Blancpain

ckimmelshue
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Fifty Fathoms Bezel Issue

I've had my Fifty Fathoms [ref. 5015-1130-52] for a little over two years now and even since new the bezel has taken more effort than I believed to be required to turn it. Recently, the bezel became tougher and tougher to turn and finally something broke and it now rotates in either direction. I've read here on TZ and on other forums that this has happened before especially on earlier models. 

While in Scottsdale last week I stopped by a Blancpain AD and asked to see their brand new FF in the case. The bezel turned with a very positive click. The feel of the bezel was as it should have been. I then asked to see the other FF in their case and that one felt very rough. The bezel took quite a bit of effort to turn. I understand there will be manufacturing tolerances allowed but there was a marked difference in these bezels. This bezel felt like mine when mine was new. 

There was yet another FF in the case (the no radiation dial) and it felt different as well. Better, but still not as good as the newest (judging by the case numbers) FF. This latest FF has a very positive feeling and "well built" feeling even over the other FFs in the case (and they were all brand new). The AD said that the FF with the best bezel feel was the newest one they received. My guess is that Blancpain silently fixed this issue with a new part. 

I left my FF with the AD to send off to Blancpain in New Jersey for repair. The AD was not familiar with this issue and had not yet received one to repair. 

I will report back with how it fairs after repair. I look forward to having a useable bezel once again. I’ve always felt that the bezel was the weakest [operating] link on my FF. 

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