Blancpain X Fathoms: The epitome of the Fifty Fathoms.

May 01, 2021,08:38 AM
 



Which is not Fifty Fathoms anymore, as it is 300 meters water resistant. wink 

But we have, with the X Fathoms, the most technical diving watch, for sure. 


You immediately noticed that we have a mechanical depth gauge, here, and that it is not a first, as mechanical depth gauge in a wrist watch came as soon as 1964 with the Nivada Depthomatic, followed, in 1966, by the more famous Favre Leuba Bathy 50. You also remember that in the late 90's early 2000's we had the IWC Deep One, and, in 2006, a more technical Jaeger Lecoultre, the Master Compressor Pro Geographique ( Depth Gauge + Geographique ). 

The Nivada: 


The Favre Leuba:


The IWC: 


The Jaeger Lecoultre: 


The Blancpain X Fathoms pushes the limits well farther, as we have: 

- A Decompression valve,

- An indication of the depth in two scales, 

- A Retrograde 5-minute counter, 

- A depth memory you can reset to zero through its own pusher, 

- An unidirectional bezel,

- A central second hand,

- And an articulated rubber strap. 

- Should I also add that it has the good taste to not display a date?  smile 

All is summarized here in one draw: 


The movement is automatic, as it should be in a diving watch, with a good autonomy of 120 hours. 

The case is huge, to say the least, with a diameter of 55, 65 mm, and a height of... 24 mm. BUT, due to the shape of the lugs, which are very curved, and the comfort of the rubber strap, this is a watch  my 17 cm wrist could wear, for my biggest surprise. 

Ok, it is not a model of discretion, but it is not impossible to wear it. 

I wrote that it is the X Fathoms is epitome of the Fifty Fathoms. I should rename it the X Epithoms.  

Indeed, the X Fathoms is what could be the best modern professional diver watch. I am not a professional diver, not even a simple diver, but I guess there is everything a diver would need when he is under the surface... 


This is the Concept, the idea behind the watch I love a lot. When other versions turn around the original  versions of the Fifty Fathoms, this one sublimates it / them, with style, originality and a touch of audacity. 

And wait to see it in the dark! 


All that has a price, and the X Fathoms is not given, but this is one of these watches I feel myself ready to make some efforts, in order to get it. I cannot say better! 


Best,

Nicolas


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Superb lume shot!

 
 By: 997c4gts : May 1st, 2021-08:49

Oooh yes!

 
 By: amanico : May 1st, 2021-08:50

Here’s how the lume really looks like…

 
 By: shortys home : May 2nd, 2021-11:58
Cheers Henrik ...  

Breathtaking….

 
 By: MTR : May 2nd, 2021-12:25
Did you ever have a chance to try it in your own wrist, Henrik?

Did it work on your wrist?

 
 By: MTR : May 2nd, 2021-16:34
And: how large is your wrist? Perhaps you remember that I am looking forward to look at some FF at my AD in order to - hopefully - pull the trigger. I’m especially fascinated by these two RG iterations: And this X Fathoms, which haunts me for years, could...  

Since we have the same wrist size.

 
 By: MTR : May 2nd, 2021-16:59
Do you also have a wrist shot from this special “meeting” with the X? 🙏

Fantastic!

 
 By: amanico : May 2nd, 2021-16:03

Aaaaaah! You were very fast with your post, mon ami! 😊

 
 By: MTR : May 1st, 2021-11:22
And very interesting details about watch history, too. I also think, that due its lug construction combined with the strap the „X Epithome“ is definitely wearable (we seem to have the same wrist size). Not in the office of course. But on summer holidays, ... 

Great post! 👍🏻

 
 By: MiguelFlash : May 1st, 2021-13:51
Best technical mechanical dive watch ever made. An engineering marvel that happens to look very good. I have seen it in the boutique and I have always loved that watch. Problem is I would have no where to wear it and I also don’t dive deeper than my pool.... 

For me, a diver's watch

 
 By: MTR : May 1st, 2021-15:05
is also a wonderful daily wearer, and I have the impression that it is generally more robust.

Same for me.

 
 By: amanico : May 1st, 2021-15:05

Your posts are pure evil...

 
 By: pfang56 : May 2nd, 2021-18:08
Taking a second look at this ultimate diving watch. Considered the Panerai but it has...some electronic components. I understand this model has 100% fully functioning mechanical components - wonder if the dive master would allow this to be used over elect... 

On your list?

 
 By: amanico : May 10th, 2021-20:48

Or how.... :)))

 
 By: amanico : May 10th, 2021-20:57