Blancpain

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Baselworld 2017: Impressions of the lovely titanium Blancpain Fifty Fathoms with blue dial - a superb luxury sportswatch!

Its not exactly a new Blancpain model, but I think this new version is probably the most desireable version of this immensely successful Blancpain watch: the Fifty Fathoms Titanium with a magically beautiful blue dial:



The watch (Ref.5015-12B40-O52A on sailcloth and -NAOA on a NATO-type strap) is identical to the first regular re-edition of the iconic Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, except for the case material (45mm brushed titanium instead of polished steel), the dial colour (deep blue instead of black) and the existence of a display back.



The juxtaposition of circular (hour ring) and sunburst brushed finishes (central part) are also taken over from the original version, but I have to say that the blue colour allows for much more depth and drama - just look at the image above.

It is exactly this what differentiates it from a limited edition in polished white gold created in 2009 (50 pieces).

A very nice detail in my book are the applied indices, polished metal frames filled generously with SuperLuminova:



Date windows surprisingly are a very contentious issue amongst ourselves, particularly if positioned exactly like here: at 04:30. This way, Blancpain could preserve the precise symmetry of the numerals and indices, while at the same time including the date indication as a less-intrusive information. In my view, this is sucessfully done (note the blue date ring as well).



The case remains at a large 45mm diameter (well appropriate for a tool watch), but got significantly lighter (titanium) and less reflective (brushed). It now appears a bit more like a serious tool than a fashion object.





The most welcome addition, I guess, is the inclusion of a display back, allowing admiration of Blancpain's excellent and sturdy calibre 1315, an automatic movement (18k gold rotor) with free-sprung balance, silicon escapement, 120h autonomy, functional but precisely applied finishing and those wonderful large rubies:



The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms remains a pleasant daily companion, with its blue dial probably a bit more suitable for business occasions (if you could master a 45mm watch there...).



It wears pleasantly beautiful, refined and light on the wrist.



The watch is, for me, one of the most refined and compelling 'luxury sportswatches': serious watchmaking backbone, elaborate details and fine finishing, robust enough (to survive the challenges it alludes to withstand), light and simply nicely designed. What is not to like?



Cheers,
Magnus

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