Blancpain - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

My Fifty Fathoms represents the pinnacle of modern diver's watches. While the Rolex Submariner remains for many the gold standard for luxury diver watches, I am forced to admit that it is the Fifty Fathoms that sits on the throne of this category. What strikes me every time I look at it is the attention paid to detail on this watch, whether it is the elegant and comfortable case or the radiant and immaculate dial. The piece shines without vanity, and it is a pleasure to contemplate the solid gold indices or the details of the very unique hands. The history of the Fifty Fathoms also makes it the pioneer of diver's watches with this design that is now so recognizable and repeated by so many competitors. When worn every day, it gives off this feeling of robustness and natural confidence that only true watchmaking successes can display with serenity. Never out of place, always comfortable in sporty or dressy situations, a special aura emanates from this watch, and I am won over by the romanticism of its domed sapphire bezel. I also cite the impressive 5-day power reserve and the antimagnetism of the case as arguments for making it an efficient and robust watch. Definitely a watch that will remain in the legend of watchmaking, in a version that is technically superior to what the majority of other brands fail to replicate.

The ancestor of all divers! What strikes you first is its weight, enormous: it's heavy, both on the case and bracelet side, a robust construction, no hesitation in taking this watch to do what it was designed for, that is to say go to the bottom, we know that it will resist, will magnificently provide you with the services you expect from it. Precise, resistant, super luminous (very beautiful lum). It is also a dress watch, large diameter certainly, but reasonable thickness. Very sober dial, beautiful sapphire crystal, solid caseback, comfortable power reserve. I was a little bothered at first by the appearance of the bezel: I always had the impression of seeing a plastic or varnish coating, while it is also covered with a very sturdy sapphire crystal. Another small downside with the bracelet: impeccable construction and robustness, super pleasant to wear, but no adjustment of the circumference, which is surprising for a diver. In short, a dressed crowbar, as comfortable on a diving suit as under a tuxedo. I have more and more pleasure in wearing it, as it is beautiful, simple, robust, versatile, and carries history. And I have a little weakness for the Blancpain brand, real watchmakers, who have gone astray for a few years, but who continue to produce truly beautiful watches.

Here is a Leman in what Blancpain does best, a complete calendar with a beautiful moon phase. Bought second-hand, this piece is now 30 years old. A contained diameter of 38mm, it is all finesse and delicacy. With this piece, we are far from certain current standards for fine watchmaking because it is all discretion but does not have to blush compared to its contemporaries.