I had to think about this for a while before pulling thr trigger. Tried rhr steel version at thr AD, loved it but I ended up getting the titanium version in blue with the band. Its the only watch I wear. Own a GS diver, the SD43, GMT sprite, the Pepsi and a few others. I don't mean to list thr models I own to sound cool, just to say that I don't wear anything apart from the FF. Wears a lot smaller than it seems, I used to love wearing the sub no date or thr explorer II but I haven't looked back since I got this. Highly underrated, under the radar. Wears like a dream, lost about ±5 secs but I can't expect any better. Please try the watch before you think of the heft. Thanks for the video.
I am a Fifty Fathoms owner. Specifically I have the black version of the watch Bruce reviewed here, bracelet and all. It is my favorite watch. I am fortunate to have a 7.5 inch wrist to accomodate it. The bracelet is awesome despite not having a quick adjust clasp. I do recommend the titanium verson. It's slightly lighter making it more wearable than the steel version. But don't make the mistake of thinking it is light to the point of feeling like it has no substance, like a lot of other titanium watches. It still has a decent heft. The titanium verson also comes with the display caseback. And the titanium bracelet has a much improved cam and bar release system for removing and adding links, making it a pleasure to work on. Also, do not be put off by the seemingly dull finish shown in the marketing renders. In real life, the titanium is extremely finely brushed and plays with the light wonderfully. The Fifty Fathoms is my favorite watch and is first choice in my rotation. It is rock solid in feel and fit. I highly recommend giving it a look.
@@RB-xv4si I've owned my Fifty Fathoms from new for a year now. So it's regulated as it came from Blancpain. It's accurate, but I haven't been monitoring it to quantify that. I probably should. That said, I set it last weekend against an atomic clock app, and now one week later it's one second behind. I do not know if this is typical for the 1315. But there you go.
Gorgeous piece no doubt!! I 100% agree w/the clasp issue and it would be THE point that keeps me from buying. I'd rather buy the Glashutte Original SeaQ Panorama Date.
The greatest dive watch is the one that executes its job as a dive watch the best. The one that has the best specs FUNCTIONALLY. The most legible, most resilient most antimagnetic most reliable etc and guess what a mechanical movement might not be the most functional and resilient.
An extraordinary watch - if Patek made dive watches... Not necessarily for everyone, every day, but that's not the point and was never the aim of the FF. In a world full of excellent dive watches, for me there are 4 'greats:' Rolex Submariner (best versatile/everyday diver), Seiko MM300 (best working diver), Seiko Tuna (best pro diver), Blancpain FF (the ultimate dive watch and best luxury diver). I'm fortunate to own a FF and can attest to its exceptional quality, finish and diving performance (legibility, lume, bezel action) - there is nothing like it: a really special watch. But strap everyday for the Fiddy! People shouldn't be put off by the size, they should try one - the case is closer to 43mm and the lugs are short, so it wears easily on average and larger wrists. The Ti ones wear a bit bigger because they're matte and the bracelets add to the size too, so there's subtle options that influence the wearing experience depending on your preference or need. But with no extension, the bracelet is no good for diving.
This 50fathoms is stunning but not the greatest dive watch. A truly great Dive watch should have excellent legibility, should be waterproof and shockproof and have other useful functions like a depth meter. For that, the greatest dive watch is the Casio Gshock Frogman.
Weird comment. The FF is one of the few high-end dive watches with a liked bezel. So it’s highly legible; probably more so than any other dive watch in its price range. And what makes you think it’s not waterproof and shockproof? It has a 1000’ depth rating. Also. The X Fathoms version has a depth gauge.
It’s absolutely stunning and could be easily the best diver ever made… however, I think the should reduce it to 42mm and add quick adjustments system in the bracelet
Honestly, if the clasp issue is so important to people, why not just replace it with a rubber strap? The pettiness of some watch collectors is annoying.
Absolutely it’s … even if I have the submariner, sea dweller or Deepsea … the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is in another level … every little detail in the fifty fathoms is perfection…
You’re absolutely correct BW! The BFF was the FIRST watch I ever liked after starting to learn about watches. That was around 7-8 years ago. Then I purchased my first watch as an enthusiast - Seiko FFF. I truly love that watch for its BFF inspired aesthetic. ❤
My problem with this watch is the price. I can’t justify $28800 AUD for what is in so many ways a very basic and ordinary looking watch. I understand the history and appreciate the quality but I would never actually consider buying one. Overpriced vanilla
how does it not have a dive clasp - i can only imagine the horror of watching my 16k watch float to the depths as my fat wrists accidentally opened it while underwater.
I would agree on the greatest dive watch nomination. I do like the FF better than the Rolex offerings for a number of reasons. I'm also glad that it is a proper sized dive watch. The notion of a much smaller dive watch is just lost on me. Granted I have the size to pull off the FF. Hopefully they don't listen to the rather vocal small wristed crowd and lower the size to something unwearable.
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is a great watch but I believe they are overpriced, considering their value will diminish by approximately 38% within a year doesn’t sound like a good investment. I certainly wouldn’t pay full retail price but if i could purchase new at a discounted price would consider getting one.
Always been a huge fan but beside very limited editions the watch is just too big, rumors are that a new generation is coming and will be smaller, cannot wait to get my hands on it
Bruce you make a strong case and it's definitely a prized piece in a watch collection - my only issue are all the limited editions and special models they offer. The one you displayed is quite appealing - titanium, blue, open casebook - but I'm guessing this too is a limited edition model? Also recently Blancpain removed pricing on their website, which further confuses me!
Fortunately this is a standard production model. But I agree, removing pricing from the website is not a good move. It signals that you think your price will drive people away from looking further
Good question, but… who is actually diving with any of them? And this FF Ti is THEEE best all in your face most elegant, most exquisite, best looking, best designed, best history, best heritage … and…and…and top notch diver ever. Thought my previous grail watch, a 126660 James Cameron was “it” for a few years. That “Rolex” factor killed it for me last year. Finally sold it at a loss. No pain, just happy that’s gone. This FF Ti at almost double MSRP makes me much happier. Partially because of its under-the-radar factor. Learned over the years the we wear these beauties just for ourselves - and proudly so. Yeah Blancpain!! - and thank YOU Blancpain!!
I had to think about this for a while before pulling thr trigger. Tried rhr steel version at thr AD, loved it but I ended up getting the titanium version in blue with the band. Its the only watch I wear. Own a GS diver, the SD43, GMT sprite, the Pepsi and a few others. I don't mean to list thr models I own to sound cool, just to say that I don't wear anything apart from the FF. Wears a lot smaller than it seems, I used to love wearing the sub no date or thr explorer II but I haven't looked back since I got this. Highly underrated, under the radar. Wears like a dream, lost about ±5 secs but I can't expect any better. Please try the watch before you think of the heft. Thanks for the video.
I am a Fifty Fathoms owner. Specifically I have the black version of the watch Bruce reviewed here, bracelet and all. It is my favorite watch. I am fortunate to have a 7.5 inch wrist to accomodate it. The bracelet is awesome despite not having a quick adjust clasp.
I do recommend the titanium verson. It's slightly lighter making it more wearable than the steel version. But don't make the mistake of thinking it is light to the point of feeling like it has no substance, like a lot of other titanium watches. It still has a decent heft. The titanium verson also comes with the display caseback. And the titanium bracelet has a much improved cam and bar release system for removing and adding links, making it a pleasure to work on.
Also, do not be put off by the seemingly dull finish shown in the marketing renders. In real life, the titanium is extremely finely brushed and plays with the light wonderfully.
The Fifty Fathoms is my favorite watch and is first choice in my rotation. It is rock solid in feel and fit. I highly recommend giving it a look.
Excellent comment! Thank you for sharing a valuable owner perspective
What is the accuracy you’ve been able to have the 1315 movement regulated to?
@@RB-xv4si I've owned my Fifty Fathoms from new for a year now. So it's regulated as it came from Blancpain. It's accurate, but I haven't been monitoring it to quantify that. I probably should. That said, I set it last weekend against an atomic clock app, and now one week later it's one second behind. I do not know if this is typical for the 1315. But there you go.
@@meson183 wow. Thats insanely accurate for a mechanical watch.
I can tell you that the blancpain fifty fathoms is even more accurate than my Rolex sport models
It surely is the best diver of there. A close second place is the GO SeaQ Panoramadatum, which is in my opinion the best diver below 15,000 bucks
Gorgeous piece no doubt!! I 100% agree w/the clasp issue and it would be THE point that keeps me from buying. I'd rather buy the Glashutte Original SeaQ Panorama Date.
The bracelet and clasp on thr seaq is outstanding!
@@BruceWilliams it will spoil a person when it comes to any other bracelet... unfortunately. :)
The greatest dive watch is the one that executes its job as a dive watch the best. The one that has the best specs FUNCTIONALLY. The most legible, most resilient most antimagnetic most reliable etc and guess what a mechanical movement might not be the most functional and resilient.
Just an exquisite piece all around.
An extraordinary watch - if Patek made dive watches... Not necessarily for everyone, every day, but that's not the point and was never the aim of the FF. In a world full of excellent dive watches, for me there are 4 'greats:' Rolex Submariner (best versatile/everyday diver), Seiko MM300 (best working diver), Seiko Tuna (best pro diver), Blancpain FF (the ultimate dive watch and best luxury diver). I'm fortunate to own a FF and can attest to its exceptional quality, finish and diving performance (legibility, lume, bezel action) - there is nothing like it: a really special watch. But strap everyday for the Fiddy! People shouldn't be put off by the size, they should try one - the case is closer to 43mm and the lugs are short, so it wears easily on average and larger wrists. The Ti ones wear a bit bigger because they're matte and the bracelets add to the size too, so there's subtle options that influence the wearing experience depending on your preference or need. But with no extension, the bracelet is no good for diving.
Just Few watches can compete with this
defenetly better then a sub imo!
"Greatest ____ in the world" is meant to be hyperbole not thought provoking lol
Why not both haha
This 50fathoms is stunning but not the greatest dive watch.
A truly great Dive watch should have excellent legibility, should be waterproof and shockproof and have other useful functions like a depth meter. For that, the greatest dive watch is the Casio Gshock Frogman.
Weird comment. The FF is one of the few high-end dive watches with a liked bezel. So it’s highly legible; probably more so than any other dive watch in its price range. And what makes you think it’s not waterproof and shockproof? It has a 1000’ depth rating. Also. The X Fathoms version has a depth gauge.
I think this guy might be an actual diver. If so, then he might be the guy to ask about what would be the best dive watch.@@RB-xv4si
It’s absolutely stunning and could be easily the best diver ever made… however, I think the should reduce it to 42mm and add quick adjustments system in the bracelet
And a dive extension
Fantastic watch. Absolutely cherish my gold 50 Fathoms.
The most beautiful dive watch ever made.
I have to agree, it's the first and the best, 50 fathoms is awesome.....
First? That’s been disputed. Read “Debunking the ficticious history of the Blancpain fifty fathoms” on Perezcope. “Best” that’s very subjective.
Honestly, if the clasp issue is so important to people, why not just replace it with a rubber strap? The pettiness of some watch collectors is annoying.
Gorgeous piece, agree about the clasp.
Absolutely it’s … even if I have the submariner, sea dweller or Deepsea … the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is in another level … every little detail in the fifty fathoms is perfection…
You’re absolutely correct BW! The BFF was the FIRST watch I ever liked after starting to learn about watches. That was around 7-8 years ago. Then I purchased my first watch as an enthusiast - Seiko FFF. I truly love that watch for its BFF inspired aesthetic. ❤
My problem with this watch is the price. I can’t justify $28800 AUD for what is in so many ways a very basic and ordinary looking watch. I understand the history and appreciate the quality but I would never actually consider buying one. Overpriced vanilla
how does it not have a dive clasp - i can only imagine the horror of watching my 16k watch float to the depths as my fat wrists accidentally opened it while underwater.
No
Now they have a 42mm … it’s fantastic
I would agree on the greatest dive watch nomination. I do like the FF better than the Rolex offerings for a number of reasons. I'm also glad that it is a proper sized dive watch. The notion of a much smaller dive watch is just lost on me. Granted I have the size to pull off the FF. Hopefully they don't listen to the rather vocal small wristed crowd and lower the size to something unwearable.
Same here, I am grateful for my large wrist at all times except when brands don't offer long length straps haha
It doesn’t necessarily need a smaller diameter case (to maintain the readability), but a couple millimeters less height would be nice.
Bruce, could you do a brand review of LUC Chopard and Chopard? I would be very interested in your objective opinion.
I'll do my best to get them in for review. Thank you for the request!
Tried on a titanium on a strap at an AD recently. Stunning watch. A steel model on a bracelet with a blue guilloche dial has caught my eye.
Gorgeous variation I agree
The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is a great watch but I believe they are overpriced, considering their value will diminish by approximately 38% within a year doesn’t sound like a good investment. I certainly wouldn’t pay full retail price but if i could purchase new at a discounted price would consider getting one.
I have the black version of this and the Rolex SD4k. The latter is more comfortable to wear. But the finishing and looks goes to the BPFF.
from what i have heard isn't the marine from omega older and if so isn't that the first commercially available diver then
Always been a huge fan but beside very limited editions the watch is just too big, rumors are that a new generation is coming and will be smaller, cannot wait to get my hands on it
What camera are you using? Great vids!
I prefer a Glashütte Seaq but nonetheless great watch for sure!
Sorry Bruce but the Rolex Submariner is the definitive dive watch and is often copied but never equaled. Zero regrets on having one in my collection.
It is a beautiful and historic dive watch, but I think, the Rolex Submariner will always be the quintessential diver watch of all time!
Rolex is king 👑
Great review, great watch. Thanks Bruce!
Don't forget a moon phase and annual calendar
Bruce you make a strong case and it's definitely a prized piece in a watch collection - my only issue are all the limited editions and special models they offer. The one you displayed is quite appealing - titanium, blue, open casebook - but I'm guessing this too is a limited edition model? Also recently Blancpain removed pricing on their website, which further confuses me!
Fortunately this is a standard production model. But I agree, removing pricing from the website is not a good move. It signals that you think your price will drive people away from looking further
Yep. You are right!
Wish there was a 39-41.
beautiful watch!
The proportions on this are terrible.
Everyone knows actual real mermaids wear SEIKO's
I see nothing special about this watch. Don’t understand all the hype 🤔🤔🤔
I am seriously asking, who will dive with such a high end and expensive watch?
Good question, but… who is actually diving with any of them? And this FF Ti is THEEE best all in your face most elegant, most exquisite, best looking, best designed, best history, best heritage … and…and…and top notch diver ever. Thought my previous grail watch, a 126660 James Cameron was “it” for a few years. That “Rolex” factor killed it for me last year. Finally sold it at a loss. No pain, just happy that’s gone.
This FF Ti at almost double MSRP makes me much happier. Partially because of its under-the-radar factor. Learned over the years the we wear these beauties just for ourselves - and proudly so.
Yeah Blancpain!! - and thank YOU Blancpain!!