Silver: steel from the toolbox

Nov 11, 2013,03:00 AM
 





Probably the most true-to-the original (but with modern concept and technologies) version of the Bathyscaphe , the classic choice with a case made of traditional steel and combined with a NATO-type of strap:



Let's get a bit closer to the precious:






Together with the brighter case we get a much lighter appearing anthracite dial. 



I suggest to spend some time appreciating this face. 



What is much better detectable than with the black one is the fine sunburst pattern:





Excellent printing quality:



The date disk is black and this reveals: Blancpain took the same as with the black version:



Like with the other version readability is a non-issue also with the steel variant:



If we return to the case I think one striking difference to the titanium case is that steel actually better brings out the shape of the housing: 




All edges appear sharper...






… and different surface angles and dimensions are really highlighted thanks to the fine satin brushing:





Didn't we know the fish symbol from another brand (where it recently disappeared?)?

The crown is not only oversized outside, but also solidly dimensioned inside, including a substantial seal and a strong screw-down thread.



On the back again the Blancpain Cal. 1315:




Finally, before I show the wrist shots, a few images of strap and buckle. Its a NATO-inspired strap with finely made buckles...




… and leather-reinforced holes. Actually a very interesting detail.




I still prefer the standard strap for its superior comfort as well as its - subjectively - better looks. Still, even this combination has its vey own appeal:







The steel Bathyscaphe looks a bit smaller than its titanium colleague.






This impression gets fully exploited once a lady tries it now, and I think here it really shines:





I find this totally wearable...





… and actually a nice size for a woman (not for business use, of course!):






This message has been edited by Ornatus-Mundi on 2013-11-15 03:00:24

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Comments: view entire thread

 

The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : November 15th, 2013-12:32
Blancpain's Bathyscaphe historically was the poor sister of the famous Fifty Fathoms, one of the first really useful diving watches, technically much less demanding and offered at a lower price point. There are countless variations, and poor documentation...  
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Black: Ceramic-reinforced titanium

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : November 10th, 2013-16:06
The 'black' version of the Bathyscaphe is the first one I'd like to present. It also happens to be the most expensive one of the lot. The immediately impressive features is its matte 43mm case made of ceramised titanium, giving the watch great resistance ...  
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A truly fantastic review!

 
 By: craniotes : November 24th, 2013-03:50
I remain puzzled at the cold reception this watch has received, particularly because it was love at first sight for me. In fact, it was so much so, that rather than being a question of whether or not to buy one, it was a question of which case/strap combi... 
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"the ceramised titanium has already been discontinued"

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : November 25th, 2013-09:35
I find nothing of this on their website (but then again they were never really good in online marketing ;-)). I am curious to obtain an official statement from them. Thanks for the nice words! Magnus
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It's already been changed online...

 
 By: craniotes : November 25th, 2013-09:49
Note that the description of the case on the site has changed from "Ceramised titanium" to "Satin-brushed titanium". Also, the model number for the case has changed from 5000-12C30 to 5000-1230 ; I assume that the "C" denoted the ceramised titanium. In an...  
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Thanks, that change must have occurred after I wrote the article...

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : November 25th, 2013-10:05
as I sourced my info from their website… Cheers, Magnus
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Really enjoyed the review!

 
 By: patrick_y : March 9th, 2014-03:41
Thanks for sharing your impressions about this watch. Great watch! Great review! And great photos! I want one. And the movement finishing is actually very good judging by the most beautiful and fat anglage I've seen on a non specialty watch. Thanks for sh... 
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most beautiful and fat angle...

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : March 12th, 2014-03:07
combined with most beautiful and fat rubies… ;-) Cheers, Magnus ...  
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Silver: steel from the toolbox

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : November 11th, 2013-03:00
Probably the most true-to-the original (but with modern concept and technologies) version of the Bathyscaphe , the classic choice with a case made of traditional steel and combined with a NATO-type of strap: Let's get a bit closer to the precious: Togethe...  
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Ladies: a tool for the tough ones!

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : November 11th, 2013-03:13
Last but not least comes the Bathyscaphe 38 (!) mm version for ladies: Looks tine, right? More on that later. But first one might ask - is this necessary ? I think it is and there is indeed a very good reason for a ladies version: This is a vintage ladies...  
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Conclusion: A dream come true - and now?

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : November 11th, 2013-03:15
I keep coming back to my opening statement: "...So what I would like to see is a 'budget' Fifty Fathoms with a less elaborate bezel, a more basic case and less expensive finishing but built to withstand the elements as the current one […] WAIT – there was...  
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Great report

 
 By: Spellbound : November 16th, 2013-00:19
Fantastic and very comprehensive report. I do like the stainless steel model. These watches do fall clearly into the tool watch category, but it is less clear as to whether they would fall into the diver category. One thing I do not understand is the 18k ... 
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"the 18k gold rotor"

 
 By: small-luxury-world : November 18th, 2013-03:59
It´s because of the weight needed and some companies even use platinum.
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This I understand

 
 By: Spellbound : November 18th, 2013-04:11
But why colour the beautiful gold rotor black? Would anyone colour a diamond black? Dean
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"why colour the beautiful gold rotor black"

 
 By: small-luxury-world : November 18th, 2013-04:24
Blancpain always did it like this when there was a sapphire back, because the rotor had to match the case. When I bought my first Blancpain´s in the past, me especially loved that kind of attention to details. Other brands like (e.g.) GO (still) don´t do ... 
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Not always, Oliver, not always...

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : November 25th, 2013-09:44
there are exceptions… On non-display-backed watches the rotor was in natural yellow gold: Best, Magnus ...  
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Dream come true ...

 
 By: nilomis : November 16th, 2013-14:38
Finally a modern FF that I can wear. Looking forward to see this one on my next trip overseas (no A.D. Here where I live). Thank you very much for this amazing journey to this new product line from Blancpain. Cheers, Nilo
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Superb report Magnus.

 
 By: foversta : November 17th, 2013-03:59
I have the wish to write a review of the Bathyscaphe and I will do it next year. But at this stage I have mixed emotions. Sometimes I love it, sometimes, I find it too simple. I'm still looking for my final point of view about it. Sure that your review wi... 
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You pleaded the Batyscaphe cause with talent, Magnus.

 
 By: amanico : November 17th, 2013-04:42
There are some positive things: - The case, which I find to be very nice, with its bevels and the shape of the lugs. - The choice of titanium, which makes me think of a Milspec. - The movement, because a toolwatch can also have a great movement, why not! ... 
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"less expensive finishing" Yes, but still some outstanding ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : November 18th, 2013-04:20
details/qualities and I didn´t expect less from Blancpain. Me had the pleasure to see it already twice (even not at home like you ;-) ) and I did my own (less comprehensive) report after Basel, but still I appreciated your pictures and thoughts a lot. Tha... 
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"beauty & oddness at the same time"

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : November 25th, 2013-09:32
Yes Oliver, I guess that's it. A cocktail that needs to be digested slowly and appreciated calmly. Otherwise its message may be lost.. Magnus
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Thanks for a great report Magnus!

 
 By: fernando : November 19th, 2013-18:49
I have been curious about this piece for some time and looking forward to seeing one in the metal. I am in two minds about it now as I can't figure the category it should fit in. As a tool watch it's too refined and yet it tries to look the part. I do lik... 
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Watch aficionados are a strange breed...

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : November 25th, 2013-09:47
calling a watch 'too refined'! Declaring myself guilty as well! Magnus
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Great review Magnus, thanks!

 
 By: Psmith : November 23rd, 2013-03:00
I like the look of the ti model, but suspect I would pick the ss in reality Can't wait to try them for myself!
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Thanks for your words (and I envy you for having a preference ;-))! [nt]

 
 By: Ornatus-Mundi : November 25th, 2013-09:45
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