Timeout
1261
When a brand such as this is out of fashion, personally I couldn’t be happier.
As long as it earns its rent within the holding company structure and will get continued support it’s simply a better buying opportunity as a collector. I’m spending a 1/2 day in Geneva with Blancpain (who are not at Watches and Wonders). I’ll be looking at their high complications in the Villeret line. With the current state of the market there are some brands that you buy pre-owned (such as Blancpain and Breguet) and the hyped ones that you buy new - if you are lucky enough to get them. Usually the pre-owned high complications are in excellent condition as they are not daily wears. With Blancpain and Breguet it’s entirely possible to pick one up (as I did recently) at 1/3 of its current MRSP - model still in production and the watch was recently serviced. It’s so hard not be influenced by the “look at me” crowd - but buy what you like - and can afford!
Blancpain’s Seeming Lack of Success - A Discussion
I don’t think anyone will argue that as a Haute Horlogerie brand, Blancpain takes a backseat to the likes of Patek, Vacheron, and Audemars Piguet. Yes, the movement finishing on the dive watches is unrivaled and they are well known for these dive watch li...
These are indeed very special pieces!
These are truly excellent pieces. But for some odd reason, Blancpain, even Breguet, just don't seem to get a lot of love these days. Don't know why that is. However, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet certainly do get a lot of love. Probably because more ...
I fear you are right.
I think much of the market demand is driven by “hype” culture. I get it, everyone wants to be cool. This is not a new phenomenon, but those of us who spend our time on places like WPS, who truly enjoy watches for the mechanics still seem to be drawn to PP...
The answer may surpise you: Windsurfing.
Marc Hayek cares more about windsurfing than properly carrying on his father's legacy. Both Blancpain and Breguet have been languishing with diminishing sales (cf the Morgan Stanley annual report figures, both have fallen off the top 20 brands by sales fo...
More languishing.
Low probability they will sold to LVMH where they will be mismanaged and then languish.
Not the best publicity
And not known enough among some idiots on social media that call themselves influencers. I like patek too, and VC and AP…. But Breguet is imo the wat to go. Blancpain probably too but I prefer Breguet. And as you said on the secondhand market there are re...
Other than their sport watches...
...Blancpain watches have a bit of an 'old man' look about them. As an aspiring old man I can say that. Bringing back the Leman line would be a good start...
It’s funny you say that.
When I was on the hunt for the aqualung grande date, I showed my wife a picture and she said “that looks like a watch my grandfather would wear”. Nonetheless, I was able to get one and I love it.
My thoughts
I'm by no means an expert, but I've been observing these brands for twenty years. My thoughts. Most important is the watches. Many of the modern watches are not that appealing to the eyes. Lots of issues. Large cases, bad asymmetry, unnecessary text. The ...
A lot of good stuff here...
...especially re: aesthetics. Major manufacturers seemingly farm out their dial design to the secretarial pool...
Like I said, I believe most manufacturers phone in the dials and graphics...
...I've been beating this drum for years but I'm a nobody, so...
Ref. 7002-1127-55
That's the number I find from searching. Named BP Caliber 64-1 and based on Peseux 7001 movement. Looks like the value has increased substantially since I bought mine (making up for the other 99% which haven't) Cazalea
As a retired graphic designer/art director...
...I'd prefer that they left it to a pro : )
I am surprised the bathyscape isnt more popular tbh
It's only around 5k - 7k used depending on the variant and the finishing is very very nice. Was shocked by how nice the anglage was on the basic time only one I handled..
When a brand such as this is out of fashion, personally I couldn’t be happier.
As long as it earns its rent within the holding company structure and will get continued support it’s simply a better buying opportunity as a collector. I’m spending a 1/2 day in Geneva with Blancpain (who are not at Watches and Wonders). I’ll be looking ...
That is a concern of mine. Just making sure they don’t get scrapped and stop making the fantastic pieces they are producing.
Congratulations and good luck on your visit!
Thanks!
I don’t see much risk to the brand within the Swatch group. It’s got a fabulous history with over 200 years of family involvement and continuous operation. The dive watches are a staple of the industry!
Ah yes thanks for sharing.
Is it that hard to get them on a bracelet? I was in a Tokyo boutique in Ginza and was able to try on both a steel and titanium 5015 with the bracelet. Are these significantly less common?
I mean every time I see them
At the NYC Boutique, they are shown on a strap. I think they actually look better on a strap, but in general, I think the other problem is that the 50 Fathoms (non limited editions) are simply too big at 45mm. They need to size down a little and not make ...
I can see that. Selfishly I don’t mind as I am quite tall at 6’8” and have proportional wrists.
I think this is most people’s biggest problem with the 5015. I just can’t stand the bathyscaphe though and don’t mind the 45mm.
Dang, are you a basketball player? LOL
45mm is generally too big for anyone having under a 7” wrist.