Thank you for the shout-out! Great timing as well as I'm about to publish a new article on whether Blancpain is truly the oldest watch brand in the world or if their entire history is a fabrication just like their Fifty Fathoms 'first modern dive watch' fairy tale. For this story I dug deep into the archives of the 17th and 18th century with the help of a Swiss historian. Stay tuned!
Sorry hit send too soon. Not sure about his affiliation etc or motivation but he has history as supporting facts. I look forward to reading your report. Thanks.
ruclips.net/video/UizMlqxTHYQ/видео.htmlsi=wvBgPoYBBVW8Bpts Excellent talk in New York city. Seems to have history and facts on Blancpain side but lets see what you come out with.
Hi @perezcope, it's my understanding that Blancpain was making dive watches for the French military for years before they were sold commercially to the public in 1953. Isn't the date of when they sold watches to the public a moot point?
@@DA_Karas In a letter from February 1955, French Navy Commander Riffaud wrote they had been using the Fifty Fathoms for one year. That letter is discussed in in the article.
I also have owned both for many years, sold my sub but replaced with a SD43, still have my FF... honestly this isn't a fair apple to apple comparison. Calling the FF to be "like a microbrand" is an absurd statement Harrison - it is beautifully finished, is entirely made by hand, has a twin barrel, 120 hour exquisite super accurate movement and the bezel action is far superior imo, but debating how a bezel clicks is a very personal like/dislike. If you are looking for a more practical, multi-use piece, less expensive, very well made watch that will fit more wrists, the Sub makes more sense. But if you are looking for something different, handcrafted, something with that "extra extra", a statement piece, then the FF is a far better choice imo. As for the which came first, I could care less - not like Rolex hasn't stretched the truth over the decades. As far as a diver/tool watch goes, neither makes sense - a Sinn, a Doxa, a Tudor Pelagos, Squale, or a well-spec'd Seiko are ALL more practical choices for far less dollars - these 2 watches are "luxury" pieces, albeit very capable ones, but imo trying to compare these watches head to head is illogical as they are of 2 totally different grades. I could actually make the argument that the FF is a steal for what it actually is "horologically" watch-wise at its price point.
Cool videos. Wanted to say, that “dumb Blancpain” logo on the case side, is by far one of my most favorite features on the fifty fathoms. It’s also become a legendary hallmark of the brand on this model. Making it instantly recognizable. I’d go so far as to call it Iconic/ I think it serves an important purpose and is a timeless classic. I absolutely love it. I’m sorry we disagree… keep up the great work. ✌🏽
Yeah this dude is on crack. The FF blows any dive watch out of the water. Specially a damn submariner. He’s talking all of this nonsense because he just got the submariner….. long live the FF
@@arnovda9479I have spent ridiculous money on watches. Neither of these watches are worth what they cost to me. The Blancpain is absurdly priced, though like the Rolex it durable.
I own a modern day Sub and only got it for the fact that at the time the FF was only made in the 45mm size which is way too big when I tried it on. If at the time they had it in the new 42.5mm I’d choose that everyday of the week! It’s a no brainer the FF is far superior in my eyes. As for the bezel ~ Blancpain used the sapphire on it way back in the mid 2000s I believe way before microbrands were even a thing.
@@aaronw4537the guy can’t even get the specs right, the bezel is 120 clicks instead of the 60 clicks that he claimed in the video, the lug to lug measurement isn’t 47mm, it’s 48mm. The FF with the strap on the deployant clasp doesn’t weigh 83 grams, it’s 94.5. The fact that he had to manipulate the data to support his conclusion of the Sub being the superior piece says quite a lot. He couldn’t even tell wether the hands and indices r made of white gold or gold plated brass, let’s be honest, the process of shaping the brass into hands or indices with gold plated treatment alone would be more expensive the simply using white gold lol, just go back to playing Rolex plz, stop making contents that brings nothing but “groundbreaking thoughts” plz.
Superior ? Or better quality is not being superior than I don’t know what is .. Rolex beats Bp in very regard .. maybe not the chrono finishing of the movement from the bathyscaphe
Fifty fathoms all day. Movement not in the same league as the sub with regards to finishing and power reserve. I agree it is expensive so I bought a Kermit and will trade it for the fifty fathoms when I find a good preowned one for 14-15k 😁
I have a Sub Date 41 and plan to buy the FF as my next purchase probably next week, this article is quite unfair to the blancpain, instead of a comparison it sounds like a hit piece. Luxury watches are expensive and worth whatever someone is willing to pay, just buy both and enjoy them, Rolex has a better marketing team and a solid product albeit a mass produced dime a dozen one and I have 5 Rolexes one which costed me 47K, I am not biased here, oh and by the way you can go and buy the FF any day and have a great experience, I have spent 100k in Rolex at my AD and I am still a regular customer that needs to do the dance, I am sick of that.
It should be compared to a titanium Yacht - Master in my opinion. The size, material, price etc everything matches the Yacht-Master closely than the submariner. Also, the movement specs are just better. Blancpain also sits at the top of Swatch group and they mention a lot of hand finishing in the marketing. Unfortunately, when you own more than one brand, due to brand hierarchy and pricing structure, they cannot be priced to compete with a Rolex. I agree with the dubious marketing and I honestly don't understand why they did it. Finally, sapphire bezels have lume underneath which can potentially help with longevity and it's generally agreed that it's more expensive to make.
From what I have read, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms was first made available to the French Navy a couple of years before it was ever made commercially available to the general public. So, it was developed prior to the Rolex Submariner. This would account for the claim that it was, and is, the first true diver's watch.
I think the only reason Rolex doesn't refute this claim is that it would shine light on their own dubious marketing. Invicta puts their brand name on the side of the case.
I have both I like the FF much better ! Better workmanship , better movement finishing , to me it's better looking watch too ! Also if you are new in the watch game no one pays MSRP for it ! You should at least get 25-30% off or wait a few months when the pre-owned hit the market
But you’ll pay $11K after tax for a machine made and finished, less accurate timepiece with significantly less power reserve because it has a crown on the logo. If the Sub is worth $11K, this is easily worth $18K.
@JackoWillMakeLives-loveu well, it depends if it's worth it for someone to pay for handcrafted professional work. This item doesn't make sense for alot of people seeing most people can't afford the cars in their driveway. Watch seems a little clunky to me, at least it would be on my wrist.
@@Greysprunkiyay the thing is, no one will even have to pay the 18 k in the future because of depreciation. Very soon the FF can be had for less than the sub on the grey market. Then you can have the better watch for less money.
The finish on this watch is way ahead of AP offshore Diver. Which is still expensive. when compared with Rolex oh God, Blancpain is better in every fkg way. It's on Patek, Brequet level. Go & shout at Rolex for costing 15k & AP for 25k. 🤮
Everyone is entitled to their own preferences, particularly something as unneeded as luxury timepieces, but complaining about Blancpain marketing is just very odd when compared the Rolex, a marketing juggernaut with its own litany of dubious historical claims.
I vastly prefer the looks of the Fifty Fathoms over the Submariner, and am hoping to own one at some point now that it is available in a size that should work better for my wrist size. The incorrect history of the Fifty Fathoms is unfortunate, but not something that would sway me one way or another since I'm primarily interested in the design. I'm hoping the apparent lack of interest would drive down the secondary market price in the future so I can snag one at a more reasonable price than the $18k MSRP.
Hey Harrison I am a big fan of the Fifty Fathoms and I respect your opinion on this review even though you said the newest FF looks like a micro brand watch lol Regards to the origin of the FF, in this day and age everyone entitled to their own truth so we are just gonna stick to our own truth then. I own a preowned FF in stainless steel and it’s my joy everyday
That’s awesome! The sapphire capped bezel just wasn’t my favorite for the microbrand comment. I’m glad you have yours and enjoy it. The joy of owning and the stories mean more than the specs. It’s still a rich history, great design, and great movement architecture in this case!
Splitting hairs to favour Rolex.... The Blancpain was released to the Military. So just because it was not 'sold' doesn'tean it wasn't physically there and being used.
If I had only one watch to wear, I would pick the Submariner. But if I had a two watch collection and if one of them was a dress watch, then my choice for the sports watch would be the Fifty Fathoms. So in short, the Submariner works better as a standalone watch, while the Fifty Fathoms works better in a collection.
Thank you for your review. It confirms my personal impression that (for me) it’s not a real substitute for a Rolex Sub. I do really like the date window at 4:30 (and like how it’s becoming more prominent in other brands as well) but it’s not worth paying that much of a premium above a Rolex which surely should be more reliable
Loved their welcome at the Geneva store in 2022 ! Definitely worth a stop if you're on Rue du Rhone. My favourite is the vintage 1960s FF norad nodate !
@@douglaskrueger357 You clearly have no idea about watchmaking dood. Not against VC. But Blancpain makes better watches compared to AP. Infact, AP used Blancpain movement on their chronograph until 2019 models. If you find some time to compare with offshore Diver & Ff diver. 18k is absolutely worth it. If you know, you know. Don't follow All RUclips 🪿. Some of them will dance naked if you give an extra 10 cents. Comparing to Rolex ? Huh, it's in a different league.
@@douglaskrueger357 you have no idea about watchmaking. You follow some 💵 RUclipsr 🪿 I guess. Blancpain is better than AP & AP used Blancpain movement until 2019 on their chronograph. If you find time do compare with Offshore diver vs FF diver & you will realize that 18k is a bargain. BP is good as Patek in terms of finishing. It's not RS or GF though. VC is also same league as them.
@@douglaskrueger357 🤣 Bro, AP used the Blancpain movement for decades in their chronograph. Blancpain finishing is simply to the level of Patek & FP. VC is excellent & my favorite. The truth is this at 18K it is better than AP offshore Diver interms of movement,finish etc. 18K is absolutely worth it. If you know, you know. 👍
Excellet video, and very fair take on a watch that a corporation is asking a huge amount of money for! Asking $18k for history is one thing, asking $18k forndubious history is another. Looking forward to future content!
As a 5015 owner, I don’t believe the 5010 is worth the asking price. You are much better off buying a used 5015 at $9k, or a 43mm Bathyscaphe at $7k. Both give you everything the 5010 does, at a much lower price, albeit at a bigger size.
I have both. I much prefer the Sub over the FF. The Sub is more accurate and lies better on the wrist. I have a large diameter wrist so it's not a problem to use the FF. But it's awkward to use it with a suit. So the Rolex is more versatile. It's also a legend the story told by Blancpain of being the champs. The Perezcope dismitifies verv accurately that tale. Yet I like the FF in terms of an exquisite horologic piece. The Glashütte SeaQ big date which I don't possess to the date is better than the FF. Better finishing and better movement albeit the FF is a monster in terms of power reserve. Greetings.
Funny how you describe the differences in movement finishing as “minute.” Cmon bro we get it you like Rolex but calling the finishing details “minute” is sad and way too biased to take seriously.
They are. Someone at Blancpain may have put a lot of time in it but it doesn't show. You obviously wouldn't buy a Rolex for the visual appeal of the movement, so the question is rather: is the FF movement that nicely decorated that it's worth nearly double the price? That's a no for me 🫤
I'm firmly in the Submariner camp. The Fifty Fathoms may be a horological masterpiece, but a diver is a tool watch. My preference is towards the pre-ceramic models by Rolex. I feel they've mucked the ceramic designs up a bit and are trying to slowly correct them, and in doing so taking it further from the ideal. The lugs on the 11xxxx series were too thick, so they increased the size of the rest of the case and the bracelet, instead of slimming down the lugs.
why sub has no open back case? cose nothing to see there, just simple machinery made movement , blancpain its hand finished and controlled movement, and its beautiful!! that why you pay more, for real hand made production!!!! Hype of Rolex in one day will end, and will be same like invicta, every grocery will have for sale, don't forget Rolex make more than 2 million watches a year!!!!! the end is not far :)
if new, i'd choose the rolex. blancpain's price falls when used... making the retail price too much. same overall design so I'm choosing bang for the buck as a differentiator.
You need the black dial Fifty Fathoms. The X71 bracelet is top notch. I own both, but wear the Sub more, despite the Fifty Fathoms being a much better watch.
IMHO the only attractive Fifty Fathoms is the 40mm limited edition Hodinkee MIL-SPEC. If I could afford it I would buy one tomorrow but the rest are a bit meh for me - think of what else you could get for the 18k!
The fifty fathoms is a hard sell at that price, you really have to love the design and the story behind the model, As a sub and a sea dweller owner if I wanted something more upmarket and different I would be looking at a JLC Polaris date , the one with the faded textured dial and a in-house visable movement with 70 hrs power reserve. Beautiful watch in the metal, shame it’s not a bit thinner.
While I too like JLC Polaris, it has a totally different design look with the internal timing bezel. The Polaris bracelet also isn't nearly as well made and finished as the Blancpain. I think a better high horology upgrade to the Sub or SD with a similar look is the GO SeaQ Panorama Date or the regular SeaQ if you have a smaller wrist (like me).
I hate Blancpain writing on case so much, bezel action and dial finish is below average, super overpriced! Hafiz from UAE did a review exposing it. For that price get an AP Offshore Diver 42, you won’t be disappointed! Submariner is the GOAT diver! I wear a 216610LV next to AP 15710ST White dial, the Submariner still takes the crown 👑 Awesome video and reviews love the channel!
Nice content Harrison! I really like the more wearable-sized FF. If they would take the brand name off the side of the case, I would consider buying one. At under 5K 😆
Hi Harrison - new subscriber here. Really nice content. I have a Sub 14060M and FF Hodinkee Milspec. They're both fantastic watches to wear and dive with, but the FF has the edge for me. It feels more premium and toolish at the same time which takes some doing. Having said that, I'm comparing the sub with a 40mm FF that does not have the Blancpain script on the side. For a 42mm FF with the questionable side logo it may be a much closer contest.
Love this but gotta have it with the sailcloth strap. Better than the Sub is every objective measure. Sure you may prefer the Sub’s design but that a subjective measure.
the first dive watch 1930 omega marine slide case blancpain was busy making watches for the french navy us navy seals and other secret service agencies while rolex marketed their watch to the general public i have a rolex 40mm sea dweller and a no date submariner and my 42mm blancpain is a much better watch and a five day power reserve sapphire lumed bezel and case back with 3 spring barrels oh you dont have to get down on your knees to by one either
Imagine Rolex would write on the side of all their cases a big fat R-O-L-E-X. People would be outraged. But somehow Blancpain gets to do it and all is fine. Hideous. It needs to stop.
BlancPain-better hand finished movement and case for true watch nerds, unfortunately too expensive, big and thick for normal wrists. Rolex-assembly line robotically made sturdy yet plain movement and case made for status seeking douche bag posers who couldn't tell you the name of 5 other brands if their life depended on it. I've had multiples of both and divested of them in favor of my Omega Seamaster 300M, quality movement, finishing, size, and most importantly price/value. YMMV
I just tried the “42” FF and it wears better but still too thick. The movement, although finished better than the Rolex, is not nearly as robust (full balanced bridge, etc) When they thin the FF, it will be more desirable
Thank you for the shout-out! Great timing as well as I'm about to publish a new article on whether Blancpain is truly the oldest watch brand in the world or if their entire history is a fabrication just like their Fifty Fathoms 'first modern dive watch' fairy tale. For this story I dug deep into the archives of the 17th and 18th century with the help of a Swiss historian. Stay tuned!
Sorry hit send too soon. Not sure about his affiliation etc or motivation but he has history as supporting facts. I look forward to reading your report. Thanks.
ruclips.net/video/UizMlqxTHYQ/видео.htmlsi=wvBgPoYBBVW8Bpts
Excellent talk in New York city. Seems to have history and facts on Blancpain side but lets see what you come out with.
Hi @perezcope, it's my understanding that Blancpain was making dive watches for the French military for years before they were sold commercially to the public in 1953. Isn't the date of when they sold watches to the public a moot point?
@@DA_Karas In a letter from February 1955, French Navy Commander Riffaud wrote they had been using the Fifty Fathoms for one year. That letter is discussed in in the article.
@@perezcope thank you
I also have owned both for many years, sold my sub but replaced with a SD43, still have my FF... honestly this isn't a fair apple to apple comparison. Calling the FF to be "like a microbrand" is an absurd statement Harrison - it is beautifully finished, is entirely made by hand, has a twin barrel, 120 hour exquisite super accurate movement and the bezel action is far superior imo, but debating how a bezel clicks is a very personal like/dislike. If you are looking for a more practical, multi-use piece, less expensive, very well made watch that will fit more wrists, the Sub makes more sense. But if you are looking for something different, handcrafted, something with that "extra extra", a statement piece, then the FF is a far better choice imo. As for the which came first, I could care less - not like Rolex hasn't stretched the truth over the decades. As far as a diver/tool watch goes, neither makes sense - a Sinn, a Doxa, a Tudor Pelagos, Squale, or a well-spec'd Seiko are ALL more practical choices for far less dollars - these 2 watches are "luxury" pieces, albeit very capable ones, but imo trying to compare these watches head to head is illogical as they are of 2 totally different grades. I could actually make the argument that the FF is a steal for what it actually is "horologically" watch-wise at its price point.
Absolutely
Absolut korrekt! Blancpain ist definitiv eine andere Liga!
Cool videos.
Wanted to say, that “dumb Blancpain” logo on the case side, is by far one of my most favorite features on the fifty fathoms.
It’s also become a legendary hallmark of the brand on this model. Making it instantly recognizable. I’d go so far as to call it Iconic/
I think it serves an important purpose and is a timeless classic. I absolutely love it.
I’m sorry we disagree…
keep up the great work.
✌🏽
I own both. The Rolex Submariner in YG and the new Blancpain FF 42+mm in Titanium. I would choose the FF all day every day.
I won't.
But then again I also like JLC more than Blank and plain. Worth mentioning I would choose JLC Polaris over this one too.
Yeah this dude is on crack. The FF blows any dive watch out of the water. Specially a damn submariner. He’s talking all of this nonsense because he just got the submariner….. long live the FF
@@andresfeliperojas8771 With its great bracelet, glide lock, timeless design with a slim case and superlative accuracy! Oh shoot, that's the sub 😅
@@arnovda9479I have spent ridiculous money on watches. Neither of these watches are worth what they cost to me. The Blancpain is absurdly priced, though like the Rolex it durable.
@@andresfeliperojas8771 What is subjective opinion?
I own a modern day Sub and only got it for the fact that at the time the FF was only made in the 45mm size which is way too big when I tried it on.
If at the time they had it in the new 42.5mm I’d choose that everyday of the week! It’s a no brainer the FF is far superior in my eyes.
As for the bezel ~ Blancpain used the sapphire on it way back in the mid 2000s I believe way before microbrands were even a thing.
I mean I get why people don't like it but saying it looks like a micro brand from whenever ago is just dumb.
@@aaronw4537the guy can’t even get the specs right, the bezel is 120 clicks instead of the 60 clicks that he claimed in the video, the lug to lug measurement isn’t 47mm, it’s 48mm. The FF with the strap on the deployant clasp doesn’t weigh 83 grams, it’s 94.5. The fact that he had to manipulate the data to support his conclusion of the Sub being the superior piece says quite a lot.
He couldn’t even tell wether the hands and indices r made of white gold or gold plated brass, let’s be honest, the process of shaping the brass into hands or indices with gold plated treatment alone would be more expensive the simply using white gold lol, just go back to playing Rolex plz, stop making contents that brings nothing but “groundbreaking thoughts” plz.
Superior ? Or better quality is not being superior than I don’t know what is .. Rolex beats Bp in very regard .. maybe not the chrono finishing of the movement from the bathyscaphe
Recalling that Breguet doesn't really make a dive watch, the Fifty Fathoms is the apex predator in the Swatch hierarchy.
Fifty fathoms all day. Movement not in the same league as the sub with regards to finishing and power reserve. I agree it is expensive so I bought a Kermit and will trade it for the fifty fathoms when I find a good preowned one for 14-15k 😁
It’s not a Rolex so he doesn’t like it.
*shocked Pikachu face*
Love it … simply the best diver ever made … period … nothing can’t compare to it
I have a Sub Date 41 and plan to buy the FF as my next purchase probably next week, this article is quite unfair to the blancpain, instead of a comparison it sounds like a hit piece. Luxury watches are expensive and worth whatever someone is willing to pay, just buy both and enjoy them, Rolex has a better marketing team and a solid product albeit a mass produced dime a dozen one and I have 5 Rolexes one which costed me 47K, I am not biased here, oh and by the way you can go and buy the FF any day and have a great experience, I have spent 100k in Rolex at my AD and I am still a regular customer that needs to do the dance, I am sick of that.
It should be compared to a titanium Yacht - Master in my opinion. The size, material, price etc everything matches the Yacht-Master closely than the submariner. Also, the movement specs are just better. Blancpain also sits at the top of Swatch group and they mention a lot of hand finishing in the marketing. Unfortunately, when you own more than one brand, due to brand hierarchy and pricing structure, they cannot be priced to compete with a Rolex. I agree with the dubious marketing and I honestly don't understand why they did it.
Finally, sapphire bezels have lume underneath which can potentially help with longevity and it's generally agreed that it's more expensive to make.
From what I have read, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms was first made available to the French Navy a couple of years before it was ever made commercially available to the general public. So, it was developed prior to the Rolex Submariner. This would account for the claim that it was, and is, the first true diver's watch.
I think the only reason Rolex doesn't refute this claim is that it would shine light on their own dubious marketing.
Invicta puts their brand name on the side of the case.
I have both I like the FF much better ! Better workmanship , better movement finishing , to me it's better looking watch too ! Also if you are new in the watch game no one pays MSRP for it ! You should at least get 25-30% off or wait a few months when the pre-owned hit the market
Totally fair! I agree though preowned is the way to go!
Blancpain fifty fathoms … the king of divers
18k is hilarious.
But you’ll pay $11K after tax for a machine made and finished, less accurate timepiece with significantly less power reserve because it has a crown on the logo.
If the Sub is worth $11K, this is easily worth $18K.
@JackoWillMakeLives-loveu well, it depends if it's worth it for someone to pay for handcrafted professional work. This item doesn't make sense for alot of people seeing most people can't afford the cars in their driveway. Watch seems a little clunky to me, at least it would be on my wrist.
@@Greysprunkiyay the thing is, no one will even have to pay the 18 k in the future because of depreciation. Very soon the FF can be had for less than the sub on the grey market. Then you can have the better watch for less money.
The finish on this watch is way ahead of AP offshore Diver. Which is still expensive. when compared with Rolex oh God, Blancpain is better in every fkg way. It's on Patek, Brequet level. Go & shout at Rolex for costing 15k & AP for 25k. 🤮
I would take the Blancpain any day of the week. Even for 18k.
Best diver ever … period
Some brands just don't like making money.
@@MrCheesetastic This isn't Breguet we're talking about.
I would be confident starting a watch conversation with someone wearing a FF, with a sub it’s not advised.
Everyone is entitled to their own preferences, particularly something as unneeded as luxury timepieces, but complaining about Blancpain marketing is just very odd when compared the Rolex, a marketing juggernaut with its own litany of dubious historical claims.
I think the point was to dispell the inevitable comments proclaiming that the Blancpain is the historically more significant dive watch.
Yep this was just a focus on Blancpain. I’ll discuss everyone’s fibbery in marketing in future videos!
I vastly prefer the looks of the Fifty Fathoms over the Submariner, and am hoping to own one at some point now that it is available in a size that should work better for my wrist size. The incorrect history of the Fifty Fathoms is unfortunate, but not something that would sway me one way or another since I'm primarily interested in the design. I'm hoping the apparent lack of interest would drive down the secondary market price in the future so I can snag one at a more reasonable price than the $18k MSRP.
Hey Harrison I am a big fan of the Fifty Fathoms and I respect your opinion on this review even though you said the newest FF looks like a micro brand watch lol
Regards to the origin of the FF, in this day and age everyone entitled to their own truth so we are just gonna stick to our own truth then. I own a preowned FF in stainless steel and it’s my joy everyday
That’s awesome! The sapphire capped bezel just wasn’t my favorite for the microbrand comment. I’m glad you have yours and enjoy it. The joy of owning and the stories mean more than the specs.
It’s still a rich history, great design, and great movement architecture in this case!
You're entitled to your own opinion, but truth needs to verifiable, else you can claim whatever you want and demand others to believe you.
The sailcloth is the best strap.
Agreed, but I used what I could!
Splitting hairs to favour Rolex.... The Blancpain was released to the Military. So just because it was not 'sold' doesn'tean it wasn't physically there and being used.
You must read the article by perezcope
If I had only one watch to wear, I would pick the Submariner. But if I had a two watch collection and if one of them was a dress watch, then my choice for the sports watch would be the Fifty Fathoms. So in short, the Submariner works better as a standalone watch, while the Fifty Fathoms works better in a collection.
Fair! Definitely would make a great companion watch
Thank you for your review. It confirms my personal impression that (for me) it’s not a real substitute for a Rolex Sub.
I do really like the date window at 4:30 (and like how it’s becoming more prominent in other brands as well) but it’s not worth paying that much of a premium above a Rolex which surely should be more reliable
My days of spending over 10 grand for a watch are long over. The Blancpain is not worth $18,400 to me. Not even close.
Loved their welcome at the Geneva store in 2022 ! Definitely worth a stop if you're on Rue du Rhone. My favourite is the vintage 1960s FF norad nodate !
Same as Rolex with Everest, Rolex wasn’t the first.
Don’t buy q watch because all marketing stories are just that stories not history correct
Except the Moonwatch!
I think at 18k it’s a no go. The Sub is still the better watch. The FF is nice but at 18K we’re approaching Vacheron territory.
Blancpain is as good as Patek & FP. It's far superior to AP offshore divers. If you know, you know. Some people like you will never grow.
@@athit673 I’ve grown on the Vacheron. The FF is not in the same league.
@@douglaskrueger357 You clearly have no idea about watchmaking dood. Not against VC. But Blancpain makes better watches compared to AP. Infact, AP used Blancpain movement on their chronograph until 2019 models. If you find some time to compare with offshore Diver & Ff diver. 18k is absolutely worth it. If you know, you know. Don't follow All RUclips 🪿. Some of them will dance naked if you give an extra 10 cents. Comparing to Rolex ? Huh, it's in a different league.
@@douglaskrueger357 you have no idea about watchmaking. You follow some 💵 RUclipsr 🪿 I guess. Blancpain is better than AP & AP used Blancpain movement until 2019 on their chronograph. If you find time do compare with Offshore diver vs FF diver & you will realize that 18k is a bargain. BP is good as Patek in terms of finishing. It's not RS or GF though. VC is also same league as them.
@@douglaskrueger357 🤣 Bro, AP used the Blancpain movement for decades in their chronograph. Blancpain finishing is simply to the level of Patek & FP. VC is excellent & my favorite. The truth is this at 18K it is better than AP offshore Diver interms of movement,finish etc. 18K is absolutely worth it. If you know, you know. 👍
I love this watch but about 50% of the price is the history which if it's a lie just makes it incredibly over priced.
I couldn’t care less about the “origin story.” If money were equal, I’d pick the Blancpain. I find the Submariner so stodgy and long-in-the-tooth.
i'm gonna buy Squale instead :D
me too :)
Nice!
Excellet video, and very fair take on a watch that a corporation is asking a huge amount of money for! Asking $18k for history is one thing, asking $18k forndubious history is another.
Looking forward to future content!
Appreciate it! I knew it would be controversial, but I figured it was worth discussing
As a 5015 owner, I don’t believe the 5010 is worth the asking price. You are much better off buying a used 5015 at $9k, or a 43mm Bathyscaphe at $7k. Both give you everything the 5010 does, at a much lower price, albeit at a bigger size.
Getting the strap with a pin buckle instead of deployant clasp saves you $2,000, by the way.
I have both. I much prefer the Sub over the FF. The Sub is more accurate and lies better on the wrist. I have a large diameter wrist so it's not a problem to use the FF. But it's awkward to use it with a suit. So the Rolex is more versatile.
It's also a legend the story told by Blancpain of being the champs. The Perezcope dismitifies verv accurately that tale.
Yet I like the FF in terms of an exquisite horologic piece.
The Glashütte SeaQ big date which I don't possess to the date is better than the FF. Better finishing and better movement albeit the FF is a monster in terms of power reserve.
Greetings.
Apart from those buying this as a bundle for rolex, seriously asking, who’s buying this at retail price?
@@MrCheesetastic so if you didn't live in a shit hole filled with addicts, you would buy the sub after all? 😉
@@MrCheesetastic I see, even at this price point? 18k for this is a lot.
Funny how you describe the differences in movement finishing as “minute.”
Cmon bro we get it you like Rolex but calling the finishing details “minute” is sad and way too biased to take seriously.
The difference is neither "minute" nor can it only be seen through a lense.
Hahaha this dude is mad shit crazy for comparing a submariner to a FF….. you can’t even tell if it’s real or fake!
They are. Someone at Blancpain may have put a lot of time in it but it doesn't show. You obviously wouldn't buy a Rolex for the visual appeal of the movement, so the question is rather: is the FF movement that nicely decorated that it's worth nearly double the price? That's a no for me 🫤
your opinion does not matter small youtuber, blancpain is miles ahead of submariner
Appreciate it!
MSRP is just silly on the Blancpain. Proof is it sells for 6k less on the gray market
I'm firmly in the Submariner camp. The Fifty Fathoms may be a horological masterpiece, but a diver is a tool watch.
My preference is towards the pre-ceramic models by Rolex. I feel they've mucked the ceramic designs up a bit and are trying to slowly correct them, and in doing so taking it further from the ideal.
The lugs on the 11xxxx series were too thick, so they increased the size of the rest of the case and the bracelet, instead of slimming down the lugs.
why sub has no open back case? cose nothing to see there, just simple machinery made movement , blancpain its hand finished and controlled movement, and its beautiful!! that why you pay more, for real hand made production!!!! Hype of Rolex in one day will end, and will be same like invicta, every grocery will have for sale, don't forget Rolex make more than 2 million watches a year!!!!! the end is not far :)
Love your videos and appreciate your deep dive into Blancpain’s trademarking… its so hard to tell with all the multimillion backed marketing
if new, i'd choose the rolex. blancpain's price falls when used... making the retail price too much. same overall design so I'm choosing bang for the buck as a differentiator.
You need the black dial Fifty Fathoms.
The X71 bracelet is top notch.
I own both, but wear the Sub more, despite the Fifty Fathoms being a much better watch.
And before the Rolex Submariner we had Omega Marine (1932)
Own the watch here. 1:30 indices are indeed white gold.
IMHO the only attractive Fifty Fathoms is the 40mm limited edition Hodinkee MIL-SPEC. If I could afford it I would buy one tomorrow but the rest are a bit meh for me - think of what else you could get for the 18k!
The MIL-SPEC is a great watch! 100% agree
The fifty fathoms is a hard sell at that price, you really have to love the design and the story behind the model,
As a sub and a sea dweller owner if I wanted something more upmarket and different I would be looking at a JLC Polaris date ,
the one with the faded textured dial and a
in-house visable movement with 70 hrs power reserve.
Beautiful watch in the metal, shame it’s not a bit thinner.
While I too like JLC Polaris, it has a totally different design look with the internal timing bezel. The Polaris bracelet also isn't nearly as well made and finished as the Blancpain.
I think a better high horology upgrade to the Sub or SD with a similar look is the GO SeaQ Panorama Date or the regular SeaQ if you have a smaller wrist (like me).
I always like the watch but it was always just so expensive to justify. I would personally preferred over Rolex because I like design better.
I hate Blancpain writing on case so much, bezel action and dial finish is below average, super overpriced! Hafiz from UAE did a review exposing it. For that price get an AP Offshore Diver 42, you won’t be disappointed!
Submariner is the GOAT diver! I wear a 216610LV next to AP 15710ST White dial, the Submariner still takes the crown 👑 Awesome video and reviews love the channel!
Nice content Harrison! I really like the more wearable-sized FF. If they would take the brand name off the side of the case, I would consider buying one. At under 5K 😆
Fair! Appreciate it!
If you have to worry about price when you’re looking to buy a watch you want then likely it’s not for you.
Love both, I'd take the 50F for under 10k.
Hi Harrison - new subscriber here. Really nice content. I have a Sub 14060M and FF Hodinkee Milspec. They're both fantastic watches to wear and dive with, but the FF has the edge for me. It feels more premium and toolish at the same time which takes some doing. Having said that, I'm comparing the sub with a 40mm FF that does not have the Blancpain script on the side. For a 42mm FF with the questionable side logo it may be a much closer contest.
It’s really nice…but that price point is just too high.
$18k for a nothing special dive watch. No thanks.
Great vid👊🏼
The bean counter in me will buy the c65 Aquitane from CW instead.
Got ot from my trusted ID with a 22% discount, replacing my RLX DeepSea.
Love this but gotta have it with the sailcloth strap. Better than the Sub is every objective measure.
Sure you may prefer the Sub’s design but that a subjective measure.
The most important subjective measure. A Maybach may be superior to a Rolls Royce in every objective measure, but it's still hideous.
Trust me… no one will want to rob you for this thing. 😂
It's a watch I could label as a grail to aim for but that price is just not worth it for me.
You should wait for buying pre-owned then. I would love to buy new but yeah the price is ridiculous
Nice little 20 grand watch.
Great content! Cheers 🍻
Thank you! Cheers!
It look like a 'microbrand' is because too many microbrand and seiko mods copied its original design.
the first dive watch 1930 omega marine slide case blancpain was busy making watches for the french navy us navy seals and other secret service agencies while rolex marketed their watch to the general public i have a rolex 40mm sea dweller and a no date submariner and my 42mm blancpain is a much better watch and a five day power reserve sapphire lumed bezel and case back with 3 spring barrels oh you dont have to get down on your knees to by one either
Everyone has a sub, you can have both
Imagine Rolex would write on the side of all their cases a big fat R-O-L-E-X. People would be outraged. But somehow Blancpain gets to do it and all is fine. Hideous. It needs to stop.
@@MrCheesetastic everyone needs to be more like Invicta?
Have both FF is a superior level watch, Rolex is the best made tool watch out there.
Agreed. At $8k less the Sub is a better looking watch. Period. Sub bracelet is leagues ahead of the BP.
Lol, can titanium be anything other than all-brushed??
Yes, have a look at Grand Seiko and G-Shock's MR-G line as two examples.
Do you know how many of the Rolex marketing clames are completely false? Submariner included. Almost all.
BlancPain-better hand finished movement and case for true watch nerds, unfortunately too expensive, big and thick for normal wrists.
Rolex-assembly line robotically made sturdy yet plain movement and case made for status seeking douche bag posers who couldn't tell you the name of 5 other brands if their life depended on it.
I've had multiples of both and divested of them in favor of my Omega Seamaster 300M, quality movement, finishing, size, and most importantly price/value. YMMV
No wonder Blancpain is dying as a brand.
If you have to ask...
The branding on the case would disqualify it for me; if it's garbage on an Invicta, its garbage on an expensive watch.
What is an Invicta ? Not Swiss high horology I assume and should not even bementioned here.
Omega had the very 1st diver. Not Blancpain or Rolex. Look it up.
All these watches except the Cartier are shite.
I just tried the “42” FF and it wears better but still too thick. The movement, although finished better than the Rolex, is not nearly as robust (full balanced bridge, etc)
When they thin the FF, it will be more desirable