Reply With QuoteThere is a shot of the caseback in the link.
How does this differ to the very similar LE that people on here have owned?
This time a BP FF 40mm milspec, 250 in number. https://limited.hodinkee.com/blancpain-milspec/
I can't see any caseback shots, so don't know if its engraved.
Sent from my SM-G988B using Tapatalk
There is a shot of the caseback in the link.
How does this differ to the very similar LE that people on here have owned?
Too small IMHO and not very attractive. Standard model much nicer in my eyes
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
no dateOriginally Posted by Wallasey Runner
Thanks. Maybe someone who still has one could post a pic so we can see the differences. I noticed that the case on the Hodinkee looks brushed, wasn't the earlier Watch fully polished?
Think they should have chosen a smaller wristed model, looks like a toy watch....
Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app
Yes fully brushed, no date, display case back and NO 'Blancpain' engraving on the case side.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Here you go...
Sent from my SM-G988B using Tapatalk
Thanks. The 15 minute markers have been removed for the Hodinkee.
I really like it. Could do with being slight bigger maybe but think that’s just the photos.
Edit: would like a bracelet as well!
For once, I agree with Ryan. This is just too small (even for me with a mere 6.75" wrist). I had a deposit on the Barakuda last year but then pulled out after I had tried on a fellow member's Milspec LE, which seemed like a toy watch (much smaller than other 40mm like the 16600).
So, definitely a case of try before you buy. But no matter, you won't be able to get it anyway.
Most historic divers are 40mm, I don’t see this being too small at all.
The price of 40mm FFs keep going up and this sold out in 3.5 minutes. I think people appreciate the pedigree this watch has. I certainly can’t think of many reissues better than this and the Barakuda
Not a lot wrong with that, apart from the limited number!
Agree, perfect size. I’ve yet to see a 45mm Fifty Fathoms that doesn’t look somewhat ridiculous on the wearer’s wrist.
And this one looks infinitely better without the date wheel wedged incongruously between four and five o’clock.
+1.. many vintage divers out there around this size and wear perfeclty
Perfect in my eyes. Size is spot on. Alas, not obtainable.
I think a lot of times you see people with a maxi case 6 digit Rolex on the wrist and it just looks too big on them.
Having owned a milspec and wrist size 7 inches I would say the dimensions are about perfect if you are in that sort of range.
The brushed finish on this is an improvement for me.
Glad they made it in a 40mm. I look forward to reading the comments on H’s site saying “I would buy it if was a 39mm”
Nice watch and improvements on the standard except the bezel.
40mm would be fine with a bracelet but Ona strap would prefer Atleast 42mm
I consider 40mm to be the perfect size for this type of watch provided it isn't too thick (inside 13mm). I think I'd go with the previous LE though and for this sort of money I'd want it on bracelet.
I really like this one and made the purchase yesterday. I'd been waiting for a no date, 40mm version of the Fifty Fathoms and really like the additional modifications of this one compared to the previous LE: the brushed case, no engraving on the side of the case, no date, matte dial, simplified logo, coin edge bezel, fewer bezel markings and a smaller font for the bezel numbers. For all of their faults, I think Hodinkee did well with the design of this one.
I was on the list for the Barakuda but just felt the lume was a bit too dark so decided against it in the end. I also bought and returned the previous Hodinkee LE - it was just a bit too small in person. So I'm hoping this is the Goldilocks Blancpain for me! I'll need to sell some watches to make way for it though. I'll share some photos on this thread when it arrives. In the meantime, here's some stock images of the two Milspec editions for comparison - they're both very nice to my eye:
Well done,TH14TH14. I think it is an extremely nice watch and as long as you are ok with size, you will be very happy with it.
I had the bracelet and canvas strap with mine and I would say looks much nicer on the strap-as pictured.
It also looked nice on a tropic but for some reason I didn't think the bracelet suited it.
Well done the buyer-great looking watch.
Pretty much my grail watch but can't justify it.
Think they nailed pretty much everything on it as above. Only thing I think I'd prefer is a flatter bezel but the size, no date, brushed case & simplified bezel markers are spot on.
For me the proportions with the lozenge bezel doesn’t work for me on the 40mm BB FF - unlike the full-size version. But good luck with the purchase above - but as said its a watch to check in person before you buy.
all the best. M
I like that, I have the original but would definitely prefer it if it didn't have blancpain engraved in the case.
I dont see the fuss about the size, I've worn all sorts and the 40mm doesn't seem titchy to me.
The watch arrived just before Christmas and I finally got round to sharing some photos. I’m mainly wearing it on the BP tropic strap which I must say is excellent (so it should be for the silly price). I’m pleased to say that I love the watch as much as I hoped I would - I’ve not worn much else so far this year. I can see that the case size might not be enough for everyone due to the short lugs but thankfully it’s perfect for my skinny wrists!
Last edited by TH14TH14; 13th February 2021 at 18:32.
That looks great, congrats.
Cor, that’s absolutely lovely!
Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app
That looks outstanding
Great choice.
It’s not the 40mm diameter that is too small for me, it is the size of the dial and (lozenge shaped) bezel
ratio - that makes it small for me. Perhaps could the owner measure the diameter of the watch face I would be interested to know?
Martyn
Hi Martyn,
No probs. Some approximate measurements (I only have a ruler!):
Lug to lug length: 47mm
Bezel diameter: just under 40mm
Crystal diameter: 29mm
Bezel insert width: just under 4mm
Height including crystal: just over 13mm
Hope that helps,
Ian
Many thanks! They are interesting statistics. All the best. Martyn.
bit too small for me IMHO
Last edited by MartynJC (UK); 14th February 2021 at 09:18.
Looks amazing as expected.
Good god that is stunning.
Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app
Hodinkee can act like hype-based scam artists a lot of the time, but that watch is exceptional!
Congrats!
This, to some extent. All 40mm BP hit the mark and this is no exception.
There’s nothing wrong with Hodinkee but they are not journalists. It’s simply a PR company promoting press releases.
I actually prefer the smaller one on you but you could definitely wear both well! Maybe 42mm would be the Goldilocks size for you. Hopefully Blancpain will produce some non-limited sub-45mm FFs at some point.
Thanks for all the positive comments everyone. My favourite thing about it is the bezel - the slight dome on the insert and the way it catches the light means the watch is always interesting. Here's a photo of the watch on my 17cm wrist which illustrates that effect:
What a cracker! Looks great on your wrist too. [Mine also 6.75” and I found the MilSpec just way too small; wrist shape perhaps, and preferences.]
Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app
Congratulations, that’s a beauty!!The watch arrived just before Christmas and I finally got round to sharing some photos. I’m mainly wearing it on the BP tropic strap which I must say is excellent (so it should be for the silly price). I’m pleased to say that I love the watch as much as I hoped I would - I’ve not worn much else so far this year. I can see that the case size might not be enough for everyone due to the short lugs but thankfully it’s perfect for my skinny wrists!
I’ve looked at this numerous times since it was released but as always I’m too late to the party.
IMO it’s the perfect size and proportions and I’m glad they didn’t go any larger.
Enjoy!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That looks good on you. Yeh 42mm would be the sweet spot for me - if BB ever produced one.I actually prefer the smaller one on you but you could definitely wear both well! Maybe 42mm would be the Goldilocks size for you. Hopefully Blancpain will produce some non-limited sub-45mm FFs at some point.
Thanks for all the positive comments everyone. My favourite thing about it is the bezel - the slight dome on the insert and the way it catches the light means the watch is always interesting. Here's a photo of the watch on my 17cm wrist which illustrates that effect:
Posting Permissions
