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This is a really nice minimalist
interpretation of a dive watch. I think Blancpain did a really good job. I have to admit, until I saw this watch, none of the current FF's appealed to me and I could not see myself buying a modern FF. They all seem too far removed from the many lovely vintage models. The new Bathyscaphe, however, is so paired down it seems closer to the vintage models, at least to me it does.
I love the minimalist design of the case, bezel and dial. My only criticism is that they should have done away with the white gold surrounds for the plots and made them bigger.
Thanks for the write up.
1953-2013: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 60th anniversary - Bathyscaphe
One out of three versions offered for the 60 th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms is the one above in ceramised titanium . But before we look to the novelties we should have a quick look back. 1953 The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms the first modern divers wat...
This one, by far ....
Landed on the absolute top of my dream list. I dare to say that Blancpain will move,thanks to this watch, to the position that it deserves. As a side benefit, it will educate the watch designers that most of the persons don't feel good with a 45+mm watch ...
2013 - Blancpain presents the Bathyscaphe version(s).
(Ref. 5000-1110-B52 A and 5100-1127-NAW A; just two examples) The contours are as sharply defined as those of their predecessors. The hands feature the traditional look of the vintage watches and the date appears through a dedicated aperture. Loyal to the...
Fantastic report, Oliver!!!
You have showcased even the most minute details of the Bathyscaphe! Simply stunning! I can't wait to see one in the flesh! Thanks for sharing it with us, Alex
Nice post, Oliver.
The blackened one on the green strap looks nice from here, kinda like it. Thanks for taking the time to share it. vte
Interesting addition - looking forward to see it in metal
Wearing my FF when writing this comment. I am qurious how the Bathiscope compares to the FF 5015. And I am glad to hear that I soon can get a NATO strap that fits! Thanks for the report, Oliver Stefan
X-71?
At 23mm between the horns will this take an X-71 as made for the FF? Thanks Olly
That would look strange and I doubt it...
as the end pieces are individually designed for each case shape (i.e. case diameter and thickness) so a 'natural fit' is highly unlikely. In addition, the shape of the lugs are totally different between the two. Magnus
I have my doubts ...
because the shape of the case is totally different. Also I think it won´t look good.
This is a really nice minimalist
interpretation of a dive watch. I think Blancpain did a really good job. I have to admit, until I saw this watch, none of the current FF's appealed to me and I could not see myself buying a modern FF. They all seem too far removed from the many lovely vin...
I saw this watch for the first time recently...
I saw this watch for the first time recently at my local Blancpain dealer. And I really liked it! The design, the movement, even the movement finishing! This watch is great! And I'll take mine on the green nato strap thank you very much!
Great post, Oliver....
Nice way of introducing the modern versions. I love looking back at how watch references evolve. Great article. Here is my contribution to the historical evolution...fitting....I think....to post the 50th anniversary ...
Thanks a lot, Baron! The 50th Anniversary ...
was addictive to me as well, but at the end I never got one. Why? First, I found the price (compared to the very similar FF Trilogy) quite prohibitive. Second, I got some very good offers, but the "simple/flat" dial couldn´t convince me at the end. Still ...
The 60th is a nice watch
If I looked at it in isolation, I would like it. I wouldn't buy it, but I would like it. However, having read what others have said in this thread, it strikes me that there is some common theme. Many people feel that Blancpain have missed a wonderful oppo...
A nicely written article, Oliver. But I tend to disagree.
1/ Because the original Batyscaphe is, in my opinion, not the most interesting piece in the Vintage world, the big cases being THE FF to go for. ( 41 mm ). 2/ Because, for the 60th birthday of the Fifty Fathoms, there were more interesting watches to go f...
Nicolas, thanks for your reply and your thoughts.
Infact we disagree, but that is ok for me. I guess when it comes to the theme Fifty Fathoms you have a kind of vintage paradigm in mind, which we don´t share. Best, Oliver
Well, the Vintage FFs allow me to appreciate some modern FFs, such as
Yours and the 50th anniversary model. But this one, I still wonder why... ;) *Best, Nicolas.
+1, my friend ...
... I have to admit that I was everything but impressed by the Bathyscaphe. Its highlight is certainly the movement, but I would rather spend the money on a completely different watch or continue saving for the "big" FF. Marcus
Thanks for the article Oliver.
The article is much better than the watch actually. I found it a bit uninspired. It is not ugly, I can wear it without problem... but it is so-so which is sometimes worse. I wonder why. And I think it is because there is a slight unbalance on the design. ...
FX, thanks for your reply and your thoughts ...
even when we don´t share our view this time. For me the regular FF is a beauty and the new Bathyscaphe is (like) a tool. The latter explains the design to me and the outstanding movement is just the cream on top. Best, Oliver
Great write up.
I have been scratching my head wondering whey they picked this model for such an important anniversary. i have owned a few of the original models and i found them very boring. I would never consider this a dive watch for a re-issuie. With such small amoun...
Nice thread....
... watch looks good but there is a real deal breaker here : The date. is it me or is it just not right on such a dial. The location also feels so wrong.