(Almost) Live News: Blancpain unveils the X Fathoms: a high-performance diving watch!

Oct 25, 2011,10:00 AM
 

Dear All:


I had my undercover spy in Dubai (thanks Alexander Linz ;-)) I could participate in this event - sitting on my screen and smartphonely interacting with the event via Alex... Here are some impressions (press data, live shots, questions to Marc Hayek):

First, the watch, the new Blancpain X Fathoms (Ref. 5018):

Blancpain presented a novel - really impressive! - tool watch aimed at professional divers (well, I guess it exceeds a tool budget ;-)). Marc Hayek's passion for scuba diving clearly brought fruit. It features some true technical marvels:
  1. Depth measure up to 90 meters
  2. Maximum depth reached memory
  3. Separate indication on the 0- 15m scale with an exceptional +/- 30 cm precision
  4. Retrograde 5-minute counter for decompression stops
All packed into a 55.65 mm case (!) made of satin-brushed titanium with a helium decompression valve. 



Its movement, reference 9918B, is based on the Manufacture-made Calibre 1315, which has already proved its worth by successfully powering several models in the Fifty Fathoms collection. It has been adequately modified to fit the purpose (self-winding and equipped with three barrels ensuring a five-day power reserve, silicium balance-spring to withstand magnetic disturbances).



Blancpain made use of significant R&D reseources available within Swatch Group. E.g. Blancpain chose an amorphous metal for the membrane of the depth gauge membrane, which is individually calibrated for each watch. Its non-linear nature of the membrane deformation has been corrected through employment of asymmetrical toothing of the rack and pinion.

Displays result from in-depth research to offer optimal legibility, with central depth indication hands, matt black background colour to enhance contrast and three-colour luminescence to distinguish indications useful underwater:



The unique injected rubber strap ever conceived gives the final finishing touch. It comprises 14 articulated parts to ensure a perfect fit on the wrist and allow water to seep in under the watch in order to come in contact with the membrane under all circumstances.



But now lets see some screenshots (literally as I captured the images from display via camera) from the launching event at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo:

Jeff Kingston gave a detailed presentation of the technical intricacies of the watch:



Marc Hayek enters the stage and gives insights into motivation and challenges as well as answering questions from the audience (you see Alexander Linz standing posing my questions, see below):





Hey Marc, don't be shy and show us the watch!



Ah, THERE we are:



The presentation finished with an appreciation of the Dubai authorities and partners who made this launch even possible:





Then, Marc escorts his mother Nayla Hayek from the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo stage:





That's it!

Now the inevitable detail: It costs between 30. - and 40.000 CHF.

My questions to Marc Hayek were the following:
  1. Did Blancpain collborate with independent technology providers and/or centers of excellence)? Marc: "To a very large extent we can rely on expertise inside the group (mentions the liquid metal technology), so very little third-party know-how was necessary to realise this watch".
  2. Does Blancpain plan to introduce additional comparable tool watches in the 50 Fathoms collection? Marc Hayek: "It took us 5 years to develop this watch. This one will likely be a one-off. Perhaps we will introduce a somehow simplified version of this watch in the future."
I take this as a hint that the technical were quite significant (and the watch is a prototype still), likely steeper than expected.

But that all aside: Congratulations to Blancpain for creating a watch that is again true to its predecessors, a tool watch, innovative (not only in terms of mechanics but also in terms of materials), and credible (it fits to Blancpain, it fits to Marc's private ambitions, etc.).

EXACTLY  SUCH A WATCH IS NECESSARY TO SECURE SWISS WATCHMAKING AND DIFFERENTIATE EUROPEAN ENGINEERING FROM COMPETITION AND COPYING! Crazy designs, PVD treatments and tourbillons can be done by anybody today!

that I had to emphasise the latter says something, but for now....

A very happy, exhausted and tired Magnus wishes you a nice evening! And a big, big thanks to Alexander Linz!
This message has been edited by Magnus Bosse on 2011-10-25 10:04:36


More posts: Fifty Fathoms

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Comments: view entire thread

 

Well...

 
 By: dr.kol : October 25th, 2011-10:41
This watch represents nearly everything a diver needs. Another story is if a diver needs a mechanical dive computer which is costing some 30-40 times what a good computer is costing. However, the desk divers will get an impressive piece of titanium to the... 

Everything...

 
 By: BDLJ : October 25th, 2011-16:46
....yep, when I'm at depth, I really want to try to distinguish between the multitude of hands and a blue 0-15m scale... Clarity is the first job of a dive watch but they did 'in-depth research to offer optimise legibilty' so what would I know? The 90m ga... 

In recreational diving

 
 By: dr.kol : October 25th, 2011-17:02
one of the main issues is to stay within non-decompression limits. For that a good dive computer is needed. Surely one can dive with the help of dive tables, depth gauge and a good watch. However, nothing can really replace a dive computer. This new Blanc... 

Completely agree.

 
 By: BDLJ : October 25th, 2011-17:22
For recreational diving, the enjoyment and safety is greatly enhanced by a dive computer over the square profile of tables- timer-depth gauge. (That said, for my technical diving, all I use is a schedule on wetnotes, a bottom timer/depth gauge. I've tried... 

Completely agree BUT

 
 By: dr.kol : October 25th, 2011-23:11
I guess that it would be difficult to dive a FULL year with the savings in Philippines. In Thailand that's easy. It's true what you are saying about technical diving. Anyhow, I guess that the new Blancpain will be seen just on the wrists of desk divers. B... 

Well said!

 
 By: Cookies : October 26th, 2011-07:40
With the money spent on a Blancpain FF, I could do 10 live-onboards to Rajah Ampat for 10 days each. A submariner or LLD or seamaster on the other hand is another story.

Agree

 
 By: Cookies : October 26th, 2011-07:36
Now that's a serious monster on the loose. Let's hope this design is sound and has no weak links in the chain - that said- I am infuriated by my NSA being "repaired" for a glued on bezel. My next dive watch has to be bulletproof.

Stunning diving tool.

 
 By: VMM : October 25th, 2011-10:57
Design? well, who am I to say if it's ok or not. A bit busy, but seen as a diving tool, I like it. Size? NO WAY!!! Thanks for sharing, Vte

What seems to save the wearability of this FF is the fact that

 
 By: amanico : October 25th, 2011-12:52
There are no lugs. The lugs seem to be incorporated in the strap, not in the prolongation of the case. So 55 mm should not be too problematic. This point has to be checked in the real, though. What to think and to say? If you want to go far from the roots... 

Another thing, dude's wrist is HUGE!

 
 By: TdotBean : October 25th, 2011-14:36
Lug or no lug it is still a 55mm watch. Last time I check most people can't handle the 52mm Mare but Marc mades the X Fathoms looks like vintage Subs. I'm crying over I can't wear comfortably the new FF (45mm). I do hope Blancpain can release an Asian fri... 

Well, I know some 36 mm watches, which, with the lugs are 44 / 45 mm.

 
 By: amanico : October 25th, 2011-23:14
Imagine a 47 mm watch with lugs, you may well have a 55mm case, at the end. Still, it has to be checked in the real. Yes, the watch is naturally big, but this is the too big which has to be checked. Nicolas

Hmmm...

 
 By: aboen : October 25th, 2011-15:15
.. I’m disappointed aesthetically.Technically I’m absolutely impressed and have no doubt of the world class fit and finish on this or any Blancpain.

Aside from being grotesque...

 
 By: iim7v7im7 : October 25th, 2011-20:09
The red will disappear at about 5 meters and the yellow some where between 10-15 meters. Only the white and blue will hold up at depth. I am not expecting any industrial design awards or calls from Stockholm on this one. It kind of reminds me of a bad Det... 

I am impressed.

 
 By: grigo : October 25th, 2011-22:42
One can criticize as much as they want and say that this and that is not perfect and that a diving computer is better, but I fear that this is not the point. This is about watches and I must say that in this case, Blancpain has demonstrated that they real... 

This is about watches, indeed

 
 By: dr.kol : October 25th, 2011-23:46
If some day a manufacturer is trying to replace iPhone by building a telex into a watch, it might be impressive technically but for communication it's stupidity. The new X Fathoms is not for diving and divers. Period. Best, Kari

Speechless....

 
 By: dsgalaxy1 : October 26th, 2011-00:37
The size, the price, it's a nonsense watch! Did Blancpain employ Nathaf?

Comments about dive computers and more

 
 By: jkingston : October 26th, 2011-02:21
I understand that a modern microchip infested dive computer can do more than this watch and do it more cheaply. But my friends so can my $20 Casio quartz watch which has a perpetual calendar, calculator, alarm function, chronograph, note taking memo funct... 

Hi Jeff ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : October 26th, 2011-02:37
good to see you here and to read your thoughts about the novelty. Mine you will find below your post. Only one recommendation, if that is ok for you: You should go for some cool surf shorts from sunny California, instead of cords, for such an event See yo... 

55 mm

 
 By: dsgalaxy1 : October 26th, 2011-03:30
is the perfect size for an everyday watch. It's not matter of quartz or PC, it's a matter of reason...good for a (expensive) diving week-end and nothing more.

That may be so...

 
 By: BDLJ : October 26th, 2011-04:29
...this is presented as a Dive Watch , therefore it is about the best tool/instrument/what-have-you for the job. It is not as simple as the 'dreaded' quartz versus pushing what can be done mechanically. To dismiss dive computers as just a bunch of microch... 

First of all ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : October 26th, 2011-02:29
thanks to Magnus & Alex for that slightly different report, which fits to the watch as it is slightly different as well After all those FF limited editions lately, with more or less just cosemetic make-up it is very refreshing to see something new - a... 

Thanks for all your comments, I'll provide more thoughts later...

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : October 26th, 2011-03:37
need some fresh air. Best, Magnus

Magnus, are you sure ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : October 26th, 2011-03:56
it is not fresh water what you need Anyway take a deep dive, ääähhhhhh breath ... Oliver

"fresh water"...

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : October 26th, 2011-08:04
to dilute a 12-year Langavulin Cask Strength into a magical dink? Cheers, Magnus

So, now we are ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : October 26th, 2011-08:21
three

Can we make it Four....

 
 By: DivingT : October 26th, 2011-14:30
and may I propose an 18 year old Fettercairn ? (I keep a nice wee supply here when ever I come back from Scotland) Cheers Tony

In that case... :)

 
 By: amanico : October 26th, 2011-14:33

I like it for its mechanical engineering......

 
 By: DivingT : October 26th, 2011-15:08
Firstly, thankyou to Mr Magnus Bosse for bringing this to us - a great post! Love it or hate it - the volume of posts stating everyones valued opinions just tells us all how passionate we are for the Fifty Fathoms legacy! The look is fantastic (for me), I... 

I wish I could be polite but...

 
 By: pv45 : October 27th, 2011-01:15
...that is one hell of an awful looking watch!

What a beast! I think I like it.... [nt]

 
 By: Davo : October 29th, 2011-03:15
No message body

Great Tool.

 
 By: cisco : October 29th, 2011-10:51
If you want to look at it as a watch, forget it. For a watch it is complicated, too big, "ugly" or "bold" depending on your taste. But I had some diver point of view, and if they didn't all like the look they were surprised by the performance adn the pres... 

forget Blancpain as long as they are part of Hayeks Mafia

 
 By: Bolito : October 29th, 2011-13:09
I really love old Blancpains. But the design and quality fot he current ones is horribel and a shame for the brand. Nice report. Many thx. But the brand is lost as long as they are part of Hayeks group.

What do you have to say not about the design, which is by essence subjective...

 
 By: amanico : October 30th, 2011-14:49
But about the quality of the modern FFs? You know I'm a big fan of the Vintage, and less fan of the moderns, but how can you say that the quality is lacking? What are your criterias? At the contrary, I do think that the quality is much better on the moder... 

Let me weigh in as well.

 
 By: jkingston : November 1st, 2011-15:07
I am rather disappointed to see the charge of quality of Blancpain being "horrible". Let's examine this statement (which is backed by no specifics at all). Do you measure quality of the movements? Blancpain is a 100% manufacture. Every single movement is ... 

Like BP but do not like this watch.

 
 By: iim7v7im7 : November 2nd, 2011-06:10
Jeff, I like many offerings in BP's line-up of watches and I own a Leman Ultra Slim Grande Date (great watch). I also agree with your statement regarding BP's investment into watchmaking and the quality of their offerings. But it's here where we depart on... 

Great post Magnus!.........

 
 By: TonyR : October 29th, 2011-15:27
I've seen photo's of this watch 4 or 5 times now. The first time I looked at the photos I wasn't much of a fan, looking at it again a couple times now I really like the watch. My only concern is the size so I would have to see the watch in person. Tony

Many thanks for your report, I wish I was a fortunate professional diver.

 
 By: PoyFR : November 14th, 2011-12:30
I congratulate Blancpain for such technical abilities and execution, and for setting new standards in this highly coveted field. It is amassing to see all those resources united in one piece. I do not know that I like the watch, but I admire it. Blancpain...