAC]

I would go for the original FF. If only I can find one pre-owned...

[ck77]

I would go for the original FF. If only I can find one pre-owned...

no radiation dial?

[TheHobbit]

I would go for the original FF. If only I can find one pre-owned...

Original FF as in the vintage ones from the 50s,60s and 70s or the FF sports?

[SeaDwellerR]

Nice. Thanks for sharing!
 

[gloomis]

still love the vintage FF

[tummybed]

What a beauty! Is it just me or do you guys also find the FF doesn't look good in a bracelet?

[hanz079]

What a beauty! Is it just me or do you guys also find the FF doesn't look good in a bracelet?

Ignoring the fact that the buckle is a hassle to open, yes... I think the BP FF looks better on sailcloth strap.

[tummybed]

Yea man a sail cloth or kevlar looks much better than with a bracelet..it just doesn't 'bring' out the vintage classy look. I guess is something like a Panerai with a bracelet on.

[hanz079]

i believe 500 fathoms (basic or GMT model) is bigger than 50 fathoms which is 48mm and 45mm respectively. Both use F.Piguet movement that has a 5-day PR. 500 fathoms although bigger in size weighs lighter because it's brushed titanium if i'm not mistaken and its lume is for the "near blind". 

very tough to pick either one because they're all great timepieces. it's a watch i would like to get but the price is very steep!

money no enuff la...
 

Yes.. I stand corrected... the 500 Fathoms model is indeed bigger.
Thanks for clarifying... 

[dennis.T]

I would go for the original FF. If only I can find one pre-owned...

Original FF as in the vintage ones from the 50s,60s and 70s or the FF sports?

Is it the vintage ones you refer is the one with bracelet shown above?

[Meor72]

Always wanted to own one of this. Missed a very good offer on a used fathom last year. Regreted it:((

[Godzillaz]

I love the Fifty Fathoms. Too bad the current production model is too large for me. I end up with older discontinued model, Fifty Fathoms 50th Anniversary.

At 40.5 mm is perfect


What not to love about the bracelet? Double butterfly claps,

Easy to operate






super snug 


I am not sure if is possible but I'll recommend seeking out this version of the x-71 bracelet. Really the best I seen so far. The AP RO, IWC Ocean Ti, Omega Seamaster, Rolex Oyster, Jubilee, ... none came close in terms of build and comfort. Maybe the PP Nautilus can compete with its comfortless but for build. The X-71 kill the Nautilus bracelet.   

Regards
Tyler

[TheHobbit]

Nice indeed, perhaps the next time we meet you can bring it for us to appreciate. Beautiful watch and very lucky to have one of the 50 anniversary watch. Wear it with good health.

[cd32815]

I am also a Fifty Fathoms fan and I have the DLC version 'Dark Knight' with the display 'Nautilus' rotor.









Build quality is solid and looks good especially the 5 days movement.
The sail cloth strap looks nice, is a bit thin at buckle end and it's true, the sail cloth peels away from the rubber backing.
I tried this one and the stainless steel one on for comparison initially. The shiny black DLC is attractive, coupled with the display back, Nautilus rotor, won hands down.
I have a 7.5 inch wrist and it is easy to wear, just hard to take off!

[JPSP]

I love the Fifty Fathoms. Too bad the current production model is too large for me. I end up with older discontinued model, Fifty Fathoms 50th Anniversary.

At 40.5 mm is perfect


What not to love about the bracelet? Double butterfly claps,

Easy to operate






super snug 


I am not sure if is possible but I'll recommend seeking out this version of the x-71 bracelet. Really the best I seen so far. The AP RO, IWC Ocean Ti, Omega Seamaster, Rolex Oyster, Jubilee, ... none came close in terms of build and comfort. Maybe the PP Nautilus can compete with its comfortless but for build. The X-71 kill the Nautilus bracelet.   

Regards
Tyler

this watch got me all 

what a beauty piece and it's the european edition!!!! curious why didn't you get the asian edition? was it hard to get the asian edition then when you first bought it? Fantastic F.Piguet movement with 4 days PR...and a great size....

oh, do you still have that custom-made rubber strap that came with it? any pics of the watch head on it? 

will you be selling this baby??? 

[Godzillaz]

Basically it was hard for me to get any edition so I just grab whatever is offered.

and yes I have the rubber strap as well. It comes with the whole package.

Regards
Tyler

this watch got me all 

what a beauty piece and it's the european edition!!!! curious why didn't you get the asian edition? was it hard to get the asian edition then when you first bought it? Fantastic F.Piguet movement with 4 days PR...and a great size....

oh, do you still have that custom-made rubber strap that came with it? any pics of the watch head on it? 

will you be selling this baby???