A blog entirely dedicated to Blancpain timepieces
It’s time to start the annual overview on Blancpain novelties, which are supposed to be released at different points throughout the year. As in previous years this overview will be updated whenever new models are released, and as usual I will try to do my best to provide hands-on photos of many new timepieces as soon as possible.
On October 30, 2025 I was among the first small group of watch journalists visiting the Valleé de Joux, more specifically the Blancpain farmhouse in Le Brassus, for the presentation of a new creation. Greeted by Marc A. Hayek and other senior representatives of Blancpain we were eager to find out more, but little did we know that we were about to see a milestone in watch making, artisan craft and innovation. This was not the presentation of a new watch, it was an exceptional horological experience. So let me now take you on the journey of exploring the Blancpain Grande Double Sonnerie reference 15GSQ for yourself.
Last week I had the opportunity to do a photo session with the best part of the new Villeret collection. Getting up close and personal with 3 main references in both stainless steel and red gold and with opaline or gold brown dials was a pure delight. So it’s a real pleasure to share the details of the beautiful facelift and some exciting details.
Earlier this week Blancpain introduced the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe “Blue Abyss” in two different versions. Both watches feature blue ceramic cases, blue ceramic bezel inserts and blue sunburst dials, the sole difference is the lume color, but this detail has a significant effect. So let’s get up close and personal with both.
After having captured it on release day in September 2023 I recently encountered the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 of a fellow collector again… and ended up buying it from him. Let me explain why initially I had my reservations and what changed my mind so much that this watch became my absolute favorite.
On October 15 Blancpain introduced a facelift of the Villeret collection with 3 models featuring a plentiful of subtle yet powerful changes. Before I can hopefully soon share a hands-on with the watches, let’s take a look at the official Blancpain material on new Villeret and the new technical and design elements.
Following the release of the Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV earlier this year Blancpain have now introduced an unlimited regular collection FF Tech, notably with a significant enhancement. I now had the opportunity to get up close and personal with reference 5029 12B30 94A and I am delighted to share impressions of the full package with you.
Blancpain recently introduced the new 38mm Fifty Fathoms 5007 collection with two stunning no date versions featuring Mother-of-pearl dials going first. I now had the opportunity to handle both for a short while (unfortunately not under bright natural light) and capture them for the blog, so here we go up close and personal with the gold/black reference 5007 3644A B64B and the titanium/pink reference 5007 12B44R NAFA.
What started with the 5 simultaneously released models in September 2023 has now become a total of nine versions under the collaborative effort of Swatch and Blancpain. Has the new Scuba Fifty Fathoms Green Abyss the potential of taking over the fan favorite position from the widely popular Scuba FF Ocean of Storms? Let’s take a closer look at the Green Abyss to answer that question.
Over the last 2 weeks Blancpain has introduced an entire model family of the Fifty Fathoms in a new 38mm size. Now I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the stainless steel Fifty Fathoms 5007 1130 71S and the titanium blue dial Fifty Fathoms 5007 12B40 O64. So let’s dive into two small size Fifty Fathoms and explore them in detail.
Last week Blancpain launched two playful models of the Fifty Fathoms in the new 38mm size. Those two timepieces are more than noteworthy in their own right, but there’s a lot more since there are 3 additional members of reference 5007 in satin brushed titanium, polished stainless steel and satin brushed red gold. Let‘s take a closer look at the official Blancpain material on the entire new FF 5007 family.
Last year Blancpain introduced a grade 23 titanium bracelet for the Air Command, both the 42mm AC02 and the 36mm AC03. I now had the opportunity to review the smaller Air Command on bracelet, which also should give you a fair idea of the looks you can expect from the larger one. So let’s go and explore reference AC03-12B40-98S.
Today Blancpain has introduced a new member of the 42mm Fifty Fathoms 5010 family, adding a case of polished stainless steel to the regular collection. I was fortunate enough to experience this new model beforehand, so let’s not only take a close look but also compare it to its closest siblings, the titanium version and the 70th Anniversary Act 1.
Just in time for the launch of Blancpain‘s fourth BOC timepiece I am very happy to share live impressions of the brand new Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment IV with you. This limited to only 100 pieces special edition is a stunner and worth taking a very close look at all the details, so here we go exploring reference 5029A-12B30-64A.
Three and a half years ago I made a blog post on strap options which turned out to be one of your favorites. So I guess a second iteration with different strap choices and different watches may also find your interest. Like in 2021 we will take a look at original Blancpain straps and one independent strap maker.
Just like in the past years we are supposed to learn about the Blancpain novelties at different points throughout the year. This overview will be updated whenever new models are released, and as usual I will try to do my best to provide hands-on photos of many new timepieces as soon as possible.
I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the three new black ceramic Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe timepieces introduced just a few days ago. So here are some impressions of the Bathyscaphe black ceramic ref 5000 with blue dial/black bezel and with green dial/bezel as well as the Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback with blue dial and black bezel.
I recently had the opportunity to get up close and personal with three new Villeret and two new Ladybird Colors timepieces. Since real life photos tell much more than official renderings I thought these impressions might be of interest to you, so here we go exploring the details of thoroughly beautiful novelties.
Blancpain created two new versions of the Air Command in grade 23 titanium, offering a different and exciting look. The combination of a military green dial and a black ceramic bezel works very well, both in the 42.5mm AC02-12B53-63 and the 36mm AC03-12B53-63. So let’s take a closer look at these two limited editions available as the modern reincarnation of an iconic aviation watch.
When Blancpain introduced the new 42mm Fifty Fathoms size in January 2023 with the 70th Anniversary Act 1 and in February 2024 with the standard collection titanium and red gold models they answered a wish enthusiasts voiced for quite a while. Today let’s take a close look at the stainless steel FF 5010-1130 70th Anniversary Act 1 and the grade 23 titanium black dial FF 5010-12B30. There are more differences than you may see at a first glance, so let’s get started with a comparison of two timepieces an untrained eye would probably consider identical at first glance.
This new version of the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet has been featured in my introduction of all new models a short while ago, albeit on the fabulous ceramic bracelet. Today I invite you to join me exploring the stunning black ceramic Bathyscaphe 5054 0140 NAOA with blue dial and black bezel in the Nato strap configuration.
You have probably read my hands-on coverage with all 4 versions of the new 42.3mm Fifty Fathoms in two materials and 2 dial colors. Among those I briefly introduced the grade 23 titanium 5010 on the titanium bracelet, a configuration I recently encountered for a second time and which deserves a separate review. So let’s get up close and personal with the blue dial Fifty Fathoms reference 5010-12B40-98S.
Eleven years ago Blancpain introduced their first ceramic case in the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe line. Now there’s the first ceramic bracelet for a variety of ceramic Bathyscaphe models, but not only that: there are also three striking new versions of the Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet ref 5054. So we have a lot to dig into, let’s take a closer look.
In February 2023 I had the pleasure of introducing the brand new Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa aka FF 70th Anniversary Act 2. Now the opportunity of a second photo session arose and I can share some new impressions, mainly but not only under natural light conditions, with you. So let’s explore reference 5019-12B30-64A again and get a better understanding of the aesthetic and technical difference this professional dive instrument makes.
Earlier this year Blancpain introduced a new version of their Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel in red gold with a forest green dial aka reference 6656-3653-55B. Alongside two recent visits in Munich and Switzerland I had the opportunity to take some photos of this beauty, so here we go.
Only six months ago I introduced my vintage Bathyscaphe MC4 to you. I purchased the watch from Wind Vintage in Florida and had sent it to the Blancpain Vintage Workshop for authentication and a subsequent service. Now that little marvel returned home and it my utmost pleasure to share the results with you.
They have long been anticipated and now we finally witnessed the introduction of the regular collection 42mm Fifty Fathoms. Offered in no less than 14 references (22 when you count the clasp options) with the options of grade 23 titanium or red gold case featuring two dial variants and many strap/bracelet options the medium sized FF will no doubt conquer a lot of hearts. Let’s get up close and personal with them.
Today, March 21, Blancpain have introduced a total of 14(!) new references (not counting the choice of clasp) split between 4 new regular collection models of the 42.3mm Fifty Fathoms.
Two days ago, January 11 2024 on a New Moon, the sale of the sixth and probably final Blancpain x Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms started in selected Boutiques. With the very generous help of a good friend I have the chance to get up close and personal with the Scuba Fifty Fathoms Ocean of Storms and put it in perspective.
It’s my pleasure to open the annual novelties overview for 2024. Just like in the past years it is a realistic expectation that we will learn about the Blancpain novelties at different points throughout the year. This overview will be updated whenever new models are released, and as usual I will try to do my best to provide hands-on photos of many new timepieces as soon as possible.
Let me close this year’s blog with a recap on the highly anticipated Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary lineup brought to us by Blancpain. It’s my utmost pleasure to show all protagonists side by side for the first time, so I hope you enjoy this last essay in 2023.
I already had the pleasure to feature two magnificent vintage Fifty Fathoms No Rad from fellow collectors in the blog, and now I would like to share a first glimpse on my recently bought Bathyscaphe MC 4 with you. Let’s take a closer look at this well worn second generation Bathyscaphe from the early 1960s and the first assessment by the Blancpain Heritage Workshop.
It took Blancpain quite a while to offer more strap alternatives to owners of the FF/Bathyscaphe, but recently a variety of new Nato straps have been introduced. So this blog post is not about a specific watch but three of the new 23mm Nato straps for the 43mm Bathyscaphe and 45mm Fifty Fathoms models. Let’s take a close look on and off the wrist.
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Continue reading “Strap options: the new Blancpain Jacquard Nato straps” →From September 22 to 24 the historic scenery, which is so important to the history of the Fifty Fathoms, hosted 300 guests to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms and the introduction of the final commemorative timepiece. I think it may be interesting for you to get a flavor of this exceptional event.
And here it is: the highly anticipated Act 3 of Blancpain‘s lineup of Fifty Fathoms novelties, celebrating the anniversary year. And there’s no way denying that it is a looker! Let’s get up close and personal with the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3 reference 5901-5630-NANA in a 41.3mm bronze gold case that leads us back to one of the many milestones in the unrivaled history of the iconic dive watch.
This is the second (and most likely last) coverage on a non-Blancpain timepiece in the blog. But the release of the Blancpain X Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms warrants the exception and a hands-on report, so let’s get up close and personal with the Scuba FF Pacific Ocean in typical blog style, using a loupe to reveal a truthful detailed picture.
Today, September 7, Swatch revealed 5 bioceramic models inspired by the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms which are going on sale on September 9. They are picking up the theme of 5 oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic and Antarctic. Let me share my initial take on this very special project alongside the 70th Anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms and the watches.
Next to the 70th Anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms there has been a lot of emphasis put by Blancpain on the new Ladybird Colors collection. Today we are getting up close and personal with the latest new release, the Ladybird Colors „Rainbow“ reference 3661A-1954-95A.
With the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 reference 5010A/B/C-1130-NABA Blancpain offers a long awaited new size for the iconic dive watch. I now had the opportunity to have all three sizes ready for a photo session, so let’s compare this new 42.3mm Fifty Fathoms to its siblings in 40.3mm and 45mm with a similar basic aesthetic code.
Finally, almost on point 6 months after it was introduced and sold through Blancpain‘s first worldwide online sale, the 42mm Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 is in the process of distribution. Let me share my thoughts after one week of proud ownership and show you the watch under different light conditions and on a different strap.
If you are after a „do-it-all“ modern Blancpain timepiece you may narrow in on this one: the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet in Grade 23 titanium reference 5054-1210. Let’s explore this beautiful timepiece in all its details and find out why it is one of the most popular watches in the current Blancpain catalogue.
This year, more specifically on November 5, we will again enjoy a Only Watch auction held in Geneva. Blancpain contributes to the exceptional bi-annual event since 2005, and of course there’s a beautiful unique piece this year: a Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 with blue dial and bezel.
These days 210 excited collectors wait for their Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 to be delivered very shortly, which gave me the idea to (again) make its predecessor, the Fifty Fathoms 50th Anniversary, the topic two decades after its introduction.
During a recent visit I had the chance to spend time with the prototypes of two rare Bathyscaphe models. Since both were available in selected markets only, getting up close with them for a photo session was a very welcome opportunity. So here they are, the Bathyscaphe Polar Green in stainless steel and the Bathyscaphe Cortina Watch 50th Anniversary in titanium and Sedna gold.
The L‘Evolution line of Blancpain was a rather short-lived excursion of the Manufacture into a more expressive and controversial design language. Today I invite you to explore the L‘Evolution Grande Date 8 Jours reference 8850-11B34-53B, let’s look at a large variety of notable details and the overall impression of this timepiece.
Now that the future owners of the new Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1 have almost reached half-time of the estimated delivery period, some live impressions of the prototype may come in handy to ease the pain of waiting. So let’s get up close and personal with reference 5010A(B/C)-1130-NABA in a new 42mm case.
One of the signature 40mm Leman series models was undoubtedly the GMT Reveil reference 2041. In this essay we will take a closer look at the two regular collection stainless steel versions with black or white dial, but also include two existing rare iterations in the same metal and a detour into the titanium versions.
The second timepiece Blancpain introduces in the year of the 70th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms is capturing the DNA of the iconic dive watch as a professional instrument. This one is entirely made by divers for divers. Let’s get up close and personal with the new Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa reference 5019-12B30-64A.
The Blancpain 2100/Leman series has been discontinued for a few years and will likely not come back in any similar form. I think it might be worthwhile to share some basic thoughts on collecting this broad range of timepieces with the main source being the pre-owned market. Let’s get into this first subject in a series of posts about collecting and hopefully valuable information.
A friend and fellow enthusiast had the opportunity to establish a significant pair in his collection: his new Fifty Fathoms Tribute to No Rad 5008 was accompanied by its ancestor, the Fifty Fathoms No Rad RPGA1. Let’s take a closer look at these two beauties, on get together took place in late 2021, the second one just a few days ago. In between the FF RPGA1 enjoyed a full service in the Blancpain Vintage Atelier, so we will see a very interesting before and after comparison.
2023 is only 2 days old and Blancpain starts the anniversary year of their iconic dive watch with the introduction of what they call Act 1 of the celebration, the 42mm Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary reference 5010A/B/C-1130-NABA. Let’s take a first look based on the just released official press material.
This last blog post in 2022 is primarily meant to thank you, my readers, for your continuing support! But let me also include a quick wrap-up of the year, including my take on Blancpain’s 2022 novelties as well as my personal collection highlights of the year.
It’s time to open the annual novelties overview for 2023. Just like in the past years we will learn about the Blancpain novelties at different points throughout the year. With 2023 being the important 70th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms I expect a lot of exciting new timepieces to be shared with the official press releases here. This overview will be updated whenever new models are released, and as usual I will try to do my best to provide hands-on photos of all new timepieces as soon as possible.
Earlier this week I had the opportunity to visit Blancpain and even had the chance to briefly meet Mr. Hayek. On his wrist I noticed a very interesting watch, most likely a prototype for next year’s big 70th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms.
2023 will be the 70th anniversary of the world’s first professional dive watch, so in anticipation of what’s to come in only a few months I thought it might be a good idea to briefly summarize the first 69 years of an iconic watch and its major evolutionary steps. So let’s dive into the history of the Fifty Fathoms and get ourselves prepared for the upcoming anniversary.
Today let’s take a closer look at another great example of a 40mm Blancpain Leman from the first decade in the 21st century: the triple calendar Leman Quantieme Complet reference 2863-1130. Among other timepieces from that collection the 2863 has captured a special place in the hearts of seasoned Blancpain enthusiasts.
Today I experiment with a new style of blog essay and I hope you enjoy it as much as my other style blog posts. In this essay I capture a friend’s private collection of modern Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe timepieces and the thematic approach of the collector. Let’s dive into these magnificent seven, showcasing a bit of the variety the Bathyscaphe line offers.
Since I just received my Leman Aqua Lung Grande Date back from a full service by Blancpain in like new condition I thought it would be a good time to honor this signature timepiece with a dedicated blog essay. So let’s get up close and personal with reference 2850B-1130A, made in a quantity of 2005 pieces and introduced 17 years ago.
A few months ago Blancpain launched two new Bathyscaphe 5054 in titanium and red gold, now those materials are finding their way to the Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback 5200. Let‘s take a close look at these two novelties.
Today Blancpain unveiled a new Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe in titanium with a green dial and ceramic bezel. This timepiece is made in connection of a Blancpain Ocean Commitment initiative with aquatil and Jordsand on German island of Sylt and limited to only 25 pieces. Let’s get up close and personal with this new and rare beauty.
Today let’s go back almost 30 years into the early 1990s. Just prior to the launch of various model lines with more contemporary case sizes, the Quantieme Perpetuel Chronographe 5585 was one of the last references building on the aesthetics defined by the famous six masterpieces. Courtesy of a fellow enthusiast I have the pleasure to feature this timepiece, so let’s get up close and personal with it.
In 2021 a second collaboration between Blancpain and Bucherer saw the light of day, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe ref 5000-0140-NAOA as part of the Bucherer Blue collection. Let’s get up close and personal with this beauty.
During the first decade of the 21st century Blancpain made numerous special editions for some authorized dealers, predominantly within the Leman line and many of them in the USA. Here’s a very rare one, the 2006 20th Anniversary Leman GMT Reveil for the South Florida dealer East Coast Jewelry.
Today I have the pleasure to get up close and personal with an exceptional Fifty Fathoms 5015, the limited to 500 pieces Tribute to Aqua Lung aka TTAL. This version of the Fifty Fathoms has been an enthusiast and collector favorite right from the start, so let’s explore why that is.
Introduced last fall, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe ref 5000-1210 in grade 23 titanium has become an immediate success. Today let’s take a look at the version on titanium bracelet, which took a bit longer to be delivered, but it was well worth the wait.
A few weeks ago Blancpain introduced the smaller 36.2mm version of the Air Command in two versions, titanium and red gold, each with a blue dial and bezel. Let‘s explore these two new references AC03-12B40 and AC03-36B40 in all their details.
On June 16 Blancpain introduced two very attractive siblings to the successful Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet reference 5054 in satin brushed titanium and satin brushed red gold. Let’s get up close and personal with these two 2022 novelties in the sailcloth strap variant.
During the first decade of the 2000s Blancpain issued annual special editions for the Monaco Yacht Show. Having started with various Leman and ending with 45mm Fifty Fathoms 5085F based editions, the 2203 and 2004 editions had been based on the Trilogy Air Command. Let’s take a closer look at these in two different sizes.
I came across a brand new iteration of the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe reference 5000, made in a limited run of 50 pieces for the 50th anniversary of Cortina Watch in Singapore. Let’s take a look at the first two-tone Bathyscaphe.
Introduced in 2019 with the AC01 limited edition, the collection Air Command now quickly expands. Let’s take a first look at the brand new 36.2mm Air Command AC03, which was launched in two versions today.
There have been quite a few Flashback essays recently, but when opportunities arise they should be taken. Today I have the pleasure to share impressions of another late 1990s favorite, the Fifty Fathoms GMT reference 2250 in the regular and Concept 2000 versions.
The early 2000s saw the start of some influential new trends in the world of wristwatches, one of them being the constant increase in size. Today’s subject goes beyond the simple enlargement of a classic, let’s take a closer look at the Leman reference 2850.
This beautiful timepiece warrants another introduction in the blog after I was initially able to capture it late last year. This time I can show you this 2021 novelty with many photos under daylight conditions. Let’s get up close and personal with the Air Command AC02-12B40-63A in titanium.
A designated blog post on this timepiece is long overdue: the iconic Flyback 2185F in the stainless steel version on the fabulous X-71 bracelet. Let’s get up close and personal with a timepiece that is just as beautiful today as it was more than a quarter century ago.
In 2008 Blancpain introduced a first timepiece linked to the at the time fresh affiliation with motorsports, the Speed Command. The watch was introduced in two color codes, yellow and orange. Let’s get up close with reference 5785F-11D03-63.
This watch undoubtedly marks a significant milestone in the modern evolution of Blancpain. Introduced in 1994, reference 2100 started what later became the Leman series. Let’s take a look at this timeless watch in it‘s two basic stainless steel versions with black and white dial.
Blancpain‘s Villeret line offers a wide range of timepieces with different calendar functions. Among those the Villeret Quantieme Complet Phases de Lune GMT reference 6676-1127-55B is clearly a very beautiful execution of perfect functionality.
Just like in the past two years we likely learn about the Blancpain novelties at different points throughout the year. I will try to do my best to provide hands-on photos of all new timepieces if at all possible, this blog post however is meant to provide you with an overview on all officially released models based on the Blancpain press information as we go. As usual this overview will be updated whenever new models are released.
Welcome to the first blog post of 2022, I hope you had a good start into the new year. To kick off 2022 in style, I had the opportunity to capture a timepiece from past collections, and what a marvel it is! Let’s take a very close look at the Leman Chronographe Flyback Quantieme Perpetuel in red gold, reference 2685F-3630-53B.
A while ago a new member in a German watch forum asked the community about a watch he found to have belonged to his grandfather. What surfaced was a Fifty Fathoms RPG 1 from 1971 with box, papers and in working condition. Here’s how this amazing story continued…
The Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet reference 5054-1110-70 was introduced in 2018 and turned out to be one of the bestselling timepieces in the catalogue. Let’s take a look why that’s no surprise. Adding significantly to the content of this essay is the fabulous X-70 bracelet the watch is equipped with.
Blancpain have turned the 2019 commemorative timepiece AC01 into a full collection with two new versions of the Air Command in brushed titanium and brushed red gold, both with a blue dial and ceramic bezel. During a recent Boutique visit in Munich I had the chance to see both, so let’s get up close with the two novelties and explore a plentiful of details.
Just after my recent encounter with the first modern Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe in Ceramized Titanium, I now have the pleasure to share some exclusive hands-on impressions of the brand new Bathyscaphe Titanium 5000-1210-NAGA. So let’s get up close with a new watch which will undoubtedly be a huge success.
In 2013 Blancpain celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Fifty Fathoms with the launch of the new Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, starting with three versions: one in 38mm and two in 43mm size. One of the new watches had a life span of less than a year, the Bathyscaphe Ceramized Titanium. Let’s get up close with this very rare timepiece, often called the “unicorn” by those who know it.
This is a blog essay I was planning for a while and I am thrilled that I now had the chance to realize it. I hope you will enjoy the photo documentation of my 2100 Quantieme Phases de Lune Half Hunter being serviced in the Munich Atelier.
Two years ago I shared some quick impressions of the Blancpain 500 Fathoms with you, now it’s time to go into more detail. So let’s get up close with reference 50015-12B30-52B, a 48mm professional diving instrument crafted in titanium and offering a plentiful of distinct details.
The aesthetics of date/calendar indications is a frequently discussed topic among watch enthusiasts. The Villeret Grande Date Jours Rétrograde ref 6668-1127-55B is offering two beautiful solutions to display the date and the weekday. Let’s take a closer look.
When it comes to discussing watches in blogs or fora, the segment of highly sophisticated mechanical timepieces for ladies often falls short. That’s an unfortunate fact, especially in the case of Blancpain who have an even longer tradition of mechanical watches for women than of the popular dive watches. So, let’s take a look at three beautiful examples from three decades.
The black ceramic Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronographe 5200-0130-B52A is a very successful model in the Blancpain catalogue since it was introduced 6 years ago. Let’s get up close and personal with this exceptional timepiece.
It’s one of my great pleasures and an integral part of my passion for watches: to find a new look for a timepiece by trying out different strap options. Here are some examples from my personal collection and a quick guide on how to successfully create a bespoke strap.
Last year Blancpain introduced the highly anticipated titanium bracelet for the three existing Fifty Fathoms models in titanium, the blue and black 5015 and the FF Grande Date 5050. Let’s take a look at the slightly more extrovert FF 5015 with a blue sunburst dial and a blue sapphire bezel and how it looks when put on this new bracelet.
Today Only Watch and Blancpain have revealed the 2021 unique timepiece which will be auctioned November 6 in Geneva for the good cause of research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Let’s take a quick look at the latest piece unique in the long tradition of Blancpain Only Watch contributions.
Thanks to Blancpain having some vintage Fifty Fathoms traveling the world I recently had the chance to capture three exceptional timepieces individually and side by side with their modern interpretations. Let’s meet the Fifty Fathoms MILSPEC 1, the Fifty Fathoms RPGA 1 (No Radiations) and the Fifty Fathoms BUND 3H together with some of their descendants for a memorable photo session.
Blancpain is highly respected not only for their rich heritage with respect to dive instruments and refined classic watches, but also for their broad spectrum of Haute Horlogerie timepieces. Let’s explore the Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon 8 Jours reference 5025-3630-52B, probably the world’s most complicated dive watch.
The classic complete calendar with moon phases is a signature Blancpain configuration, and there are various iterations of it in the Manufacture‘s catalogue. The most classic one is probably reference 6654 in the Villeret line with … different versions. For this report I chose the two slightly more extrovert timepieces, reference 6654-1113-55B in stainless steel with a two tone metallic grey dial and reference 6654-3640-55B in red gold with a blue dial, introduced just last year.
This post will compare the six 40mm Fifty Fathoms editions, starting with the 2003 FF Anniversary and of course including the two most recent watches, the FF MIL-SPEC for Hodinkee and the Tribute to FF No Rad. Let’s dig into the details and see how the timepieces relate to each other.
I have done two previous reports on the Blancpain Air Command AC01-1130-63A at the time it was introduced in 2019. Now that this amazing timepiece is part of my collection, let’s get up close and personal with it from all angles, albeit personalized with different straps than it comes with originally from the Manufacture.
What a wonderful surprise: Blancpain have just released a new movie in two parts, telling the story of the iconic Fifty Fathoms. The documentary is called “Fifty Fathoms – The history as told by the pioneers who created it” and of course I’d like to take the opportunity to share the press release and the movie with you. So let’s listen to what Blancpain says about the documentary and of course see it.
Due to the ongoing restrictions caused by a global pandemic, we will likely learn about the Blancpain novelties this year just like we experienced it in 2020. I will try to do my best to provide hands-on photos of all new timepieces if at all possible, this blog post however is meant to provide you with an overview on all officially released models based on the Blancpain press information as we go. This overview will be updated whenever new models are released.
Blancpain has just released a new tribute timepiece to yet another legendary watch, the Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Radiations. I had the utmost pleasure to welcome this novelty for a photo session, so let’s get up close and personal with reference 5008D-1130-B64A.
Today we will take a closer look at one of Blancpain‘s signature timepieces, the 38mm Flyback Chronograph 2185F from the 1990s. Actually, we will explore it in it‘s rare titanium version 2185F-1230A-55B.
For now 21 years Blancpain has celebrated each Valentine’s Day with a special thematic timepiece. Let’s take a look at the brand new Blancpain Saint-Valentin and its predecessors since 2001.
Continue reading “A romantic tradition: the Saint-Valentin timepieces” →
I recently had the opportunity to welcome the three regular collection 38mm Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe models for a photo session, something I had on my wish list for quite a while. So let’s get up close with reference 5100 in white, blue and meteor grey.
A few weeks ago Blancpain surprised us with the Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC for Hodinkee. Only 3 1/2 years after the release of the Tribute to Fifty Fathoms MilSpec this is the second 40mm FF limited edition with the characteristic moisture indicator on the dial. Let’s compare the two MILSPECs side by side.
As a December surprise Blancpain introduced the Fifty Fathoms MIL-SPEC in collaboration with Hodinkee. Let’s take a look at the details and the official press photos of reference 5008-11B30-NABA.
This blog post is not about a watch, it is about a series of 12 amazing books, called Edition Fifty Fathoms. This series of books with exceptional photos from the best underwater photographers started 2008 and will be concluded this year with the Final Edition. And there’s more to the books than exceptional photography…
This year has been quite a challenge. A global pandemic has disrupted our lives significantly, and it obviously also influenced how we live our joint passion for watches: less gatherings of like minded enthusiasts and the way we learned about news from the manufacturers and dealerships being only two examples. Well, we almost made it (and 2021 will hopefully bring back a more joyful environment), so it’s time to take a wholistic look back at the 2020 Blancpain novelties.
This one came as a (very pleasant) November surprise: the new Villeret Extraplate Boutique edition in yellow gold with a stunning green dial, reference 6651-1453-55A. Let’s take a close look at this utterly beautiful timepiece under different light conditions.
Just in time to celebrate the new millennium, Blancpain introduced an avant garde design, called Concept 2000, within the Trilogy line in 1999. Let‘s take a closer look at the Fifty Fathoms Concept 2000, reference 2200-4430-44.
For all of you who liked the Bathyscaphe Mokarran but had no chance to get hold of one of the 50 specimen, here’s your relief: the new Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback Ceramic reference 5200-0153-52A/NABA with a stunning green dial as a regular collection model. Let’s take a closer look.
Two years ago Blancpain introduced a Bathyscaphe limited edition commemorating a rather extrovert dial from a 1970s Bathyscaphe watch, the Jour Date 70s ref 5052-1110-63A. Now we see a new iteration of this reference, the Bathyscaphe Day Date Desert Edition ref 5052-1146-E52A, so let’s get up close with it. Since this beauty is showing a lot of different faces, brace yourself for many impressions.
The release of this watch came as a surprise a few months ago, and it is special for various reasons other than its limitation to 50 pieces. It marks a first for Blancpain in various aspects, and besides those it is simply a gorgeous timepiece: let’s get up close with the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Mokarran, reference 5005-0153-NABA.
The Blancpain Villeret line offers a plentiful of aesthetically refined timepieces, these two however stand out since they add a layer of beauty and class not often encountered: a pocket watch style Hunter case back. Let’s meet the Villeret Quantieme Complet Demi-Savonnette ref 6664-3642-55B and the Villeret Demi-Fuseau Horaire Demi-Savonette ref 6665-3642-55B.
Today we take a closer look at the Fifty Fathoms Chronographe Flyback Quantieme Complet, reference 5066F-1140-52B, a timepiece not encountered very often but most definitely deserving our attention. And it plays nicely with some other blue dial timepieces covered recently.
The striking combination of a red gold case with a blue dial has characterized some recent Blancpain novelties, now it materializes for the first time in the Bathyscaphe series. Let’s take a look at the new Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Sedna Gold ‚Blue‘ in a large variety of close-up impressions and wrist shots.
A frequent question comes up in fora and other places where we discuss watches: among the two titanium versions of the Fifty Fathoms Automatique, which one to choose? Let‘s put them next to each other to allow for best informed decision making based on many photos in comparable settings and the two watches on different strap configurations.
Blancpain has lived up to their Ocean Commitment initiative by not only co-financing 19 scientific projects in 10 years, supporting Laurent Ballesta’s Gombessa projects, being a founding partner of the National Geographic Pristine Seas project, supporting the World Ocean Summit and World Oceans Day, the Manufacture has also created 3 limited to 250 pieces Blancpain Ocean Commitment (BOC) timepieces between 2014 and 2018. This new timepiece, introduced on July 7, is not an official BOC watch, but it is rooted in yet another Ocean Commitment initiative. Let’s take a look at the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Mokarran ref 5005-0153-NABA.
Continue reading “The Bathyscaphe Mokarran: a very special limited edition” →
Last year Blancpain introduced three new variations of the Fifty Fathoms Automatique, one of them being reference 5015-3603C-63B, a timepiece that I instantly started calling the „La Dolce Vita“ Fifty Fathoms. Let’s get up close with it in different settings and under varying light conditions.
Blancpain has now introduced some new 38mm Villeret models, namely references 6224 and 6264, both in stainless steel or red gold, both with or without a diamond set dials and bezels. Let’s take a closer look.
This novelty is an addition to three existing Fifty Fathoms timepieces a lot of collectors have been anxiously waiting for: a titanium bracelet for the two Fifty Fathoms Automatique ref 5015 with black or blue dials and the Fifty Fathoms Grande Date ref 5050 with titanium cases.
It is my utmost pleasure to share my hands-on impressions with two utterly beautiful timepieces, the brand new Villeret Quantieme Complet and the Villeret Ultra plat, both with a red gold case combined with a midnight blue dial. Let’s get up close with references 6651-3640 and 6654-3640.
Today I invite you to a close encounter with one of Blancpain’s modern signature timepieces, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback reference 5200. Let’s start this long overdue introduction with a short summary outlining what we are dealing with in one sentence…
A little more than 15 years ago Blancpain introduced an utterly beautiful timepiece in the Villeret line: the Villeret Chronographe Monopoussoir reference 6185-1546-55 with its beautiful Havana dial. Now that we get closer with it, you will see the many shades of this dial, depending strongly on the light conditions (direct/indirect daylight, direct sun /shade, artificial LED light) to provide the best possible idea of this timepiece.
The oldest post in this blog has covered my first photo session with the Blancpain Tribute to Fifty Fathoms MilSpec reference 5008-1130, which took place in September 2017. Two months later I was lucky enough to add this special timepiece to my collection, and it has been an absolute favorite every since. Let’s take a look at some impressions over 30 months of happy ownership.
Yesterday Blancpain launched a new website that offers the opportunity to virtually visit the Manufacture in the Le Brassus and Le Sentier locations. For all those that until now had no chance to visit in person, this new feature provides in depth information and some very interesting insights. Let’s take a look.
Continue reading “Blancpain invites us to a virtual tour of Le Brassus and Le Sentier” →
In 2012 Blancpain translated the heritage of the first professional diving watch into unprecedented mechanical depth with the X-Fathoms, reference 5018-1230-64A. Let’s take a closer look at this masterpiece.
It’s about time to cover one of the bestselling timepieces made by Blancpain in the last years, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe crafted in brushed grey ceramic with a mesmerizing blue dial, reference 5000-0240-O52A.
With the classic Fifty Fathoms being available in two different sizes, I thought it might be interesting to put two examples for references 5008 and 5015 side by side to allow for a fair optical comparison between 40.3 and 45mm. Let’s take a closer look at the Tribute to Fifty Fathoms MilSpec and the Fifty Fathoms Nageurs de combat., which not only represent the two sizes but also two wonderful commemorative pieces to the heritage of the Fifty Fathoms.
Today I would like to show two Blancpain timepieces which impressively showcase the aesthetic spectrum in the upper end of the Manufacture‘s Haute Horlogerie segment. Let’s meet the Villeret Tourbillon Heure Sautante Minute Rétrograde and the L‘Evolution Tourbillon Carrousel.
Due to the cancellation of Time to Move, which was supposed to take place this very week, we will have a different path of learning about the Blancpain novelties this year. Of course I will try to do my best to provide hands-on photos of all new timepieces as soon as possible, but I thought it would be worthwhile to provide you with an overview on all officially released models based on the Blancpain press information in the meantime. This overview will be updated whenever new models are released.
Once every four years a perpetual calendar timepiece performs its most complicated task of including the 29th of February. With 2020 being a leap year this odd date is a good time to cover the Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel reference 6656-1127-55B.
This third part of my overview on the Blancpain Leman series will concentrate on the Limited Editions and the Haute Horlogerie pieces. Creating this overview took a bit longer than I (and maybe you) expected, hopefully you will find the information provided useful nonetheless.
To celebrate the Chinese New Year Blancpain has just introduced a new Limited Edition of the Calendrier Chinois Traditionnel “Year of the Rat”. I take this as an opportunity to show you the non limited Villeret Calendrier Chinois Traditionelle ref 0888-3631-55B, which was introduced for the first time in 2012.
This marvel is now with me for 20 years, so its about time to devote a full blog post to it: my 2100 Moon Phase Calendar Half Hunter aka Quantieme Phases de Lune Demi-Savonette, reference 3563-3618.
In 2019 Blancpain has introduced three limited editions during Time to Move, with the Fifty Fathoms Nageurs de combat ref 5015E-1130-B52A maybe being a bit overshadowed by the Air Command and Fifty Fathoms Barakuda. But this very special Fifty Fathoms 5015 actually stands out as one of the most important watches Blancpain has introduced in the last years.
This Blancpain novelty left me speechless the moment I encountered it for the very first time in early May just prior to Time to Move. Now I had the chance to spend two days with the prototype Air Command and my first excitement about this exceptional timepiece has actually been deepened.
Today we take a look at a brand new release from Blancpain, exclusively for their Boutiques: the Villeret Ultraplate reference 6605 crafted in platinum and featuring a stunning blue dial.
Although being in the catalogue for seven years now, the Blancpain Villeret Mouvement Inversé has not been discussed very often and I must admit I did not have it on my radar until recently. That omission needs immediate correction, so let’s take a closer look at reference 6616-1527-55B.
A significant part of Blancpain‘s collection are and have been sublime timepieces for women. Since the 1930s the Manufacture has put a lot of emphasis on not only crafting beautiful women’s watches but actually focused on innovation when it comes to those often very small and therefore challenging timepieces.
Building on the brand’s unrivaled heritage as a manufacturer of professional diving watches, Blancpain CEO Marc A. Hayek has initiated a remarkable initiative to support the preservation of the underwater world, called Blancpain Ocean Commitment. Since 2014 the Manufacture has released dedicated limited edition timepieces on a biannual basis, which shall be featured in this report.
Blancpain was the first watch brand to support the Monaco Association against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (AMM), this support dates back to 2001. Since 2005 the bi-annual Only Watch charity auctions have become a remarkable horological event, and this year, the Manufacture is again presenting a one-of-a-kind model for the 9th Only Watch charity auction to be held in Geneva on November 6, 2021. Let’s take a look at this year’s unique piece and all it’s predecessors.
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barakuda was received enthusiastically when introduced earlier this year on May 17th. Now that delivery through the Blancpain Boutiques has started, let’s take a closer look at this beautiful timepiece.
This time we explore two very different timepieces with an often underrated complication, the annual calendar. Let’s get up close with the Villeret Quantieme Annuel GMT and the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantieme Annuel.
Introduced in 2007, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique reference 5015 was introduced and it has seen quite a variety of interpretations over the years, with three new alternatives being introduced this year. Let’s take a look at all of them, but start with a close look at the 2007 watch and all its virtues.
Continue reading “The variety of the Fifty Fathoms Automatique 5015” →
Let’s take a look at a timepiece that is not necessarily in the center of the Fifty Fathoms collection, but highly appreciated by owners who actually take the watch by its purpose and therefore frequently for a dive… the 500 Fathoms, ref 50015.
Continue reading “Impressions of the Blancpain 500 Fathoms” →
Earlier today a limited to 100 pieces special edition of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe for Hodinkee was introduced. Let’s take a look at this piece and let me share my initial thoughts about it.
Continue reading “The Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe for Hodinkee” →
I met KISS drummer and passionate watch collector Eric Singer* in Berlin on June 4, 2019 prior to his concert at the Waldbuehne and we had an hour long conversation, so you need to have some time reading through this. We were joined by an old friend of Eric and a representative of Blancpain who brought the prototypes of the new Air Command and Barakuda for Eric to see them. I hope you enjoy the conversation.
With the new millennium Blancpain decided to give their sporty yet elegant timepieces a new name: from now on they were called Leman series. And this change came along with a remarkable makeover of the collection, offering a broad variety of 40mm timepieces.
We got used to more visually transparent timepieces over the past two decades, but rarely in such an ornate way like with the Villeret Squelete 8 Jours, reference 6633, belonging to the Metiérs d’Art collection of the Manufacture.
Continue reading “An artistic time machine… the Villeret Squelete 8 Jours” →
Let me try to provide a comprehensive overview on what has been undoubtedly one of the most important watch families made by Blancpain, the Leman series. The overview is split in three parts, we start with the first collection introduced in the mid 1990s under the name 2100 and characterized by a variety of 38mm timepieces.
Now that the dust has settled and I was able to digest what I have seen during my photo session with the Blancpain novelties and encountered in the first days after the launch on May 17 with writing my reports and following worldwide online coverage, it’s time to share my personal conclusions on the Blancpain Time to Move presentation.
This novelty was already announced at the end of 2018, but first shown to retailers and the press during the two Time to Move events: the Fifty Fathoms executed in brushed titanium, ref 5015-12B30.
Continue reading “A closer look at the Fifty Fathoms titanium” →
This one left a very strong impression with me from my photo session: the Fifty Fathoms 5015 executed in brushed red gold with a blue ceramic dial, ref 5015-3603C-63B. This is an utterly beautiful timepiece in an unusual combination of colors.
There are three new Blancpain Villeret timepieces introduced, a time only Villeret Extra-plate with a redesigned manual wind calibre, a 40mm Villeret GMT Date and last but not least a new beautiful and versatile ladies Villeret in various configurations. They all deserve a closer look…
Continue reading “Taking elegance to a next level: the new Villeret timepieces” →
This is the second new Blancpain timepiece with historic roots, the colorful and extrovert Fifty Fathoms Barakuda ref 5008B-1130-B52A. Let’s take a closer look at this beauty, which continues the theme of limited editions in the 40,3mm Fifty Fathoms case.
Continue reading “The return of a famous dial (and watch): the Fifty Fathoms Barakuda” →
Many see the Fifty Fathoms Ref 5015 as the ultimate luxury dive watch, now this new limited version takes the reference back to its roots: I have the pleasure of showing you the limited to 300 pieces Fifty Fathoms “Nageurs de combat”, ref 5015E-1130-B52A.
Continue reading “Celebrating joint heritage… the Fifty Fathoms „Nageurs de combat“” →
Let’s get closer to what may very well be the superstar among the new Blancpain timepieces, the new Air Command ref AC01-1130-63A, a 42,5mm stainless steel no date aviation chronograph based on the iconic original from 1957.
Continue reading “A legend is reborn… the new Blancpain Air Command” →
It’s my utmost pleasure to provide you with a first quick overview on the 2019 Blancpain novelties to satisfy your curiosity. Following this short post, a series of reports dedicated to the individual pieces will be released in the next days, each with real life hands-on photos and the official Blancpain press releases.
Continue reading “The 2019 Blancpain novelties at a glance” →
As we are getting closer to learn about Blancpain‘s 2019 novelties (follow this blog to get the news first in around two weeks), let’s spend some time with a watch that was introduced last year, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Jour Date 70‘s reference 5052.
Continue reading “A funky dive watch: the Bathyscaphe Jour Date 70‘s” →
Today let’s get up close with the Blancpain Villeret GMT Reveil reference 6640, the only version of the well known travel and agenda watch that is still in the Blancpain catalogue.
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