Reply With QuoteLooks amazing ! I’m going on Thursday to look at a 70s day date, it looks a bit like this but not as nice !
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A while ago I allowed myself to trade the Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec, a watch that I really liked a lot and missed immediately it was gone. In fact, it was my fourth Fifty Fathoms of one kind or another. I’d previously owned three of the 45mm models as well (the Automatique, the Dark Knight and the No Radiations) and whilst I thought the larger models were all absolutely gorgeous watches I knew they were a little too substantial for my wrists.
The Mil-Spec, being a whisker over 40mm, was perfect in every way but what they all had in common was a quality that became evident the moment you handled the watch. The flawless fit and finish, incredible depth of the dials & indices, the lumed sapphire bezels, the beautifully finished movements… in terms of divers, Blancpain take things to another level altogether, and – whilst clearly not cheap watches – at least you know you’re getting something more than a utilitarian movement housed in a relatively unremarkable piece of steel. (Don’t flame me – I’m actually a bit of a Rolex fanboy and really do like both the old and the new.)
Anyway, back on track and circumstances seem to have smiled on me (actually, it was planning rather than luck, and painful decisions were made). In any event, having missed out on one opportunity, I was surprised to see that not only was a second mint example of Blancpain’s latest tribute offering listed on SC, but it was actually languishing there; in fact, I could almost hear it’s siren’s song pulling me ever closer. “LTF, LTF…” The result was probably always somewhat inevitable, and the Barakuda that’s on my wrist as I type is everything I hoped it would be. Certainly, it’s my favourite of all the Fifty Fathom’s I’ve owned, although there’s not a great deal to choose between it and the Mil-Spec. More on that in a minute, though.
The Barakuda is another beautifully executed tribute, this time to a watch that was originally released back in the late 1960s. Of course, the original FF dates back even further – to 1953 – and has a history that I’ve written about before so won’t repeat. However, whilst the French were the first to equip themselves with Fifty Fathoms models for their underwater missions other military elites followed. One of those – in the 1960’s – was the German Bundesmarine, which was supplied with Fifty Fathoms models via Barakuda – a German company specialising in the production and marketing of technical diving equipment.
Alongside the watches intended for the military, the company also introduced the domestic market to a civilian model adopting the Barakuda's distinctive style, notably featuring the use of two-tone rectangular hour-markers, white-painted fluorescent hands, as well as a highly visible date display at 3 o’clock. Many were fitted with a Tropic-type rubber strap that was very popular with divers at the time and became quickly renowned for its durability as well as its wearer comfort. Production numbers aren’t verified, but it’s widely believed there were about 150 of these watches. This scarcity, along with the military provenance, have made the Barakuda a very prized watch among Fifty Fathoms collectors. In fact, many FF aficionados thought that it should have been the first limited edition tribute model that Blancpain produced. Here’s a shot of the original Barakuda, just as a point of reference; this one is from 1970 (and it’s a 41mm case, by the way). It was sold by Phillips at auction two years ago and fetched about £14k – not bad for one of the most iconic dive watches in history.
Let’s jump forward again, then, to Blancpain’s reissue of the Barakuda that was released last year; just 500 watches in all, it’s actually a pretty faithful tribute. The Barakuda shares much of the Mil-Spec DNA in that it’s presented in the same 40.3mm case and is driven by the same Blancpain calibre 1151 movement. In fact, the movement is made by Piguet but has been used extensively by Blancpain, and also by Brequet, AP and VC. Interestingly though, only Blancpain is allowed by Piguet to have a 100 hour reserve, whilst other rival manufactures have been forced to settle on a “measly” 70 hours; the benefit of being siblings, of course. In any event, it’s finished absolutely beautifully with a mere 3.25mm thickness that belies its twin barrels, 210 components and 28 jewels. Whilst you might not realise it whilst gazing at it in wonder, the rotor is solid 18ct gold; however, it's coated with a platinum alloy (Blancpain's "NAC") which I have to say looks amazing.
The dial is a matt black that somehow seems to add depth to the dual-coloured indices featuring the wonderful pops of red seen in the original. Both the crystal and bezel are domed sapphire, the latter being fully lumed albeit not going so far as to feature a minute track across its full radius as per the original. The lume, by the way, is spectacular.
I’ve been asked how it compares to the Mil-Spec, and the truth is that they wear very similarly in many ways for the reasons mentioned above. It boils down to aesthetics, and I’m sure that there will be fans in both camps. For me, the Barakuda’s warmth, matt dial and unique colouring, coin-edge bezel and date window positioned at 3 o'clock wins the day for me; however, you really couldn’t make a mistake with either, and to my mind both represent everything that’s right about reissues. Genuine testaments to the past, whilst representing the very best of watchmaking in the present.
So, the customary photos... not an easy one due to the domed crystal, but I hope that they convey in some way the beauty of this watch.
Looks amazing ! I’m going on Thursday to look at a 70s day date, it looks a bit like this but not as nice !
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Thanks for the write up Tony! Great pickup. I was wondering what would compete with your SD. No comparison really.
all the best.
Martyn.
Stunning!
Great right up and pictures as usual!
I bought a Fifty Fathoms earlier this year, from this very forum, and although I had read about how the finish and feel was way above similar offerings it's not until you actually handle one you appreciate it. In fact I am actually thinking of moving on a watch from another brand that I had considered a forever watch!
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Thanks Tony, very enjoyable read and I don’t know how you’d choose between this and the Milspec :).
I love the distortion the crystal produces on the edges of the dial and the tips of the hands
Very nice Tony. It has a few details such as coin edged bezel which makes it air above the mil-spec and even my aversion to fauxtina would be let slide. Cracking.
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Stunning watch and a great write up. Keep this one
Brilliant write up of a beautiful watch!
Great write up Tony. Lovely photos as usual and stunning watch.
Look forward to seeing this at the next GTG (fingers crossed 2021).
What a beautiful watch! Well out of my league but thankyou for the review and photos.
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One of the nicer Blancpain models that isn't spoilt by the date window being at 4.30
Lovely review. It's a pleasure to read it.
Love the watch too.
Thanks very nuch.Originally Posted by s1wnw
Indeed, Martyn. Cheers matey.
Thanks very much, Raj!
Yes, the quality is undeniable when you have one in your hands.
Thanks, and agreed - not an easy choice.
Me too!
That's a very good point about the bezel, and I've made mention of it now in the OP.
Thanks, Ken, and I will!Stunning watch and a great write up. Keep this one
Cheers :)
Thanks jase, but we need to arrange something before 2021! Lets try.
Thank you!
I don't mind the date window at 4.30 on other models, but i know what you mean.
That's kind of you, thank you!
Worth sacrificing the SD for imho Tony, (& if it ever leaves my wrist I promise you will get first refusal).
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The BP is a stunner with great images and editing and I understand why you needed to sell the SD to fund the BP, but I think Seadwellers get a hard time sometimes and are probabley the best pound for pound premium watch brand out there, I would say this as an owner though!
Great write up and pictures ! Some more photos would be appreciated (of your old Blancpain models as well) ;)
Congrats on that Tony, definitely my favourite Fifty Fathoms variation
Dan
Thanks for the write up Tony, I have also been Blancpain'd to a certain extent.
As I write this I am wearing your old 'Dark Knight' Fifty Fathoms on my wrist and a while back I was also lucky enough to purchase the Barakuda that was sold by Kash. When I picked up the Barakuda I had intended to let the Dark Knight go, hence why I asked to use your pictures, but as it stands I haven't been able to bring myself to sell it so I currently have two Blancpain in my collection.
I bought the Barakuda after falling in love with the pictures I had seen online but before I was able to collect the watch I started reading that it wears small which worried me slightly but actually when I finally took delivery and put it on it didn't feel small at all. The whole watch is beautifully put together, the movement is stunning, the matte dial is fantastic and as you say the lume is also amazing. Even my Mrs commented on the Barakuda which is a very positive sign as she usually shows zero interest!
It's a great watch and I am actually glad you got one as I can now enjoy your excellent photos of it too!
Hey Joe!!! Glad you still have the Dark Knight, and you may have noticed that when I referenced it a few posts above this one I also said that it was my other favourite. I understated that if anything - it's a sublime watch and I'm not surprised that you couldn't bring yourself to list it for sale. Glad you're enjoying the Barakuda too!
Great write and I love your photography.
Not a bad watch either...
Very well done Tony, a FF is probably the only modern diver I really covet, the No Rads or Automatique would be my choices.
Cheers..
Jase
Great writ you and stunning photos. Well done.
you know how to take a picture Tony, as if you cant make a great looking watch any better, stick a camera in Tony's hand
Lovely watch, great pics, enjoy mate
Great pics and write up Tony, thanks. Like you, I have had all the 45mm FF's at one point or another and after moving them on I haven't found anything that gets under my skin like the FF does. I have just bought another Dark Knight, I agree with you, it is the best of the 45mm's and this one is staying!!!
Thank you so much!Great write and I love your photography.
Not a bad watch either...
Cheers Jase. You really can’t go wrong with any of them.
Thank you!
Yes, Tony, the Dark Knight is just gorgeous. Jealous.
That's a grail for me, I had been drooling over the SC post but not something I can entertain any time soon.
Congratulations, it's a beauty.
Great watch and great photos as always! If you ever happen to be down in the south west pop in and take some decent pics of mine :-)
It's so hard to get a re-issue right. If a manufacturer sticks too close to the original it just feels bland, none of benefits of a modern watch and none of the history that comes with years of patina and life. Other re-issues bear absolutely no resemblance to the original and thus again don't benefit from the advantages of a modern watch or charm of vintage.
With this BP have got it spot on. All the charm of the original with the right case size and shape and beautiful matte dial. And, all the benefits BP are known for with modern watches; probably the best bezel made being sapphire.
Super watch, congratulations
I have a Leman Aqua Lung Grand Date which is a super thing and the perfect size (as is yours). I always fancied one of the Fifty Fathoms 50th anniversary issues (3 x 50) but, quite apart from the almost complete absence of items for sale, their price has become difficult to 'fathom'
The No Radiations is nice but this one is really nice. A real keeper.
Great photos as always Tony.
I’ve yet to try a Fifty Fathoms in person, but very pleased they released a second 40mm model even if it is another LE. Perhaps the standard range will scale down from 45mm at some point?
Dave
Nice one.
Andy
Wanted - Damasko DC57
Thanks very much.
Thanks, and I accept commissions
i agree with you completely, actually. Perfect size and perfectly executed.
Thanks. They’re obviously not cheap, but in a perverse way they’re relatively good value. It’s all madness really, though.Super watch, congratulations
I have a Leman Aqua Lung Grand Date which is a super thing and the perfect size (as is yours). I always fancied one of the Fifty Fathoms 50th anniversary issues (3 x 50) but, quite apart from the almost complete absence of items for sale, their price has become difficult to 'fathom'
I like the No Rads a lot too. Then again, I like them all a lot.
Thanks Dave. I don’t see the size of the core models changing any time soon, but perhaps they’ll come up with a non-LE 40mm model at some point.
That is very nice Tony!.
I do regret not going for the Air Command I looked at a few years ago.
When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........
Great write up Tony and an exquisite watch, definitely one that stands well out from the diver crowd.
That’s quite a Journey! All of them look amazing, you’ve sparked my interest and hopefully after stores open again I can go and have a proper look!
Great review and history lesson.
Great write up and a lovely watch.
A picture of my old one, just because.
Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
Friedrich Nietzsche
That is a lovely thing!Great write up and a lovely watch.
A picture of my old one, just because.
Mil Spec x 2 to be completely accurate TonyHmmm... well. I have no more of this one right now but i can give you a pictorial history of my Fifty fathoms journey...
Mil-Spec
Last edited by andy tims; 12th May 2020 at 23:26.
Andy
Wanted - Damasko DC57
Great write up and fabulous photos as usual, Tony.
Lovely watch albeit I suspect it would be too small for me.
A 45mm FF is definitely on my bucket list, although I’d have to let my DSSD go to have a hope of affording one...
Simon
Good write up and pics.
I think your pic of the milspec shows me that these are better suited on something other than the bracelet.
I think the tropic or canvas really suits them along with the leather on the no radiations.
The power reserve on these are something to behold.
Take it off on a Sunday night and stick it back on Friday and its still good to go.
Enjoy the watch.
Have you seen the reissue from last year? It's also lovely!
Thanks, Ian!
Cheers
Yes, try some on. You'll be impressed.
Thanks, and very nice!Great write up and a lovely watch.
A picture of my old one, just because.
That was totally uncalled-for!
The 45mm actually wears very well as the lugs are relatively short. Personally I'd rather have one than a Deapsea, but there's no doubt that having both would be even better!Great write up and fabulous photos as usual, Tony.
Lovely watch albeit I suspect it would be too small for me.
A 45mm FF is definitely on my bucket list, although I’d have to let my DSSD go to have a hope of affording one...
Simon
Thanks very much. I actually loved the Mil-Spec on the bracelet and - if they were cheaper - would definitely get one for the Barakuda. As it is, though, it's something that will have to wait for now.
Sublime!!!
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