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 without seeing a watch in the metal. Both of us saw it in Basel, for the first time.
The key feature of that watch is the depth meter, a relatively rare complication. The X Fathoms is rated for 300m WR and its depth meter for 90m that not simply measures the minimum point of your descent. The gauge is also capable of storing the point in its mechanical memory. There are much more details shown on the dial (e.g. separate indication on the 0-15m scale with an exceptional +/- 30 cm precision; retrograde 5-minute counter for decompression stops …) in that big 56mm/24mm case, but at the end Blancpain declares it is only a companion for a professional diving computer. Big size, we will come back to that point later ?
Diving, Fifty Fathoms and Blancpain, there is a very strong relationship and it belongs together since 1953. A good reason for high expectations and a closer look to some details.
Not close enough? OK, then let´s start here …
… with a picture of the amorphous metal membranes at the backside of the watch …
... and some more next to the crown …
The matt finish of the case looks very good and fits perfect to the style. The crown and the bezel look very close to the ones from the Fifty Fathoms (Ref. 5015, from 2007), but only close. There is lots of Fifty Fathoms DNA shown and even more.
A fancy rubber strap solution was part of the Fifty Fathoms Anniversary package, back in 2003. The latest one for the FF 5015 was nothing special and not convincing for everybody. But this one looks very cool, feels very comfortable and is a strong part of the whole concept.
Look at the buckle. What comes to your mind?
A battleaxe, a ray … - in any case it seems to work well, looks special and is far from being boring.
The watch comes in a well-known box and this time in red/orange.
There is no sapphire back, which makes sense for such a watch, to see the calibre 9918B. The latter has impressive dimensions/features: 13mm thickness, 36mm diameter, 120h power reserve and 385 components are needed.
The case is satin-brushed titanium and not that heavy on the wrist, because of the materials. The thickness is 24mm, the diameter is (impressive) 55.65mm.
The latter brings up another very important question: How does it fit/feel on the wrist?
The fit is “special” and for sure not for every day, but the feel is outstanding – even on smaller/normal wrists. Believe it or not it is not (totally) out of the world and both of us have been surprised positively. For someone on the hunt for something special, with a sporty lifestyle and “bigger” wrists it is a super cool watch which shows some great and very well-made details. Good news, it will be a regular production piece (because of the strong demand and great resonance in Basel) and only limited by production capacities.
Maybe there is some inspiration shown to spice up the regular Fifty Fathoms collection. A fancy rubber strap comes to our mind …
Since a few years there is cooperation with National Geographic, but for the first time it was shown in Basel at the booth.