I thought it might be interesting to take a closer look at two references within the same model range, the standard Fifty Fathoms ref 5015-1130-71 and the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe ref 5000-1110-70, both on bracelet. This comparison will focus on the details in mostly neutral close up shots.

The 45mm Fifty Fathoms was introduced in 2007, the bracelet was added as an option maybe 2 years later. The polished case of ref 5015 picks up the design language known from the Trilogy series, the bracelet is the well known X-71 adjusted in some details.

The 43.6mm Bathyscaphe was introduced in 2013, with exception of calibre 1315 which powers both references the watch was created fully from scratch, including the bracelet X-70, which again came approximately two years later.

The design elements of both bracelets are significantly different: the X-71 is fitted with a friction pin and a corresponding hex screw. The Bathyscaphe lugs require the X-70 to be fitted with spring bars.

The screws for length adjustment could not be more different as well:

While the X-71 features both polished and brushed parts, the X-70 of ref 5000 is all brushed:

Both bracelets feature a hidden deployant, both do not have a quick adjustment due to the aesthetic design choice Blancpain made. The process of opening and closing the clasp is a bit more delicate with the X-71 due to the additional guard you saw on a photo already.

Now let’s get back to the watches themselves. The following photos give you solid idea on how different and distinct the design elements of references 5000 and 5015 are:

Also the back of both cases could not be more different. The Fifty Fathoms 5015 uses a solid case back with an underlying anti magnetic shield. Since the Bathyscaphe 5000 was introduced 6 years later, the calibre 1315 had evolved to bear anti magnetic properties in itself, so a glass case back was chosen.

Those pics are meant to close the detail review…

 

… and lead over to the wrist shots. Both timepieces wear heavy and at the same time very comfortable due to the excellent execution of cases and bracelets. Ref 5015 is a bit more shiny, but it also represents the probably most luxurious dive watch around. Ref 5000 is representing more of a tool watch character.

I’ll close this pictorial comparison with some additional shots in different settings of both references, a bit less frugal than the previous close ups. First, here’s the Fifty Fathoms Automatique 5015-1130-71…

… and now the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 5000-1110-70:

I hope you enjoyed the comparison and the photos. You find the Fifty Fathoms 5015-1130-71 here and the 5000-1110-70 here on the Blancpain website.

Cheers
Henrik