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... some hands on impressions of the new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tribute to MilSpec?
Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend some quality time at one of my favourite destinations, the Blancpain Boutique in Munich. And I indeed was lucky, since I had a chance to take a look at the Basel novelties and take some photos. I'll share some of those shortly, for now I'll concentrate on the 40mm Fifty Fathoms TTMS.
Since all photos were taken under artificial light, they may not reveal the full beauty of this timepiece, but I tried my best to capture it's character nonetheless.
Being very familiar with the modern Fifty Fathoms in it's variations since 2007, my first impression seeing it was 'oops, that's really small'. Naturally, with the significant sapphire bezel, the dial in this 40mm watch is indeed not large, but once you put the watch on the wrist, you start to appreciate the smaller diameter.
As usual with Blancpain, the execution of this limited edition is flawless. Yes, I would spare the date window, and I would have preferred a solid case back, but that's about all the criticism I have about this piece. The beauty of the case design works on 40mm as well as it does on 45 with the normal FF.
The domed sapphire crystal is just fantastic!
Clearly a winner in my book, although I cannot wait to see it on the Natostrap (which would probably be my preferred choice) or the bracelet. With a last photo I'll close this this quick hands on report, hope you enjoyed!
Cheers
Henrik
More posts:
Are you up for...
... some hands on impressions of the new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tribute to MilSpec? Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend some quality time at one of my favourite destinations, the Blancpain Boutique in Munich. And I indeed was lucky, since I had a ch...
It's a nice looking watch, but too small IMO
I'm not sure why they went with 40mm instead of something a bit larger - 44mm or maybe 42mm if they wanted to do a smaller FF. As you noted, 40mm with a wide bezel makes for a small dial.
Very cool watch and a great size!
Now if a non-milspec one were to arrive, I would definitely take a very close look at it Thanks for the great pictures!
Your pics are perfect and reveal their beauty quite well...
Thanks for sharing these Henrik HAGD Mike
Thanks a lot for the pictures Henrik!
Thus watch is in my target list. Have to see the orange circle before deciding. Not my favourite color. Pink or light blue would have been irresistible. Agree also on the solid caseback. If they would have kept the rotor of the Aqua Lung Tribute, them I w...
It's a nice orange, a splash of colour that works quite well...
... what I missed to point out that Blancpain did a very good job with the Luminova colour on the TTMS. Cheers Henrik
The luminova looks great in the pics. Great to hear it's also the case in the flesh
Thanks so much Henrik!! Alex
I had a bad feeling at the begining...
And then my point of view became positive. Even the date window is ok but I would have preferred the watch without. Anyway, I was seduced by its size and balance. Thanks! Fx
The FF Tributes seem to be priced in that range by Blancpain
US$14,000 is the MSRP for this FF Tribute to Milspec version IIRC. When the FF Tributes to Aqua Lung and No Radiations were released back in 2010 the MSRP was a crazy US$15,300. And the "normal" production FF in 45 mm were US$11,000 when first released. I...
My initial response was positive. Even more now with these photos
The date the date the date... we seem to discuss it so much more lately. I fully agree on this model it is certainly not necessary, and would be a big improvement without. But the rest of the watch is so killer... I want to see it live.
A beautiful watch, Henrik...
Many thanks for this review. I am curious to learn if this size is a new direction Blancpain might take on the FF? Only time will tell. All the best, Alex
Not sure, since there is also a new 45mm Fifty Fathoms...
... in titanium with blue dial and bezel Beautiful piece, titanium works very well for the FF, my photos of it are not good due to lighting, so I am reluctant to post them... Cheers Henrik
Please do share it, Henrik!!!
A Fifty Fathoms like the one you describe is sure to be a great regardless of how it is portrayed in any photograph, which I am sure won't be as bad as you say it is . Cheers, Alex
Very nice pics.. Here's a shout out to manufacturers...
If one "must" commit heresy on original no-date tributes, can you please just put it on the 3'o clock position (or 6 but i prefer 3) at least? That way a semblance of balance is retained. And even maybe delude the likes of me into believing that it is a c...
Size is perfect and...
... the date is a plus for me ! This MIL-SPEC is already on order and I am waiting for it during this summer.
Great post Henrik
I love this watch. 40mm is perfect... it is the go-to size for desk-bound minions like me these days. Perfect, just perfect !
