Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Sport (modem burner)

[kilyung]

As some may recall, I recently acquired a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Sport on bracelet. Here are my thoughts on the watch after a month...

Blancpain was started in 1735 by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain. Mr Blancpain didn't know it at the time but he had just started the world's oldest watch brand. In 1932, the Blancpain family lost control of the company and it has changed management a few more times since then but the identity of the manufacture has been preserved.

The FF is interesting as it was conceived as one of the earliest dive watches, if not the first. It was born before the Rolex Sub or Omega Seamaster. In 1952, the French Navy created a group of elite combat swimmers, not unlike the UDT/SEAL teams. The group leader, Capt Robert Maloubier found that there were no adequate dive watches at the time. So he designed his own and Blancpain agreed to build it.

Throughout the 50s to the 70s, 20 different variants were built and the FF was also adopted by the Israeli, German, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, and most famously, American fighting forces. When the Americans were looking for a dive watch, there was a resolute "Buy American" policy for all units - so no watch with "Blancpain" on the dial were acceptable. So, an American company named Tornek-Rayville took the FF and rebranded it. About 1,000 Tornek-Rayville FF were produced, and most were destroyed by the Navy at the end of the commission, so the surviving examples are very collectible today. Worn by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, among others, the FF became the standard reference among diving watches.



The FF is a serious dive watch. It is as pure of a diving watch as can be found in current production among the old-line Swiss houses. Aside from the date display that's tucked between the 4 and 5 o'clock markers, every detail provided by the FF is essential for diving. Without any superfluous subdials to obscure the dial, it's easy to read the total bottom time (by way of the uni-directional bezel that's adjusted to line up with the minutes hand just before descending) and the time of day with just a quick glance. The bezel of the FF is particularly nice for diving; it's easy to grasp with gloves and is wider than most so that it's especially easy to read.



Inside the FF is the Blancpain Caliber 1315 movement. It has a shockproof balance system designed to endure real world conditions and a heavy bi-metal rotor that makes it a very efficient winder. Another technical refinement lies in the date display on Calibre 1315, enabling fast date-change at midnight in either direction. To avoid the disturbing effects of magnetic fields, the Calibre 1315 is enclosed within a cage protecting it on all sides. It also features the following technical specifications:
- Exclusive movement, automatic winding
- Diameter 30,6 mm
- Thickness 5,65 mm
- Power Reserve 120 h (three barrels)
- Free-sprung Glucydur balance
- Rubies 35
- Components 222 handfinished parts
- high-end, "industrial" finish



The FF case is 45mm in diameter and 15,5mm thick. It's not a small watch but isn't uncomfortable to wear and its classic looks make it equally at home on land. Despite the size, the case shape bears a striking resemblance to Panerai's 1950 Luminor cases. Similarly, they both are very comfortable to wear despite being 44-45mm.

Panerai 233




The "Blancpain" on the case side isn't as distracting as you'd think and the 0,9mm hex nut lug screws are much easier to remove than slotted screws.





The dial is remarkably legible and the applied markers and numerals add just he right touch of sophistication. The splash of red on the tip of the second hand is gorgeous!



The slightly domed sapphire crystal and bezel give the FF a unique look. Almost too pretty? But the scratch resistance of the watch is amazing - despite having a 100% polished case!



The lume on this watch is BRIGHT and long lasting. More than sufficient to last a dive or for the evening.



The X-71 bracelet is excellent and, with the included three half links, very adjustable although the task is tedious and requires the same 0,9mm hex drivers as the lug screws.





Although the X-71 is an excellent bracelet, there's something very special about the OEM waterproof Sailcloth strap.





The FF may not be the most advanced dive watch, but it is without a doubt the prettiest luxury dive watch on the market today IMHO. Despite being so attractive, it still holds it own where it counts... under the waves.

Internet photo

Thanks for reading! Please do not QUOTE if responding due to the length of my post.

[Ramiks]

Nice review and great watch thanks for sharing

[aboen]

I thoroughly enjoyed the write up, Mike. Photos are great too
It's an amazing watch!

Thanks for the post

[Passionata]

Crazy nice pal,especially love the strap ,you may can upload some more pix about it


Best
George

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Xenophon]

Great review, Mike. Love the combo of straps

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by Xenophon

Great review, Mike. Love the combo of straps

Nathan, you're an example of why I love this place. If everyone hasn't read my 'Shoutout to Xenophon' thread yet (see link below), the lovely OEM sailcloth strap in these pictures was generously donated by this kind chap.

Mike

http://rolexforums.com/showthread.ph...=1#post3792130

[Monte Cristo]

Great write up Mike, and such an elegant dive watch...that Sailcloth strap really suits the FF.

[Psmith]

Great post Mike, of one of my fave watches - possibly the favourite

[Cru Jones]

awesome post, mike. thanks! love the FF.

[dukerules]

Very nice review, Mike. It truly is a special piece.

[AK797]

Love this watch, esp the beautiful and distinctive crystal bezel. Its on my list to buy tho it may take a while as Ive got Rolexes and APs to buy first. Many thanks, Mike, tho you are not helping!

[mfer]

Really nice write up. Any cons on the watch at all that you have found?

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by mfer

Really nice write up. Any cons on the watch at all that you have found?

Functionally none. It's keeping perfect time of +1s per week and the bezel is easily two finger turning. The only drawbacks are 1) the 23mm strap size and 2) the attention it draws.

The 23mm strap size makes finding alternative straps a challenge. I've been squeezing in 24mm straps but I've noticed that it can cause the lug screws to deform slightly from the pressure of thicker 24mm straps. I've replaced the screws and will cut down 24mm straps to 23mm if I use them on this watch.

This watch is a looker! It's big and shiny like Panerais. The bezel gives it a very jewel like quality. I've received many comments about how 'pretty' that huge watch is. Definitely not under-the-radar. It looks very dashing with a suit - wore it to a formal event and it didn't look out of place.

[SixPak]

Outstanding write-up and pics of a seriously beautiful dive watch, Mike .

I especially like its side view with the very unique-looking case and the domed glass.

This piece is definitely on my radar along with the JLC mc navy seals.

[dukerules]

Originally Posted by kilyung

This watch is a looker! It's big and shiny like Panerais. The bezel gives it a very jewel like quality. I've received many comments about how 'pretty' that huge watch is. Definitely not under-the-radar. It looks very dashing with a suit - wore it to a formal event and it didn't look out of place.

Agree with this. It's the "dressiest" diver around, I believe.

[Survivor]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Functionally none. It's keeping perfect time of +1s per week and the bezel is easily two finger turning. The only drawbacks are 1) the 23mm strap size and 2) the attention it draws.

The 23mm strap size makes finding alternative straps a challenge. I've been squeezing in 24mm straps but I've noticed that it can cause the lug screws to deform slightly from the pressure of thicker 24mm straps. I've replaced the screws and will cut down 24mm straps to 23mm if I use them on this watch.

This watch is a looker! It's big and shiny like Panerais. The bezel gives it a very jewel like quality. I've received many comments about how 'pretty' that huge watch is. Definitely not under-the-radar. It looks very dashing with a suit - wore it to a formal event and it didn't look out of place.

Its definitely "huge" and more than "pretty".....its stunning!!! Takes a big wrist to handle it.

[DiverAsia]

Great write up Mike.
Been in love with the FF for some time now. Your wrist shot with the sailcloth strap - perfection!

Continue to wear it in good health!

[subtona]

Mike,
thoroughly enjoyable read and photos!!!!!
and of course always nice to see a dive watch under water

[joe100]

Very nice!

[malarky_hk]

As usual Mike, nice write and great pics as well. A classic piece and I really like the sail cloth strap on the watch.

[MCV]

Just got an FF about ten days ago, and will be road testing it this week....love the super long power reserve. I also had to buy a new regular length strap and sourced some super nifty .9mm hex drivers with freewheeling handle ends like a jeweler's screwdriver...made the strap swap super easy.

Nice essay on the watch.

Cheers,

-Marc

[incontrol]

Thanks for the great write up, Mike! Your pictures are amazing. They really show off this beautiful watch. My "next" list includes this and an AP RO! Enjoy it in the best of health!

[financeman]

Great watch. Thanks for sharing

[nick c]

[mailman]

Very nice review Mike Thank you

[Hairdude1]

Thanks for posting

[QueueCumber]

A comprehensive and enjoyable read and view. Thanks!

[Auragentum]

Love it Mike

Love the FF, unfortunately a tad too big for my wrists/liking. Love the crystal bezel and the lume, just like I love the same on the Grand Seiko GMT.

Thanks for the read

[vman]

Sir, you have a hell of a watch. A true classic.

[dysondiver]

great review of one of my fave watches ,,,, close up pics are outstanding too.