Ornatus-Mundi
[Zenith]
7136
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 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.
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.
