@@BarkandJackThanks for another great video, Adrian. I hope you’re enjoying Banff. I’m sure you’re having fun on the trail responsibly, leaving no trace behind. Which is why I was surprised when you said at the end of the video that you’d still buy this watch, just for fun, with Banff’s beautiful flora in the background. It seemed oddly ironic to me. I hope you will reconsider. If you weren’t so knowledgeable about watches already, I’d offer you suggestions for other fun, yet sustainable watches at this pricepoint. Hopefully, Banff’s unique forests and wildlife will not be consumed by climate change-driven wildfires later this century, because we couldn’t help having a bit of fun driving our gas guzzlers and eating massive amounts of meat.
@@BarkandJackdon't allow the herd mentality make you hate something because of peer pressure. That's just as bad as letting the herd mentality get you to get in a queue for a hype watch. If you like something you should enjoy it without having to justify it to others. If you hate something you don't have to try to gather a group to hate along with you. Be an individual.
I’ll never understand why Blancpain never makes a non limited 40mm Bathyscaphe and a 42mm Fifty Fathoms. These sizes will sell like crazy and yet they insist on making the larger versions.
I’m an owner and I will try to explain it. Unfortunately blancpain marketing only comes to people who already owns one of their watches. It’s a subtle marketing and comes in the form of paper journal and newsletter only coming to those who own a watch… they still think to the ff both normal and bathyscaphe as a tool watch to be used 300 meters under water. It just needs to be big to be readable. That’s it. Look for the documentary Gombessa. You will see this watches being worn over a dive suit in some of the hardest dive in the world and you will understand. The size is perfect ❤
They also need to ditch the date complication. I wonder if there's market research that shows that people really want that on a watch? I don't think there's ever been a scenario where I've been happy about a date. It's usually just something I tolerate.
@@ams914Rolex sells hundreds of thousands of watches with a date window. And a magnifier, too. Making it even less tolerable, you'd think. Yet, they sell. My vacation watch has a day date complication. I like to be remembered those while vacationing, when I don't otherwise have a good sense of them, yet they are important to keep track of. And I might not have my phone around on a vacation day.
In 2022 Swatch Group - includes brands Omega, Longines, Swatch, Tissot, Hamilton, Blancpain, Breguet and more - recorded net sales of CHF 7.5 BILLION, of which "only" CHF 250 MILLION came from Moonswatch sales. They seem to be doing something right.
Unlike other’s who make products through passion and desire to make great things. Think Nomos, JLC, Tudor. All money makers, but focusing on making great products above all.
From the UK but on holiday in Hawaii. Just queued 3.5hrs in Waikiki store (which I hear is short). 69 pieces total. Didn't get a choice but have the Indian Ocean and Artic Ocean. Great in the flesh and love that they are mechanical.
Great take. Love the quote “sometimes you just want that dirty burger”😂 I didn’t buy a MoonSwatch. I am very tempted by this though. Love the design and colour options.
Got a grey one and i actually really love it ! Feel Bitter made than the moonswatch, and the nato watch combo is killer ! It will sit besides my other non serious fun watches
I live in Alaska, and you rarely hear the bears before they’re close enough to run you down. Of course, I’ve also never had a bear be overly aggressive with me -just a little curious. That being said, love the video style, and it is good to see you on my side of the pond!
Been waiting to hear your thoughts on this collab… as always worth the wait. This guy deserves more credit for his work. Like you say clever marketing. The fifty fathoms just doesn’t do it for me in terms of a dive watch personally, x it with swatch though and it’s a more appealing offer… sure the 11750 quid saving helps….
Former employee here, it’s been interesting seeing the hype around swatch now with both the omega and Blancpain collaborations. The clientele when I worked there mainly comprised of nostalgia, international customers where the brand is bigger, or someone looking for a simple watch. To now seeing people who never even heard of the brand waiting on line get one. I’ll be visiting my old location to see how the Blancpain collab look!
I bought a Seiko Snzh53k1 about 6 years ago for £99 I had no idea it vaguely resembled a 50 fathoms & it has a in house automatic movement . On a nato it looks fantastic.
Funny. I have the same Seiko. Great minds think alike. I wasn’t even aware of the Fifty Fathoms when I bought my Seiko. It’s certainly a much better alternative to the new Swatch. Higher quality at a fraction of the price.
It looks like a fun watch but the disposability gives me pause. I’m glad to see Blancpain to get a place in the spotlight however. Great video Adrian. Happy to see you sharing again. 😎
As you said, The Swatch Collaboration will create a temporary interest in the brand, but if Blancpain don't start making watches more people want, then it'll be short lived.
Can’t really tell people what to do with their time/money. Drinking, smoking, eating junk food amongst other things are not good for us but plenty still do it. Unless you live a 100% clean life and don’t consume, partake in some sort of activity that be work or hobby that isn’t good for you then this comment really comes off as hypocritical.
It would be nice but Marc Hayek has already stated in an interview that he is open to any iconic watch and brand except Breguet. So there is that. But he also flip flopped on the online sales so who knows. I own a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and a Breguet Type XX and am/ would be happy to see Swatch collabs.
Hi @adrian Barker, seems the back of the case can be removed and thus the movement swapped and even serviced. Still cheap and all, but something to consider.
This collab has caught me the opposite way the Moonswatch did. I was all for the moonswatch and got fully involved with the hype, but as time went by and the nonsense surrounding actually getting one carried on I was more and more against the whole thing. To the point where I had my choice of them in a boutique and decided against it. This on the other hand, I was done with before it was unveiled. Already done with the queues, the hype, the manufactuered lack of availability. But, as time has gone on, and I have seen more and more about them, it all kinda makes a lot more sense, and I'm now frantically looking at how I get the the Pacific Ocean or the Antarctic Ocean models! Another colab and I'm no closer to an opinion than I was before the moonswatch!
I plan on buying one once the hype dies down, I think they look cool. I often wear my moonswatch over my tudor/rolex just because its easy and you dont have to worry about it
Your comment is really interesting. How many of us do buy BlackBays, SeaMasters, Navitimers and such like, pretending to be enlightened amateurs of horology, when we are just falling for the Hodinkee marketing tricks and would live happier lifes rocking £ 300 Eco Drive Citizens ?
I don’t know if it’s the best way to create awareness but it definitely isn’t easy or lazy… it’s actually very creative, risky and requires a lot of work and development.
You're absolutely right. I said the same thing when Swatch came out with the Moon watches a few years ago. There was a lot of hype, people were camped-out waiting to buy one, and they sold out very quickly. Some people bought them just so they can sell it on Ebay for a profit. I even heard about its release on primetime news like it was some great cultural event. People that may not be able to afford a luxury watch can now buy something with an Omega name at a cheaper price. It's genius on the part of Swatch in the sense of marketing and getting a buying frenzy. They also refused to sell the watch online but only through their stores. This also forces a customer to consider different models and multiple watch purchases.
Good video, Adrian. I have a real 5015, the literal ideal version of this Scuba51. Yet I also want a Scuba51. I don’t have a legitimate use case for it - I have many other divers at higher prices, and even other divers around the $400 mark that outperform this as well. Yet I still want one because it’s nice to be able to capture another Fifth Fathoms with a cool color scheme for a fraction of the price. But I am bothered that the movement is designed to break and never be repaired.
I prefer it over the MoonSwatch and may get one. I also wonder, looking at all the other brands within the Swatch group, what will be next? Until then, l’m drawn to the grey version ❤ Another cracking video (I’m showing my age) Adrian 🙏
As someone with a few luxury watches, I completely agree with you about the quality, or lack of. But I’ve just bought the Atlantic because I absolutely love the look of it and now I’m like an excited child waiting for it to arrive 😂.
Im also someone with few luxury watches, and I’m trying to buy Pacific, it’s selling so fast. As someone who doesn’t live in big city I’m getting so frustrated because I really want one 😂
@@ivankuseta4913 Hi Ivan. I had the same problem. There’s not many Swatch shops in the UK and none anywhere near where I live. So chances of me passing by a store and them having stock of the one I wanted was probably zero 😂. So in the end I bit the bullet and had to buy one on the grey market 🙄.
Very insightful, as always. I like the look, but I am completely driven away by the price, especially after your own experience with the MoonSwatch pushers simply falling off. For about the price of one Blancpain Swatch (I heard someone call it a Thrifty Fathoms), I bought a Tissot Ballade with a COSC certified chronometer movement. There's a lot of novelty, but not enough value for me. Enjoy your vacation. Happy hiking!
Blancpain Bathyscaphe owner - blue dial, 43.6 mm, and I love it - partly because it's not an Omega or Rolex, and mainly because it's way better in terms of build and movement than those two brands. So, I will be out to get a blue dial Swatchy thing - it's a cool colab and it'll be a fun addition to the collection.
I have always liked the look of the 50 fathoms. I'm not getting one of these. But I think if it proves popular maybe Blancpain should look at making a cheaper and smaller version of the 50 fathoms. If they did do that I'd consider one instantly.
I agree with your points except I will be abstaining from this one - I’ve got a lot of watches fighting for wrist time and I’d probably enjoy a bit of boisterous fun with my Panerai or colorful Paulin over this any day. On a B&J nato strap, of course.
Sentiments still being formed, but i'll be adding this to my box for many of the same reasons Adrian described. May end up being a fun piece, despite its shortcomings.
Explorer 2 fan here! Great to see it in Canada. 6.5 inches wrist and i’m nearly backing out from getting a 226570 white dial. But on nato it looks super cool and well fitted on you. How do you find the bracelet?! Any opinion on my thoughts or the watch size would be greatly appreciated. P.s I just registered for a Black Submariner date & I have an Explorer 124270!
Was in Banff and jasper a couple of weeks ago. And I saw a black bear! All the ‘berry season’ signs are terrifying. Also made the flight out from the UK, 100 percent worth it.
Great review Adrian. I want one,but won’t. Love it,but will be too expensive here in Australia. I’ll annoy the missus for something cheaper,but better. Keep up the great work.
I do like that Swatch Group has a fun way of celebrating iconic designs from their subsideries that can be assembled at an affordable enough price for the mere mortal to join in the festivities. They've managed to pull it off in a way that is very obviously something different but captured enough of the charm to give a toothpick skewered hors d'oeuvre sized taste to the average joe. I appreciate that. The amount of under 30 year olds with face tattoos is an example of why not all fun things need to last forever. When my moonswatch kicks the bucket maybe Swatch will be doing some fun variant of Einstein's Longines or a reimagined Breguet Classique 5140
The Fifty-Fathoms is an awesome watch to look at. Maybe it's outdated but it carries an elegance, Rolex will never be able to give to their designs. The size shouldn't be an issue. Divers are supposed to be big and if Bulova can make a 43mm Lunar Pilot, so can Blancpain with the FF. Your right about the price, though. I added up all components needed to make a full metal Blancpain Seiko mod that will literally last forever: It's half the price, double the fun, hundred times the lifetime!
Outdated? It’s 1315 movement is super modern. Silicon balance spring, 120 hours of power reserve from three barrels in series, exceptional accuracy across the entire reserve. Beautiful to look at with all the Hand-finishing and decoration, a solid gold rotor. If you want the more modern look go for a Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, they are absolutely amazing too and use the same movements.
I love the fact that you shit on it and still want one. That’s exactly how I feel. I would definitely get one but like the plastic speedy, they’re not available near me and I am not travelling for one.
I think they are fun and kind of cool looking. But, I am not going out of my way to get one. Maybe if I happen to pass by a Swatch retail store I may drop in to see what they got on these. I'd say it may be an opportunistic purchase, but, if I don't get the opportunity, I can honestly say I wouldn't have missed anything, also. Besides, currently, I think I'd want to enjoy the watches I already have as well as apply that $400 towards a more expensive watch I'd much rather have.. every bit counts.
Great video as usual full of information. Personally I won't be jumping on the hype plane! Ps if I see you in any of the bars in Banff, I'll buy you a beer or coffee! Stay safe out in the back country pal!
You are right. I looked at the FF, loved the aesthetics but put off by the size. The Swatch don't make it more appealing since it's the same size. If I want a big dive watch, I already have my Panerai. Bathyscaphe can go smaller but it does not have the bubbly bezel that I adore. Any comments about the slugs at the back?
I think most people got the wrong idea about this watch. Swatch made a “SWATCH SCUBA” inspired by Blancpain FF, not a Fifty Fathoms in “swatch plastic”. If you look at it this way, then it makes more sense in my opinion. It’s a luxury S(econd)WATCH, not a cheap disposable Blancpain FF watch. And yes swatches are supposed to be fun, cheap and disposable watches, so the price is a bit steep, but if you compare it to the prices of some garbage fashion watches, it isn’t too far out of line imo. I love and own a few colorful 90’s swatch scuba’s, so i will add the yellow one (pacific ocean) in my collection when i got the opportunity.
Love the concept, love the design ideas, watch is meh and not really my vibe. I’d still rather have a Moonswatch but that mostly because the 50 fathoms does nothing for me. Love what you do!
I think it's brilliant marketing, though the lack of actual Blancpain ADs makes increasing Fifty Fathoms sales a challenge. There's one Blancpain AD in my metro area of about 7 million, versus 6 Omega ADs/boutiques. That and the BP product itself is too big, as you said. You won't hear me carrying on about 36mm watches and I love my 42mm Explorer II, but it's a bit much in 2023. It feels more like 2013. I got to see two of the Swatch x Blancpain models at a watch event yesterday. The best thing BP has done have been their 40mm limited releases. They're really clever and I quite like them, for many of the details you pointed out. The line was 1/4 that for the MoonSwatch and they had many more in stock to sell than for the MoonSwatch. Since I'm fortunate to live close enough to a Swatch boutique, I'll probably randomly pop in after 2 or 3 weeks and pick one up, just like I did with the MoonSwatch.
Great for brand awareness for new collectors and showing the public that there are other iconic divers outside the Submariner, BUT at the same time diluting the exclusivity for those who have the real one.
More interesting than the Speedmaster Mission watches. But this is like the last shot of adrenaline that will keep all those Swatch retail stores alive. Cheap watches are now the domain of Amazon and Ali Express.
Highly respect the fact that you’re calling it for what it is, a McDonald’s style/made watch but that at the same time it comes with brand heritage just like the swatch speedy, and regardless of all the negative things it is still something that appeals to the curiosity of watch collecting. Enjoy Alberta.
sorted, expensive fun. just about sums it up. if the look and design is desirable and you would never be able to to get the original, get yourself the Steeldive homage SD 1952. Solid watch, great looker for £150. As for the Swatch Blancpain ? If you just want a piece of disposable plastic on your wrist, wait for the Chinese version, probably available in about 6 weeks.................
I have one and isn’t it the same with all luxury products? However with Blancpain, you get and absolutely stunning movement with lovely finishing, silicon hairpsring, 120 hours of power reserve from 3 barrels in series, exceptional accuracy, a solid gold rotor that is blackened, sandblasted, brushed, satnated and polished and overall exceptional finishing on every part. All while being still a tool and be able to be used daily. If you compare this watch to its competitors, it’s fairly priced.
@@mehdizerzeri1977 Did you see that on their website? I can only see 45mm. The smaller ones seem to be the Bathyscarphe, which is a very different design.
It’s true about brands getting free advertising. You mentioned the M.A.D.1 Red benefitting MB&F, Louis Erards collaboration with Konstantin Chaykin is nominated for a GPHG this year, however I love the Watch being a Regulator. These Swatches are in a different league to the M.A.D.1 and the Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin. They are in a league of toy, disposable Watches but, Swatch has a heritage of being ‘the McDonalds’ of fashion accessories when it comes to Watches. More power to them. People are queuing round the block to gobble up the hype so let them enjoy it. ✊
Couldn’t have said it better! Your views on this industry, I think, are perfect! An FB group really wound me up today and this was a refreshing view! No pun intended. 😉
Maurice Lacroix did it first with the Tide version of their Aikon. True it was a bit pricier but if I were in the market for a new plastic watch I would go for the Tide. Maybe some other brands did it even earlier than that, not sure.
Adrian, Great terrain. Three thoughts: - bears are just as scared of you as you are of them. Just remember they can out climb, out run and out swim you; 😵💫 - it will be interesting to see if you change your mind when you handle one of these collaborations; - at the end of the day, the most practical wrist watch is the Casio F91W so looking at price is probably not something anyone but a cheapskate like me considers. Safe travels, mate!
1:50 I fully subscribe that statement. I do not see me buying a 50F because the design does not speak to me in any way, and it does not look modern (but also anywhere close to what I would like as a vintage watch). An overhaul is overdue.
Great video. Informative and astute. I like the blue Blancpain, but £340 is way too steep. If I had that money to spend, I would buy the Seiko 5 x Peanuts Parachute or I would put the money towards the automatic Tissot Gentleman or PRX. Crazy.
Pricing is based on supply and demand with perceived value skewing where those tangents meet. The hype and influence that Swatch marketing can implement ensures that this Blancpain/Swatch collab will generate much more interest leading to sales than a problematic Tissot PRX with AP envy or a Seiko 5 that can be had for $100 in its most basic guise.
May actually pick one up. Having a system51 would be neat, more appealing to me than the quartz chronograph in the moonswatch. And the strap looks like it may be slightly better than completely useless!
@@defenestratedone that's fair. I made my comment in isolation. If we were comparing JUST Moonswatch vs Scuba Fifty, I would go Moonswatch, since with that watch I can at least swap the battery out and keep it going another 2-3 years if it starts losing time. If the Scuba Fifty craps out after 2-3 years, as is notorious for many watches with the same movement, I basically just have a pretty plastic shelf piece. From a "bigger picture" perspective, none of them are worth it. Japan makes better watches for equal or less money. Hell, even China makes better watches for equal or less money lmao.
Banff is one of my fav places! Enjoy your trip! And yes....head on a swivel for those huge carnivores running around in the woods! Recording a podcast as you hike is a great way to keep your presence known! LOL.
When you see them lined up, it sort of reminds me of the displays of disposable vapes at the newsagent :D Cool idea, and they will sell in their droves, but if I;m dropping £300+ on another cheap watch, I'm not getting any further than the G-Shock store......
Banff is one of the most beautiful plsces in the world! Hope you brought a proper time keeping companion with you, makes fhe scenery that much more enjoyable 🤓
Of course I will buy one or two models of the new Swatch! With the full knowledge that the watch is at least twice as expensive... nevertheless the System 51 has proven itself in everyday life in recent years and the Scuba was already good when they came onto the market as quartz watches. So the quality won't be that bad... I think it's good that with this step they are breathing new life into the outdated image of the BP brand and presenting themselves to the younger generation! Many people only know the 5-6 best-known brands... this brings a breath of fresh air into the market!
Adrian Barker disappeared in the Canadian woods. Oddly, a grizzly bear was spotted wearing a Rolex Explorer II. This is just a humble opinion but at this point, Squale makes better "Fifty Fathoms" than Blancpain in the sense that the proportions are better, the styling is still there, the price doesn't break the bank, and Squale has a historical connection with Blancpain having made their watch cases back in the day. Their pedigree is diving and they have a few models out there that look like the vintage FF without being a strict homage.
Squale's most likely going to be one of the bigger casualities in all of this because who's going to want an homage when you can now get the collab for less than half the price? For those looking for real horology, consumers can go full legit with a real FF or Bathyscaphe once this plastic amuse-bouche whets their palate
Same for me as the Moonswatch and a hard pass. I've always had a soft spot for the fifty fathoms and that slightly rounded bezel but that much money for a disposable movement? As for bears, you're average Black Bear will take off running as soon as they know you're in the area unless you run into a Sow with cubs in tow then just work very hard at getting distance between them and you. Grizzlies are more of a threat but the Salmon are running right now so they'll be down by the river looking for a fish dinner.
Хобби
![Sean Rii, Karyon, Sharzkii - Taungule [My Love] (Official Music Video)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/eJoMuypbSzQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I know all the reasons I shouldn’t like it, but it’s working all over again 🙃
Haha. Same. I shouldn’t like it, but I do.
@@BarkandJackThanks for another great video, Adrian. I hope you’re enjoying Banff. I’m sure you’re having fun on the trail responsibly, leaving no trace behind. Which is why I was surprised when you said at the end of the video that you’d still buy this watch, just for fun, with Banff’s beautiful flora in the background. It seemed oddly ironic to me. I hope you will reconsider. If you weren’t so knowledgeable about watches already, I’d offer you suggestions for other fun, yet sustainable watches at this pricepoint. Hopefully, Banff’s unique forests and wildlife will not be consumed by climate change-driven wildfires later this century, because we couldn’t help having a bit of fun driving our gas guzzlers and eating massive amounts of meat.
@@BarkandJackdon't allow the herd mentality make you hate something because of peer pressure. That's just as bad as letting the herd mentality get you to get in a queue for a hype watch. If you like something you should enjoy it without having to justify it to others. If you hate something you don't have to try to gather a group to hate along with you. Be an individual.
@@TECHFIGHTER there’s no herd mentally influencing me. That would require me to consume watch content. And I don’t.
@@BarkandJackIf it was around 1/3 cheaper and serviceable I could 100% get on board with this .
I’ll never understand why Blancpain never makes a non limited 40mm Bathyscaphe and a 42mm Fifty Fathoms. These sizes will sell like crazy and yet they insist on making the larger versions.
I’m an owner and I will try to explain it. Unfortunately blancpain marketing only comes to people who already owns one of their watches. It’s a subtle marketing and comes in the form of paper journal and newsletter only coming to those who own a watch… they still think to the ff both normal and bathyscaphe as a tool watch to be used 300 meters under water. It just needs to be big to be readable. That’s it. Look for the documentary Gombessa. You will see this watches being worn over a dive suit in some of the hardest dive in the world and you will understand. The size is perfect ❤
I like the Bathyscaphe
So damn true!!!
They also need to ditch the date complication. I wonder if there's market research that shows that people really want that on a watch? I don't think there's ever been a scenario where I've been happy about a date. It's usually just something I tolerate.
@@ams914Rolex sells hundreds of thousands of watches with a date window. And a magnifier, too. Making it even less tolerable, you'd think. Yet, they sell.
My vacation watch has a day date complication. I like to be remembered those while vacationing, when I don't otherwise have a good sense of them, yet they are important to keep track of. And I might not have my phone around on a vacation day.
Shows the power of branding; throw a brand name on it and suddenly people seem to want to buy a swatch.
In 2022 Swatch Group - includes brands Omega, Longines, Swatch, Tissot, Hamilton, Blancpain, Breguet and more - recorded net sales of CHF 7.5 BILLION, of which "only" CHF 250 MILLION came from Moonswatch sales. They seem to be doing something right.
“Swatch’s money making project”… unlike others who make watches for the good of humanity and not profit. Gotcha.
Unlike other’s who make products through passion and desire to make great things. Think Nomos, JLC, Tudor. All money makers, but focusing on making great products above all.
Adrian, your videos are so watchable (pardon the obvious), beautifully made and produced. Keep up the great work.
From the UK but on holiday in Hawaii. Just queued 3.5hrs in Waikiki store (which I hear is short). 69 pieces total. Didn't get a choice but have the Indian Ocean and Artic Ocean. Great in the flesh and love that they are mechanical.
Great take. Love the quote “sometimes you just want that dirty burger”😂
I didn’t buy a MoonSwatch. I am very tempted by this though. Love the design and colour options.
Got the Indian Ocean - LOVE it!
Got a grey one and i actually really love it ! Feel Bitter made than the moonswatch, and the nato watch combo is killer !
It will sit besides my other non serious fun watches
I live in Alaska, and you rarely hear the bears before they’re close enough to run you down. Of course, I’ve also never had a bear be overly aggressive with me -just a little curious.
That being said, love the video style, and it is good to see you on my side of the pond!
Another Amazing video Adrian! Already looking forward to the next one 🙌🏼
Been waiting to hear your thoughts on this collab… as always worth the wait. This guy deserves more credit for his work. Like you say clever marketing. The fifty fathoms just doesn’t do it for me in terms of a dive watch personally, x it with swatch though and it’s a more appealing offer… sure the 11750 quid saving helps….
Thanks so much Alistair. 🙌🏻
Former employee here, it’s been interesting seeing the hype around swatch now with both the omega and Blancpain collaborations. The clientele when I worked there mainly comprised of nostalgia, international customers where the brand is bigger, or someone looking for a simple watch. To now seeing people who never even heard of the brand waiting on line get one. I’ll be visiting my old location to see how the Blancpain collab look!
I bought a Seiko Snzh53k1 about 6 years ago for £99 I had no idea it vaguely resembled a 50 fathoms & it has a in house automatic movement . On a nato it looks fantastic.
I’ve got the black/gold version. I recently put it on a black silicon tropical!🤤👍🏼
Funny. I have the same Seiko. Great minds think alike. I wasn’t even aware of the Fifty Fathoms when I bought my Seiko. It’s certainly a much better alternative to the new Swatch. Higher quality at a fraction of the price.
Cool video as usual. I was waiting for your take on this. As usual you are spot on. 👍🏻👍🏻
It looks like a fun watch but the disposability gives me pause. I’m glad to see Blancpain to get a place in the spotlight however.
Great video Adrian. Happy to see you sharing again. 😎
As you said, The Swatch Collaboration will create a temporary interest in the brand, but if Blancpain don't start making watches more people want, then it'll be short lived.
Completely agree, but also want the gray/white one for that hit of fun. Will look great on the beach. And undoubtably break there too.
Buying a product, you know is garbage just seems bizarre. There are plenty other ways to have fun.
Can’t really tell people what to do with their time/money.
Drinking, smoking, eating junk food amongst other things are not good for us but plenty still do it. Unless you live a 100% clean life and don’t consume, partake in some sort of activity that be work or hobby that isn’t good for you then this comment really comes off as hypocritical.
Well, there are people who pay women to degrade them so I guess this watch isn't as far as humanity can sink
Everyone has their kink, LOL@@tonyl7286
@@tonyl7286 paying a woman to degrade you is a healthy outlet for your innocent desires. Beats being a serial rapist AND/OR KILLER.
@@tonyl7286What's wrong with being degraded ?
“Sometimes you just want that dirty burger”
Exactly, nuff said.
Great content as always.
Except why would you pay $15 + for a dirty bigger ?
If it was around $ 7 fair enough .🍔
Title of your sex tape.
Welcome to Canada from Toronto! I love Banff! Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery!
Great video. Like the Moon Swatch, I’ll be avoiding it, but looking forward to your video on it
Hope it gets the word out for Blancpain. Love the Bathyscaphe . Maybe we'll get a Breguet XX next.
It would be nice but Marc Hayek has already stated in an interview that he is open to any iconic watch and brand except Breguet. So there is that. But he also flip flopped on the online sales so who knows. I own a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and a Breguet Type XX and am/ would be happy to see Swatch collabs.
that's what I'm talking about... Breguet-swatch tourbillon for under $1000... 😂🤣
@@Louen_Leoncoeur I would buy a plastic minute repeater that sounds like an original Gameboy.
@@koolpep i'd take a bite of that dirty burger😂
Nice to see you back!!
Hi @adrian Barker, seems the back of the case can be removed and thus the movement swapped and even serviced. Still cheap and all, but something to consider.
This collab has caught me the opposite way the Moonswatch did. I was all for the moonswatch and got fully involved with the hype, but as time went by and the nonsense surrounding actually getting one carried on I was more and more against the whole thing. To the point where I had my choice of them in a boutique and decided against it.
This on the other hand, I was done with before it was unveiled. Already done with the queues, the hype, the manufactuered lack of availability.
But, as time has gone on, and I have seen more and more about them, it all kinda makes a lot more sense, and I'm now frantically looking at how I get the the Pacific Ocean or the Antarctic Ocean models!
Another colab and I'm no closer to an opinion than I was before the moonswatch!
I like Blancpain and I think this is very cool and just a clever business decision, you have to hand it to them, well done Swatch.
I plan on buying one once the hype dies down, I think they look cool. I often wear my moonswatch over my tudor/rolex just because its easy and you dont have to worry about it
Your comment is really interesting.
How many of us do buy BlackBays, SeaMasters, Navitimers and such like, pretending to be enlightened amateurs of horology, when we are just falling for the Hodinkee marketing tricks and would live happier lifes rocking £ 300 Eco Drive Citizens ?
I don’t know if it’s the best way to create awareness but it definitely isn’t easy or lazy… it’s actually very creative, risky and requires a lot of work and development.
You're absolutely right. I said the same thing when Swatch came out with the Moon watches a few years ago. There was a lot of hype, people were camped-out waiting to buy one, and they sold out very quickly. Some people bought them just so they can sell it on Ebay for a profit. I even heard about its release on primetime news like it was some great cultural event. People that may not be able to afford a luxury watch can now buy something with an Omega name at a cheaper price. It's genius on the part of Swatch in the sense of marketing and getting a buying frenzy. They also refused to sell the watch online but only through their stores. This also forces a customer to consider different models and multiple watch purchases.
Good video, Adrian. I have a real 5015, the literal ideal version of this Scuba51. Yet I also want a Scuba51. I don’t have a legitimate use case for it - I have many other divers at higher prices, and even other divers around the $400 mark that outperform this as well. Yet I still want one because it’s nice to be able to capture another Fifth Fathoms with a cool color scheme for a fraction of the price. But I am bothered that the movement is designed to break and never be repaired.
My fav RUclipsr is backkk 😍🔥
Thanks buddy.🙌🏻🙌🏻
Great video; wish you would do more of these in the backcountry.
Excellent analysis and conclusions! And from such a well photographed natural environment. Top marks!
Love the gray one but I'm from the West Coast so I'm also digging the Pacific version as well. First time viewer, thanks for the (sort of) review.
I prefer it over the MoonSwatch and may get one.
I also wonder, looking at all the other brands within the Swatch group, what will be next?
Until then, l’m drawn to the grey version ❤
Another cracking video (I’m showing my age) Adrian 🙏
As someone with a few luxury watches, I completely agree with you about the quality, or lack of. But I’ve just bought the Atlantic because I absolutely love the look of it and now I’m like an excited child waiting for it to arrive 😂.
Im also someone with few luxury watches, and I’m trying to buy Pacific, it’s selling so fast. As someone who doesn’t live in big city I’m getting so frustrated because I really want one 😂
@@ivankuseta4913 Hi Ivan. I had the same problem. There’s not many Swatch shops in the UK and none anywhere near where I live. So chances of me passing by a store and them having stock of the one I wanted was probably zero 😂. So in the end I bit the bullet and had to buy one on the grey market 🙄.
@@haichyou2930 I know I’ll need to do the same! 😂
Very insightful, as always. I like the look, but I am completely driven away by the price, especially after your own experience with the MoonSwatch pushers simply falling off.
For about the price of one Blancpain Swatch (I heard someone call it a Thrifty Fathoms), I bought a Tissot Ballade with a COSC certified chronometer movement. There's a lot of novelty, but not enough value for me.
Enjoy your vacation. Happy hiking!
Blancpain Bathyscaphe owner - blue dial, 43.6 mm, and I love it - partly because it's not an Omega or Rolex, and mainly because it's way better in terms of build and movement than those two brands. So, I will be out to get a blue dial Swatchy thing - it's a cool colab and it'll be a fun addition to the collection.
Enjoy what you love, sometimes peoples opinions are just feels too much personal and you can’t control what they think and what they say.
Enjoy what you love, sometimes peoples opinions are just feels too much personal and you can’t control what they think and what they say.
I have always liked the look of the 50 fathoms. I'm not getting one of these. But I think if it proves popular maybe Blancpain should look at making a cheaper and smaller version of the 50 fathoms. If they did do that I'd consider one instantly.
Awww yeah, my boi is in my neck of the woodssss, let’s gooo 🙌 🌲
I agree with your points except I will be abstaining from this one - I’ve got a lot of watches fighting for wrist time and I’d probably enjoy a bit of boisterous fun with my Panerai or colorful Paulin over this any day. On a B&J nato strap, of course.
I unashamedly want the grey/white one!
Sentiments still being formed, but i'll be adding this to my box for many of the same reasons Adrian described. May end up being a fun piece, despite its shortcomings.
Welcome to Banff Hope you got to visit Calgary as well 🙌🙌
Explorer 2 fan here!
Great to see it in Canada.
6.5 inches wrist and i’m nearly backing out from getting a 226570 white dial.
But on nato it looks super cool and well fitted on you.
How do you find the bracelet?!
Any opinion on my thoughts or the watch size would be greatly appreciated.
P.s
I just registered for a Black Submariner date & I have an Explorer 124270!
Was in Banff and jasper a couple of weeks ago. And I saw a black bear! All the ‘berry season’ signs are terrifying.
Also made the flight out from the UK, 100 percent worth it.
To be honest I would love the green or blue as a summer piece - fun and good looking piece.
Waited over night In Manchester and battled flippers to get the Arctic version
I love it.
Great review Adrian. I want one,but won’t.
Love it,but will be too expensive here in Australia.
I’ll annoy the missus for something cheaper,but better.
Keep up the great work.
I do like that Swatch Group has a fun way of celebrating iconic designs from their subsideries that can be assembled at an affordable enough price for the mere mortal to join in the festivities. They've managed to pull it off in a way that is very obviously something different but captured enough of the charm to give a toothpick skewered hors d'oeuvre sized taste to the average joe. I appreciate that. The amount of under 30 year olds with face tattoos is an example of why not all fun things need to last forever. When my moonswatch kicks the bucket maybe Swatch will be doing some fun variant of Einstein's Longines or a reimagined Breguet Classique 5140
Would love to get one but will it be like the MoonSwack (yes) that was almost impossible to buy at retail?
The Fifty-Fathoms is an awesome watch to look at. Maybe it's outdated but it carries an elegance, Rolex will never be able to give to their designs. The size shouldn't be an issue. Divers are supposed to be big and if Bulova can make a 43mm Lunar Pilot, so can Blancpain with the FF. Your right about the price, though.
I added up all components needed to make a full metal Blancpain Seiko mod that will literally last forever: It's half the price, double the fun, hundred times the lifetime!
Outdated? It’s 1315 movement is super modern. Silicon balance spring, 120 hours of power reserve from three barrels in series, exceptional accuracy across the entire reserve. Beautiful to look at with all the Hand-finishing and decoration, a solid gold rotor. If you want the more modern look go for a Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe, they are absolutely amazing too and use the same movements.
I wouldn’t buy one, but it’s got me looking at Blancpain again 😊
Swatch: mission complete. But Blancpain is in another price bracket.
I love the fact that you shit on it and still want one. That’s exactly how I feel. I would definitely get one but like the plastic speedy, they’re not available near me and I am not travelling for one.
Great content mate, God bless you
I think they are fun and kind of cool looking. But, I am not going out of my way to get one. Maybe if I happen to pass by a Swatch retail store I may drop in to see what they got on these. I'd say it may be an opportunistic purchase, but, if I don't get the opportunity, I can honestly say I wouldn't have missed anything, also. Besides, currently, I think I'd want to enjoy the watches I already have as well as apply that $400 towards a more expensive watch I'd much rather have.. every bit counts.
I love it to be honest . We finally get a genuinely Blancpain labeled watch instead of homages and look alikes
I bought a brown Bark and Jack nato strap for my Hamilton Murph and it’s fantastic. Just wanted to say that! A nicer set up than a Swatcpain I’d say.
Great video as usual full of information. Personally I won't be jumping on the hype plane!
Ps if I see you in any of the bars in Banff, I'll buy you a beer or coffee! Stay safe out in the back country pal!
Thanks so much mate. Love Banff. Absolutely stunning area.
You are right. I looked at the FF, loved the aesthetics but put off by the size. The Swatch don't make it more appealing since it's the same size. If I want a big dive watch, I already have my Panerai.
Bathyscaphe can go smaller but it does not have the bubbly bezel that I adore.
Any comments about the slugs at the back?
As it's a non serviceable movement, would Swatch just replace your watch if movement is broken during warranty period?
I really like it...Probably never be able to get one though!
can't wait for the Breguet x Swatch pocket watch collaboration
I think most people got the wrong idea about this watch.
Swatch made a “SWATCH SCUBA” inspired by Blancpain FF, not a Fifty Fathoms in “swatch plastic”.
If you look at it this way, then it makes more sense in my opinion.
It’s a luxury S(econd)WATCH, not a cheap disposable Blancpain FF watch.
And yes swatches are supposed to be fun, cheap and disposable watches, so the price is a bit steep, but if you compare it to the prices of some garbage fashion watches, it isn’t too far out of line imo.
I love and own a few colorful 90’s swatch scuba’s, so i will add the yellow one (pacific ocean) in my collection when i got the opportunity.
I got a Hamilton khaki in white 38mm last week in a sale for £357 that to me is a better watch and better deal?
Love the concept, love the design ideas, watch is meh and not really my vibe. I’d still rather have a Moonswatch but that mostly because the 50 fathoms does nothing for me. Love what you do!
I think it's brilliant marketing, though the lack of actual Blancpain ADs makes increasing Fifty Fathoms sales a challenge. There's one Blancpain AD in my metro area of about 7 million, versus 6 Omega ADs/boutiques. That and the BP product itself is too big, as you said. You won't hear me carrying on about 36mm watches and I love my 42mm Explorer II, but it's a bit much in 2023. It feels more like 2013. I got to see two of the Swatch x Blancpain models at a watch event yesterday. The best thing BP has done have been their 40mm limited releases. They're really clever and I quite like them, for many of the details you pointed out. The line was 1/4 that for the MoonSwatch and they had many more in stock to sell than for the MoonSwatch. Since I'm fortunate to live close enough to a Swatch boutique, I'll probably randomly pop in after 2 or 3 weeks and pick one up, just like I did with the MoonSwatch.
Lovely to see the footage from Banff / Canada :)
It really is a stunning location. I’ll be doing a Q&A video as an excuse to show more shots.
@@BarkandJack It would be amazing. Next time you are in Canada plan to stop by Toronto.
Hi Adrian love it and i want the Antarctic one ..the grey one.
Great for brand awareness for new collectors and showing the public that there are other iconic divers outside the Submariner, BUT at the same time diluting the exclusivity for those who have the real one.
More interesting than the Speedmaster Mission watches. But this is like the last shot of adrenaline that will keep all those Swatch retail stores alive. Cheap watches are now the domain of Amazon and Ali Express.
Highly respect the fact that you’re calling it for what it is, a McDonald’s style/made watch but that at the same time it comes with brand heritage just like the swatch speedy, and regardless of all the negative things it is still something that appeals to the curiosity of watch collecting.
Enjoy Alberta.
sorted, expensive fun. just about sums it up. if the look and design is desirable and you would never be able to to get the original, get yourself the Steeldive homage SD 1952. Solid watch, great looker for £150.
As for the Swatch Blancpain ? If you just want a piece of disposable plastic on your wrist, wait for the Chinese version, probably available in about 6 weeks.................
Have been waiting for 40mm FF for years. Size matters!
Brilliant marketing. Thank you for the beautiful scenery. Cheers.
The Fifty Fathoms case design and shape is lovely, but the price is outrageous and its too big to be practical.
If you don't like the 45mm they now do it in 42mm and 40mm.
I have one and isn’t it the same with all luxury products? However with Blancpain, you get and absolutely stunning movement with lovely finishing, silicon hairpsring, 120 hours of power reserve from 3 barrels in series, exceptional accuracy, a solid gold rotor that is blackened, sandblasted, brushed, satnated and polished and overall exceptional finishing on every part. All while being still a tool and be able to be used daily. If you compare this watch to its competitors, it’s fairly priced.
@@mehdizerzeri1977 Did you see that on their website? I can only see 45mm. The smaller ones seem to be the Bathyscarphe, which is a very different design.
It’s true about brands getting free advertising. You mentioned the M.A.D.1 Red benefitting MB&F, Louis Erards collaboration with Konstantin Chaykin is nominated for a GPHG this year, however I love the Watch being a Regulator.
These Swatches are in a different league to the M.A.D.1 and the Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin. They are in a league of toy, disposable Watches but, Swatch has a heritage of being ‘the McDonalds’ of fashion accessories when it comes to Watches. More power to them. People are queuing round the block to gobble up the hype so let them enjoy it. ✊
Couldn’t have said it better! Your views on this industry, I think, are perfect! An FB group really wound me up today and this was a refreshing view! No pun intended. 😉
well perhaps you could have said it while not out of breath hiking through the woods with a lot of background sound.
Maurice Lacroix did it first with the Tide version of their Aikon. True it was a bit pricier but if I were in the market for a new plastic watch I would go for the Tide. Maybe some other brands did it even earlier than that, not sure.
Adrian,
Great terrain.
Three thoughts:
- bears are just as scared of you as you are of them. Just remember they can out climb, out run and out swim you; 😵💫
- it will be interesting to see if you change your mind when you handle one of these collaborations;
- at the end of the day, the most practical wrist watch is the Casio F91W so looking at price is probably not something anyone but a cheapskate like me considers.
Safe travels, mate!
1:50 I fully subscribe that statement. I do not see me buying a 50F because the design does not speak to me in any way, and it does not look modern (but also anywhere close to what I would like as a vintage watch). An overhaul is overdue.
Adrian, could you do a review and commentary of Seiko as you did for Tudor when you went to their factory and spoke about their main pieces, merci.
Great video. Informative and astute. I like the blue Blancpain, but £340 is way too steep. If I had that money to spend, I would buy the Seiko 5 x Peanuts Parachute or I would put the money towards the automatic Tissot Gentleman or PRX. Crazy.
Pricing is based on supply and demand with perceived value skewing where those tangents meet. The hype and influence that Swatch marketing can implement ensures that this Blancpain/Swatch collab will generate much more interest leading to sales than a problematic Tissot PRX with AP envy or a Seiko 5 that can be had for $100 in its most basic guise.
I might but one, blue or grey in that order.
Hope the hype goes away when I actually get to see one, like happened with the moonswatch
Love the McDonalds analogy. Spot on.
May actually pick one up. Having a system51 would be neat, more appealing to me than the quartz chronograph in the moonswatch. And the strap looks like it may be slightly better than completely useless!
Yea but at least the quartz in the Moonswatch can last longer lmao
@@LoganSLRLockwood I suppose, but if I’m going quartz I’m usually going Japanese, no real interest in Swiss quartz personally
@@defenestratedone that's fair. I made my comment in isolation. If we were comparing JUST Moonswatch vs Scuba Fifty, I would go Moonswatch, since with that watch I can at least swap the battery out and keep it going another 2-3 years if it starts losing time. If the Scuba Fifty craps out after 2-3 years, as is notorious for many watches with the same movement, I basically just have a pretty plastic shelf piece.
From a "bigger picture" perspective, none of them are worth it. Japan makes better watches for equal or less money. Hell, even China makes better watches for equal or less money lmao.
Banff is one of my fav places! Enjoy your trip! And yes....head on a swivel for those huge carnivores running around in the woods! Recording a podcast as you hike is a great way to keep your presence known! LOL.
When you see them lined up, it sort of reminds me of the displays of disposable vapes at the newsagent :D Cool idea, and they will sell in their droves, but if I;m dropping £300+ on another cheap watch, I'm not getting any further than the G-Shock store......
Saw those when the came out. I want an actual 50 Fathoms..
Banff is one of the most beautiful plsces in the world! Hope you brought a proper time keeping companion with you, makes fhe scenery that much more enjoyable 🤓
Of course I will buy one or two models of the new Swatch!
With the full knowledge that the watch is at least twice as expensive... nevertheless the System 51 has proven itself in everyday life in recent years and the Scuba was already good when they came onto the market as quartz watches. So the quality won't be that bad...
I think it's good that with this step they are breathing new life into the outdated image of the BP brand and presenting themselves to the younger generation! Many people only know the 5-6 best-known brands... this brings a breath of fresh air into the market!
Adrian Barker disappeared in the Canadian woods. Oddly, a grizzly bear was spotted wearing a Rolex Explorer II.
This is just a humble opinion but at this point, Squale makes better "Fifty Fathoms" than Blancpain in the sense that the proportions are better, the styling is still there, the price doesn't break the bank, and Squale has a historical connection with Blancpain having made their watch cases back in the day. Their pedigree is diving and they have a few models out there that look like the vintage FF without being a strict homage.
Squale's most likely going to be one of the bigger casualities in all of this because who's going to want an homage when you can now get the collab for less than half the price? For those looking for real horology, consumers can go full legit with a real FF or Bathyscaphe once this plastic amuse-bouche whets their palate
Same for me as the Moonswatch and a hard pass. I've always had a soft spot for the fifty fathoms and that slightly rounded bezel but that much money for a disposable movement? As for bears, you're average Black Bear will take off running as soon as they know you're in the area unless you run into a Sow with cubs in tow then just work very hard at getting distance between them and you. Grizzlies are more of a threat but the Salmon are running right now so they'll be down by the river looking for a fish dinner.
Love the McDonalds comparison ❤
2:46 “Your watch is literally the equivalent of a plastic bag.” Almost spit out my coffee. 😆
Nice Job on this Adrian - yes, this is certainly cheap fun.
Hey Adrian you’re in Banff. Til when are you in Canada? Any meetups while here? Enjoy your stay!
Apparently the case back on this specific sistem51 colab can be reopened and the movement replaced
I totally agree with everything you said!! And, I hope you avoided the grizzlies!! Banf is sooooooooo awesome!!
where are you at? what trail / forest is that>