(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.