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Great report, Nicolas
There are some moments that restore faith... Friday evening was one of them.
The gathering of all these vintage Fifty Fathoms was an amazing project ... and a risky one. I am very pleased to say that it is a breathtaking success... with large selection of versions, including ones of the rarest Fifty Fathoms ever produced.
But there is more.
The exhibition was set-up with the contribution of many collectors and I have appreciated the high esteem that Blancpain demonstrated to them last Friday evening: the perfect organization of the event, the documentation made available, the opportunity to question Bob Maloubier or to share in real life with worldwide collectors.
That was an exceptional event and ... the exhibition is more than worth the visit!
By the way, the discussion with Bob Maloubier confirmed an intuition regarding the birth of the Fifty Fathoms... I am preparing a separate post about it.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms: THE Exhibition has started.
My friends, let me say it straight, this was an exhibition to not miss! For those who live in the US or in Asia and who could not make the trip to Paris, an advice: Don't miss it, just don't miss it, when it comes to you. As far as I know, this is the ver...
First of all: Thanks Nico, for covering ...
the event and to share some details with us! Always good to get some more details, always nice to see familiar faces and lots of nice watches "the very first time Blancpain organized an event entirely dedicated to their Vintage Fifty Fathoms" At least the...
Well, Oliver, so many things to say, or to be said...
Yes, it was time to organize something about these important Vintage watches! No official documentation for the moment, but I guess that Blancpain will do so, as it is only the beginning of the exhibition. Aaah, you noticed the Calatrava Cross on the Air ...
I´m stunned about this thread.
The last 12 years I have visited Paris every autum, as a tradition. For the first time I did´nt managed to go. It´s typical when you really should have been there something came up...My bad. It´s a stunning piece of Fifty Fathoms history you deliver amani...
THe good thing with the FFs, Qonrad
Is that there is no FF to not consider. They all have this part of History we find in the Vintage. The Vintage are the roots, the Moderns are the branches of the Tree. And yes, you can be proud of yours. Thanks a lot for the nice words, and for having tak...
A dream come true!
To us this really looks like the big Van Gogh or Monet retrospective exhibiton for painting lovers...I am really looking forward to the visit and visits as I guess I will go more than once, being lucky to work close walking distance from Place Vendome! Ma...
Beware, my friend, you may become a FF Watchnut.
You're showing all the characteristics of a future FF Victim. Enjoy this rare moment, Matt. Best, Nicolas
I am ready!...
I have been an FF nut for some time...now we know what the next step is...Matt
The wait was worth it¡
Thank you Nicolas for such a great post¡ I love your early Fifty Fathoms and the TR 900 and US Navy with all the toys around them. The Air Command is incredible, its condition, its rarity, make it a dream. And is not bad the 3-6-9 LIP BP FF #216 (you know...
I think Blancpain, Stefan Ciejka and Bob Maloubier are more to be thanked, Alex.
For the perfect organisation, the idea to make it real and possible, and for their friendship. I just made the post, and shared with you what I believe to be an important and very interesting event. You pointed it very well, Amigo. There is not only one b...
Excellent report Nico !
You captured all the special atmosphere of the event ! I really like this picture: because we feel all the passion we can experience with this watch. Stephan, Mr Maloubier, Blancpain, the collectors and all the people involved have created a great exhibit...
Passion is the good word to describe the event and the watch, FX.
I know Stephan Ciejka very well, and I always felt that when he speaks about the FF, the tone is different than when he speaks about other watches, and he does love watches! There is a small spark in his greedy eyes which means a lot. I also think that Bl...
Stunning !!!
Nicolas, i think we can easily consider this post of the year ! When i come over to Paris next time (it will not be that long now ... offcourse) i know where to stop first. I hope those FF's are not sold out by that time because those prices are really a ...
You have to go and see this page of History, Filip.
It is a must see! As for the book, yes, it is a great idea, who knows, maybe one day? To help you to wait, there is a book I can already recommend you: " Military watches " by Konrad Knirim. Best, my friend. See you soon, then? Nicolas
this is a great report of a great exhibition
Nicolas ...this report and remembering the weekend makes my start working easier this Monday ! Hopefully I have time this evening to post a few more photos from the exhibition. A member from Blancpain told me that they plan to bring a new collecting model...
Amazing
Nicolas The collection is really amazing. It is wonderful to see your watch collection and other member watches in this exhibition. It great to see Blancpain embracing history! You did a great job photographing and reporting the event. I would love to kno...
If you have the opportunity to attend the event, when ...
The exhibition lands to the US, don't miss it, but I'm sure it is needless to tell you. As for your watches, I didn't see them, my friend, but 40 were not shown, yet. I think BP will make a turn over, to give all the FFs an " Exhibition Time ". Best, my d...
I would not be surprised to see some legendary FFs spotting in a near future.
But it is maybe a bit too soon to speak about them? It was a great pleasure for me to meet you, and to see your superb FFs. Best, my friend. Nicolas
Thank you for sharing the lovely event.
It is great for you guys meeting up with discussion of what we all like. Hopefully these will come to Asia soon ....
Asia if of course planned for this exhibition, and most specially China.
So, if you can go, don't miss it. We missed you, Terence. We have to organise something soon, my friend. All the Best from a dizzy Paris. Nicolas
Thank you so much !
_You, Blancpain and organisation to have the courage to create such an event dedicated to Fifty Fathoms vintage. _You, collectors fo all over the world to have shared your treasure. I remember trying to collect information here on Purists (and sharing) an...
You pointed out something important, Cisco.
The fact that ALL the collectors are to be thanked for having played the game. Without them, the exhibition would be a normal one. With them, it is something really extraordinary, magic. A kind of " Living Museum ". I was not involved in this event, all t...
Incredible event, certanlly!
And really big thanks for cover and report this great event with us, Nicolas. Do you know where this exhibition will be in next time?? It´s for if I can visit it, hermano. It´d be a really pleasure. Waiting your better pics, as these watches deserves, her...
US and Asia, my friend.
It would have been easier if you could have come... But you still can attend, as the exhibition will last for at least 3 more weeks in Paris. Don't you regret your FFs, now? Best, Hermano. Nicolas
I must admit that...
YES, I regret, for some moments, my FF´s. It´s so and I can´t change it. When I see the pics of the event, I can admire the beauty of my ex No Rad and the Milspec. Them were in amazing condition. Them would be some of the stars in the exhib...
this morning was long for me...
... Nico, many thanks for the excellent report. i can feel how happy you guys have at the event, so wonderful to see so many nice pieces at one go! among all of these, my attention is especially caught by the Gold Filled Ultra Rare Lip Blancpain. it stand...
As previously said, Stefan, the Exhibition will travel to Asia.
So, with a bit of luck, you may do it! As for the Gold Filled Lip Blancpain, it is indeed a super rare bird, as only 20 were made, and it is in exceptional condition. His owner is a friend, and I already have some pics of it in my HD. It is not my favouri...
Great post Nicolas! Incredible pieces of history
and unbelievable range in the exhibits. I really hope they do come to the US. Please keep us posted with any news on the next showing--this is a must see. Thanks a million, Tim
I will keep you posted, my friend.
As soon as I have the information. Yes, it is unbelievable to see all these holy monsters located in a same place. The other interesting thing, to me, is to see that the FF had an impressive number of variations. There are not only the Milpsec or the " No...
A Grail day in Paris
What an amazing exhibition and a great report, Nicolas. I am still staggering from my day in Paris, Grail after Grail seemingly flying at an obscene rate through my hands. You will have to forgive the superlatives in what follows. The afternoon began with...
Thanks for your valuable and passionate input, Eitan.
One thing is certain, you know much more about Longines and Breitling than me. I too was impressed by the wearability of the Longines " Kamikaze ": Big, but perfectly wearable, indeed, with a nice presence on the wrist. Not too much. Happy that you enjoye...
The Lowdown
Here's the exhibition catalogue. This message has been edited by Ubik on 2010-11-01 10:54:43...
Thanks for posting this list.
The interest is to be able to find all the numbers engraved on our FF case backs. A reference document. Best, Nicolas
Thanks to everyone here.
I am sure we will do it again Nicolas, I've read so many of yours and others great posts in the past year and searched the site to exhaustion. I'm so glad I started posting.
But...
Sorry because I'm a novice but I don't know if there is a mistake at page 2. Number 281: "Blancpain FF MILSPEC, 30117, Bundeswehr with code OTAN 6645-12-149-5012". Is it right???
Great report, Nicolas!
Thank you for a great report! Paris is the place to be!! Best Blomman
A worthy replacement for the remodeling Musee d' Orsay...
Amazing, just amazing. The people, the watches are so energized; it is obvious the Fifty Fathoms Fever is rampant, contagious, and delicious all at the same time. Thanks for sharing all this heritage and introducing us to all the individuals behind Le Fif...
Nicely put, Patrick.
The fire of the Passion is now declared. What is captivating is that we came over individual initiative to gather our forces with this exhibition. The outcome is spectacular and really deserve the FF cause, in my opinion. Don't miss this event! Best, Nico...
I hope you get not boring...
to see some more pics from the party.... first around the Opera and place Vendome, a place of luxury.. opera the ritz in front of BP Boutique: during the oficial part and exchanging withe the FF-Fans and the decoration and further things, soon are coming ...
How can we get bored, my friend?
Always a pleasure to view these pictures, which will maintain the memory of a superlative event. We were there! Best, Nicolas
and finally the watches thenthelves...
love devotion and surrender... first pic: the were two spys and two more FF around the prisond watches (lol) and here the stars... sorry maybe some are photgraphed twice, but I got the real flash... best Stephan...
Excellent.....
Some of these photos are superb as the show the details of the dials and their patinas.... A true reference post for FF.... Thanks for your effort and taking the time to post.... Cheers
Certanlly impressive!
Great job, my friend, well done! REALLY thanks for your awesome pics.... I can see lots of passion in them. Best Emilio
It will be difficult to find a favourite among all these beauties, Stefan.
Your pics give justice to these watches, and it was not an easy task, due to the light conditions! Thanks a LOT! Best, Nicolas
stephan, what a great pictorial ! was like beeing there in paris....
i spotted quite a few watches, that i sold in the last 20 years ! good to see them all again together; quite a few polish navy BP`s ( MW ) as well ! one question: over the years i had 4 BP`s with dark blue enamel dials and white spots like a starry sky . ...
blue dials
Thank you for kind words Achim Nevertheless I never did see one of these BP`s with dark blue enamel dials and white spots like a starry sky .Tthe bathyscaphe with the blue dial is the first I did see. I had a scubapro Fifty Fathoms which was very closed t...
good idea with the new thread ......
unfortunately i did not take close - up pics. from the BP FF enamel dials. in the early 90´s there was an abundance of vintage BP watches. i did not bother to keep one..... the bezel does not belong there, i agree. there are a few watches with mix-match p...
Thank God
my children went to bed early this evening....;0) so I could enjoy this extraordinary post what marvelous treat you prepared for us ... all is here the watches the atmosphere the passion & the friendship but matching nail lacquer colour with Comex suit no...
Great photos!
Nicolas There are just so many cool watches. I think we are going to be talking about them for months! I really like the blue dial Blancpain. Brian
Yes, my friend.
We'll certainly have food for several months! I will hopefully be authorized to take some pics during a dedicated photo session which will take a whole afternoon, in late November. Will build my stock of pics! As for the BP FF Blue dial, I never saw it be...
The Devil is in the details, Damjan.
One more excellent reason to come to Paris, my friend. Best, and thanks for your nice words. Nicolas
Great report, Nicolas
There are some moments that restore faith... Friday evening was one of them. The gathering of all these vintage Fifty Fathoms was an amazing project ... and a risky one. I am very pleased to say that it is a breathtaking success... with large selection of...
Couldn't say it better, Christophe.
Moments which restore faith... This is exactly it! I think I will come back to the Exhibition more than once. It was good to see you here. As for the birth of the FF, I also have a small idea, but I will let you prepare the topic, my friend. Can't wait to...
No No NO....
....What an amazing post and thread...! You have done it again my friend Great photos and not only the rare and ultra rare ones are on display, also many great LIP, no rad etc. What a feast for eyes I have a proposal for the "Club for Fifty Fathoms Lovers...
The exhibition and the idea to have a Club are two very exciting things, Hans.
More than a particular watch, I think that the thing which impressed me the most was to see ALL these FFs in their unbelievable variety and richness. One FF I would love to see is the one for the Spanish Army, though. I heard about it, but like a Sea Snak...
Keep us ( me ) updated, my friend.
I'm veeery curious to see what you find! And if you need some help, once you find it, feel free to let me know! Best, Nicolas
Will do so..
..and most appreciate help from you and other FF lovers Best my friend Hans
fabulous pics from everyone. a great event.
i think its fabulous that a brand are celebrating the heritage of one model so openly. its an historic piece and deserves the publicity. i'd love to visit the exhibition if i get the opportunity, but hunting a TR900 is not something i'll be thinking about...
Thanks a lot, Graham.
Well, I fear that the TR 900 is as difficult to find than it is to fund... But it is highly desirable, in my opinion. Well, my friend, you have some other nice tempting options, too. Best, Nicolas
wonderful event, wonderful post...
Thank you Nicolas for sharing these pictures and comments...I'm sure that this will make us come to Paris in order to see this event. (i've booked my train ticket for nov 16th!!) I hope that the FF lovers club will be created soon, a new opportunity to me...
Hi, Jean Christophe,
Thanks for the nice words. You can be happy, I'm obsessed by the 3 / 6 / 9 / 12 FF, which is a modele du genre, in terms of beauty and balance. Well, PM me when you 're here, if I can, I will go and see the exhibition with you for the ... 3rd time. Best, ...
Wow Nicolas!! I wish I could be there!!
I'm pretty sure that you were like a small kid in a disneyland.. Great news on the fiftyfathomisti... looking forward to hear more news!! Best, Sam
I was, Sam, I was.
It was like in a dream, Sam. I will, of course, keep you updated on the FF Club. Best, Nicolas
Excellent. Nic. Thanks. Nice reporting again
mine is lonely. This message has been edited by chronomtr on 2010-11-04 07:39:22...
You would have loved seeing all these beauties in the flesh, Bernard! Thanks. [nt]
No message body This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-11-04 08:37:51
Simply incredible!
Hello, Nico! Wow! What a fantastic gathering of passionate people and sublime collection of Fifty Fathoms. Thank you for always sharing your knowledge and passion for this icon of watches with all of us. Fuerte abrazo, Alejandro
Thank you for your vibrating comments and for your stunning photos!
You made me sniff the scent of the sea and you made me feel the sea breeze. You made me see the darkness of deep mediterranean sea and the glare of the algerian desert. You made me want to take a diving license just to find a pretext for having one of the...
Fascinating they are, Heartbreaker.
And there is a huge amount of history behind them. It is time to defend them, as, for the moment, they are only the apanage of some collections, while the stars are the Rolex and the Panerai Vintage. There is a way for something different, for these lovel...
What a fantastic exhibition!!!
I am sure you enjoyed it a lot. There were some priceless timepieces there. WOW! Thanks for sharing. Vte
#222..
Nico, I know you've posted it before, but I couldn't find the thread...what is the story behind this curious watch?
Here is the thread, Ben.
blancpain.watchprosite.com The only thing I know, for the moment, and I know it from Blancpain, is that only 20 of these were made. Will have to " dig " the topic furthermore. Best, Nicolas
Thank you, Nicolas
I tried looking for it, but obviously didn't use the search function properly....and to think I posted on that thread....thanks. Strange, strange yet interesting watch. What were LIP doing....to have such a watch when these were pure divers...