A blog entirely dedicated to Blancpain timepieces
We frequently talk about the rich heritage of Blancpain dive watches reaching back into the 1950s, most recently with the Bathyscaphe 70th anniversary. There’s another type of Blancpain watch with a no less exciting history celebrating its 70th anniversary, the Ladybird. To commemorate the early days of the Ladybird with its unique blend of watchmaking and jewelry the manufacture has just launched the Lady B, so let’s take a closer look.
In 2023 Blancpain celebrated the 70th anniversary of the iconic Fifty Fathoms in three acts or better said with three very special timepieces. This year the smaller sibling to the professional dive watch, meant for daily wearing with swimming or diving capabilities, turns 70 years old and we get a remarkable timepiece to match the occasion, the limited to 300 pieces Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe 70th Anniversary reference 5903 1110 63A. Let’s take a deep dive into it, but not only that: we will see it side by side with its inspirational predecessor and some other family members.
Recently I shared my review of the three standard collection variants of the new 38mm Villeret Ultraplate in stainless steel and red gold. Now I had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the fourth model, the Boutique only Villeret Ultraplate 6224N-A-1142-55B in stainless steel with opaline dial and yellow gold hands and numerals, so please join me in exploring this version.
Recently Blancpain introduced the 38mm Villeret Ultraplate 6224N as the second act in the new and refreshed Villeret line. I now had the opportunity to encounter the three standard collection models, the Boutique exclusive timepiece will hopefully follow soon. So let us take a close look at the new Villeret in the classic case size of 38mm, with two stainless steel timepieces and the red gold version.
After the introduction of the Fifty Fathoms Tech with a diameter of 45mm last year Blancpain today has added the larger 47mm version to the regular Fifty Fathoms Tech collection, well timed on World Oceans Day. Let’s get up close and personal with the brand new timepiece and explore the design details and their evolution.
Besides the sports, dress and complicated timepieces there’s a fourth pillar Blancpain is known for, and it is a very important one for the Manufacture: exceptional ladies watches. Among those the Ladybird Colors combines fine watchmaking with beautiful jewelry aspects in the most extrovert way, so let’s take a look at the latest iteration, named Ladybird Colors Phases de Lune Nude Moka, in both white and red gold.
Recently Blancpain has chosen to offer the precious metal versions of the 42mm Fifty Fathoms 5010 with a polished case finish. These luxurious models require a closer look, so let’s dive in with reference 5010-3630 on sailcloth and reference 5010-3640 on Tropic strap.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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” →
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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” →
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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” →
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.
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.
Continue reading “Refined excellence: the Villeret Quantieme Perpetuel platinum” →
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.
Continue reading “Hands on with the Fifty Fathoms Grande Date” →
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.
Continue reading “The new Blancpain Bathyscaphe Bucherer Blue Edition” →
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.
Continue reading “The Fifty Fathoms Ocean Commitment III on bracelet” →
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:
Continue reading “At the Blancpain Endurance Series 24h of Spa” →
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.
Dear Blancpain Blog friends, here is the very last part of my report, this time I’ll share some impressions from the Blancpain booth.
Continue reading “The Basel report(5) – impressions from the Blancpain booth and some conclusions” →
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.
Continue reading “Hands-on with the Basel novelties (4): the Villeret timepieces” →
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:
Continue reading “Hands-on with the Blancpain novelties (3): the sports watches” →
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.
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.
Continue reading “Hands on with the Basel novelties (part one): the Bathyscaphe Jour Date 70s” →
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 😉
Continue reading “Hands-on with the blue dial Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Titanium” →
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.
Continue reading “Hands-on with the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tribute to MilSpec” →
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