Thoughts on Blancpain Fifty Fathoms

[_speedmaster_]

Originally Posted by vman

This is looking good. Thinking of replacing my BLNR with FF... Do any of you folks have BLNR + FF shots side by side?

The 45mm FF or a 40mm variant?

[Alex_TA]

The gold FF is amazing.

[vman]

Based on my price range, likely to be a 45mm ^

[_speedmaster_]

Originally Posted by vman

Based on my price range, likely to be a 45mm ^

Ah. Could’ve helped you if it were the latter.

[ialienam]

FYI, bought my first Blancpain, Mil spec from Shanghai Boutique! Well... not with me yet, I will collect it toward end of this year.

Anyway due tax refund, it will be around USD $14000, with 4 years warranty and first service is free (but have to return to Shanghai and the last 2 years warranted by Shanghai boutqiue too)

That’s why I pull the triggered after all, even though Blancpain May likely launch a normal 40mm FF next year (from what I been told by different people). But I feel it’s a limited edition with great history.

Anyway from my recent experience, mil spec is likely still available, but been fully distributed. If your AD/boutique stores it, and u like it, u better buy it.


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[_speedmaster_]

Originally Posted by ialienam

FYI, bought my first Blancpain, Mil spec from Shanghai Boutique! Well... not with me yet, I will collect it toward end of this year.

Anyway due tax refund, it will be around USD $14000, with 4 years warranty and first service is free (but have to return to Shanghai and the last 2 years warranted by Shanghai boutqiue too)

That’s why I pull the triggered after all, even though Blancpain May likely launch a normal 40mm FF next year (from what I been told by different people). But I feel it’s a limited edition with great history.

Anyway from my recent experience, mil spec is likely still available, but been fully distributed. If your AD/boutique stores it, and u like it, u better buy it.


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Congrats! I’m glad you tracked one down and didn’t settle. You’ll love the milspec. Certainly post pics when you get it.
I agree with you, I love the uniqueness and history of the milspec. There may be a normal 40mm FF in the future (there assuredly will be a LE 40mm in 2019), but the milspec and moisture indicator is a unique trait, and something that really harkens back to the start of the FF and th direction of the company in the 50s.

[lostanfound]

Originally Posted by ialienam

FYI, bought my first Blancpain, Mil spec from Shanghai Boutique! Well... not with me yet, I will collect it toward end of this year.

Anyway due tax refund, it will be around USD $14000, with 4 years warranty and first service is free (but have to return to Shanghai and the last 2 years warranted by Shanghai boutqiue too)

That’s why I pull the triggered after all, even though Blancpain May likely launch a normal 40mm FF next year (from what I been told by different people). But I feel it’s a limited edition with great history.

Anyway from my recent experience, mil spec is likely still available, but been fully distributed. If your AD/boutique stores it, and u like it, u better buy it.


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With the 50 Fathoms 45mm, do you think a free service be possible if buying from grey dealer

[asiparks]

yep, comes in polishes stainless with a black dial or in a lesser seen brushed stainless finish, with a gorgeous blue "flinque" dial, both either on a sailcloth strap or bracelet.
The chronograph is generally less popular than the 3 handed version and that makes it a bit of a bargain on the secondary market.

[Frits1980]

Originally Posted by asiparks

yep, comes in polishes stainless with a black dial or in a lesser seen brushed stainless finish, with a gorgeous blue "flinque" dial, both either on a sailcloth strap or bracelet.
The chronograph is generally less popular than the 3 handed version and that makes it a bit of a bargain on the secondary market.

Not a fan of gold or diving chronos but this piece with the brushed gold and strap is beautiful. Rare to see a big gold sport watch remains classy. It looks perfect on your wrist. The 45 looks like a 42. Whats your wrist size?

As for the mil-spec. I also can confirm they are still available. I reached out to my AD (Europe) last month. They said they would have to check with Blancpain CH. 3 weeks later the mil-spec (ss bracelet version) arrived. Have not seen it yet, i still have to pick it up

[Frits1980]

Does anyone know if the mil-spec on a bracelet comes with the sailcloth strap included?

[DoraTheExplorerII]

Originally Posted by Frits1980

Does anyone know if the mil-spec on a bracelet comes with the sailcloth strap included?

I don't think officially but they might throw one in for free at the boutique.

[_speedmaster_]

Originally Posted by DoraTheExplorerII

I don't think officially but they might throw one in for free at the boutique.

Likely your best bet.

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[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Frits1980

Does anyone know if the mil-spec on a bracelet comes with the sailcloth strap included?

It does not however you can ask

[Frits1980]

I'll try to get a free strap. I have a bathyscape on that same sailcloth and love it. Retailprice for the mil-spec on bracelet was (converted) 17450USD. Which if i'm not mistaken is not far off grey pricing maybe even below. I see watchbox is listing one (used) on a strap for 18KUSD. So if anyone wants the mil-spec you might want to contact some Ad's before getting on chrono24 and pay above retail. They are still available in CH but the AD has to request it.

[ialienam]

Yah I have asked my AD a new bracelet for my new mil spec, and she quoted me around usd $2000, wow $2k usd for a bracelet?!

Anyway, USD $18950 on Watchbox for a used mil spec is steep..

Try your AD first, but I think it also depends on your location. Here’s my experience

I live in Sydney, Australia and my local AD has a good relationship with Blancpain (I was invited to Blancpain dinner months ago and that’s how I got to know this brand more).
They were able to get me BOC3, but wasn’t able to offer a mil spec when I asked twice. (Australia around $12k USD)


So I tried Shanghai and Taiwan boutiques, Shanghai happened to have one but the price is around $14k USD after tax refund.

Taiwan boutiques - they didn’t have it, but I could get around USD$13k if available and they asked me to make a full payment which I did. They said it would increase the chance of getting it, but after a month, no luck. They can see stocks but no store would let it go.

That’s why I ended up going back to Shanghai

So my guess, if your AD doesn’t have it, they can request it, but very slim chance (I have tried my AD and a boutique with full payment made).

Or maybe exchange rate is a factor too? Aus and Taiwan retail is well below USD retail price, so that’s why they can’t get it? I don’t know, just my guess.


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[Frits1980]

Originally Posted by ialienam

Yah I have asked my AD a new bracelet for my new mil spec, and she quoted me around usd $2000, wow $2k usd for a bracelet?!

Anyway, USD $18950 on Watchbox for a used mil spec is steep..

Try your AD first, but I think it also depends on your location. Here’s my experience

I live in Sydney, Australia and my local AD has a good relationship with Blancpain (I was invited to Blancpain dinner months ago and that’s how I got to know this brand more).
They were able to get me BOC3, but wasn’t able to offer a mil spec when I asked twice. (Australia around $12k USD)


So I tried Shanghai and Taiwan boutiques, Shanghai happened to have one but the price is around $14k USD after tax refund.

Taiwan boutiques - they didn’t have it, but I could get around USD$13k if available and they asked me to make a full payment which I did. They said it would increase the chance of getting it, but after a month, no luck. They can see stocks but no store would let it go.

That’s why I ended up going back to Shanghai

So my guess, if your AD doesn’t have it, they can request it, but very slim chance (I have tried my AD and a boutique with full payment made).

Or maybe exchange rate is a factor too? Aus and Taiwan retail is well below USD retail price, so that’s why they can’t get it? I don’t know, just my guess.


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Actualy I assumed they were already sold out but it was this thread where someone told the NY boutique arranged a mil-spec recently. I just bought a watch from my ad (EU) and told them i've heard there is still mil-spec stock. They contacted Blancpain and 24H later they confirmed the watch is coming their way and will be delivered in 2/3 weeks. This week i received confirmation that the watch arrived and is available for pick up. No payment or down payment was required.

As for the bracelet, I believe the bracelet is close to 3K if bought seperate for he normal FF so 2K for the same bracelet for the mil-spec is not that bad i guess

[ialienam]

Originally Posted by Frits1980

Actualy I assumed they were already sold out but it was this thread where someone told the NY boutique arranged a mil-spec recently. I just bought a watch from my ad (EU) and told them i've heard there is still mil-spec stock. They contacted Blancpain and 24H later they confirmed the watch is coming their way and will be delivered in 2/3 weeks. This week i received confirmation that the watch arrived and is available for pick up. No payment or down payment was required.

As for the bracelet, I believe the bracelet is close to 3K if bought seperate for he normal FF so 2K for the same bracelet for the mil-spec is not that bad i guess

Nice!
Haha sounds like we both ordered around the same time.. yah just strange my ad couldn’t get it at all!! In other threads I have seen, everyone is saying mil spec already sold out. Guess it’s just luck!

Cool I will seriously consider the bracelet once I pick up my mil spec. Thanks for the info!




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[Frits1980]

Originally Posted by ialienam

Nice!
Haha sounds like we both ordered around the same time.. yah just strange my ad couldn’t get it at all!! In other threads I have seen, everyone is saying mil spec already sold out. Guess it’s just luck!

Cool I will seriously consider the bracelet once I pick up my mil spec. Thanks for the info!




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I explicitly asked for the bracelet version. Maybe they only have bracelet version stock left? Strap version is more populair so that could be it.

[ialienam]

Originally Posted by Frits1980

I explicitly asked for the bracelet version. Maybe they only have bracelet version stock left? Strap version is more populair so that could be it.

Haha I told my AD about what happened on this thread and they went back to Blancpain, that they were saying once your region has reached the maximum allocation, then that’s it.

I guess local boutique might be able to check availability in other regions.




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[flumazenil]

Bought my FF Chrono from a respected seller. Has been a great watch. Even with smallish wrists, it wears well. I have recently sold the rest of my collection except for the ones pictured and my Apple watch 4!

I would never buy a Blancpain new cause of the horrible resale, but used is a different story.

[Pops1973]

Originally Posted by flumazenil

Bought my FF Chrono from a respected seller. Has been a great watch. Even with smallish wrists, it wears well. I have recently sold the rest of my collection except for the ones pictured and my Apple watch 4!



I would never buy a Blancpain new cause of the horrible resale, but used is a different story.

Wow the ff looks great next to the Rolex - I am looking at this as I can’t get a Rolex submariner. I agree about greys/resellers great price with them at the moment.


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[asiparks]

Congratulations on managing to snag one of those, it's a beautiful piece !

[Perry8912]

I love it

[_speedmaster_]

Congrats on picking one up. It's a fantastic watch, and I've been thoroughly enjoying mine.

[ialienam]

Finally picked it up yesterday!

A very simple but yet stunning watch


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[_speedmaster_]

Originally Posted by ialienam

Finally picked it up yesterday!

A very simple but yet stunning watch

Congrats! Persistence paid off

[Oat Willy]

Anyone know how to get one of these dated? I brought my FF chrono to a Blancpain boutique to find out when it was made, so I would know approx when I need to have it serviced, and they said they have no way to know or find out. Which I found impossible to believe. I was getting the vibe they were giving me the brush off due to telling them I bought it used and it came with no dated warranty card.

[PJ S]

^
Contact the Swatchgroup SC in Weehawken, NJ, giving them the serial number.
If you’ve no joy there, try Switzerland directly.
Be warned though, many brands don’t keep meticulous records, and may not want to reveal production date as the owner could then tell if it sat unsold for quite some time.
Hopefully, Blancpain won’t be shy about coming forward with the relevant info.

[ialienam]

A quick one, anyone knows how to change the strap for FF? I think it’s different To most watches out there?

And any good suggestion for mil spec? Just want to test it out


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[ChrisInCharlotte]

Originally Posted by ialienam

A quick one, anyone knows how to change the strap for FF? I think it’s different To most watches out there?

And any good suggestion for mil spec? Just want to test it out


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There's a separate strap changing tool kit you can get from Blancpain.