jkingston
356
In a completely different class than the "R" watch
Feb 14, 2015,08:04 AM
Great review!!!!! I particularly loved seeing the lume underwater.
In so many ways this watch sits in an entirely different class than the R. Consider the sophistication of the movement. The silicium hairspring does more than offer antimagnetic properties. Of course R does not have that. But more than antimagnetic, it offers superior isochronism performance. This is because the response of the spiral to an impulse varies much less with the force of the impulse. Then lets add to the equation the fact that the Blancpain movement has three mainspring barrels, with the strength of the springs graduated, again to give superior isochronism performance. R has one barrel. The Blancpain has a 5 day power reserve, much greater than R.
Here is one that nobody talks about. R uses inexpensive brass wheels. Blancpain uses the highest grade copper byrillium wheels that have less friction and far superior wear properties.
The finishing of the movement is deliberately understated as fits the mission of a sport watch. But that is not to say that the finishing represents a short cut. The anglage is beautiful. The surface colimacon finish is every bit as time consuming and costly as cote de geneve.
These are just a few details which hopefully add to the enjoyment of the watch.
Jeff