Agonizing Decision - Fifty Fathoms or Datejust

[Golfpaul66]

I currently have a Datejust 41 (126334) and It's my only Rolex. I've fallen in love with the Blanc Pain Fifty Fathoms. I'd love to keep both but its's a "one or the other" situation, unfortunately. Looking for insight from the knowledgeable members of this forum. What are pros and cons of such a trade-off?

[WatchEater666]

The Fifty Fathoms is way more exciting IMO and a lot more watch for the money. There are (literally) millions of Rolex out there and not anywhere near as many Blancpain.

I would sell the DJ and get the BP personally! :)

[Easy E]

Subscribed. I am currently talking myself into a Fifty Fathoms also.

Let's hear all about, boys! And no thread is complete without pictures.

E-

[DoricSpiker]

I would keep the Blancpain. The movement is a different level and that's the reason I would keep it over a Datejust.

[Golfpaul66]

Just to clarify, I don't own the Blancpain yet. I would sell the Rolex to buy the Blancpain.

[gretch6364]

Pretty easy decision IMHO (assuming you have a large enough wrist for the FF).

[stormshadow]

Blancpain fan here; two very nice, but different watches - dimensions, function, wrist presence, thickness. In an either/or scenario, I would pick the Blancpain or the Rolex every time.

[EdwardC]

Depends on the model. I love the 40mm Fifty Fatboms models much more than the regular ones. For day to day I think DJ41 is more versatile but the FF is definitely more special. Like another member said, if one out of a millions matters more than one of the millions, the FF is a great choice for the money.

[dchang81]

love the fifty fathoms except for the large blancoain engraving on the case.

[DoricSpiker]

Originally Posted by dchang81

love the fifty fathoms except for the large blancoain engraving on the case.

That’s one of the reasons I bought the bathyscaphe.


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[HHIslander]

Originally Posted by dchang81

love the fifty fathoms except for the large blancoain engraving on the case.

+1

If not for that engraving on the side, I would own one. Beautiful watches otherwise.

OP, I'd stay with the Rolex.

[_speedmaster_]

Interesting question. I'm firmly in the Blancpain camp, much better finishing and much less common. That said, if this is to decide on having one watch to serve multiple purposes, I say the DJ. The fifty fathoms (as much as I love mine) is not something you can wear as easily as a DJ for a multitude of occasions.

[DVR]

I own 2 Rolex's and no Blancpain.
For me the BP FF 5015 !
In fact this exact watch is on my 'to buy in 2022' list, the 45mm fits amazingly well on normal wrists, mine is 17.5cm and it's a glorious fit:

[PBJ1925]

Granted, very different watches but its a FF all day for me.

Better finish, has historical relevance as a dive watch, and much less common in the wild. You'll take a hit on the value so may want to consider purchasing pre-owned or in the grey market but its a stunning watch regardless of which version you end up with.

[ap1]

FF, dj too vanilla

[asiparks]

I'm biased- I've had 3, still have the steel version on the bracelet and the rose gold chrono, traded the titanium one, but now it's available with a Ti bracelet, I'm on the lookout for one.

Although it's 45mm, thats pretty much taken up with bezel and dial, there's little case visible and the lugs don't stick out much, so it's more wearable than the size might at first suggest
Here's a great tear down look at the insides:
https://www.thenakedwatchmaker.com/decon-blancpain

Mine:

[robinmgb]

I’ve done a similar deal in the past and got a Blancpain fifty fathoms chrono.
There really is no contest in watchmaking terms, Rolex are mass produced machines aimed at the high street buyer while Blancpain is a true high horology brand on another level!

[asiparks]

I wasn't a massive fan of the engraving either, but it's not actually that large or visible as it faces down towards the wrist...not hard to live with.

[dchang81]

Originally Posted by asiparks

I wasn't a massive fan of the engraving either, but it's not actually that large or visible as it faces down towards the wrist...not hard to live with.

i mean it's not a complete dealbreaker but just seems so odd.

[Apflorio1]

Fifty Fathoms for sure.


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[denmanproject]

Originally Posted by Apflorio1

Fifty Fathoms for sure.


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[Baco Noir]

BP FF all day long.

[dchang81]

man i need to take a break from the forums, now i want a FF

[gnuyork]

I'm sure I'm in the minority but the FF does nothing for me, and certainly not as a daily wear. I'd keep the DJ.

However, I am very much interested in the GO SeaQ.

[asiparks]

The GO SeaQ is a lovely piece, I think GO are one of the most under rated makers out there.

Still, (as I said, I am biased), the FF Grande date in titanium is quite compelling:

[epicurus]

50

[TimeAZ]

Keep the Rolex. Especially considering that is your only Rolex, plus the DJ41 is just an incredible watch in any of its various forms. It is a timeless classic and the type of item that you pass down generations. It will always be special, symbolic, and impactful.

The FF, while no doubt a very nice watch with great history and heritage, honestly does nothing for me. I don't see the appeal. Just my opinion.

[zen123]

Unless you have other watches as more of a daily wearer I would stick with the DJ. The Fifty Fathoms is nice but not something I could wear everyday.

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[Pw92676]

As an only watch, I’d go with DJ

[Mach]

I would say it depends on how you dress as well. If you are more likely to be wearing long-sleeve dress shirts, I would stay with the DJ41. If you are like me and wear jeans and polo shirts, the FF.

I was at the NYC Blancpain Boutique on Tuesday. I'm still hoping for a regular production FF in 40-42mm size. Although my wrist is only 16cm, the FF definitely wears smaller than 45mm IMHO: