Sub vs Fifty Fathoms

[tuantuanbo]

Have been trying to get a diving watch since beginning of 2020 in addition to my Explorer. None of the ADs got back to me on any sub models. The price is in the 12-16k range in second hand market. Finally decided to move to a fifty fathom, which was easily purchased in the low 11k. Really do not want to pay for Rolex's hunger marketing trick.

Folks, let's discuss about how would you choose if you were in this situation.

[bliew]

FF is on the bigger end of the size spectrum for me unless you got the 40mm special edition

[C0d]

Enjoy your new FF50 and the kick in the #$tz to Rolex and their silly games.

I'd do the same.

Some would jump on a waiting list for BB58 after being denied a sub. That's the latest trend.

[szabo_martin]

FF50 with the blue guilloche dial is spectacular

[Spoonage]

FF or a Bathyscaphe would be great. Also the GO diver looks good as well.

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[Cassidy776]

Blancpain is as good as it gets when it comes to Dive Watches......Fifty Fathoms, Bathyscape are fantastic, available at very attractive discounts new and even better prices when buying preowned.

[Wcdhtwn]

The FF is a great watch! Congrats!

I wanted the SD43 when it came out, but I have to see a watch in person before committing. I decided if I didn't like it the FF Bathyscaphe was my alternative. I ended up with the SD, but think I'd have been equally happy with the FF-B. This was before the current insanity. In today's market with the premiums and the years long wait times, I think you made the right move.

[Fleetlord]

If I wanted a Sub, then I would acquire a Sub.

The FF is bloatedly oversized with a bracelet that doesn’t have fine adjust and 23mm lugs that are a big pita.

Bathyscape is nice, but that is a plus watch, not a in lieu of a sub.

[GB-man]

Good choice that’s a killer watch. You done good!

[SDREW22]

I almost traded my Sub towards a blue FF last month. Something irked me about BP belonging to the swatch group. I don't why,but it caused me to pass.

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[Oyster Sauce]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

If I wanted a Sub, then I would acquire a Sub.

The FF is bloatedly oversized with a bracelet that doesn’t have fine adjust and 23mm lugs that are a big pita.

Bathyscape is nice, but that is a plus watch, not a in lieu of a sub.

+1 My thoughts are a gentler version of this. No one will question the importance and classic looks of the original FF - super cool. But if you wanted a Sub, don’t give up! Only get the FF if that’s what you really wanted. If you need a high quality, cool diver to tide you over while you hunt for the perfect Sub, get an Omega or a Tudor for a lot less than the FF. Best wishes!

[Pw92676]

I don’t think that’s a huge gap that would have steered my decision based on numbers alone.

[28337]

Blancpain Bathyscaphe - ceramic case, sunburst blue dial. Really beautiful watch with only minor thing - 115\75mm strap feels too short and too thin. But may be it is just MY opininon - cause I used to wear really fat long straps on my Panerai, 140\80mm is perfect for me.

[18078pres]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

If I wanted a Sub, then I would acquire a Sub.

The FF is bloatedly oversized with a bracelet that doesn’t have fine adjust and 23mm lugs that are a big pita.

Bathyscape is nice, but that is a plus watch, not a in lieu of a sub.

agree don't settle

[Harry-57]

If I wanted a Sub, that is what I would be aiming to buy.

Settling for something else may land me a superb watch but it wouldn't kill my desire to own a Sub. I speak from personal experience.

Your mileage may vary. I can't tell you what you should own.

[tuantuanbo]

Great points guys.

Maybe I did not make it clear in my original post. I am not a big lover for Sub specifically. What I wanted was just adding a diving watch to my collection. Sub and FF are the two candidates. Considering the hunger marketing situation, I would prefer to save the waiting time or premium to get a FF to start enjoying. So far in a week, this big guy has not generated any negatives on my wrist. Love it a lot as a top diving watch.

Moving forward, if I would only add one more Rolex in my collection, I would go with Batman. I am sure I have to wait for really long or double price to get that...

Cheers.

[1665fan]

That thing is waaaay too big....45mm is like a clock for the wrist

[Chester01]

The history is beyond dispute, but the size is a real concern. I would, if I was in the market for a sub, look at tudor. They are what Rolex was, and offer better value for the dollar. Otherwise, I would take advantage of a 5 digit sub, which can be had at great prices relative to the gmt and explorer. Because there was such a long production time, one can be sourced in excellent condition.

[Rado63]

The FF is a really cool diver. It is a 45mm watch, and, if you actually use it in the water the larger dial and hands make it very legible under water. The thickness is only 15mm, This makes wearing a 45mm watch a bit easier also the lug width is 23mm so it looks pretty nice.

[AK797]

FF is a great piece, I found it a little too bezel and head heavy on the slim sailcloth strap, its best on the bracelet. Bezel lume is fantastic.

[tuantuanbo]

Actually, the 45 mm size is another main driving force for me to move to FF. After wearing the explorer for a few years, really wanted to try some large dials...

[Batmannr1]

The battle of the divers. I had a Sub and sold it because next to my SD 43 it got no wrist time.
Bought a 40 mm Fifty Fathoms and this one can compete with the Sea-Dweller.

[LF1925]

Love the FF Bathy. With it routinely selling for 30% under retail, it represents a solid value particularly preowned that’s versatile enough to wear for a variety of occasions including what it was designed for. Definitely a worthy alt for the Sub


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[Hollie_Rollie]

Originally Posted by LF1925

Love the FF Bathy. With it routinely selling for 30% under retail, it represents a solid value particularly preowned that’s versatile enough to wear for a variety of occasions including what it was designed for. Definitely a worthy alt for the Sub


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Absolutely. And the blue dial FF is way more interesting then the subs. You’ll likely encounter more enthusiasts wearing the FF than the sub.

[tuantuanbo]

Originally Posted by Hollie_Rollie

Absolutely. And the blue dial FF is way more interesting then the subs. You’ll likely encounter more enthusiasts wearing the FF than the sub.

BTW, Titanium FF has sapphire back, which adds some more joy and entertainment.


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[Brian Page]

I have a lot of feelings on this topic as I had a 5015 a couple years back. In a lot of ways it's an awesome watch (didn't have the bracelet) Great history behind it, super quality etc. One thing I didn't like was the 23 mm lug width. I had a couple of Panerai 44mm watches at the time so I had a ton of straps that unfortunately didn't quite cut it with the FF. Had the barrakuda for about 72 hours on a trade deal and sent it back, too much money and hype for something in that case didn't feel like the quality I was hoping for with the bezel etc.. So don't get me wrong I think it's a great brad and has history especially for a diver but for some reason I always come back to my Rolex divers. Best of luck!