I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to wear these both. The Blancpain is a far more refined feeling sports car - like an Aston Martin while the Rolex feels much more utilitarian. Hands down winner to the 50 Fathoms delivering far more soul to the enthusiast.
Easy - Blancpain all the way / there not even at the same league - Rolex mass produced watch vs a higher end diver with gorgeous movement, unique and special
If it were that easy, Tim shouldn't have made this 16 minute long video. According to you logic, it's like comparing a Toyota Camry to a Mercedes E class. All what you said is subjective, and Tim, a watch specialist, called your hand end driver the "underdog"!
The Fifty Fathoms 5015 every day of the week and twice on Sunday. The only shame with it is the solid caseback on the steel model, which would probably push me towards the Titanium version (with its display caseback) on the canvas strap. I hope they change that detail eventually, as both the Ti and gold versions have display casebacks, with the steel being the only holdout.
Geoffrey Pearce you know they do that on purpose and not as some weird oversight, right? 'Want the open case-back? Sorry, you gotta pay the up charge for that privilege.'
The FF is the more elegant watch and the SD43 is the best tool watch by far. I like them both but since i don't dive anymore i might get the FF Grande Date.
I guess which one you choose is where your priorities lie. You want a beautiful dress watch that you can also take diving: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. You want a dive watch that will also look good as a dress watch: Rolex Sea-Dweller.
Rolex has a great warranty, but my Sea Dweller bezel stopped its one way only action on the second dive-still worked via friction but went spun both ways. So perhaps there is a need for Rolex to have the longer warranty to give confidence for the price. And the warranty return is a major PITA and at the time my Sea Dweller was my only watch, and since it basically functioned it didn’t get fixed until the next service which I had to pay for (and pay extra for the bezel repair/replace). Both the old 40 and the new 45 (titanium) just feel much higher end compared to the ceramic Sub I replaced the Sea Dweller with.
Great comparison, I would love to see the previous generations go at it, 40mm vs 40mm. For me both would be my pick over the modern (ish in the Blancpain's case) interpretations dueled here.
Just received my 40mm rose gold 2005 BP. Is amazing piece and looks good in rose than my yellow gold sub. Love both but definitely BP has a richer history
Nice review though I was surprised that ya chose to match the Fiddy up against the SD, as outside of the case sizes, spec wise it matches up with the Sub. That being said, and having both examples(5 different Fiddies, lol), while Rolly has stayed true to its Iconic design DNA🧬, the BP has morphed from a tool/diver design into a “dressy” casual time piece. If I had to rid myself of every watch save one, that one would be my Red SD(MK1), no question, however like you, I just love the unique look of the Fiddy and its got a great fit and feel on the wrist, whether it be strap or bracelet. Stay well Brother👊 RP
Actually, I think these two watches are an excellent match-up. Few people buy the Sea-Dweller to take it more than 300 meters under water. Most people buy it over the Submariner because they want something a bit bigger--and that makes more of a "statement"--than the Sub. lol.
Had the pleasure of owning both. The BP Fifty Fathoms was a grail for years. Purchased it online at a slight discount. With one turn of the beautifully domed sapphire bezel, it had to go. A beautiful piece, but definitely no comparison to my SD43. Handle each piece blindfolded, and you’ll understand why the crown wears 5 points.
Fifty fathoms all day and won't think twice. Better bracelet, better movement, longer power reserve, better lume. I don't dive so I don't care that it's highly polished (btw does anyone dive with these watches?) and I know the movement is better finished than the rolex. Okay the rolex has a better clasp and probably has better resale value, not enough for me.
Great comparison BP for me. That watch is one to keep to pass down to the family. Rolex for folks that have to need to have a watch to flip in a bind. BP the classleader for finesse.
I have had this watch for a few months now. Its not big or heavy at all. It is a beautiful piece. The only thing i would complain about is that the crown is a little long and sharp. It does eat in to the top of your hand if worn a little loose. The crown on the stainless version for some reason is not as sharp. That aside its nice if you wanna spend that sort of money. I also have an IWC Aqautimer 2000 with saphire bezel which is the perfect alternative for a quarter of the price. If youre on a budget. Just get an Oris Aquis. Cant go wrong.
On most of your FF reviews with the x71 bracelet there is a different style clasp, one with the leaf spring closure and a clam locking clasp another with the leaf spring and a double pusher and this one with no spring. With so many variants maybe they will add an extension mechanism. I prefer the leaf spring closure.
I am fortunate to have both watches! I never found that the FF was the superior watch, as they are both extremely well made, and both legends in their own rights, with lots of DNA.. I am also a diver, and the SD43 is my everyday watch, including when diving, just more rugged! The FF is more delicate, and therefore more the occasional piece here. But both are luxury time pieces, and both are extremely well made, and if I really had to choose one, only.. Letting the FF go would be hard, but I would definitely keep the SD43.
Thanks Alex Hoksbergen! If you have a quick second, click through to our site and write a review of the watches. Our customers love to read about real world experience when shopping on our website. Here are the links: www.thewatchbox.com/shop/Rolex-Sea-Dweller-126600.html www.thewatchbox.com/shop/Blancpain-Fifty-Fathoms-5015-1130-71.html Thanks in advance!
Tim, Your colleague at WatchTime in Gotham Hall today, Jeff Kingston, suggests Rolex was able to deliver a dive watch so quickly after Blancpain because Jean-Jacques Fiechter wore Fifty Fathoms prototypes while diving with Rolex's Rene-Paul Jeanneret (vice president of marketing) in 1952. Lecture starts at 18 minutes but my citation starts at 25:50: ruclips.net/video/eTxsujbr20U/видео.html As you might predict I prefer the Blancpain (looks better in my opinion) even though the Rolex is the more technical watch. Best, Mark P.S. you're a baseball fan?
The Blancpain bracelet looks fantastic. Why oh why couldn't Lange have done something like this on the Odysseus 🙄 PS - is it just me or does the Sea Dweller crystal look misty?
Yeah I’m surprised he just didn’t re-record the 5 minute video without drawing attention to it; it comes across as though he only discovered the scratch as we discovered the scratch. Honestly I found it quite amusing!
Ad an owner of this sea dweller, I'm not all that impressed. Yes a very nice clasp. A smooth bezel. Very water resistant. It is however a little too heavy. My biggest complaint is that it's just not that legible. Dial clarity is not that good in real life and the stupid Cyclops doesn't help it in any way. Hand set doesn't jump out at you. I would think under water, telling the time is not as easy as you think. Also when just watching tv at night. I've tried the FF and in the market for the titanium atm. It sits better, it weighs less. Easier to read by a mile. The fact that it just is a superior piece. Just wish the FF had a slide clasp.
Absolutely my same opinion… the Blancpain is far far superior to the SD43 or submariner … however the bracelet and clasp should be improved in the Blancpain
Acquired a preowned FF but moved it on. Finished well but you couldn't really call it a truly functional diver and therefore sadly an oversized irrelevance, history aside. Have since purchased a SD43 and this is by far the superior watch, even in wearability. Lume was great on the FF though!
I dispute the 'date' conclusion and as tool watc, Rolex has a more legible better date system. I also believe Rolex has a more sturdy movement and is the more accurate watch. In relative terms, it really is a better watch.
By any measurable technical criteria (e.g., accuracy, reliability, depth rating, corrosion resistance, shock resistance, amagnetism, power reserve, etc.) the Rolex is the superior instrument here.
Power reserve is more on blancpain en reliability is subjective en since blancpain has more mainspring barrels it keep better time since rolex has 70h powers reserve after 8h is has a drop mostly depth rating rating is not something you can win in since nobody goes that deep end sea dweller is meant for deepsea diving en let me add something loom is better on blancpain.
Only annoying thing 4 me as a freediver with the 43 is if i happen to dive when minute hand is under the cyclops. Becomes annoying to precisely (very quickly) glance at exactly how many mins/secs elapsed. Other than that, its not just the ultimate dive watch, its a tank that could take a hell of a beating and can serviced by a relative circus chimp even in a place like Dahab Egypt. Diving (not free) blue hole (especially blue hole) my backup has to be the 43.
Blancpain is really painful, either which way I look at it, somehow can’t seem to nail it. Even without comparing with any other brand in that price point.
I own both Blancpain and Rolex watch. I would never buy Blancpain again. It stops moving 3 weeks after I bought it due to its auto-winding function issue. Rolex has never given me any issue. NEVER BUY A BLANCPAIN
Jean Raspail Every time I go into the BP boutique (one of the sales staff is an absolute bombshell!) I make this point. With 40 or even 41mm they would fly out of the shops.
Case is subjective en movement too, since blancpain has better finishes en rolex not really en rugged movement from blancpain is at the same level as rolex if not better but at the end of the day it's just taste.
I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to wear these both. The Blancpain is a far more refined feeling sports car - like an Aston Martin while the Rolex feels much more utilitarian. Hands down winner to the 50 Fathoms delivering far more soul to the enthusiast.
Didn't have the luxury of trying them and both are on the big side for me - but I completely agree. Style and details are in a while different level.
one of the reasons why i want a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 5008 but almost impossible to get on the normal market.
Blancpain hands down the winner.
“Integrity is providing beauty where no one will ever see it.” Well-said! Bravo. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
That staid with me as well, Tattoo worthy.
Easy - Blancpain all the way / there not even at the same league - Rolex mass produced watch vs a higher end diver with gorgeous movement, unique and special
If it were that easy, Tim shouldn't have made this 16 minute long video. According to you logic, it's like comparing a Toyota Camry to a Mercedes E class. All what you said is subjective, and Tim, a watch specialist, called your hand end driver the "underdog"!
@@omarion07 Oh, another butthurt Rolex fanboy who can’t deal with the truth 😢
The Fifty Fathoms 5015 every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
The only shame with it is the solid caseback on the steel model, which would probably push me towards the Titanium version (with its display caseback) on the canvas strap. I hope they change that detail eventually, as both the Ti and gold versions have display casebacks, with the steel being the only holdout.
Geoffrey Pearce you know they do that on purpose and not as some weird oversight, right? 'Want the open case-back? Sorry, you gotta pay the up charge for that privilege.'
Rolex is for people who have lower self esteem and need to show what they have. Blancpain is for those people who don't need it
The FF bracelet is amazing. The FF case looks ridiculous with "Blancpain" on the side. The dial and bezel are great.
The FF is the more elegant watch and the SD43 is the best tool watch by far.
I like them both but since i don't dive anymore i might get the FF Grande Date.
Own the SD43.. but I’d have the FF over it any day of the week.
Love the blough paaa bezel. Now if they would only do one in 40mm.
Locutus D'Borg Blancpain made the FF Milspec in 40mm, but it was limited issue and sold out.
There is also the OC3 and the barakuda.
I'll take the blumpkin everytime
The Blancpain all the way the dial on the Rolex IMO is just outdated.
Blancpain just amazing 🤩
3:45
I guess which one you choose is where your priorities lie.
You want a beautiful dress watch that you can also take diving: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms.
You want a dive watch that will also look good as a dress watch: Rolex Sea-Dweller.
Rolex has a great warranty, but my Sea Dweller bezel stopped its one way only action on the second dive-still worked via friction but went spun both ways. So perhaps there is a need for Rolex to have the longer warranty to give confidence for the price. And the warranty return is a major PITA and at the time my Sea Dweller was my only watch, and since it basically functioned it didn’t get fixed until the next service which I had to pay for (and pay extra for the bezel repair/replace). Both the old 40 and the new 45 (titanium) just feel much higher end compared to the ceramic Sub I replaced the Sea Dweller with.
Add in the comparison the new GO SEAQ Panorama Datum
Wait! Your wrist circumference has decreased from 16.5 to 16 cm?
BLANCPAIN FF ALL DAY - No a question
Easy for me / Blancpain
Great comparison, I would love to see the previous generations go at it, 40mm vs 40mm. For me both would be my pick over the modern (ish in the Blancpain's case) interpretations dueled here.
Just received my 40mm rose gold 2005 BP. Is amazing piece and looks good in rose than my yellow gold sub. Love both but definitely BP has a richer history
I’m a Fifty Fathoms fan, but in direct comparison here to the Rolex. I’m leaning towards the latter.
Definitely Blancpain for me.
you got me at - "freshly fried doughnut"
Love Blancpain Fifty Fathoms but I wish they would have a 40mm in there catalog besides limited editions.
Waffling between the BP 50 and the GO SeaQ.
Blancpain!!!
Blancpain for me please🥇
Nice review though I was surprised that ya chose to match the Fiddy up against the SD, as outside of the case sizes, spec wise it matches up with the Sub.
That being said, and having both examples(5 different Fiddies, lol), while Rolly has stayed true to its Iconic design DNA🧬, the BP has morphed from a tool/diver design into a “dressy” casual time piece.
If I had to rid myself of every watch save one, that one would be my Red SD(MK1), no question, however like you, I just love the unique look of the Fiddy and its got a great fit and feel on the wrist, whether it be strap or bracelet.
Stay well Brother👊
RP
Actually, I think these two watches are an excellent match-up. Few people buy the Sea-Dweller to take it more than 300 meters under water. Most people buy it over the Submariner because they want something a bit bigger--and that makes more of a "statement"--than the Sub. lol.
Had the pleasure of owning both. The BP
Fifty Fathoms was a grail for years. Purchased it online at a slight discount. With one turn of the beautifully domed sapphire bezel, it had to go. A beautiful piece, but definitely no comparison to my SD43. Handle each piece blindfolded, and you’ll understand why the crown wears 5 points.
I love the Fifty Fathoms, but I’ll have to go Sub. More ergonomic bracelet than the Blancpain, and besides, the FF belongs on a sailcloth strap.
Fifty fathoms all day and won't think twice. Better bracelet, better movement, longer power reserve, better lume. I don't dive so I don't care that it's highly polished (btw does anyone dive with these watches?) and I know the movement is better finished than the rolex. Okay the rolex has a better clasp and probably has better resale value, not enough for me.
Richard Baptist
FF also has anti-magnetism
Great comparison BP for me. That watch is one to keep to pass down to the family. Rolex for folks that have to need to have a watch to flip in a bind. BP the classleader for finesse.
I have had this watch for a few months now. Its not big or heavy at all. It is a beautiful piece. The only thing i would complain about is that the crown is a little long and sharp. It does eat in to the top of your hand if worn a little loose. The crown on the stainless version for some reason is not as sharp. That aside its nice if you wanna spend that sort of money. I also have an IWC Aqautimer 2000 with saphire bezel which is the perfect alternative for a quarter of the price.
If youre on a budget. Just get an Oris Aquis. Cant go wrong.
just got one - thank for your info
Which one ?
we have never made a quartz watch since 1735 and there never will be.
Plus he would show up personally to deliver your watch if you wanted .
On most of your FF reviews with the x71 bracelet there is a different style clasp, one with the leaf spring closure and a clam locking clasp another with the leaf spring and a double pusher and this one with no spring. With so many variants maybe they will add an extension mechanism. I prefer the leaf spring closure.
I wonder how durable is the sapphire clad bezel of the FF.
I am fortunate to have both watches! I never found that the FF was the superior watch, as they are both extremely well made, and both legends in their own rights, with lots of DNA.. I am also a diver, and the SD43 is my everyday watch, including when diving, just more rugged! The FF is more delicate, and therefore more the occasional piece here. But both are luxury time pieces, and both are extremely well made, and if I really had to choose one, only.. Letting the FF go would be hard, but I would definitely keep the SD43.
Thanks Alex Hoksbergen! If you have a quick second, click through to our site and write a review of the watches. Our customers love to read about real world experience when shopping on our website. Here are the links:
www.thewatchbox.com/shop/Rolex-Sea-Dweller-126600.html
www.thewatchbox.com/shop/Blancpain-Fifty-Fathoms-5015-1130-71.html
Thanks in advance!
"Blonghpaaa " !!! For me in this case !!!
Tim,
Your colleague at WatchTime in Gotham Hall today, Jeff Kingston, suggests Rolex was able to deliver a dive watch so quickly after Blancpain because Jean-Jacques Fiechter wore Fifty Fathoms prototypes while diving with Rolex's Rene-Paul Jeanneret (vice president of marketing) in 1952.
Lecture starts at 18 minutes but my citation starts at 25:50: ruclips.net/video/eTxsujbr20U/видео.html
As you might predict I prefer the Blancpain (looks better in my opinion) even though the Rolex is the more technical watch.
Best,
Mark
P.S. you're a baseball fan?
No love for Doxa, a true dive watch, with actual dive tool watch pedigree?
SaleenDriver It’s funny. Doxa just never seem to get people talking, even though the pedigree is there and they put out interesting watches.
I like this Blancpain, but I love the Barracuda version. Unfortunately it's both crazy expensive and impossible to find.
Not impossible, mine is due to arrive in a couple of weeks. The OC3 however...
Congrats on getting ahold of one. Hope you enjoy it.
Max Scherzer is very apt for the reference. Tim has the knack for giving a more tangible comparisons.
The Blancpain bracelet looks fantastic. Why oh why couldn't Lange have done something like this on the Odysseus 🙄
PS - is it just me or does the Sea Dweller crystal look misty?
I didn't notice that but I did notice Tim trying to cover the scratch near the helium valve at ~3 minutes.
Yeah I’m surprised he just didn’t re-record the 5 minute video without drawing attention to it; it comes across as though he only discovered the scratch as we discovered the scratch. Honestly I found it quite amusing!
David B I have the SD43 and yes the combination of the Matt dial, thick sapphire with no AR coating makes for a dull appearance.
Great, now I want donuts.
Ad an owner of this sea dweller, I'm not all that impressed. Yes a very nice clasp. A smooth bezel. Very water resistant. It is however a little too heavy. My biggest complaint is that it's just not that legible. Dial clarity is not that good in real life and the stupid Cyclops doesn't help it in any way. Hand set doesn't jump out at you. I would think under water, telling the time is not as easy as you think. Also when just watching tv at night. I've tried the FF and in the market for the titanium atm. It sits better, it weighs less. Easier to read by a mile. The fact that it just is a superior piece. Just wish the FF had a slide clasp.
Absolutely my same opinion… the Blancpain is far far superior to the SD43 or submariner … however the bracelet and clasp should be improved in the Blancpain
Anybody knows difference between 5015.1130.71 and 5015.1130.71.S ?
Acquired a preowned FF but moved it on. Finished well but you couldn't really call it a truly functional diver and therefore sadly an oversized irrelevance, history aside. Have since purchased a SD43 and this is by far the superior watch, even in wearability. Lume was great on the FF though!
I know that Sea Dweller. Helium Escape Valve is sitting proud of the case by about 1/2MM. Send it back.
I dispute the 'date' conclusion and as tool watc, Rolex has a more legible better date system. I also believe Rolex has a more sturdy movement and is the more accurate watch. In relative terms, it really is a better watch.
Have something with Breguet LaMarine 5817 vs. Rolex Yachtmaster!
X71 needs SERIOUS update...no adjustment is a galactic failure. If it doesn't wear right then it's worthless.
BP for me better design. Most of the people never dive over 10 ft in the pool.
I dove for years and the deepest I went was 220ft and that was considered dangerous .
Blancpain for me.
The bezel in the BP is disproportionate to me, too fat. The SD43 looks perfect.
By any measurable technical criteria (e.g., accuracy, reliability, depth rating, corrosion resistance, shock resistance, amagnetism, power reserve, etc.) the Rolex is the superior instrument here.
Power reserve is more on blancpain en reliability is subjective en since blancpain has more mainspring barrels it keep better time since rolex has 70h powers reserve after 8h is has a drop mostly depth rating rating is not something you can win in since nobody goes that deep end sea dweller is meant for deepsea diving en let me add something loom is better on blancpain.
The glidelock cannot be oversold. I’ll take the Deep Sea. I just don’t like watch cases that are all polished.
The Rolex is a very nice wath! :)
I have never been a fan of the BPFF. The SD43 is a tank. Why not compare the SD43 with the Omega big blue GMT? Thanks for the video Tim.
Say whaaaa. BP has a authentic history as any Rolex… the Rolex is a copy of a copy (submariner) of a blancpain! Is well documented!
It's easy . I'll take them both.
Rolex all day any day, twice on Sunday.
BRAVO!!
... and ... B not R
Well...I own a tribute to milspec so have voted with my wrist...and my money
For me the decisive question is which battery last longer!
They don’t have a battery they are automatic, mechanical watches.
Easy pick: FF
Wrong date
Unsubscribed
It took me about 5 sec. to remember that your the guy on Meth !
Slow the truck up bro.
BTW , so much for 'extra hard ' Rolex steel .!
lol
Seadweller for me, anything Blancpain with a modified Frederic Piguet gets a no from me. Frederic Piguet movements are poorly reliable and not ruggec.
45mm lmao… screw that…..
Quem veio aqui pelo enigma?
Only annoying thing 4 me as a freediver with the 43 is if i happen to dive when minute hand is under the cyclops. Becomes annoying to precisely (very quickly) glance at exactly how many mins/secs elapsed. Other than that, its not just the ultimate dive watch, its a tank that could take a hell of a beating and can serviced by a relative circus chimp even in a place like Dahab Egypt. Diving (not free) blue hole (especially blue hole) my backup has to be the 43.
Blancpain is really painful, either which way I look at it, somehow can’t seem to nail it. Even without comparing with any other brand in that price point.
I own both Blancpain and Rolex watch. I would never buy Blancpain again. It stops moving 3 weeks after I bought it due to its auto-winding function issue. Rolex has never given me any issue. NEVER BUY A BLANCPAIN
The FiftyFathoms is just too big. Blancpain would sell many more if they'd make it in 40mm.
Jean Raspail indeed! It’s just too big for what it is.
Jean Raspail Every time I go into the BP boutique (one of the sales staff is an absolute bombshell!) I make this point. With 40 or even 41mm they would fly out of the shops.
@@LesterLovesWatches 45 mm may be too big, but 40mm would be too small. Most high-end dive watches nowadays are around 42-43 mm.
The watch may become too top heavy and appear even thicker in 40mm
Sorry,, I'd rather have the latest Seamaster, than either of these.....
Mmmm…donut
The Rolex has the best engineered movement, and case, I’ll go with that. I’m an Engineer.
Case is subjective en movement too, since blancpain has better finishes en rolex not really en rugged movement from blancpain is at the same level as rolex if not better but at the end of the day it's just taste.
FF.All.Day.Every.Day.
The case of the Sea Dweller...is scratched. Kind of ratchet review.
Deepsae is so much better
deepsea
Simple answer: ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX!
rowlecks
👋
Rooooollleeeeecckss please
Please take it easy, you sound hysterical. You are talking way to fast and you should do something about your braething.
Then the video would be 2x longer or you'd have half the info. Pipe down.