Ornatus-Mundi
[Zenith]
7136
The 50 Fathoms Collection
The design of the Fifty Fathoms collection is well-known as it is available since 2007. We have seen several versions in different metals, in several colours, with additional logo´s and with different complications.
(The variants which are available are not all shown in the picture above.)
Not all of them have been winners (from our point of view), but the key collection is very appealing and has its own fan group – for some good reasons.
So what was new in 2012? To make it short: details.
The key feature was a satin-brushed case in steel or red gold.
In both metals it looks very nice, more refined and somehow mature. The latter came to mind when it comes together with (finally) new shown Barennia straps.
Barennia leather is not new for Blancpain, but those shown in Basel looked and felt perfect like the old ones they had on offer some time ago. For all those who don´t know the leather, it feels like “Cashmere” on the wrist, but is robust at the same time – especially when it comes with rubber on the inside of the strap. Really looking forward to see them in the Blancpain collection (again) and finally available for the Fifty Fathoms collection.
Great fit on the wrist and the satin-brushed red gold case should be very nice on hot summer days and on vacation ?
Next (simple) version with satin-brushed steel case shows a new dial …
… and yes it is steel, even when it comes with a blue dial. That dial catches lots of light and is an eye-catcher, but maybe not for everybody taste in a sports watch.
Chronographs – satin-brushed cases (steel and red gold) for that complication as well.
Pushers still can be used under water and the movement wasn´t changed.
More posts:
Baselword 2012 - Official PuristSPro Report: Blancpain
We can’t deny that this manufacture always was dear to us. Both of us follow the developments in Le Brassus closely and with much of our hearts & souls involved. In the early days of Blancpain (“second life”) there was a simple but unique case, only. They...
The X Fathoms Collection
The X Fathoms was already introduced in autumn 2011, in Dubai ( click here ) and we already had some discussions here about it. Nonetheless we would like to talk about it once more, because most of the time it is nearly impossible to get the full picture ...
For sure, this version has caused some strong reactions.
Love / Hate / perplexity / surprise. It is a strong watch, certainly not a consensual one. It is a technical watch, which was not the case with the first models, I mean the original, which housed rugged movements, reliable tractors, and where finishing wa...
The 50 Fathoms Collection
The design of the Fifty Fathoms collection is well-known as it is available since 2007. We have seen several versions in different metals, in several colours, with additional logo´s and with different complications. (The variants which are available are n...
They should give us one version without date, at Blancpain.
But wait a minute... Next year will be 2013.... 60th Birthday of this great watch... Hmmmmm.... Blancpain may wwell have something in the tube, for the Hard Core Fans we are... Best, Nicolas.
No ...
they are not discontinued, it is just a wider collection with additional models.
The L-Evolution Collection
This recent addition to the brands portfolio is the prime reason why many think Blancpain has deviated from its identity while others applaud the fresh wind blowing. The former sentiment has been helped by a slightly awkward introduction (remember, the...
The Villeret Collection
The Villeret Collection is something like the cradle for ‘BlancpainNEO’ and such the DNA of the brand distilled to the max. Blancpain without the collection would be unthinkable. No surprises therefore to see a lot of novelties here! Villeret Calendrier C...
One to hear, one to look at.
The Minute repeater... I was not convinced at all by the former ones, I will have to listen to the new one. It is always great to listen to a Minute Repeater. How will it sound? Is it noisy? Rich? Loud enough? One to look at... The 8 Days Skeleton, one I ...
Minute Repeater ...
the one we listened to was disappointing, to be honest. Hopefully it was a prototype. Thanks, Nicholas! Oliver
The ones I listened in the past ...
have been nice, but not too loud. This one was "strange", somehow.
Blancpain ultra plate
Thanks for your thorough report guys! Can you tell me more about the new Villeret Ultra-flat, the one with the thick bridges where the mvement is 'turned upside down' that comes in black or white. Does the watch come in WG or in SS (I assume SS, looking a...
I guess you are asking about ...
Ref. 6616- 15 27 (white ceramics) and 6616- 15 30 (black ceramics). As you can see from the "15", both are available (only) in WG. Oliver
Our Conclusion!
For the last few years we were concerned about the direction of Blancpain, it seemed to lack focus and appeared as a result of a lot of trial & error in search for answers to a changing market. With this year’s novelties we have the impression that Blancp...
Excellent summary report.....
Love the X Fathoms, but even with a 40th birthday this year - this won't be the special purchase for myself. Perhaps I could delay a little, as Nicolas says, incase they bring out something 'true' to the vintage FF a lot of us love. Also, I like very much...
Thank you,
Been eagerly waiting for this report. Comprehensive and quite informative as always. Thanks guys.
