The Villeret Quantieme Complet 6654N put in perspective 

The first timepiece modern Blancpain introduced more than 40 years ago has been reworked and consistently improved over the years. The triple calendar with moon phases aka Quantieme Complet has recently surfaced as reference 6654N, with a plentiful of beautiful new details. Let’s take a close look at the stainless steel version with golden brown dial and revisit the history of this signature Blancpain configuration. We will also take a look at how the new Villeret Quantieme Complet 6654N is made.

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The 2026 novelties so far

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.

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Opus magnum: the Blancpain Grande Double Sonnerie

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.

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Hands-on with the new Villeret timepieces

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.

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Hands-on with the  Bathyscaphe “Blue Abyss”

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.

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Hands-on with the Fifty Fathoms Tech

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.

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Hands-on with the two MoP dial Fifty Fathoms 5007

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.

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Hands-on with the Blancpain x Swatch Scuba FF Green Abyss 

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.

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Hands-on with the 38mm Fifty Fathoms 5007

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.

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The new 38mm Fifty Fathoms collection

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.

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Hands-on with the full titanium Air Command AC03

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.

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Hands-on with the new stainless steel FF 5010 

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.

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Hands-on with the FF Tech Ocean Commitment IV

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.

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The 2025 novelties so far

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.

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Hands-on with the new ceramic Bathyscaphe models 

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.

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Up-close with some Villeret and Ladybird novelties

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.

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Hands-on with two new Air Command models

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.

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Same but different: the limited and regular Fifty Fathoms 5010

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.

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A closer look at the black ceramic blue dial Bathyscaphe 5054

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.

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The full titanium Fifty Fathoms 5010

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.

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Hands-on with the new full ceramic Bathyscaphe 5054

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.

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Second encounter with the FF Tech Gombessa

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.

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Up close with the new Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel

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.

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Hands-on with the new 42mm Fifty Fathoms 5010

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.

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Hands-on with the Scuba FF Ocean of Storms

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.

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The 2024 novelties so far

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.

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Recap of the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary

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.

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Strap options: the new Blancpain Jacquard Nato straps

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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Impressions from the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary event in Cannes

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.

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Hands-on with the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 3

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.

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Hands-on with the Blancpain X Swatch Scuba Fifty Fathoms

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.

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The Blancpain x Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Collection

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.

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Honeymoon with the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1

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.

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Quintessentially Blancpain: the FF Bathyscaphe 5054 titanium

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.

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Hands-on with two rare Bathyscaphe models

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.

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Hands-on with the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 1

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.

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Hands-on with the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2: Tech Gombessa

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.

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The Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary

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.

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Thank you & seasonal greetings

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.

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The 2023 novelties so far

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.

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A first glance at a potential 2023 Fifty Fathoms novelty


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.

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Hands-on with two new Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback versions

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.

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A new green unofficial Ocean Commitment Bathyscaphe

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.

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Hands-on with the Bathyscaphe Bucherer Blue edition

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.

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Monochromatic: the all titanium Bathyscaphe 5000

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.

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Hands-on with two new Bathyscaphe 5054

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.

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A two-tone Bathyscaphe for Cortina Watch

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.

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Cool blue: the titanium Air Command

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.

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The 2022 novelties so far

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.

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Hands-on with the two new Air Command AC02

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.

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The return of the Bathyscaphe Titanium

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.

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The all titanium Fifty Fathoms 5015

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.

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The 2021 Only Watch piece unique

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.

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Up close with the Air Command AC01

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.

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The Fifty Fathoms History documentary

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.

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The 2021 novelties so far

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.

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Hands-on with the Tribute to Fifty Fathoms No Radiations

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.

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A tale of two MILSPECs

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.

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A reflection on the 2020 novelties

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.

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Hands-on with the 2020 novelties: Villeret Extraplate Boutique edition

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.

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Hands-on with the 2020 novelties: the Bathyscaphe Chronographe Ceramic green dial

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.

Bathyscaphe Chronographe Ceramic green
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Hands-on with the 2020 novelties: the Bathyscaphe Day Date Desert Edition

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.

Bathyscaphe Jour Date 70s
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Hands-on with the Bathyscaphe Mokarran

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.

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The Bathyscaphe Mokarran: a very special limited edition

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.

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A truly luxurious diver

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.

Fifty Fathoms 5015-3603C-63B
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Hands-on with the 2020 novelties: new 38mm Villeret models

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.

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Hands-on with the 2020 novelties: a titanium bracelet for the Fifty Fathoms

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.

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Hands-on with the 2020 novelties: two amazing Villeret timepieces

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.

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Blancpain invites us to a virtual tour of Le Brassus and Le Sentier

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.

Blancpain Virtual Tour

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The Blancpain 2020 novelties

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.

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The Calendrier Chinois Traditionnel

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.

Calendrier Chinois Traditionnel
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Back to the roots: the Fifty Fathoms Nageurs de combat

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.

FF Nageurs de combat
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Hands-on with the new Air Command

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.

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The Ladybird: combining heritage, fine watchmaking and Haute Joaillerie

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.

Ladybird Ultraplate
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Blancpain for Only Watch: the unique pieces since 2005

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.

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Hands-on with the Fifty Fathoms Barakuda

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.

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A conversation with Eric Singer

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.

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My conclusions on the 2019 novelties

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.

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Taking elegance to a next level: the new Villeret timepieces

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…

Villeret 2019

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The return of a famous dial (and watch): the Fifty Fathoms Barakuda

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.

Fifty Fathoms Barakuda

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Celebrating joint heritage… the Fifty Fathoms „Nageurs de combat“

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.

Fifty Fathoms Nageurs de Combat

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The 2019 Blancpain novelties at a glance

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.

Blancpain Time To Move overview

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Refined excellence: the Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel platinum

Last year Blancpain introduced the Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel in stainless steel with white dial and rose gold with opaline dial, now there’s a mesmerizing version in platinum with a stunning blue dial.

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Hands on with the Fifty Fathoms Grande Date

Since it’s release in 2007 the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique has seen quite a number of variations, we have seen two limited versions with historic roots (Tribute to Fifty Fathoms and Tribute to Aqua Lung), a few white FF (one plain, others with MOP dials), the DLC coated Dark Knight, some in precious metals (polished and brushed rose gold and white gold with blue dial), a brushed steel FF with a blue Flinqué dial and last year’s titanium FF with blue dial. 

The one version I personally expected (and hoped for) a lot earlier than 2018 is the new Fifty Fathoms Grande Date in brushed titanium. The Grande Date, changing instantly at midnight within a blink of an eye, has debuted 2005 in the Leman Aqua Lung Grande Date and it found it’s way into various timepieces (Leman, Villeret, L’Evolution) since then, but so far never into the Fifty Fathoms collection. 

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The new Blancpain Bathyscaphe Bucherer Blue Edition

Yesterday the well known retailer Bucherer released a new timepiece belonging to their Blue Editions collection, which already features watches by Vacheron Constantin, IWC, Piaget, Audemars Piguet, Tudor and others. This time it is a collaboration between Bucherer and Blancpain: the Blancpain Bathyscaphe Bucherer Blue Edition.

Thanks to Bucherer Hamburg and Blancpain Germany I had the opportunity to view the watch just hours after official release and of course take a lot of photos to share with you.

Blancpain Bathyscaphe Bucherer Blue Edition

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The Fifty Fathoms Ocean Commitment III on bracelet

I was lucky enough to „customize” the beautiful Fifty Fathoms Ocean Commitment III  with a matching bracelet. This was possible thanks to the Blancpain Boutique Munich, since they were so kind to re-work a Tribute to MilSpec bracelet to a fully brushed finish so it matches the brushed case of the OC III. Let’s take a look.

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At the Blancpain Endurance Series 24h of Spa

Last weekend I had the pleasure to follow Blancpain’s invitation to visit the greatest GT3 event of the year, the 70th(!) 24h of Spa Franchorchamps with 63 cars from 13 different manufacturers.

Blancpain is the namegiving sponsor of the racing series since many years now and the highlight of season was a perfect opportunity to invite guests from various countries to enjoy exciting motorsports, beautiful timepieces and unrivaled hospitality.

Let’s take a look around at the Blancpain hospitaliy to give you an idea:

Blancpain at the 24h of Spa

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A world premiere on World Oceans Day: the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Ocean Commitment III

Yesterday I had the exceptional honor to welcome the brand new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Ocean Commitment III for a photo session.

The watch is officially launched today, and there could be no better timing to celebrate Blancpain’s Ocean Commitment activities with the third edition of the commemorative timepiece on World Ocean Day.

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Hands-on with the Basel novelties (4): the Villeret timepieces

This is the fourth part of my hands-on report from Basel, showing the new Blancpain Villeret timepieces. 

There have been three new Villeret watches this year, all in a 40mm case, all available in either stainless steel or rose gold, all of them on either strap or a perfectly crafted Milanaise bracelet, which is entirely manufactured inhouse and assembled by hand requiring a lot of precision in order to support the slight tapering of the bracelet. And obviously all three models feature the patented under-lug correctors.

Let us start with what some of you have instantly called a winner, the new Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel in stainless steel.

Blancpain Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel

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Hands-on with the Blancpain novelties (3): the sports watches

Blancpain introduced three new regular models in the Fifty Fathoms line, the Fifty Fathoms Grande Date, the Bathyscaphe Quantieme Annuel and the Bathyscaphe Quantieme Complet.

Let’s take a look at the Fifty Fathoms Grande Date first. Executed in brushed titanium, it is the first watch in the FF line to feature the instant changing big date we know since 2005 when it was first introduced in the Leman Aqua Lung Grande Date.

The Fifty Fathoms Grande Date has a very distinct look to it, which is also emphasized by the numerals 3 and 9 being left out from the dial. It comes on either a sailcloth strap or a Nato strap, which would be my personal choice. A titanium bracelet is not planned as of yet. The watch is a real beauty, not easy to capture in photos, though.

Here are some impressions:

Fifty Fathoms Grande Date

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Hands-on with the Basel novelties part 2: the amazing Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante Minute Rétrograde

This timepiece left me breathless, personally I have not encountered anything remotely close to the beautiful sensuality of the Blancpain Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante Minute Rétrograde. I’m in love.

Blancpain Tourbillon Volant Heure Sautante Minute Rétrograde

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Hands on with the Basel novelties (part one): the Bathyscaphe Jour Date 70s

As promised, here’s my take on the Blancpain novelties in Basel with a number of photos I was able to capture during my visit. To avoid one too long post, I decided to go in five parts: this post will focus on the Bathyscaphe Jour Date 70s.

Blancpain Bathyscaphe Jour Date 70s

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Hands-on with the blue dial Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Titanium

Well, when I started try to get my hands on the new Fifty Fathoms in titanium with the beautiful blue dial and bezel I hoped for the Blancpain Boutique in Munich to support me with this task.

And the fabulous team of Blancpain Munich made it happen, even in this period of the year when they have significant customer traffic, they have let the beauty go for a day to support a photo session. So I think you agree with me starting this report with a huge ‘thank you’!!!

Now, let’s get to the watch 😉

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Titanium

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Hands-on with the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tribute to MilSpec

Thanks to the Blancpain Boutique in Munich I had a chance to welcome one of the first Blancpain Fifty FathomsTribute to MilSpec for a one day photo session.

Let me share some impressions and photos, which hopefully ease the pain for those of us (me included) waiting to finally get their own MilSpec to put it on the wrist.

 

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tribute to MilSpec

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