the best looking dive watch out there ?

May 09, 2024,08:41 AM
 

Some pics of the iconic Blancpain 50 fathoms ... 45 MM
Yes 45 ! I understand why they made a 42,6 but come on ... this just has to be 45! After all it wears smaller on the wrist but of course I won't say its small
But If you're used to bigger watches or you have a good wrist, do NOT hesitate
Not every watch needs to be big like manufacturers thought 10 years ago but some icons were made in a bigger size and I think we need to respect that.
Panerai, AP Offshore, IWC Big Pilot, ... ,AND the 50 fathoms

That aside, here are some pics


nice 2 step dial




sunburst in the center part






a nice red touch






not for everyone but I think it's cool. And besides you won't notice it when it sits on your wrist







That doomed sapphire bezel ( no NOT the cheaper ceramic almost every other brand uses ) is absolutely gorgeous ... but difficult to take a good picture from






For those that prefer no date ... it's barely noticeable since the date wheel has the same black colour as the dial. Putting a white date wheel in it would have been a mess

















Could as well be the ultimate diver if you ask me.
Who needs more than 300 M anyway, 1000 - 5000 - 10000 M is just useless marketing BS

A superb finished sports diver watch with an amazing bracelet ( Don't think there is anything better on the market than the Blancpain X-71 )
One remark ... the deployment is very well made but it does lack something for micro adjustment. There come half links with the bracelet 
but a half link is sometimes still too much or just not enough to adjust it perfect. 
A movement with some really nice finishing, done by hand
If you want to see it you have to buy the titanium 50 fathoms, it comes with a sapphire back. But I prefer steel and closed backs for a sports watch.
Accuracy ? unbeatable !!


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Comments: view entire thread 

I like your enthusiasm and love for this watch

 
By: Blue and White : May 9th, 2024-09:34
That is the spirit! I do agree, it is absolutely beautiful and in my subjective opinion the most beautiful diver in the market. Whether it is 45 or 42.3mm is possibly less relevant. What matters to me are those peculiar elements, the wonderful hands and i... 

Thanks great photos!

 
By: Derreck : May 9th, 2024-09:34
I understand your point for 45mm but I’ll go with the 42mm. I tried the 45mm and on my wrist it’s just too big even with shorter and downwards looking lugs, the tapering of the case helps a lot too but still, need something smaller. But for those who can ... 

Your choice is obviously mostly an aesthetic one.

 
By: myles721 : May 9th, 2024-10:33
I own Omegas. I’m sure the parent company shares tech from Omega to BP. I prefer the Omega aesthetic as a diver. If they are both METAS then there is no movement difference other than finishing. Best looking? I would certainly say classiest not to put too... 

I am with you, I love my 45mm FF-5015 in steel with solid case back.

 
By: Cocolex : May 9th, 2024-10:33
I prefer it to any limited édition too, as there is nothing I regret in the watch design. The size is perfect for wrist, i love the sapphire domed bezel with the lume at night, its a killer watch. The sword hands are gorgeous and easy to read, without con...  

Thank's Nico, Dive watches are my favorite, they suit my life style best..

 
By: Cocolex : May 9th, 2024-15:27
The lume shots were done next to uranium glass found on the beach... There radioactive glow is mindblowing. Blancpain ”rad" with uranium glass ...  

All yours! WOAW!! That is a super impressive collection Nico, and you seem to really like your vintage pieces.. Truly impressed!

 
By: Cocolex : May 9th, 2024-15:43
I thought I was a bit mad, but I see that I am definitly not alone... ahahah! For my part I am a bit scared of vintage, too many things going on, although they always fascinate me.

I completely agree with you, and I have been tempted in few occasion, but they also command high price, it is intimidating...

 
By: Cocolex : May 9th, 2024-15:55
Few years back, I bought a very early Breguet 3350 from 1989 (early batch) Daniel Roth era, and watch ended up needing serious overalling costing me a fortune... And, maybe one day, if we ever meet, I'll tell you the whole story, but at the end, c ollecti...  

I am with you, I love my 45mm FF-5015 in steel with solid case back.

 
By: Cocolex : May 9th, 2024-10:43
I prefer it to any limited édition too, as there is nothing I regret in the watch design. The size is perfect for wrist, i love the sapphire domed bezel with the lume at night, its a killer watch. The sword hands are gorgeous and easy to read, without con... 

Technically superior in every possible way….

 
By: Bruno.M1 : May 9th, 2024-12:16
But I tried it on my wrist and I looked like a clown 😁 That brick really is way too large and thick

Grail

 
By: Artago : May 9th, 2024-19:20
Probably the best wearable mechanical diving watch ever made. Hardcore for rebreathers.

Sorry

 
By: Artago : May 9th, 2024-16:08
Neither Omega nor Rolex have contenders to Fifty Fathoms proper. Not even close. Then again, none are.

Because they are levels ahead

 
By: Artago : May 9th, 2024-19:09
Hie, there are so many reasons, one could pretty much summarise it with "everything" 🙂 Their base models comes on straps, not bracelet, and have screwed lugbars. (Have a look at vintage mil divers, a lot of fixed lugbars, with good reason). 1315 with 3 ba... 

Fantastic history at display, gemified.

 
By: Artago : May 9th, 2024-20:55
A long road and a lot of competence behind that collection, must have been a joyful journey, thank you for sharing "Sapphire equivalents" intact, good gaskets, serviced and presstested, I'd argue your gems, at least from top 2 pics will be good for diving... 

Makes sense

 
By: Artago : May 10th, 2024-07:06
I wouldn't, unique watches. Technically I'd argue they are still up for it, given in good technical condition.

Acrylic

 
By: Artago : May 11th, 2024-09:45
Purely from a technical perspective I'd agree as far as acrylic goes, that would be a significant concern and THE showstopper. For gaskets/seals I belive it should be possible to get the right shapes, dimensions and compounds (softness/hardness) to seal t... 

Your collection is dope! BRAVO... I blown away just looking at it.

 
By: Cocolex : May 10th, 2024-00:49
Years of passion and dedication here, quite remarkable. And that gorgeous last pic, that Rolex big crown with the tropical/pumpkin dial, c'est fou! Tres beau...

Please do, it's a good candidate for a nice write upfor sure

 
By: Cocolex : May 10th, 2024-06:35
Et cette collection of early FF, there must be some torkey Rayville, Lip, aqualung maybe too.. ahaha!

If someone wants anything better, they have to make the watches themselves

 
By: Artago : May 9th, 2024-16:01
Superior to anything else in the market, and superior to anything else ever been available in the market. ...and they look good too 😉

This is an EXTREMELY persuasive post

 
By: blau : May 10th, 2024-13:36
I've never felt I could really wear the 45mm Fifty Fathoms and eventually just gave up being interested in it for that reason. Now that there's a 42mm titanium version, I should be thinking "they've finally got the watch for me!" but somehow it's leaving ... 

I have owned 45mm FF5015 since launch in 2007

 
By: Brice de Norfer : October 25th, 2024-19:36
Several versions, including LE, and X-71 as well as sailcloth. I have since moved to Bathyscaphes, ten years ago. Now, though I love my 5200 with all the combos, I am gravitating again towards the 5015. But, and this is my point, I much prefer the TITANIU...