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Thread: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec 2017

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  1. #1
    Master yonsson's Avatar
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    Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec 2017


    (A blog to watch)

    Just wanted to get your thoughts on the new Baselworld 2017 release of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tribute to Mil-spec.
    As you probably know, Blancpain released the first diver dedicated watch 1953. It was released in a number of variations and the Mil-Spec was one of them, used by special forces 1957/1958.
    I'm not going to quote the whole press release but the original had a moisture indicator on the dial.


    (My 45mm BP FF)


    (40mm, concept 2000)


    (Concept 2000, pic from Cristian at Klocksnack)

    The "regular" Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is 45mm but Blancpain released several 40mm versions 2003, which is actually before the regular version was released 2007. The 40mm version with sapphire bezel inlay was released in 3 series of 50 each.


    (A blog to watch)


    (A blog to watch)

    It seems to me and to an owner of the 2003 model that Blancpain is using the same case as they did 2003 but with a see through caseback.
    It's 40mm x 13mm and has a 20mm bandwidth. The movement on the 2017 model is also the same as on the 2003 versions (called concept 2000) although it has been updated with a silicon balance spring, a new oscillating weight, and probably other parts as well (21600bph, 96 hrs power reserve). The 2017 version is a LE of 500 and is due may/June.

    So what do you think of the new release? I'm actually a little worried about it only being 40mm but I have placed my order for one.
    Last edited by yonsson; 23rd May 2017 at 12:54.

  2. #2
    Grand Master snowman's Avatar
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    A lot of people will like the fact it's 'only' 40mm.

    That seems to be the main complaint about the Fifty Fathoms at 45mm.

    I like the new one, but I'd still go for the model you have, personally.

    M

  3. #3
    Quote Originally Posted by snowman View Post
    A lot of people will like the fact it's 'only' 40mm.

    That seems to be the main complaint about the Fifty Fathoms at 45mm.

    I like the new one, but I'd still go for the model you have, personally.

    M
    Yeah ME!!!

    Great stuff from BP

  4. #4
    Journeyman
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    Quote Originally Posted by snowman View Post
    A lot of people will like the fact it's 'only' 40mm.

    That seems to be the main complaint about the Fifty Fathoms at 45mm.

    I like the new one, but I'd still go for the model you have, personally.

    M
    Agreed. I like your model better.

  5. #5
    Master Top Cat's Avatar
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    I love it and also have my name down for one but I heard they are sold out so whether I will get one is another matter. I am a little worried about the 40mm size as the 45mm version wears really small with its short lugs. Even so, I think it is a cracker, if I can get one I am going for the bracelet version but will wear it on the sail cloth for resale reasons should I not get on with it.

  6. #6
    Master
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    Love it, would be even better without the date window.

  7. #7
    Master yonsson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Top Cat View Post
    I love it and also have my name down for one but I heard they are sold out so whether I will get one is another matter. I am a little worried about the 40mm size as the 45mm version wears really small with its short lugs. Even so, I think it is a cracker, if I can get one I am going for the bracelet version but will wear it on the sail cloth for resale reasons should I not get on with it.
    Sold out on pre orders WW or at your local AD, had had to take dramatic measures to order one. The Swedish AD only gets one or two and they are already pre booked.

  8. #8
    Master
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    I love it aswell.
    I wasn't sure about the "beach ball" moisture indicator when I first saw it, but that's grown on me and it obviously has historical significance.

    I'm not sure about the size though - 40mm with short lugs may be quite small.

  9. #9
    Craftsman
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    Quote Originally Posted by klunk View Post
    I wasn't sure about the "beach ball" moisture indicator when I first saw it, but that's grown on me and it obviously has historical significance.
    I've always thought that was the coolest thing - great idea, and looks fantastic on the dial, really brings it together for me. In this sense, see it as an equivalent of a tie - sure, black, grey and dark blue suits only, and even less variety in shirts, but the tie is where your individuality can shine and if you're a bit bolder than most, you have a legitimate way of letting it out with something a bit out of the ordinary.

  10. #10
    Master
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    I personally love this new release and have put my name down at the BP boutique. The 40mm size is perfect and I think it looks really classic. I have never owned a BP before so would be a cool one to add to the collection. However I will not pay the MSRP for it.

  11. #11
    Craftsman
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    It's perfect, all apart from the date window.

    Sent from my SM-G925F using TZ-UK mobile app

  12. #12
    Master yonsson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mjgerrard View Post
    It's perfect, all apart from the date window.

    Sent from my SM-G925F using TZ-UK mobile app

    Agree that it should have been no date but what a lovely date window and date wheel it is! Just look at that enlarged "7".

  13. #13
    Master -Ally-'s Avatar
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    I really like it and the size is perfect for me, sounds like getting one isn't an option but what's the price anyway ?

  14. #14
    Master yonsson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by -Ally- View Post
    I really like it and the size is perfect for me, sounds like getting one isn't an option but what's the price anyway ?
    $14000 on bracelet according to the press release.
    €13180 on sailcloth or nato, €15170 on bracelet in EU, probably fluctuates a little depending on country.

  15. #15
    Master -Ally-'s Avatar
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    Thanks yon, I wonder if we might ever see a 40mm non-LE version at a lower price.

  16. #16
    Master AM94's Avatar
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    Does it have Blancpain on the side of the case, like the 45mm does?

    That is the only thing I wasn't keen on with my FF.

  17. #17
    Master Neilw3030's Avatar
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    Having had a brief look at the FF, it is vey nice indeed. Is this a watch that needs to be bought used to avoid taking a bath, or is it a long term keeper to avoid getting wet.
    I can see that vintage ones are very strong money indeed, what does the future hold for recent examples i wonder.
    A good alternative to Rolex ????

  18. #18
    Wow, there were so many negative comments when released at Basel.
    Now suddenly everyone is in love:-)
    It sure is a strange world.i liked it then and I like it now.

  19. #19
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by RAJEN View Post
    Wow, there were so many negative comments when released at Basel.
    Now suddenly everyone is in love:-)
    It sure is a strange world.i liked it then and I like it now.
    I was in love the moment i saw it, thought it was one of Blancpain's best releases recently.

  20. #20
    Master yonsson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by RAJEN View Post
    Wow, there were so many negative comments when released at Basel.
    Now suddenly everyone is in love:-)
    It sure is a strange world.i liked it then and I like it now.
    Where? I haven't read a single negative word.
    Quote Originally Posted by kaiserphoenix View Post
    I was in love the moment i saw it, thought it was one of Blancpain's best releases recently.
    Agree.

  21. #21
    Master ghosty's Avatar
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    Yep I thought it was Epic, bar the fact I personally dont like the 40mm size, I'd prefer it to be larger.

    I've been invited by them to go to the Blancpain GT at Silverstone, anyone else going?

    Plus if they offer up one to order, is anyone interested, IF I can sort it out?

  22. #22
    Quote Originally Posted by yonsson View Post
    Where? I haven't read a single negative word.

    Agree.
    Look back at the Basel threads.

  23. #23
    We have discussed the bezel spring issue before. It is a relatively minor problem affecting earlier FFs, now seemingly resolved and in the later ones.

    http://www.watchprosite.com/page-wf....53/pi-5094738/

  24. #24
    Grand Master Wallasey Runner's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by RAJEN View Post
    We have discussed the bezel spring issue before. It is a relatively minor problem affecting earlier FFs, now seemingly resolved and in the later ones.

    http://www.watchprosite.com/page-wf....53/pi-5094738/
    How early Raj, is there a cut off date?

  25. #25
    Master
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    Personally I am not at all keen on the beach ball which disrupts the otherwise perfect dial. Everything else about the new FF is very lovely to me.

    Sent from my Vodafone Smart ultra 6 using TZ-UK mobile app

  26. #26
    Glad to see a re-release, but why don't they do it for the BUND ? A much better looking watch IMHO.


  27. #27
    Master yonsson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gren View Post
    Glad to see a re-release, but why don't they do it for the BUND ? A much better looking watch IMHO.

    Because Squale already does?

  28. #28
    Craftsman
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    I was one of the people who loved it when released and love it now. Does anyone know if the moisture indicator is functional? I'm not really sure how the original worked, but started wondering if the new one works the same way, a different way, or is just decorative!

  29. #29
    Master yonsson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by momentum View Post
    I was one of the people who loved it when released and love it now. Does anyone know if the moisture indicator is functional? I'm not really sure how the original worked, but started wondering if the new one works the same way, a different way, or is just decorative!
    It works and so did the original, but is it effective enough? Probably not. If a watch isn't water tight, then there will be condensation under the crystal, that's all the indication you need.

  30. #30
    Grand Master RustyBin5's Avatar
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    It's very nice but the LE thing with auto price hike irritates me. Won't make the list as a result £8k maybe. £14k er nah


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  31. #31
    Journeyman
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    Quote Originally Posted by RustyBin5 View Post
    It's very nice but the LE thing with auto price hike irritates me. Won't make the list as a result £8k maybe. £14k er nah


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    I agree completely. I had my eye on this one too.

  32. #32
    Re: I was in a AD

    Things one has to do these days to get a watch!!

  33. #33
    I like the look of it, especially as it is a 40mm case..

  34. #34
    Craftsman
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    What's the RRP for the 40mm?

  35. #35
    Non LE 40mm / 42mm would certainly be popular.
    Andy

    Wanted - Damasko DC57

  36. #36
    Master yonsson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jancik View Post
    What's the RRP for the 40mm?
    Quote Originally Posted by yonsson View Post
    $14000 on bracelet according to the press release.
    €13180 on sailcloth or nato, €15170 on bracelet in EU, probably fluctuates a little depending on country.

  37. #37

  38. #38
    Master
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    A stunning piece. Watch pron.

    Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

  39. #39
    Grand Master Wallasey Runner's Avatar
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    Quick question, has anyone had any problems with the bezel insert? I did read one watch review and someone posted at the bottom of the page that theirs had broken twice. The reviews do say that it is extremely hard wearing with it being sapphire, but is there a brittle element if it is banged etc.

    Any thoughts or experiences.

  40. #40
    Master yonsson's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wallasey Runner View Post
    Quick question, has anyone had any problems with the bezel insert? I did read one watch review and someone posted at the bottom of the page that theirs had broken twice. The reviews do say that it is extremely hard wearing with it being sapphire, but is there a brittle element if it is banged etc.

    Any thoughts or experiences.
    There is always a risk with sapphire, I have had no issues.

  41. #41
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wallasey Runner View Post
    Quick question, has anyone had any problems with the bezel insert? I did read one watch review and someone posted at the bottom of the page that theirs had broken twice. The reviews do say that it is extremely hard wearing with it being sapphire, but is there a brittle element if it is banged etc.

    Any thoughts or experiences.
    I have a fifty fathoms and I've never had any problems. I've unintentionally given the sapphire a pretty hard whack against a tap once and there's not a mark to be seen on it so I would definitely say it's hard wearing


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  42. #42
    Grand Master Wallasey Runner's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by yonsson View Post
    There is always a risk with sapphire, I have had no issues.
    Quote Originally Posted by David r View Post
    I have a fifty fathoms and I've never had any problems. I've unintentionally given the sapphire a pretty hard whack against a tap once and there's not a mark to be seen on it so I would definitely say it's hard wearing
    Thanks for both responses. I am on the verge, watch this space...

  43. #43
    Master ghosty's Avatar
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    I have one as well, it's not an issue with the bezel insert, more the spring inside, they're prone to snapping. I did mine as I was desending on a dive with gloves on. It has to go to southampton to be swapped, but it's quick and painless!

  44. #44
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wallasey Runner View Post
    Thanks for both responses. I am on the verge, watch this space...
    If you are on the verge I would urge you to go for it. In the flesh they are truly beautiful watches and it's my only watch that's universally liked by everyone who sees it whether they're into watches or not.

    Of my collection it's the only one I wouldn't sell.


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  45. #45
    Grand Master Wallasey Runner's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by David r View Post
    If you are on the verge I would urge you to go for it. In the flesh they are truly beautiful watches and it's my only watch that's universally liked by everyone who sees it whether they're into watches or not.

    Of my collection it's the only one I wouldn't sell.
    Thanks David, I agreed a straight trade with Watchfinder on Saturday for a FF with the Sailcloth type strap and deployant. My watch is in the post to them now, so providing they have no reason to reject it, I should be the proud owner of a FF by the weekend.

    I had slimmed down my collection to two decent watches with one now in the post and a buyer lined up for the other, I fully intend to run for a while with just one watch and see how it goes.

    I did have a Seiko Fifty Five Fathoms for a short while and that just made me want the real thing.

  46. #46
    Master Top Cat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by David r View Post

    Of my collection it's the only one I wouldn't sell.


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    +1. I did sell mine but couldn't find anything anywhere near as good so bought another! It's now staying.

    No problems with either in terms of the sapphire. It absorbs all kinds of knocks without a blemish.

  47. #47
    Craftsman
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    Wonderful watch...love it...


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  48. #48
    Grand Master ryanb741's Avatar
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    Yep lovely watches. The case contouring is wonderful. A lot of people are initially turned off by the 45mm case size but in reality they wear a fair bit smaller than this. RRP is £10600 but can be had new for around £7k out of the Far East. I hope you aren't doing a straight swap with your Snoopy as IMHO the Snoopy is worth a fair bit more.

    On SC I'd expect a second hand model, 4 years old in decent nick to go for around £5.5k


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  49. #49
    Grand Master Wallasey Runner's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ryanb741 View Post
    Yep lovely watches. The case contouring is wonderful. A lot of people are initially turned off by the 45mm case size but in reality they wear a fair bit smaller than this. RRP is £10600 but can be had new for around £7k out of the Far East. I hope you aren't doing a straight swap with your Snoopy as IMHO the Snoopy is worth a fair bit more.

    On SC I'd expect a second hand model, 4 years old in decent nick to go for around £5.5k
    The Snoopy pricing is also subjective of course, I listed one on SC at £8.5k and got no reaction, I even responded to someone who placed a WTB for one and they didn't want it, which seemed odd to me, but there you go. You do see some dealers asking £11k, but a lot of those remain on places like Chrono24 for a long time. Watchfinder have had one on e-bay for £11k for ages now and it doesn't seem to move. In fact talking to Watchfinder they regard Snoopy as a tricky watch to sell, often taking months to find a buyer for each one and they said that if I had been looking to sell for cash they wouldn't be interested as they already have a few in stock, but they were willing to discuss a trade deal.

    I didn't pay anything like £11k, so not taking a huge hit on it. I did consider putting this one on SC this week, but it just seemed like a waste of time, just like the guy who listed his Deep Blue and now that seems to be on its way to WF.

    I haven't got access to the Far East markets like you have and would be reluctant to trust such a value to the postal systems. Even paying £7k you would need to add 20% VAT onto that taking it to £8.4k, which is only about £800 or £900 cheaper than the U.K. grey dealers. In the U.K. I checked out all the usual markets and I certainly didn't see anything close to £5.5k for a second hand model, £8k+ is nearer the mark.
    Last edited by Wallasey Runner; 9th May 2017 at 09:36.

  50. #50
    Craftsman
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    I think the Fifty Fathoms is my favourite dive watch.


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