Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe - Analysis & Review | Hafiz J Mehmood

[@scottytroll8507]

Beautiful! I have a Fifty Fathoms 5015 Limited Edition on the sailcloth and a Bathyscaphe on the bracelet, and they're both absolutely wondrous pieces! Never expected this review to come from you but it's a very welcomed surprise.

[@oliverfierz6690]

For me one of the best, if not the best diving watch - also in the run is the GO SeaQ Panoramadatum. Great video, can't get enough.

[@torebelthoft4471]

You hit my inner horologist, I have had the pleasure to own a Bathyscaphe for three years now.

[@neillferguson7279]

Is it any good?

[@torebelthoft4471]

@@neillferguson7279 Yes, in my opnion very good

[@torebelthoft4471]

@User 2389 I paid 880 US dollars

[@danr6175]

@@torebelthoft4471 am I right in assuming that the watch needed a service in those three years?

[@torebelthoft4471]

@@danr6175 Nope, I still have it

[@jacobpfeuffer962]

Went out and purchased. Very happy with it. Everything he says is 100% spot on. Bezel is not the greatest but there is so much more things to love it’s easily overlooked.

[@groovycarter]

I have this watch on the x-70 bracelet and love it. IMHO, they took the bauhaus approach instead of the baroque style of the 5015. The Bathyscaphe is at once modern while paying homage to it’s earlier iteration. It conveys the vastness of the ocean with indices resembling port holes.

[@HieuNguyen-jo9nf]

Very interesting, I really overlooked the Bathyscaphe line before. On pictures, it looks plain and dull, but you managed to capture its simple beauty very well. Would love to see you do a video on the FF too!

[@Nightfallingofthesky]

Exceptional. Thank you for shining lights on these smaller brands with such a rich history! Without the Blancpain, there can not be a Submariner.

[@maruataro9960]

Hi Hafiz! Thanks to your great and honest video I was able to pull the trigger. Yes the bezel wiggle is there. The minute markers are not the easiest to read. A little big and the sail cloth band seems not so long lasting. The dial and font is actually quite similar to the GO sea q. Alot of cons for the price, but the accuracy and stability is amazing. Mine runs for 150 hours, with deviations within fractions of a second a day depending onhowI rest it, all up until the last hour of the power reserve. If your after a precise mechanical movement, this maybe a good alternative for a lot of watches out there. Though Blancpain won't state the accuracy like the mighty Rolex that I seem never to be able to get from an AD, the 13RO and the 1335 calibers along with this 1315 is spectacular.

[@ysong0417]

Sold my sub and ordered this. Can’t wait for it to arrive. Hope I made the right decision. Nice review as always!

[@lpg12338]

Any update on your purchase.

[@kroegerje]

I did the same, well a sub and Explorer II for a ceramic Bathyscaphe and an older red black bay rose dial. Don't miss the Rolexes or the ignorant attention. Only thing I don't like is the AR coating on the outside, can scratch easily.

[@SolidWatcher]

What are your thought so far? I’m personally choosing between the Sub and the Fathoms

[@andrewholt3849]

The Automatique Fifty Fathoms are the best ones.

[@progreviews]

Hafiz, your videos are the best regarding watches. Incredible quality

[@imranchowdhury4972]

Finally a watch without least imperfection. Even paying a Rolex price it would be a peace of mind.

[@samisilent]

wow!!!! what an amazing dial and long lasting power reserve

[@robertsullivan4773]

This is a brutally honest review thank you. I have been thinking of this watch for awhile. But Damm you pointed out every fault that I had seen mentioned plus a few concerns of my own. But then you do keep it in perceptive by mentioning how good it is at this price point with it's competition. So now I'm stuck as to if I should get it.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Many thanks :) As for your purchase, It’s the “only” diver watch under $10k with Haute Horlogerie characters. It’s not a perfect watch I know, but if you can cope up with the size, you’d be surprised how much it has to offer.

[@robertsullivan4773]

May 2021 update. I bought the watch. I got it in Ceramic in Blue on the sail clothe. It's simply stunning in person. What made it even more so is that I got it box and papers is pre owned unworn and 21 months left on the warranty. At a 30% discount. I really think this is the way to buy watches like this be patient and let them come to you. Let someone else take the hit on the depreciation. Again stunning blue super accurate out of the box.

[@kylecunningham1290]

Where do you pick up a watch like this pre-owned for that price?

[@robertsullivan4773]

@@kylecunningham1290 There around, just look around on the internet watch sites. With the exception of their Limited editiond like most brands they get discounted. I got mine from Exquisite Time pieces in Naples Florida, USA. But I have seen them at other reputable sellers also. You have to be patient it took me a few months to get the one I wanted.

[@sebastianrutkowski7316]

best dial ever hands down. def want one.

[@VinnyTheCuz]

Excellent review and photography/videography. Such a beautiful watch!

[@sidewinderxx]

great video as always Hafiz. Love how you do the distance shots I'd have to get this one on the industrial bracelet, looks sick

[@affegorilla1299]

I love the ceramic version a lot!

[@RecordSisi]

Such a treat ! I can only encourage you to not stop . Have a lovely day

[@LuisFranciscoAguilar]

Beautiful & i had the same problem with mine. 'Haute Horology' with a poor bezel action. Great vid!

[@torontowatches9709]

Blancpain can’t be called the oldest watch manufacturer when they went out of business and were revived by Biver. Vacheron is the oldest watch maker of all time.

[@RecordSisi]

Amazing Hafiz ! I love your content

[@TheDiegobalthazar]

I am on the road to buy a diving watch. Personally, considering myself as a 007 fan, I love the Seamaster No time do Die. I have 16,3 cm and I do not know if will look good on my wrist. Other two options are this Baby Blancpain and Tudor 58. Two questions: 1) Would the 007 Omega Look good for me? 2) Which of the 3 watches is the best regarding the case diameter? 3) If the Omega would be to big ,would rather buy this one or Tudo? Thanks

[@Gortrules]

Great video,I’m torn between this watch and the 2nd generation of the vacheron overseas black dial steel bracelet.I have 7 inch wrist so both watches should fit ok.What are your thoughts?.Cheers.Rick.

[@robboyer6448]

A really interesting and informative video with amazing photography!!

[@sandsoftime3248]

Good work man, very underrated channel and very good macro review take, unique! I am to do this one day, if i may ask what camera set up do you use, you've done a great job!

[@steven821130]

Is this kind of fabric strap washable? I really love this piece, but I am a bit confused a diver with a fabric strap. (I think it is washable but would take quite long to dry up?)

[@mdo5121]

the best closeups and wrist shots

[@jamespalsson746]

The 38 mm is so lovely. Personally I believe the indices is a big miss, being so undersized.

[@ericduvauchelle3582]

I agree on the indices scale.

[@PDRo694]

I don't agree - they make the watch so unique in design

[@raymond2305]

I believe the index size it intentional (and not an afterthought or careless decision) which makes the dial cleaner and more spectacular. Not sure if I will like it more if it had larger indices.

[@1stspear110]

Too tiny, only thing keeping me from getting one. Too much empty space. Put that underwater and you will quickly see how undersized they are.

[@superpowerupstar]

Thanks, this video is extremely well made and all the content is relevant to what I was looking for.

[@sadsazzad12]

I ❤ BLANCPAIN

[@นฤพนธ์จ้อยทองมูล]

Great review with stunning video!

[@miguelestepan2109]

Excelent review, very professional and detailed indeed.

[@TimG--]

Nice video mate. I’m on the fence with this brand.

[@traviswatts6661]

That date window would look so much better at the 6. Great review. Thanks for sharing.

[@craig2100]

Beautifully done.

[@tahirali4578]

Can you please do a video on the 43mm SeaQ?

[@impexRQ]

Yesssss please !!!!

[@smoko321]

Okay, I am subscribing your watch videos are great; beautiful shots and nice descriptions. Thanks!

[@davidofglenbrook4487]

I hate that you did this review. Please stop with these excellent reviews of such splendid pieces. You are bankrupting me and threatening my otherwise happy marriage.

[@HafizJMehmood]

Haha. Thank you mate - I think 😅

[@a.k722]

Great vid as usual. Btw what do the letters “IB” seen just above the 1735 stand for ?

[@yuenkh78]

its "JB", stands for Jehan-Jacques Blancpain i think, the founder of Blancpain

[@Eliehbk]

How big is your wrist size please?

[@TKsheng]

The blancpain fifty fathoms line is just so underrated given the amount of people spending crazy money for subs.

[@lettuce1305]

the good thing about that is one can buy the FF without any wait list or the crazy premium associated with Subs. The Bathyscaphe is also relatively good value as the quality and finish is at least a notch or two higher than the Sub but it's quite a bit cheaper in the grey and preowned market.

[@vadimdon]

@@lettuce1305 and it has no steel bracelet or a bezel as good as a sub imho looks cheaper

[@lettuce1305]

@@vadimdon i completely disagree, if we're talking about looks it's subjective. It may look cheaper to the untrained eye but having handled many high end watches and having held both side by side, the level of Bathyscaphe's finish is substantially better than the Sub. The Bathy has an elegant look to it that the Sub doesn't have. The lack of bracelet doesn't make it cheaper and in fact you can buy the bracelet version if you want to. Not knocking on the Sub, it's a great watch but I completely disagree if you say the Bathy looks cheaper.

[@RB-xv4si]

@@lettuce1305 looks are subjective. What’s not subjective is that having that amount of play in a watch dive bezel at this price point is absolutely unacceptable. What he just showed in the video boggles my mind. It should be solid as a rock.

[@1stspear110]

The subs eats her lunch in bezel action and tactile feedback alone. As much as I hate Rolex as a company, I can’t understand how no one can make a solid feeling bezel like Rolex and Tudor does it. Also indices are too small for a dive watch, they look like Diamond 💎 inserts from 3 ft away.

[@ghettotraveller2027]

This is the OG

[@sidmini]

Was waiting for this one

[@loweewolwed9834]

Hour markers similar to that do exist in other "tool watches" such as the GS SBGH 289 & SLGA 001 and are i.m.o executed to at least the same level cause that´s what GS is especially known for. But off course it can´t compete overall with this 38 mm perfect hybrid marvel from one of the best houses in the world.

[@themartinlozano]

If GS are able to make a dive watch in this size then I'm all for it

[@loweewolwed9834]

@@themartinlozano They have resources like few others and are of course very capable as it is. It's sort of an enigma a piece like that is not already in production since smaller sizes (34 to 36mm) a.k.a "asiasized" totally dominated Rolex sales there for over 30 years. Everything above 39 mm was for the longest of times considered "huge" and almost like a vulgarity. Nowadays bragging is unfortunately as common in Asia as everywhere else. That's why I wear my now discontinued 37 mm SBGR 251 as my daily beater.

[@nevroaktiv782]

Another great review Hafiz! Could we ask for a review of its littlebrother, the Bathyscaphe 38?

[@JonWS55]

I should try the 38 as love it but the 43 on my wrist wears like a plate .. not too big just not that comfy (of course it could be me ;) )

[@salvatoredimartino2391]

How do I know that the Balthyscaphe Ref. 5000-1230-b52a is a titanium version?

[@Iuckylukey]

How is the sunburst compared to spb143.

[@stevenc5526]

How is it that the crude bent wire bezel spring on pre-ceramic Subs and SeaDwellers remain so tight and precise? It literally looks like a bent paperclip and works metal on metal for the ratchet mechanism.

[@seezyc158]

It’s okay. Relative to the Fifty on my wrist, this seems like a compromise…

[@Sledgehammerengineer]

Great video, thanks. I have sold mine. Interesting watch, looks pretty basic but very well made. What I dislike about this watch is the nice sailcloth strap disintegrated after 2 years with only very limited usage. Poor quality strap for a diver/ tool watch. The included nato strap is very nice and durable though.

[@billyabroad8057]

Whoa I have been waiting for this as well. The 43mm is far to big for my wrist. Is it to early to beg you for a review or brief showing of the Midsize version on your wrist? Wonderful informative videos as always!

[@robertsullivan4773]

Reading the category and I found the smaller size much less of a watch so do your research.

[@raymond2305]

Try both just so you won’t regret. I have a 6.5 in flat wrist. The 38mm looked too small with no wrist presence (should be fine if your wrist is sub 6in), while the 43mm looked a lot better on my wrist.

[@greenerick]

Great video 📹 thanks 😊 And true review. Plus can you do a review on the Quartz Seiko tuna it has Great history

[@HafizJMehmood]

Will try my best. Many thanks.

[@sanhxhebsbbb1048]

Absolutely beautiful watch,and an amazing company I love them

[@luxman9463]

Imagine if BP and other top tier manufacturers started to pay attention to even the smallest details like Grand Seiko. When GS gets their bracelets and clasps more refined watch houses such as Blancpain better watch out.

[@auttiebarnard7691]

Beautiful but oh no thst bezel action is a disappointment, great honest review

[@Giovan_Nino]

Great review..I Really like the dial and style of the watch, and it has quite a history, but when I tried one on I was surprisingly disappointed..it didn’t feel like a luxury watch and was too light for my liking. Only my personal opinion.. ..

[@lettuce1305]

surprised that you felt that way, when I tried my friend's Bathyscaphe it blew me away and it just oozes quality and class. Mind you I have tried on quite a few divers from the Sub, Sea Dweller, Planet Ocean, Grand Seiko Diver, AP ROO Diver, etc.

[@HafizJMehmood]

I agree with Larry. Bathyscaphe actually has a lot of luxury feel and experience when you hold it in your hand. Thanks for watching.

[@Giovan_Nino]

Hafiz J Mehmood each to his own.. it would be a sad world if we all had the same opinions..

[@RB-xv4si]

@@Giovan_Nino did you try on the titanium cased version or maybe a ceramic cased version? That’s why it could have felt lighter than you expected. IMO, lightness is a good attribute for a tool watch.

[@Giovan_Nino]

@@RB-xv4si hi Russell, its a while ago now and I don’t recall the exact model but I guess it must have been the titanium version as it felt so flimsy and to me it just did not feel like luxury. I like there to be some substance. But that’s just me others have there own criteria for luxury as is evident from the comments above. Enjoy what you have, there are always better models out there..

[@lpg12338]

Outstanding video, thank you! 👍

[@WilliamButtel]

Hmm this vs 38mm the 38mm is thinner and might fit better on a smaller wrist, wish there was a 40mm size tho

[@edwardblack7133]

Nearly wept their sail cloth strap is too short for me....seems like Rolex they like to make you pay for extra strap/links but I will over look this and add one to my collection some day....maybe the original 50 phathoms

[@coronetmag]

Great video. I’ve owned the Bathy. Let’s be careful when talking about the history and age of the brand. Biver bought the name when the company was out of business (for $20K) so he could poach its history. It would be like me starting an airline with the name Pan Am and say it’s 94 years old. (Reference: Talking Watches with Jean-Claude Biver)

[@duncanwood4489]

interesting cynical viewpoint

[@coronetmag]

@@duncanwood4489 It's what I do best!

[@johnnyguitar6697]

@@duncanwood4489 It's not cynism. It's marketing.

[@limirl]

I adore this watch but wish they would bring out a 40mm version

[@rudigerp.4197]

I have the FF in 38 mm . great watch, better than the rolex .

[@marcushenriques1248]

How long have you had it for? I'm considering getting rid of my Rolex in favor of your exact watch. Just wondering about reliability and such.

[@rudigerp.4197]

@@marcushenriques1248 Hello I've had the ff for 6 months. The deviation in the total time was 8 seconds. With this clock you fly under the radar. Also sold my Rolex.

[@johnprosser5035]

Love the review, considering getting either the 38mm or 43mm. .. Need to try on. Only concern is the bezel action with that wiggle..... Has anyone else experienced the same? As I wouldn't expect that on a much cheaper watch.

[@RB-xv4si]

Yeah that is entirely unacceptable for a watch at this price point.

[@FathionVEVO]

Own it and can confirm this is the case. Never noticed it before this video though tbh

[@lucasalmedacivantos9658]

Same here. I thought It was an issue from muy unit bit It seems not...

[@walkerb1734]

Love the brand and the watch, but 43mm is just huge for most people. Make it 39 or 40mm and I’m on board.

[@robertsullivan4773]

People have been asking forever for a smaller case but it never happens.

[@lettuce1305]

the Bathy's 43 doesn't wear as large as many other 43mm watches though, go and try it on first you might be pleasantly surprised.

[@robertsullivan4773]

@@lettuce1305 I tried it on over a year ago. Since then I've gotten a Breitling Super Ocean Heritage.42mm a Rado Bronze Captain Cook 42 and a Tudor Pelegos at 42 in titanium they all work on my 16cm wrist. Big yes to big no. So you're right I have to check again. One MM can't be that bad especially if I go ceramic.

[@lettuce1305]

@@robertsullivan4773 I find the Bathy wears smaller than the Pelagos believe it or not. Bathy's lugs are slimmer and Pelagos' side profile actually looks bulky.

[@BeastNolan]

Mr. Mehmood, amazing videos as always! Could you please do a Rolex Day Date:)

[@HafizJMehmood]

Many thanks. Will try my best.

[@djjr9803]

The lugs are just too long. BP should have bent them downwards at the end similar to the classic 45mm FF.

[@thesidharta3759]

Hafiz can I ask you something? If the lug to lug and my wrist width almost the same (no overhang to the wrist width) only almost just the same is it consider proper size? For example: my wrist is 6¼" wrist width 51mm and the watch is 42mm with 50mm lug to lug

[@HafizJMehmood]

Hi, sure. It wouldnt look bad from third person's perspective, but for your own wrist view, it will look a tad large at times - I wouldnt call it a show stopper though. In ideal world, it's best to have the view of bracelet in your wrist shot too, not just the case.

[@thesidharta3759]

@@HafizJMehmoodhere is my video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGTdYodpd5uUg68 ,minutes: 13:46 for the reference wrist video with the watch. Really thank you for your kind reply 🙏.

[@skoffco]

To have such a beautiful Movement, that Bessel is pathetic. Blanchpain droped the ball on this one..

[@sergeyzerkin8029]

What a review !! But bro the company is existing since 1980, the brand name is older which was bought

[@lal3061]

The 50 2-yards

[@flamabl1]

Ridiculous value, crazy finishing and movement. But how did it get out with that garbage bezel action. Crazy.

[@Trollet532]

Backplay is unacceptable

[@jwt1035]

I’d rather have the new Seiko with the high beat GS movement.

[@brandonnickerson8934]

My Blk TT Tissot Seastar has backplay, 43mm, similar indices and overlapping secondhand, similar dial, similar overlapping hands, exhibition caseback, similar lug shape, 6 o'clock date in better location, and $600 with both bracelet and rubber strap.

[@pumasgoya]

Dime in the vurld.

[@Laguna2013]

the ff is much more special in every way though too big for sure this one looks a bit of a dud

[@tumbledrytumbledry4447]

Sadly you tubers want you to subscribe to grow their channel but very often they don't reply to questions.

[@HafizJMehmood]

My apologies if I missed your question. I try to answer when I can. What’s it you’re asking?

[@AbdElHmyd]

A very expensive Tissot Seastar...

[@sanghoonlee5171]

This watch would be so much more attractive if Blancpain redesigned those stupid rectangular hands. They look cheap.

[@torontowatches9709]

The Sub was the first modern dive watch to the public.

[@silverlakeas]

I just find it a bland design, though realize the great quality.

[@CaptCanuck4444]

Really don't like the aesthetics of this diver.

[@nickrapitis4896]

Blancpain or nothing..

[@thegoldenmajesticmeatball]

stunning