Blancpain

I just picked up a Fifty Fathoms and where I love the watch, I'm not too crazy about the strap. I collect Panerai and have gotten used to that flexibility.

The strap change kit that comes from Blancpain is quite expensive, especially if you don't want or need the rubber strap that comes with it.

Does anyone happen to know what size allen key is required?

In your experience, is it worth biting the bullet and getting the kit?

Thank you for any input.

There is more to the kit than just an allen wrench.  It includes a stand for holding the watch during a change and replacement parts.  Of course it has the wrenches also.  What is good about all of this is that it makes changing the strap painless and risk free.  I always get jumpy when trying to change straps for fear of munging up the lugs of the watch.  It's great to have a "fear free" method.

It was a bit of a showboat thing, but Marc Hayek demonstrated using the kit underwater during a dive on the Anniversary model.   That's how easy the kit makes it.

Jeff

So after hours of fighting with myself, I could not justify the cost of strap change kit. It's nice and all but not necessary since I have a section of my workbench dedicated to watches: Case refinishing, strap changes (love Panerai) and minor repairs. All I really needed were the allen keys. I stopped by my local watchmaker to see if he has the tool and no joy. I stop by two other high end watch retailers and  again...no joy! Last resort, I stop by an electronics surplus store and wouldn't you know it, they had a drawer full of them. CHA-CHING!

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have the kit, it's very cool, just not a great value....especially since I want to get the bracelet.

Here is my biggest gripe and I'll get off my soap box.....The Fifty Fathoms is a superb timepiece from one of the worlds oldest and finest manufactuerers. As compared to other dive watches in this market sector with the same complications, the FF is in the top 5% of the price ladder. So why on earth don't they put the necessary tools to change the strap? Why?!!

There....I feel much better now.

So what is the size of the Allen Key required?

And hopefully useful!!

In European terms you need a 0.9 mm hex (allen) key.

Mine arrived this week (59p (less than a $) each (you need two of them) versus £400 for the Blancpain strap tool - difficult decision).

It works and my FF is looking particularly "tool-ish" sporting a black NATO with polished SS - heresy, I hear you cry!!

(But it looks great),
 
cheers,

David

Saved me a bundle!

So a belated 2yrs+ thank you!

From me . . . another two years later.

Do you or anyone you know have a rubber and steel bracelet for sale? Mine broke at the bezel the plastic part not wanting to buy new.