Is the new Blancpain FF 5010 42mm non limited edition the new real competition for th

[Bracton]

Blancpain announced on March 21 the launch of the new FF 42mm titanium non limited edition watch. The new model is the 5010 and has the same movement of the 5015. I have only seen some pictures of it but it appears to be a great watch and probably already one of the best launches of 2024. The option I like most is the B52B. I suppose that the price in the US will be between 18/20k. It is a little bit steep but being such a venerable watch, in titanium, 42mm and with a 120 hours time reserve it appears to be a great option. Is this the stronger competitor that has ever appeared to our beloved Sub? I think that it probable is.


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[vitalsigns]

No, the Sub (and its cousins) will always be the preeminent luxury sports watch.

The BP, as good as it may be, is just another (expensive) option for those who don't prefer the Sub (or its cousins) for whatever reason, whether that be the Sub's commonality, Rolex's perceived baggage, or who simply want a finer (not necessarily better) piece of horology (more finely finished movement, etc.).

The Sub will also retain its strong resale value compared to the BP.

All that said, if I get a new diver, I'd gravitate to the BP, not a new Sub (already have a 16610), provided it works on my wrist. The thickness may still be a deal-breaker.

[Bracton]

Originally Posted by vitalsigns

No, the Sub (and its cousins) will always be the preeminent luxury sports watch.

The BP, as good as it may be, is just another (expensive) option for those who don't prefer the Sub (or its cousins) for whatever reason, whether that be the Sub's commonality, Rolex's perceived baggage, or who simply want a finer (not necessarily better) piece of horology (more finely finished movement, etc.).

The Sub will also retain its strong resale value compared to the BP.

All that said, if I get a new diver, I'd gravitate to the BP, not a new Sub (already have a 16610), provided it works on my wrist. The thickness may still be a deal-breaker.

I agree that the FF will probably never have the resale value of the Sub but this 42mm titanium FF looks particularly attractive. Having a Starbucks, a SD43 and a BB58 925 this new FF could be the ideal addition to any diving watch collection. The 45mm FF was just too big.

[TikTok]

Originally Posted by Bracton

I agree that the FF will probably never have the resale value of the Sub but this 42mm titanium FF looks particularly attractive. Having a Starbucks, a SD43 and a BB58 925 this new FF could be the ideal addition to any diving watch collection. The 45mm FF was just too big.

For some, maybe.

[Batmannr1]

Not a direct contender for Rolex divers. The 5010 42 mm FF is twice the MSRP of a 126610 41 mm Sub.
Maybe in a year second hand prices of both models will be more alike.
The Blancpain FF is for a niche market of a small group of collectors who probably already own a Rolex Submariner.

[PT_91]

Our passion shouldn't be about resale values, but about what someone likes.

You like the Sub? --> Buy a Sub.
You like the FF? --> Buy the FF.

[1William]

The FF is a nice watch and I have owned the 45mm version before and liked it. I do not see it as competition for the Submariner in any form or for the DSSD or SD43. Different feel and wear and the price, at best, is aggressive and off putting for what it is. In the secondary market, pre-owned and a few years old, maybe for a collector with a deep collection. Just my thoughts.

[Crashblue]

Today I tried a lot of variations in my local Blancpain boutique. I don´t buy it, the watch still looks to squat compared to the 45mm, I guess this an attempt to appeal to the asian market.

For reference I own the 45mm blue titanium version and the ceramic Bathyscaphe Chrono in black.

[Batmannr1]

A really nice write up from Henrik. Great photo's as well.
https://blancpainblog.com/news/hands...-fathoms-5010/

[ap1]

^ thanks for sharing

[WatchTimes]

To me the best FF recently made is the LE for Hodinkee.
40 mm is the perfect size and it wears bigger than 40 mm due to the bezel.
I also like how it does not have the date on the dial.
I don't love the moisture indicator on the dial but that wouldn't stop me from getting one while the date would stop me from getting a 42 mm.
I had a FF before and it just felt huge on my wrist but a 44 mm PAM243 doesn't feel or look nearly as big on my wrist.

[Gebbeth]

That is the ugliest rotor on a high-end watch I've seen. Why that design?

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by Gebbeth

That is the ugliest rotor on a high-end watch I've seen. Why that design?

I wish it was more skeletonized so we could see more of the movement.

Blancpain's finishing is actually very very good at the price point and it's a shame to hide it.

[Afterglow]

Those who know, know.
Those who gravitate to status labels, well .........

[vwc228]

I'd like to see it in person but I don't think it's a competitor to the sub. Very different price points and I think that those who might gravitate towards this will either own a sub or not lust after one.

Having said that, I own the FFB flyback chrono (green dial) and the one thing I just absolutely can't stand about it is that the bezel protrudes too much from the case. I get the reason for it as a dive watch but for me, it just bothers me too much! Hopefully this one doesn't have the same issue as otherwise it's a real beauty!

[GK12345EMAIL]

I’m surprised no one has compared this to the GS SeaQ 1-39-11-17-91-33

The 38mm diver in Rose Gold for $10k less than the FF here ?

[WatchTimes]

The FF will come and go but my Subs stay eternal

[ap1]

Originally Posted by GK12345EMAIL

I’m surprised no one has compared this to the GS SeaQ 1-39-11-17-91-33

The 38mm diver in Rose Gold for $10k less than the FF here ?

That movement isn’t as good, 40 hr power reserve etc but fair point

[edyu]

Originally Posted by vitalsigns

No, the Sub (and its cousins) will always be the preeminent luxury sports watch.

The BP, as good as it may be, is just another (expensive) option for those who don't prefer the Sub (or its cousins) for whatever reason, whether that be the Sub's commonality, Rolex's perceived baggage, or who simply want a finer (not necessarily better) piece of horology (more finely finished movement, etc.).

The Sub will also retain its strong resale value compared to the BP.

All that said, if I get a new diver, I'd gravitate to the BP, not a new Sub (already have a 16610), provided it works on my wrist. The thickness may still be a deal-breaker.

Well said in every way. Echos my view.

[edyu]

Originally Posted by GK12345EMAIL

I’m surprised no one has compared this to the GS SeaQ 1-39-11-17-91-33



The 38mm diver in Rose Gold for $10k less than the FF here ?

Ha the GS usage threw me off. Usually we I'd use GO. That aside I think the GO SeaQ panoramic date is https://www.glashuette-original.com/...6-13-02-81-70/ a more proper competition for the BP FF42.
The smaller SeaQ has less impressive movement compared to the larger one.

[GADNYC]

Saw all of these in Vegas last week. The red gold and blue dial/bezel is a show stopper.

[vipereaper30]

Just got a chance to try all the new versions and I don't think the Submariner has any serious competition. They are very nice but it isn't a clear improvement over the 45mm, mainly because proportionally the watch doesn't feel as well balanced. So my initial impressions are that I actually prefer the 45mm which was unexpected.

[ap1]

Idk I kinda liked it




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[sherrill]

Originally Posted by ap1

Idk I kinda liked it




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Black or blue on the bracelet, which was more eye catching?

[Notimetodie]

Thinking of trading Act 1 for gold blue version on sailcloth. Thoughts?

[ap1]

Originally Posted by sherrill

Black or blue on the bracelet, which was more eye catching?

Only saw black unfortunately. I have to assume blue > black . I’m a blue guy typically


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[saxo3]

Originally Posted by Notimetodie

Thinking of trading Act 1 for gold blue version on sailcloth. Thoughts?

You want my honest opinion?

Do NOT do this trade. I own the Act 1 and recently saw all variants of the new Fifty Fathoms Automatique, in titanium and red gold. The new ones are all very nice, only a question which material and dial color you prefer. But the Act 1 in stainless steel is unique and will remain unique as a limited series for the 70th anniversary. Personally, I also prefer stainless steel although I have another FF in titanium.

Do whatever you like, but you asked for opinions.

Edit: for the new FF Automatique I do LIKE the white gold surrounded indices and the less crowded dial, compared to the Act 1, but do NOT LIKE the non-straight hands and the non-straight indices.

[Notimetodie]

Thank you. I did ask for an opinion and welcome any and all. I love the uniqueness of Act 1, polished SS case, all lume indices and the fact it’s the OG 42.3mm modern FF. I know that long term, this is the one to have wrt value etc…. On the other hand red gold FF in 42mm just looks so insane without being over the top like other PM watches.

I already have another FF and 3 would be an overkill(one wouldn’t get worn at all). May wait a year and see if they do a tourbillon gold version. I think that would have to be it. I don’t buy watches for value, so that is not necessarily a consideration for me.

[saxo3]

Originally Posted by Notimetodie

…see if they do a tourbillon gold version.

Here we go!!!
I did not argue about value or resale, just the look of the Act 1 vs the Automatique. Fair enough you like the red gold more than stainless steel. A Blancpain Tourbillon (flying) is another level. The "Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon 8 Jours" already exists in white gold, red gold, and titanium.

[PinKchampagnE]

FWIW, a regular production 42mm FF in stainless steel is likely to come.