In terms of aesthetics, I find the Swatch to be more appealing. The absence of a screw-down crown is a bit disappointing, but the 100m water resistance rating is more than adequate for most situations. I'm not particularly fond of the display backs on either watch; I would prefer a solid caseback with more decorative detailing for both models. As for the Blancpain, while it is an impressive timepiece, I wouldn't classify it as a professional diver's watch. In today's world, most divers rely on dive computers, and both of these watches are more about the diver-inspired aesthetic rather than serving as true tools of the trade.
I do find the Swatch better looking as well. I think visibility was the name of the game with the 500 Fathoms. The lume is so strong on the numerals that you can see it glowing in pretty much direct sunlight, especially if you ever get any shade. Normally I'd agree about the case backs, but the Nudibranch on the Scuba Fifty Fathoms is just fun as is showing the mechanical movement to somebody who might not be used to seeing a running watch. On the 500 Fathoms that they're able to keep the 1000 m water resistance and show off that rotor is pretty cool. If it was a standard rotor, I'd say close the back up. I totally agree, anyone diving under 10-20 meters probably will have a dive computer strapped on, but the 500 Fathoms could go along with them as a back up. Also, not sure who would dive with a water this expensive in any place it would be hard to recover. I'm not even sure I'd swim with it ;)
Also about the screw down crown, I wonder if it's a safety issue. Might lead to a lot of people messing up the crowns if they're not used to screw down crowns. My Offshore had a crown that wouldn't screw in any more and I'm the most careful person ever. I'm curious if there is a safety in the SISTEM51 to not be hurt by setting the date in the "danger zone" either... I'd say a lot of novice watch owners will own this watch and not know about avoiding setting the date during certain hours. I start and catch myself doing that sometimes...
In terms of aesthetics, I find the Swatch to be more appealing. The absence of a screw-down crown is a bit disappointing, but the 100m water resistance rating is more than adequate for most situations. I'm not particularly fond of the display backs on either watch; I would prefer a solid caseback with more decorative detailing for both models. As for the Blancpain, while it is an impressive timepiece, I wouldn't classify it as a professional diver's watch. In today's world, most divers rely on dive computers, and both of these watches are more about the diver-inspired aesthetic rather than serving as true tools of the trade.
I do find the Swatch better looking as well. I think visibility was the name of the game with the 500 Fathoms. The lume is so strong on the numerals that you can see it glowing in pretty much direct sunlight, especially if you ever get any shade. Normally I'd agree about the case backs, but the Nudibranch on the Scuba Fifty Fathoms is just fun as is showing the mechanical movement to somebody who might not be used to seeing a running watch. On the 500 Fathoms that they're able to keep the 1000 m water resistance and show off that rotor is pretty cool. If it was a standard rotor, I'd say close the back up. I totally agree, anyone diving under 10-20 meters probably will have a dive computer strapped on, but the 500 Fathoms could go along with them as a back up. Also, not sure who would dive with a water this expensive in any place it would be hard to recover. I'm not even sure I'd swim with it ;)
Also about the screw down crown, I wonder if it's a safety issue. Might lead to a lot of people messing up the crowns if they're not used to screw down crowns. My Offshore had a crown that wouldn't screw in any more and I'm the most careful person ever. I'm curious if there is a safety in the SISTEM51 to not be hurt by setting the date in the "danger zone" either... I'd say a lot of novice watch owners will own this watch and not know about avoiding setting the date during certain hours. I start and catch myself doing that sometimes...