I recently acquired an L.U.C 1937 Classic. Simple, yet stunning details and movement architecture. Jaquet Droz is also underrated for the price with amazing history in automaton and watchmaking. Thank you Bill.
Hey Bill, always great content and i love the material you put out. recently i have been missing when you share the websites for your great finds, i guess you might be planning to buy few of them and want to keep a secrete. but it was in info that helped me a lot in the past. best regards Aziz
Hi WatchesMore ... I've become a bit gun shy about mentioning the URLs for some sites since I'm not 100% sure about them, or they're just in the US. Usually, though, anyone can find them just by a Google search. Take care, Bil
Thanks Bill. This is very useful. My first grail watch was the Blancpain Annual Calendar but it seems this, unlike the Complete or Perpetual, is never discounted nor does the price drop much when used. I wonder why that is? You've inspired me to go back to searching
Both brands have some amazing offerings in the 3.000 to 5.000 USD market. Fully intend to pick up a older Blancpain Villaret and/or a Chopard L.U.C. Sport 2000. Both models are very underrated imo.
Some nice watches there Bill, but I was drawn to the one on your wrist through out the video. P.S. have you seen the Moritz Grossman Limited Edition Cellini central second, dial by Voutilainen in green. 6 pieces only $39,000 wish I could buy us both one.
I like this dude. Doesn’t buy into the hype. Blancpain… still a lot for a midtier watch. Fred talk watches: omg! So undervalued. My favorite brand. Shout out to my boys at Blancpain.
For Blancpain and the 1315 movement, I like the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe (5000 series) 7.5k-ish and under, second hand. And for Chopard the Alpine Eagle, under 10k, caliber 01.01-C.
Hey Bill The black dial, titanium Fifty Fathoms 5015 I bought grey late last year was at a fairly healthy discount of nearly 25%. That's on the bracelet too. Technically it's pre-owned, but it was unworn. The warranty card was signed and stamped too. The quality on this thing is absolutley awesome. No regrets buying it. It seems to get better and better. The pic you used on the first slide is the render of my model of watch (5015-12B30-98B) in which the case and bracelet looks a little dull. In real life, it's not dull at all. It is fully brushed, but said brushing is very very fine. The light plays off it beautifully and the sheen is gorgeous. Another factor to consider is ensuring you have an AD you can get to. Because sooner or later this thing will eventually need a service in a few years. There are a couple of Blancpain ADs I can use. Not sure about Chopard LUC; I'd have to check.
Sounds like you got a good buy Meson! I have to send my good watches in for service. Usually, for my FP Journes, I take them to the FPJ Boutique in NYC and they send them to the service center in Miami. Somehow I believe if they come from a Boutique they'll do a better job ... just a belief with no evidence...🤔 Take care, Bill
@@watchartsci No longer have any of my old collection. It was sold off with my other collections of stuff to fund retirement and move 20 years ago. Was a good plan. No regrets. @texpatotg ... Your show just keeps getting better!
The older Fifty Fathoms (Trilogy) runs at 21,600 Hz, just like the Air Command version. As for movement, now Frederick Piguet is part of Blancpain. The new one you showed of the Fifty Fathoms is the Titanium version, and can be had on the secondary market, used but unworn, for $3,000-5,000 less than suggested retail. Note that the new one is 45mm where as the older one is only 40mm, so a much different wearable experience. The new titanium one, on the bracelet weighs a little less than the 40mm and wears smaller than one would think because the lugs are pretty short. One big difference is the older, Trilogy Fifty Fathoms, does not have a silicon caseback (and couldn’t as it has a antimagnetic soft iron inner back).
Great video Bill. I’ve always like both brands but haven’t found anything that interests me yet. I agree with you that if you are willing to put in the time and really look there are great buys to be had out there. Best regards, Brian
I've been eyeing the Chopard GMT for a while and that Blancpain triple calendar with a moon phase is very nice too. I think dress watches with no bezel work better when there a little smaller. I need a moon phase here in Fracking Gulch. The wolves can be a worry.
Yes, the Frackin' Gulch wolves are famous for howling like banshees every time there's a fracking tremor. Indeed you need a moon phase, Leigh!🌖 Take care, Bill
exceptional video as usual. I am drinking your words Bill. I have both watches. The LUChopards are pretty good ones. The eta chopards are indestructibles. The blancpain is excellent quality without cuttings edges , the bracelets from Blancpain are ultimate.
Thanks for that info Anibal! It's always good to hear from a watch owner's point of view ... after all they're the ones that really count! Take care, Bil
Fratello had a great article about the Fifty Fathoms Trilogy collection (of which this GMT is a part of) - it was the Fifty Fathoms in between model before the relaunch. A bit of an odd one but I like it. I have a Bathyscaphe and the movement is gorgeous - specs say 120 hours power reserve. My last at easily 6.5 days when in the watch box. And thanks to the ceramic case it always looks new.
These are two brands I'm dreaming of, but they seem unattainable in my price range. I just got a Breitling Shadow Flyback that I'm really happy with. On the REALLY low end is Spinnaker for Blancpain. If you want some of the look and don''t care what's inside.
@@watchartsci Funny story Bill. Took the Breitling to my watch guy to have it authenticated. Originally, he was looking for the Swiss Madd marking and pronounced it a fake when he couldn't find it.Then he asked if he could open it. When he opened the back, I could see the finishing on the movement and breathed a sigh of relief. I got a winner! My first Brietling and likely not my last.
I tend to react often with something like the brand is underrated. Well Bill, here again, L.U.C Chopard is high-quality, maybe luxury category (?), and has the same problem that Breguet has. Plenty of quality but the brand isn't known, hence not respected for what it is, BECAUSE they are lacking the marketing
Bill, let's keep the Chopard Traveller One between us please. I'm looking for a deal on what I also consider the most interesting worldtimer around. 🤫 The less people know about it, the better it is.
Hey Bill, Blancpain is pronounced blongpan as opposed to blongparn I know you struggle with foreign pronounciations hope you don't mind me helping out. I think the LUC Chopard watches are very underrated..
Two brands you can still great deals on, especially used! I like to pick up a L.U.C word timer someday, high end piece at good value! They remind me of JLC a bit, better designed though. Another great video Bill, thanks!
Bill, eventually you're going to have to put your money where your mouth is on the Chopard. I have a LUC Chrono One, the first steel edition, picked up for what I consider a bargain on c24. It's just beautiful. My only issue with it is that the bridges are a slightly fussy shape, but the dial side is clean and beautiful, gets lots of compliments. I do think the One watches are quite big. I'm 6'4" so maybe I get away with it, but they are an all dial 42mm.
Ken, 'money where my mouth is?' Are you sure the idiom fits here? The 42mm dial? I have watches with big dials, but well short of a Frisbee on my wrist. Please clarify what your point is. Take care, Bill
@@watchartsci you've talked about the GMT One or Time traveler One in a few videos now. Sooner or later you'll have to buy it to see if you like it. I want to see what you think in the flesh.
Love Blancpain really neat and beautiful finishings. Chopard is not worth it for LUC models lacking a geneva seal. Rather go with Nomos, as in house and better finishing.
In my opinion, 5hz makes sense for a chronograph, so that they can display 1/10 of a second not some strange ⅛ or something like that. That is more useful given what the purpose of this complication is not that many people actually use it but still. It's almost like everything is always a compromise when designing anything mechanical. As for the "centograve" I will loved it if Elon Musk or Jeff Besos happen to give me part of their assets, because having Länge taste and not even Casino money is not fun.
I agree that it makes sense Vladimir, but somehow I see these high frequencies beating the movement parts like a rented mule... I like the calmer more confident speeds of 3hz and under. Take care, Bill
I recently acquired an L.U.C 1937 Classic. Simple, yet stunning details and movement architecture. Jaquet Droz is also underrated for the price with amazing history in automaton and watchmaking. Thank you Bill.
The 1937 is absolutely stunning , congrats!! I personally just wish it was available in a slightly smaller diameter.
Hi Amir, the '37 is my kind of watch too. Clean, clear and classic. Take care, Bill
@@HRM.H Thank you. Hopefully there will be more to come from L.U.C that will suit you.
Wow , 7900 USD for a Frederic Piguet 1185 powered chronograph is not bad at all !! Very unique looking aswell.
Blancpain was owned by Jacques Piguet heir to Frederic Piguet-sort of the tail wagging the dog, Heretic. Take care, Bill
@@watchartsci ahhh hence the usage of FP movements in all their models. Cheers!!
Hey Bill, always great content and i love the material you put out. recently i have been missing when you share the websites for your great finds, i guess you might be planning to buy few of them and want to keep a secrete. but it was in info that helped me a lot in the past. best regards Aziz
Hi WatchesMore ... I've become a bit gun shy about mentioning the URLs for some sites since I'm not 100% sure about them, or they're just in the US. Usually, though, anyone can find them just by a Google search. Take care, Bil
Thanks Bill. This is very useful. My first grail watch was the Blancpain Annual Calendar but it seems this, unlike the Complete or Perpetual, is never discounted nor does the price drop much when used. I wonder why that is? You've inspired me to go back to searching
Hey Shadow, they say that sharks must always keep moving or they die. Maybe we're like Watch Sharks ... always looking. Take care, Bill
Hi Bill, thanks for the video! Oris seems to be doing good with the new caliber 473.
I too like Oris' new movements Michel. Take care, Bill
Both brands have some amazing offerings in the 3.000 to 5.000 USD market. Fully intend to pick up a older Blancpain Villaret and/or a Chopard L.U.C. Sport 2000. Both models are very underrated imo.
Something from both brands for just about everyone, Heretic. Take care, Bill
I very much like the bezels on those older Blancpains!
They do have significant bezels ... made for a purpose Cedshred. Take care, Bill
Some nice watches there Bill, but I was drawn to the one on your wrist through out the video. P.S. have you seen the Moritz Grossman Limited Edition Cellini central second, dial by Voutilainen in green. 6 pieces only $39,000 wish I could buy us both one.
Breca, some watches are "If you win the lottery watches" ... I just wait for a deal on a pre-owned one. Take care, Bil
I like this dude. Doesn’t buy into the hype. Blancpain… still a lot for a midtier watch.
Fred talk watches: omg! So undervalued. My favorite brand. Shout out to my boys at Blancpain.
Ella, the Blancpain prices are creeping out of reach... still can find some bargains, though. Take care, Bill
For Blancpain and the 1315 movement, I like the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe (5000 series) 7.5k-ish and under, second hand. And for Chopard the Alpine Eagle, under 10k, caliber 01.01-C.
Good choices User... the Bathyscaphe I'm not as sure about as I am about the FF... could just be that I need to look at it a bit more. Take care, Bill
Hey Bill
The black dial, titanium Fifty Fathoms 5015 I bought grey late last year was at a fairly healthy discount of nearly 25%. That's on the bracelet too. Technically it's pre-owned, but it was unworn. The warranty card was signed and stamped too. The quality on this thing is absolutley awesome. No regrets buying it. It seems to get better and better.
The pic you used on the first slide is the render of my model of watch (5015-12B30-98B) in which the case and bracelet looks a little dull. In real life, it's not dull at all. It is fully brushed, but said brushing is very very fine. The light plays off it beautifully and the sheen is gorgeous.
Another factor to consider is ensuring you have an AD you can get to. Because sooner or later this thing will eventually need a service in a few years. There are a couple of Blancpain ADs I can use. Not sure about Chopard LUC; I'd have to check.
Sounds like you got a good buy Meson! I have to send my good watches in for service. Usually, for my FP Journes, I take them to the FPJ Boutique in NYC and they send them to the service center in Miami. Somehow I believe if they come from a Boutique they'll do a better job ... just a belief with no evidence...🤔 Take care, Bill
My favorite diver has always been the Fifty Fathems 2000 - I think that bezel is just a killer looking feature. Cheers
JR, do you still have your FF? Great to hear from you! Take care, Bill
@@watchartsci No longer have any of my old collection. It was sold off with my other collections of stuff to fund retirement and move 20 years ago. Was a good plan. No regrets. @texpatotg ... Your show just keeps getting better!
Very well done video. I love Blancpain. I wouldn't call it middle tier but then I don't have enough dough to buy PP, AP, VC or ALS.
Hi Edward, I was thinking of Blancpain as more of a "Middle of the High End" ... not middle, middle. Does that sound more like it? Take care, Bill
@@watchartsci I am sure you are right. Keep up ther good work. I have learned a lot from you.
Both offer high horology watches, with great prices on the secondary market, definitely great deals, thanks Bill.
They are nice, Abdul ... sort of in the mood for a Guilloché... Take care, Bil
The older Fifty Fathoms (Trilogy) runs at 21,600 Hz, just like the Air Command version. As for movement, now Frederick Piguet is part of Blancpain. The new one you showed of the Fifty Fathoms is the Titanium version, and can be had on the secondary market, used but unworn, for $3,000-5,000 less than suggested retail. Note that the new one is 45mm where as the older one is only 40mm, so a much different wearable experience. The new titanium one, on the bracelet weighs a little less than the 40mm and wears smaller than one would think because the lugs are pretty short. One big difference is the older, Trilogy Fifty Fathoms, does not have a silicon caseback (and couldn’t as it has a antimagnetic soft iron inner back).
Hey Cos, good point about the size of the newer ones. 45mm is a big boy. Take care, Bill
The Villeret Calendar in 37 mm is a killer deal in that price range.Almost too good to pass up.
Hey Ref! My Vacheron Constantin Overseas (OS1) was 37mm, and it wore just right for me. Take care, Bill
Great video Bill. I’ve always like both brands but haven’t found anything that interests me yet. I agree with you that if you are willing to put in the time and really look there are great buys to be had out there.
Best regards, Brian
Hey Brian, looking for watches with "legs" ... ones that I will enjoy having for years. Take care, Bill
I've been eyeing the Chopard GMT for a while and that Blancpain triple calendar with a moon phase is very nice too. I think dress watches with no bezel work better when there a little smaller. I need a moon phase here in Fracking Gulch. The wolves can be a worry.
Yes, the Frackin' Gulch wolves are famous for howling like banshees every time there's a fracking tremor. Indeed you need a moon phase, Leigh!🌖 Take care, Bill
exceptional video as usual. I am drinking your words Bill. I have both watches. The LUChopards are pretty good ones. The eta chopards are indestructibles. The blancpain is excellent quality without cuttings edges , the bracelets from Blancpain are ultimate.
Thanks for that info Anibal! It's always good to hear from a watch owner's point of view ... after all they're the ones that really count! Take care, Bil
One if the brands just raised there prices this week. I don’t get it. The good brands but not great.
Nice video mate 🥃
Raising prices seems to be par for the course over the last year Tim. Take care, Bil
Thanks Bill !
My pleasure Junior! Take care, Bill
Bill, I like the Chopard GMT as well, but I believe it does not have an independently adjustable hour hand. Greetings, Philipp
Hey Phillipp...how is the hour hand on the GMT set? Take care, Bill
@@watchartsci it's like the eta2893 where the crown in the second position adjusts the 24 hour hand. Third position is minute, hour and 24 hour hand.
@@philippm2750 Thanks!
Fratello had a great article about the Fifty Fathoms Trilogy collection (of which this GMT is a part of) - it was the Fifty Fathoms in between model before the relaunch. A bit of an odd one but I like it. I have a Bathyscaphe and the movement is gorgeous - specs say 120 hours power reserve. My last at easily 6.5 days when in the watch box. And thanks to the ceramic case it always looks new.
Koolpep, interesting comment about 'ceramics always looking new...' good point! Take care, Bil
These are two brands I'm dreaming of, but they seem unattainable in my price range. I just got a Breitling Shadow Flyback that I'm really happy with. On the REALLY low end is Spinnaker for Blancpain. If you want some of the look and don''t care what's inside.
That's true with a lot of good looking watches ... not much inside, Andrew. Take care, Bill
@@watchartsci Funny story Bill. Took the Breitling to my watch guy to have it authenticated. Originally, he was looking for the Swiss Madd marking and pronounced it a fake when he couldn't find it.Then he asked if he could open it. When he opened the back, I could see the finishing on the movement and breathed a sigh of relief. I got a winner! My first Brietling and likely not my last.
Blancpain air command high beat is gorgeous
Their Air Command is a good example of an all-around sports watch too, John. Take care, Bill
Love the Blancpain Air Command! I’m looking for a good deal on one👌
Hey O Bud! A pilot's 50 Fathoms? Cool.😎Take care, Bil
@@watchartsci Yes sir, i have saved up for some Air Command; just waiting for the right deal!
Great brands that offer great value. Always enjoyed the 1937.
The '37 is very much my kind of watch too Javi! Take care, Bill
I really like the L.U.C. Time Traveler One!
Relsanat, that is a good one... I like it too. Take care, Bill
I tend to react often with something like the brand is underrated. Well Bill, here again, L.U.C Chopard is high-quality, maybe luxury category (?), and has the same problem that Breguet has. Plenty of quality but the brand isn't known, hence not respected for what it is, BECAUSE they are lacking the marketing
You know my view, Erik! Poor re-sale price is the collector's best friend! Take care, Bill
Bill, let's keep the Chopard Traveller One between us please. I'm looking for a deal on what I also consider the most interesting worldtimer around. 🤫 The less people know about it, the better it is.
You got it Uptick! 🤫 Mums the word... Take care, Bill
Hey Bill, Blancpain is pronounced blongpan as opposed to blongparn I know you struggle with foreign pronounciations hope you don't mind me helping out. I think the LUC Chopard watches are very underrated..
Thanks Marcus ... at least I'm not calling them "blank - pain" .. every little bit helps. Take care, Bil
Two brands you can still great deals on, especially used! I like to pick up a L.U.C word timer someday, high end piece at good value! They remind me of JLC a bit, better designed though.
Another great video Bill, thanks!
Hey Big Sal! I was thinking along the same lines with the World Timer. Take care, Bill
Bill, eventually you're going to have to put your money where your mouth is on the Chopard.
I have a LUC Chrono One, the first steel edition, picked up for what I consider a bargain on c24. It's just beautiful. My only issue with it is that the bridges are a slightly fussy shape, but the dial side is clean and beautiful, gets lots of compliments. I do think the One watches are quite big. I'm 6'4" so maybe I get away with it, but they are an all dial 42mm.
Ken, 'money where my mouth is?' Are you sure the idiom fits here? The 42mm dial? I have watches with big dials, but well short of a Frisbee on my wrist. Please clarify what your point is. Take care, Bill
@@watchartsci you've talked about the GMT One or Time traveler One in a few videos now. Sooner or later you'll have to buy it to see if you like it. I want to see what you think in the flesh.
Love Blancpain really neat and beautiful finishings. Chopard is not worth it for LUC models lacking a geneva seal. Rather go with Nomos, as in house and better finishing.
Watches from all 3 brands have notable watches, but rarely is there a brand where every model will appeal Andres. Take care, Bill
LUC's are in house and the movement is so far superior to a Nomos. Each to their own.
In my opinion, 5hz makes sense for a chronograph, so that they can display 1/10 of a second not some strange ⅛ or something like that. That is more useful given what the purpose of this complication is not that many people actually use it but still. It's almost like everything is always a compromise when designing anything mechanical. As for the "centograve" I will loved it if Elon Musk or Jeff Besos happen to give me part of their assets, because having Länge taste and not even Casino money is not fun.
I agree that it makes sense Vladimir, but somehow I see these high frequencies beating the movement parts like a rented mule... I like the calmer more confident speeds of 3hz and under. Take care, Bill