Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chrono (SS) Vs Cartier Calibre Diver (rose gold)

[Su_8395]

I’ve been debating between the FF Flyback Chrono SS and Cartier Diver in all gold. I know it might not seem like an apples to apples comparison given one is SS and other one is gold. One can argue that FF is decidedly an amazing tool watch with great complication. However, reality is I’m not planning to use either of these watches for diving. I see that Cartier discontinued Calibre diver series. Not sure what that would mean in the long run for the gold diver? Also, I would like this watch to be one my everyday watches. My current collection includes: Rolex Sub (SS) and IWC Portofino Chrono (rose gold). IWC is an occasional watch. I’m also debating maybe Rolex Yachtmaster II (SS). I would really appreciate your thoughts on this. Here are the photos of the watches.

[MichaelFlash]

YM. Never was into the BP FF chrono. Although the YM function is basically useless.

[GoingPlaces]

Well the YM is the obvious choice however if forced to choose between Cartier and Blancpain I would go FF all day, but on a strap.

[Pw92676]

My preference, based only on my personal appeal to the aesthetics: YM > Cartier Calibre Diver >>>>>> FF. I love Chronos and the fly back is fantastic but the look of that doesn’t suit me. YMMV.

[stormshadow]

Resale aside, I would go FF, YM2, Cartier.

I am a Blancpain fan more so than Rolex, so that sways my position a little.

[mjm944]

Have a look at the Rose Gold and Steel TT Cartier Calibre Diver in blue, a beautiful watch and half the price of the others...

[asiparks]

Quality wise Blancpain > Rolex >Cartier. Lookswise BP >Cartier>>>>>Rolex. IMHO of course.

Resale might be a different matter, depends on your long term intentions. That works mightily in your favor though, if you don't mind buying pre-owned.
If you ever imagine you'll want to wear the BP on a bracelet, buy it upfront- sailcloths and Natos are cheap and easy to find, the X71 bracelet not so much.

I have the regular FF in steel on a bracelet and the chrono in brushed rose gold on a Nato.

[l_chissle]

Originally Posted by asiparks

Quality wise Blancpain > Rolex >Cartier. Lookswise BP >Cartier>>>>>Rolex. IMHO of course.

Resale might be a different matter, depends on your long term intentions. That works mightily in your favor though, if you don't mind buying pre-owned.
If you ever imagine you'll want to wear the BP on a bracelet, buy it upfront- sailcloths and Natos are cheap and easy to find, the X71 bracelet not so much.

I have the regular FF in steel on a bracelet and the chrono in brushed rose gold on a Nato.

How big is your wrist? that looks brilliant on you!

[beefeater21]

My pick would be the Cartier > BP > YM. I find the YMII to be just a bit too much yachting functionality for my taste. The Cartier is interesting, a bit edgy, but very classic Cartier. And the gold version looks great to my eye. The BP is fine, but I'd probably go non-chrono on a Fifty Fathoms.

Good luck OP!

[tedo]

Between the 3, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms without question. If my choice, Rolex Deepsea BLUE

[asiparks]

Originally Posted by LPC6

How big is your wrist? that looks brilliant on you!

about 7 3/4, but it's quite flat on the top- Also the FF is a very easy 45mm watch to wear- it's all round bezel with not a lot of case sticking out of the sides, so it doesn't overwhelm. My 44mm GS is very similar:

.

I used to have a "42" mm AP diver that appeared, due it's porky case, much bigger.

[AG23]

Originally Posted by asiparks

Quality wise Blancpain > Rolex >Cartier. Lookswise BP >Cartier>>>>>Rolex. IMHO of course.

Resale might be a different matter, depends on your long term intentions. That works mightily in your favor though, if you don't mind buying pre-owned.
If you ever imagine you'll want to wear the BP on a bracelet, buy it upfront- sailcloths and Natos are cheap and easy to find, the X71 bracelet not so much.

I have the regular FF in steel on a bracelet and the chrono in brushed rose gold on a Nato.

I love the look of that strap- could you share what it is?

[Swaye]

FF for sure. Not close.

[rapide66]

Look-wise, BP FF > Cartier >> Rolex. I was never a fan of the Yachtmaster 2.

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by asiparks

Quality wise Blancpain > Rolex >Cartier. Lookswise BP >Cartier>>>>>Rolex. IMHO of course.

Resale might be a different matter, depends on your long term intentions. That works mightily in your favor though, if you don't mind buying pre-owned.
If you ever imagine you'll want to wear the BP on a bracelet, buy it upfront- sailcloths and Natos are cheap and easy to find, the X71 bracelet not so much.

I have the regular FF in steel on a bracelet and the chrono in brushed rose gold on a Nato.

This by a long shot! The Cartier and Yachtmaster do nothing for me - personally can't get past the model name on the bezel.

[Justindo]

The Blancpain is the only one of those three that I like.