Blancpain

I have been trying to figure out what I really want for a while now.

I have worn a navitimer for a long time and loved it, finally put it down in search for a more valuable piece and something I can wear in the water.

I later picked up a ceramic GMT master rolex, but I wasnt too happy with it, its a great piece but something was getting at me, It felt too simple and it looks too generic to me.

I have been eyeing the Fifty Fathoms for quite a while, I even had my local torneau order one for me on a bracelet so i can check it out. It didnt really click when i saw it in person, but since then I have continued to think about it and how it could grow on me if I were to really have gotten it.

my other issue is that I tend to lean towards chronographs I thought that after letting my GMT master go id go with a daytona for it being a chronograph and being a decent less mainstream rolex. however I continue to take a look at the Fifty Fathoms and now I am also considering the FF chronograph.

I think i could be content with the normal FF but I may be much happier with the FF chronograph. But I am really not sure.

I am looking for something to be a daily wear for a long time and I think I will go with one of the two on the bracelet.

what might any of you suggest the more conventional Fifty Fathoms, or do I go straight for the Chrono.

I have never owned a Blancpain before but as you can see I am seriously considering it.

Thanks

George N.

I would think that you'd have to spend some time with both on your wrist.  It all comes down to personal preference.  If the standard FF on the bracelet didn't immediately appeal to you, well, I'm not one to risk throwing down that much cash hoping that the appeal of the piece will "grow on me".  Maybe the FF on the strap has a better look.  Or maybe you're just a chrono guy, and then the choice is between strap and bracelet.

There's also the consideration of whether you want the true in-house movement in the FF versus the FF chronograph.  I personally like the cleaner look and heritage associated with the FF, and the bracelete (despite the significant premium) makes it all the better.  And since it is relatively easy to swap out the bracelet for the sail cloth strap, I'd buy the bracelet version and then purchase the strap for a change of pace.

I owned the all black FF and traded it 6 months later.  That particular combo didn't work for me, but am still drawn towards the S/S FF.

Kevin

I would suggest the standard FF as opposed to the Chrono. I have the Chrono and I love it, but in the back of my mind I always wonder why I didn't get the standard FF the dial of which in its simplicity is just beautiful.

Regards,

George

I havent done my research, so far only based on looks, and so I did not know the chrono was not inhouse.

I like the busier dial of a chronograph, but the simplicity of the non chrono is both appealing and a turn off for me, it looks nice and clean but it looks very generic to me,

and the whole in house movement thing is something that I am drawn towards as well but I do not think its too much of a problem for me as long as I know its a high end movement, partly why i ditched my navi.

I like the bracelet and I do not have a problem with it I could enjoy both on a strap or bracelet but I am still crossed between the two heads overall

I do not have a BP dealer in my area and so I cannot readily just walk in and check things out. which is part of the problem, I have never seen the chronograph in person yet.

I guess Ill have to order it and see how things are.

depends on your definition of 'in-house', the Cal. 1185 chrono can be considered in-house. It was jointly developed by Blancpain and Piguet, which were then shared owners of Blancpain. Today, both companies are under the roof of Swatch Group with Marc A. Hayek CEO of both firms.

However, the movement is relatively 'common' in the sense that a couple of other high-end (!) watchmakers use it as well (Cartier, Vacheron-Constantin, Bulgari, Daniel Roth, Chopard etc.).

Best,
Magnus

Since you were deceived with the Rolex GMT, I would be tempted to tell you to go on the FF Chrono.

BUT, personally, I would go on the simpler FF.

For its cleaner look.

For its superb movement, which is derivated from the magnificient 13 RO.

For its sapphire bezel, and its incredible depth.

Definitely, the simpler FF is my cup of tea.

But we don't always drink the same tea...



Best,

Nicolas

with a similar outer shell.

The Chronograph offers a very fine, albeit relatively 'common' (take this with a grain of salt!), chronograph movement with a quite unique implementation: The case construction is such that the pushers can be operated under water, an aspect absent on most other chronograph watches. Blancpain gave the functionality top priority when designing this watch!



The time only is the pure, historic Fifty Fathoms, with a dedicated, robust 5 day movement (with three barrels, freesprung hairspring). A modern watch entirely true to its roots. Congrats Blancpain, an instant, modern classic! This is the original version of the modern Fifty Fathoms legacy, and rightfully so. It can't get better, no matter what complications they ever will put in this case!



A tough decision, but I would follow my two previous posters as well!

Best,
Magnus

have to agree with nicolas and magnus i think the FF has much cleaner lines and simple dial where the Chrono seems a little more busy but both good

I think I am going to check out the Chronograph.

I am crossed between the two but I think I am leaning towards the Chrono I like the busier dial

I might have to save heritage and simplicity for later.

I faced the same dilemma that you are now dealing with two years ago.  Since I didn't already have a chrono in my collection I went with the FF Chrono.  Love the watch, it is one of my "regulars" and I love playing with the chrono function.  If I had went with the regular FF the watch just wouldn't hold the same excitement for me that the chrono does. 

Tom 

Nicolas and Magnus, but at the end it is YOUR decision

and a sweet one, isn´t it?

Maybe some more pictures can help.

If you like "busy" dials you should consider:



Air Command compared to Fifty Fathoms Chronograph



My own decision was and still is:





























... lots of details to love ...

and on top a great, fittingly movement.



Sorry I am biased, as you could see on the pictures 

But to be honest, it is not my 24/7 watch. Therefore it is too big for my taste.
Bigger and heavier then all the watches from Rolex, you mentioned.

Good luck with your decision.

Oliver

do you mean weight of the piece is too heavy, do you change from bracelet to strap easy?

considered as a "real" sports watch.

The weight with bracelet is: 205 grammes

What I like with jumper or T-shirt, doesn´t work for me in the office with suit. It all depends on your own habits/lifestyle/...

For example:


(121 g - steel with rubber)


(205 g - platinum with rubber)

Both felt good on my wrist and the first one was my daily beater for a long time. In these days I thought the same watch in steel is too heavy for me.


(205g; 170g; 160g)

The Alarm GMT wears perfect on my wrist. Only because of weight? No, I don´t think so. Mix between weight, shape, balance point, ...

Regarding your second question. Yes it is easy to change if you have the fitting tools.



Blancpain offers some nice solutions if one is willing to pay the "premium".

Gaz, what is the weight of your "Trilogy"? How does it feel for you?

Oliver

not too heavy im not sure on weight but as allrounder i find it perfect, i am looking at the black FF but not sure what are your thoughts

all black FF is really nice, but for me only the "classic" FF is a keeper.

i am leaning towards the standard FF , also i think the weight on my ff with bracelet is around the 180g not sure though as my scales are not working properly

No message body

with Nicolas, Magnus & Oliver....

I used to own the chrono....but I traded for the simple (black) version....

I think that the simple version has a cleaner look while the chrono was, in the long run, too busy...

The SS version has a classic look while the black a modern twist....

Good luck deciding....

Cheers

 

I will probably end up getting both but first the chrono, then I will get the normal FF when I feel ready.

I have seen the air command but the dial is a bit too busy, I think the FF chrono is perfect. and I can only go simpler from their.