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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I think it’s safe to assume that the all titanium variant of the FF 5010 with blue dial will be a very popular configuration. It’s larger sibling, ref 5015, has turned out to be a bestseller and the more moderate size will probably make the 42mm Fifty Fathoms become one, too.
We will focus mainly on the titanium bracelet in this blog post, but let‘s remind ourselves quickly of the outstanding aesthetic virtues the 42mm Fifty Fathoms 5010 and the sublime 1315 movement offer.
The 42mm Fifty Fathoms dials show two notable differences compared to the larger 45mm sibling: for one the dial has no outer ring with radial finish, and the indices offer a center bevel that corresponds with the finish of the hands.
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That being said, the dial of reference 5010 is plain and luxurious at the same time, looking a bit larger in relation to the bezel than the dial of reference 5015 as a consequence of the missing outer ring with its radial finish.
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The blue sapphire bezel insert offers numerals that are about the same size as those on the dial, creating a very harmonious look.
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The grade 23 titanium case offers the exceptional rounded design that is so characteristic of the modern fifty Fathoms. Again, the attention to detail and the flawless finish is evident:
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When we turn the Fifty Fathoms 5010 over we see the beautifully decorated caliber 1315, held by the grade 23 titanium case like a perfect fitting tight glove. A movement that fills the case is an aesthetic highlight we unfortunately don’t see too often these days.
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Especially the blue dial/bezel version of the titanium 5010 benefits from the titanium bracelet, since the dark blue strap options are always a rather strong contrast to the blue of the watch head.
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Since it was introduced in the 1990s the X-71 style Blancpain bracelet has always been one of the absolute best bracelets in the market. Solid, perfectly machined, a beautiful satin brushed finish are of course also found with today’s grade 23 titanium bracelet, with a significant improvement, though.
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The links are held by a hidden system on the underside of the bracelet, which offers a clean lateral look due to the absence of the screws on the bracelet flanks.
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The hidden double deployant clasp still lacks a quick adjustment system, that is the one aspect why this titanium bracelet is not 100% pure perfection.
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I have not taken photos on the wrist since the bracelet wasn’t sized properly. From the experience with the larger sibling I can say that the weight balance of the all titanium FF is near perfect and that the timepiece wears light but permanently noticeable.
When it comes to bracelets the quality not only shows with the design, finish and haptic experience but also the absence of stretch. This photo shows how precisely the Blancpain titanium bracelet is assembled, another key virtue that will add to the positive experience.
You find the Fifty Fathoms 5010-12B40-98S here on the Blancpain website. My overview on all variations of the new 42mm FF is available here in the blog.
I hope you enjoyed this second encounter with this timepiece and the photos.
Cheers
Henrik