Blancpain x Swatch Fifty Fathoms Swatch - Something Broke!! - After One Month of Wear Update

[@darkeye77]

Your point about replacing movements is really well made; people freak out about this with lots of movements like the Powermatic 80, and the reality is that their beloved Seikos are also getting their movement swapped out. For cheap watches, it just doesn't make sense to service.

[@MattSeesGray]

NH35 movements are so cheap, you might as well try and learn to service movements yourself. If you screw up, you can just replace it for cheaper than a service. 🤷‍♂️

[@darkeye77]

Honestly I've been considering getting a Seiko 5 GMT and then learning basic service stuff on it (starting with regulating it). @@MattSeesGray

[@nintendokings]

Except you can’t even change the movement without destroying the case, so the point is moot

[@darkeye77]

For the Blancswatch? Is that confirmed? I know it was true for the original Sistem51 watches, but I'd love to see what is true for this more expensive model.@@nintendokings

[@StardustLegacyFighter]

​@@nintendokingsActually, you can for this watch. But it costs $200, which is the price I'd pay for a proper affordable mechanical watch.

[@sylvainck4666]

It doesn’t matter good or bad. Same as the MoonSwatch, this is the cheapest new watch with an authentic “BLANCPAIN” brand logo on it. People are buying for the brand, not quality. That’s the nature of luxury industry.

[@MattSeesGray]

Isn’t that the point of buying something for the brand though, because it also should include quality? IMO it just cheapens the brand, but I guess people will still line up for a watch that will last a month. Hype culture is wild.

[@villagranvicent]

@@MattSeesGrayof course, buying this 💩 and believe is a real BP is crazy

[@OvidiuHretcanu]

6:09 what do you mean by "swap the movement is not a big deal"?! the movement can be serviced, although difficult because of that one screw, but how do you get to it? This case is not openable! there is only one way to get to the movement - by breaking the case.

[@bogrot69]

They can't be serviced period. The single screw attaches the rotor only. The rest of the movement is held together by permanent welds or rivets.

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

Wearing my Helm Miyako right now, its the same price as this. Couldnt be happier with my choice, its incredibly tough and well built. Great on leather straps

[@tkindschi]

Yeah, as luck would have it, after being on the waiting list for over a year, my number came up on the Miyako just as these Swatches were being announced. Don't think I would trade my Miyako for this.....Just not interested.

[@villagranvicent]

I have the Komodo, I expect my Helm to last a minimum of 50 years… a little longer than this “Blancpains” 😂😂

[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

@@villagranvicent love kt

[@thomasa4578]

Thank you for such a frank critique.

[@vonkruel]

I've heard conflicting claims about whether you can actually remove the caseback on these. Some say it's glued on. If you could actually replace the movement it would be a big plus for the watch, although it's still priced a bit high at $400 IMO. Like the MoonSwatch, it's not for me at all, but I'm happy for everyone who's enjoying these.

[@minibus1351]

@@CarlosDanger215 Hodinkee

[@nintendokings]

It’s indeed glued on. KZbinrs are misinformed for some reason (I reckon the promo video where they press on the back…do they think the MoonSwatch was 3D printed around the movement and dial?😂)

[@Wrist_bezel]

Swatch ceo did an interview and in the article stated even tho the movement is not serviceable the case back can be opened and movement can be replaced

[@hansakselos4636]

You need to "donate" one of the watches and try to open it up and see if the movement really is possible to change. To many questions to whether it is possible to be done...

[@NPTtriumph]

I have the green Indian Ocean model. I wear mine daily and think it’s a great watch. Light (I usually wear titanium), classic design in a funky modern color, beautiful dial. The stock nato isn’t my thing, but no natos are. And it’s worth the money. No more in my opinion

[@dannycph]

It would be interesting if someone swapped out the System 51 movement with a quartz movement. I would be tempted to buy one these in quartz, put on a tropical rubber strap, and use it once in a while and know the time was accurate.

[@stevenshaw6766]

So, it's a plastic watch which will break, you can't wear it every day, you have to change the straps and bars (more expense) the movement is unreliable and it costs $400. I'm failing to see the attraction.

[@bogrot69]

The word denial comes to mind 🤣

[@ajmarion]

I find these interesting, but there are SO many other, more well made watches I would rather get for $400 - PRX Quartz, Seiko 5 GMT (or presage / prospex), Yema Rallygraf, tons of microbrands. These Swatches have their place in the market, and they do successfully get new collectors into the hobby. But for me, and other experienced collectors, these are not all that attractive

[@MattSeesGray]

I agree with your list of watches, but I’ll pass on the Yema. I’ve heard WAY too many horror stories about their QC and customer service. It’s a shame, because the RallyGraf is a slick looking watch.

[@ajmarion]

@@MattSeesGray 100%, I’m scared of buying one too 😂. I owned a Rallygraf, and it was a really great watch - I sold it for a Lorier Gemini, which I kinda regret. I bought mine pre-owned, specifically because of the horror stories going around about Yema. Overall some nice watches though! Hope they fix their customer service

[@andybroer651]

My daughter bought me an Atlantic which I have worn everyday since, I'll be looking for an Open of Storms next. These watches are fun.

[@timeandtorque]

What were you going to say about the Snap-On case back? Have you tried to open it? I'm still in 2 minds if I will get this when I eventually comes to my Country 🇧🇭 as plastic doesn't last in my climate and I've heard a S.51 may break after 2 years (what have you heard?).

[@nintendokings]

He’s not tried to open it or he’s realise it’s not snap-on. It’s glued shut

[@lalcott]

Nice job with the review. However, many other reviews, state that the movement absolutely cannot be serviced because the case is essentially glued together?

[@nedflanders3769]

What? A crappy plastic watch isn’t performing well?!!😊

[@morganstrapco]

😂

[@morganstrapco]

Man, swatch loves bending over us watch consumers and we gladly take it don’t we 😮

[@sts265]

Don’t blame plastic. My $15 f91 works fine! Just a bad concept 😅

[@jackochainsaw]

It's Bioceramic. And it seems less hardy than plastic. There's plenty of plastic watches that last 10x longer. It seems the oil they use in the process sometimes sets with flaws and those parts just fall off when you put wear on them. I'd pass on Bioceramic going by what I've seen.

[@kickstothehead3705]

Plasssteeech it’s plaaaasssstech sorry 90’s reference . He said it behaves like most of the time what does it behave like the rest of the time 😂😅💀

[@tyronebaptist5224]

Interesting observations. Agreed $400 is a bit much for this watch but none the less I got my Antarctic this past Saturday. Really like the way it looks, so much better than the moonswatch and surprisingly easier to get one. Tried to get one at the Tokyo store but no luck there, but the Honolulu store had the only one I wanted, the Antarctic.

[@josefelixmiguel9700]

Do you think the white resist or change the colour ?

[@ankirai1]

Great review. I got the same two in Miami. But tbh the strap colors you put are pretty off!! 😂

[@thomasa4578]

Thank you for the motor replacement info..Yes, I guess we ARE paying $100's more for the Blancpain logo.

[@villagranvicent]

Is not as easy as he claims to be. This watches cannot be open as any other regular watch and you need to buy a complete 51 watch, somehow open it to take the movement out.

[@GeeMood]

I really like the Atlantic Ocean one and with an Artem sailcloth, very nice! I always wanted a Swatch Sistem 51 but $400??? Not sure it's worth that, especially when you can't order online. There's not a Swatch store within 400 miles of where i live! I'd rather spend my money on awell spec'd microbrand.

[@ptm8375]

Offtopic chris: could you tell me what your opinion is about the brand frederique constant? Are they worth the money?

[@RoadRallyLife]

Excellent and informative video. Just picked up The Ocean of Storms variant sans hype and im enjoying it. Unlike the Moonswatch, this passed the threshold of cheap toy watch by its little touches. As a high end watch owner, It's a fun purchase that made me really look into Blancpain more than I had in the past and now have them in my line of sight for a future purchase.

[@blake70505]

I thought I noticed the seconds hand jump early in the video on the white one. It did it again at 15:09. It jumped a second and a half in a millisecond. I wonder if that's what was going on during the timegrapher testing.

[@markthomas741]

In terms of build quality alone I'd say it should retail at no more than $50.

[@CarlosDanger215]

you're the only person reporting that this watch is serviceable. What evidence do you have of a removable case back?

[@bogrot69]

I've heard many people argue this same point in other comment sections as well but have not seen any proof whatsoever. Most reviews completely ignore that topic. I can;t see many people even bothering to have them looked at when it reaches that point. By that time they'll have lost interest.

[@nintendokings]

You are again misinformed about the caseback. It’s not ‘snap on’ and removable to the extend that you can change the movement and put the caseback back on. The back is factory glued and shut. If you insist you can ‘snap’ these off and on, please demonstrate 😂

[@TheGrenadier97]

I don't trust any plastic watch that isn't a Casio and possibly a Luminox.

[@Nefville]

I have a plastic Luminox and its been great. Its the Bear Grylls version, was a gift, not something I'd typically buy but damn is it comfortable to wear.

[@TheTejanoJose]

Swatch produces plastic watches since 1983.

[@clivemcquire7686]

How can you say the Moonswatch is overpriced? They have sold a million so far, there are still queues for them and they still can’t make enough after a year. That sounds like a watch where everyone is happy with the price…or is it me 🤔

[@ender1077]

So you can open the back of this watch and swap the movement? I thought it was sealed and you had to break it to open it? So if you did manage to do it, you would likely have other issues with stuff like the water resistance.

[@nintendokings]

It is sealed. KZbinrs are dumb.

[@JS-ev4xc]

The convenience of nato strap replacement makes this watch quite an everyday city watch i think, at least more durable & sweat-friendly than leather strap. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms brand itself is already quite a worthy buy.

[@MattSeesGray]

You mentioned that you can open up the caseback and service the watch if you want to? I thought the caseback was fused to the case, so you can’t actually open the case without breaking it? Maybe I’m wrong?

[@timeandtorque]

That was the "case" for the MoonSwatch 👍🏼 since they only had to leave access at the back to replace the battery they made the caseback solid and loaded the movement in from the front then sealed in the bezel and crystal. This is made in a different way and has a full caseback, however I would not put any trust in the plastic to snap out the caseback without and damage... lets see if anyone tries (then cries lol).

[@JohnH-mo5mb]

Forget about the names swatch, and blancpain. Just think about the plastic case, the ultra cheap movement, and the cheap strap. You seriously think that’s worth 300 bucks? No way. 30.

[@kodiakc6227]

"We'll talk about wether or not this watch is worth the 400 dollar price tag" Yeah, its definitely not 😂😂😂😂

[@Optimus7591]

“There are watchmakers out there that will service this movement, they’ll just swap it out” That’s not servicing, that’s replacing the movement. Also where do you think watchmakers are going to get the movement from because Swatch ain’t giving them it. If anything you’ll have to send it to Swatch and they’ll just replace the entire watch and toss the old one in the bin

[@marcustulliuscicero9140]

Also you can't even open the watch to swap the movement, its hermetically sealed in there forever. Incidentally, there are countries that will service an Nh35 for $18USD, less than cost of replacement (I've done that so I know)

[@TheRacerRich]

The Arctic's movement jumps around so much to be consistent with its more vintage theme. They wanted it to feel like a poorly maintained vintage watch.

[@rakaushik]

can you do a video one day with a swapped seiko movement maybe. it would be interesting

[@Daniel-bv2wc]

I don't see the value in these when I can buy a citizen promaster for $200 or so, that's a robust and well made dive watch instead of these plastic novelties. As a money making promotion these plastic Swatch/blancpain do work though..

[@AlexRuzicka]

What size is the strap? 21mm. Thx

[@juniorjohnson5961]

I still want one & may come to NY to get one I'm still waiting on a watch from T&H they have been on vacation we'll see how things go . Thanks for the update Chris 👍

[@Trip2Shiesty]

I love the blancpain nato straps they way better than the moon Velcrow lol

[@SvennHjartarson]

Great video and I love the stripes you have on those watches, but I don’t like the this price. The watches are way over priced. Just think about all the watches you can get for $400. If it was,under $150 I would go for it.

[@laymanshaman]

Great video. I'm amused by all of the groaning by others that haven't even seen the watch in the flesh let alone handled or worn it. What people have to remember is that first and foremost it's a fashion watch and you're paying for the name and styling. Full stop. It's not meant to be a serious watch and comparisons to superior watches in the price category are moot points. If you look at it any other way you're doing it wrong. I got a Pacific on the Sunday after launch day and I've worn it most days since. I don't know what it's losing or gaining per day but I found it remarkable that it wasn't wandering off by a couple of minutes a few weeks after I had set the time on it. In fact it appeared to remain within the minute or so on either way of the clock on my phone. That's also without any synchronization with the seconds since without a hacking feature it's a fuckin' nuisance. The power reserve surprised me but it was more of a disappointment really. In fairness I wasn't out and about much the day prior when it was on but I set it down for like, maybe 36ish hours? and she was dead when I went to put it back on. You've definitely got to wind it before you leave it if you know you won't be wearing it for a couple-few days 'cause that 90hr power reserve on the stat sheet seems to be in a best case scenario. So far the hardware seems fine enough. I have my doubts on the longevity of the keepers and the buckle but I do like the strap so I suppose that I'll be riding it until the wheels fall off, so to speak, though after having seen the sailcloth strap on it I may change my mind. The crystal has taken knocks and bumps and it looks fine. I go to some effort to see that he doesn't but my cat likes to nuzzle and lick whatever watch is on my wrist and his tough little teeth have yet to leave a nick or a scratch on the glass or bezel so that's a win too. It's pricey, sure, but fashionable things are. An individual whom is into watches and fascinated by and enamoured with high horology has superior options in this price category but that's not the angle here. The Sistem51 is novel and in this case doubly so as it's been loudly proclaimed that Blancpain will never produce a watch with a quartz movement but novelty is all that it has to offer here. It's a good fit for a fashion watch such as this and offers a certain authenticity to the branding which is cool. It's just best if you don't take the watch too seriously. I mean, it's fuckin' yellow (or green or blue or white or whatever you bought), what do you want out of it? It's a fun watch to have. Most owners have a story (I was out of the door at the crack of dawn to take a ferry across a little sea to get mine and I was second in line) and the styling is pretty cool if you're a fan of the Fifty Fathoms and are among the many that may never be able to afford one (at least in this style, if you're OK with a steel bezel they become far more attainable). It's a Swatch and is meant to be no more than a collectible novelty. As all of their watches are.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

The white one looks great on that green Artem strap 🔥

[@adk7962]

Thanks for the great user update. I genuinely like these watches, but I would never buy one. They are $250 at the VERY most. And the fact that you cannot wear them daily is unfathomable…

[@ajbones4207]

You're a lot more generous than I am. I wouldn't spend more than $50 bucks for this disposable garbage.

[@NPTtriumph]

Disagree, I think they’re worth the money. No more though. I can’t think of anything current and this special for 250. I think gshock square or casioak are bargains, and different watches than this

[@adk7962]

@@ajbones4207 😬

[@adk7962]

@@NPTtriumph that’s the great thing about this hobby. Everyone likes different watches for different reasons. I can win the Powerball next week, but I could NEVER buy a Richard Mille.

[@NPTtriumph]

@@adk7962yeah totally agree with you on that lol

[@georgecupac1202]

No shit it broke, it's made of plastic. A side note, V8 Ford engine's have plastic timing chain guide. Those plastic guides are a ticking time bomb.

[@tk423b]

I was watching a deep sea documentary and mine just imploded.

[@williammoss9065]

Well done best most fun review in a long time those are the best straps of their kind on the market

[@ahha6304]

Nah, the better way to put ocean plastic on your wrist is Oris Aquis

[@villagranvicent]

Is not as easy as you claim to be. System51 watches are sealed and cannot be Open like any other watch, so how come are going to swap the moment? There are no System51 movements for sale 😂

[@voidifremoved]

Is that fully wound? In dial up position the amplitude is terrible on the timegrapher. That reading is saying it needs a repair. You have been wearing it for a few weeks so the oils have had a chance to work in. Wow.

[@jackward-m2y]

Really like these cool watches. But at this price point, to have a plastic front crystal is a joke. The hex screws for the bands. The cheap movement with the absurdly over decorated back. Very far away from what you should get from Blancpain !

[@jimlima4066]

WOW!! And Blancpain put their name on it 😔

[@efenli]

👍👍👍 Nice Watch tiny controversy and Ascension Review from WatchChris 👍👍👍

[@motouno3778]

Edit ... Blancpain & Omega don't actually make these watches so in essence they are really homages ! There are far better quality & priced options out there 😂😂

[@michaelfernandez5905]

I would like to see your vintage Blankpain

[@unaibb]

Overpriced, plastic, obsolescence programed movement... but they look very cool, specially the Artic one with the Artem strap. And probably this one gonna get you a lot pf hour conversation and appeal 😄 anyway I don´t think I´ll have one under 200 dolls

[@lpsalsaman]

Chris, nice vid as always. Now, as for the watches, I will paraphrase what you say, "You are paying for the Blancpain name". So on this model the caseback is snap on, so you are able to actually open it, at least that is a good thing. If I were to have one, once the 51 movement would give out, I would replace it with a better movment. Anyway, keep up the nice work!

[@nintendokings]

It’s not snap on and you can’t open it without destroying it (like the MoonSwatch). He’s misinformed

[@bjoernaltmann]

Saying there are other manufacturers that make movements that have to be swapped out entirely misses the point. It's about not creating unnecessary waste.

[@shawnlavigne9069]

Plastic on front, sapphire on back? Doesn't make a whole lotta sense to me. Yes, there's on screw on the back, but the movement is welded together. Anyhow, looks great, but I wouldn't waste money on something like this.

[@icalexander]

I have another watch with screwed bars like this. HUGE PITA I've honestly resigned myself to never changing the bracelet off of it. I lost one of the heads because the screw worked itself lose and it was again a huge PITA to source a replacement so much so that I'm considering selling off the watch and moving on to something with traditional bars just because it's such a stupid system.

[@Entertainment-]

Happened to me, lost one end of the Fifty Fathoms

[@jameslok8170]

Very fair comments

[@brianshea4906]

I know it doesn’t matter but there’s no h in artem can’t unhear it everytime

[@nearly-blindbrian8372]

I like the look as well.. "m so tired of black dial dive watches.. bring on the color!

[@craigcraigster5605]

Great video. I wish you can do a video on the swatch reselling of these watches on ebay. Im aware of two stores selling their stock on ebay at inflated prices. One in the uk as well as one store in Canada. They stock large amounts of watches and pretty much every model. Not the typical reseller that waited all night to buy a watch and make a quick buck. This is organized by the swatch stores.

[@bjoernaltmann]

That sounds like a Rolex AD

[@sopapillas6398]

ARTEM, Chris, not Arthum

[@z06cowboy72]

No matter what they look like, $400 is a bad joke for these disposable watches.

[@markwalton8988]

Swatch x Goodwill edition.

[@jcsivelli]

it should be stainless steel, i have a sistem51 swatch, all steel... if feels better... and it was way cheaper....

[@AlejandroDeLaRosa05]

If they AT LEAST made the casing from aluminum, there would be a lot more value behind these

[@dubester1982]

I have been making the comparison to the NH35 for awhile now. Id much rather get a factory fresh movement vs having it serviced. It's just foolish to bother servicing these cheap movements, swap them and move on

[@Nefville]

At least you can regulate an NH-35 easily. I don't know about this one.

[@CarlosDanger215]

how would you swap it? no one is reporting a serviceable case back but Chris.

[@dubester1982]

@@CarlosDanger215 take it to Swatch, let them figure it out would be my guess.

[@nintendokings]

Except you can’t. Case is shut

[@dubester1982]

@@nintendokings well that's just stupid. No excuse for that. I have a Tissot with this movement with a normal case back so you can open it up if need be. What a dumb design. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, looks like a happy meal toy anyway

[@marcustulliuscicero9140]

Chris, I will pay you $100 to take the caseback off your Blancpain X Swatch on a livestream?

[@Nefville]

I would love to see you stick a geiger counter next to your real 50 Fathoms. Radium has a LONG 1600 year half-life. It should be going *real strong*

[@masterwatch]

good review and agree.

[@micheldepaula8733]

Toy watch that probably should cost 50-100 bucks. There are some real Seiko, Citizen, Tissot for less.

[@AR-zr1om]

Seems weird to use recycled sea plastic to look like they’re eco then they’ve made it a disposable watch that won’t last

[@skeelo69]

I watched TB at Blancpain....unless you are VERY Wealthy there is no way you can afford the genuine mechanical watch. For what it is its a faithfull homage watch..i would say a rubber strap will reduce the height on wrist...and does not hide the display case back , a good fun watch imo.

[@johnmonachelli5256]

For 400 who cares it's a nice conversation piece for the desk

[@nintendokings]

You’re the real target audience: where $400 is ‘fun’ money and you already own higher end luxury watches. But the MoonSwatch at $250 was bought by many non-WIS, and I don’t see the same happen here

[@larsjungnell1969]

Ursäkta mitt syrliga inlägg, du måste vara köpt av de där plastfabriken, du får ju 4 st P D för priset av en plast klocka, jag bara undrar, fantastisk plastklockan, nä nä nä, I övrigt ett proffsigt framträdande......................... 😢😢I

[@andywilliams4887]

It broke because it's basically overpriced plastic tat.

[@carlosc3768]

A $400 plastic watch? How much do they cost to make? $25? Certainly not more than $35

[@vaclav_fejt]

I am VERY disappointed with your video. Not once did you speak of Tuco, Blondie, or Angel Eyes.

[@carreralicious]

I mean, it is the “Thrifty Fathoms”!

[@darkstar7742]

$200 dollar strap on a $400 watch. Sounds about right.

[@rowluxillusion5235]

send it back they will replace it, they did with mine

[@georgecupac1202]

At least the NH35 is made of metal.

[@saleendriver]

ROFL

[@JoseReyes-jt6ob]

Se me hacen unas piezas desechables que ya muy caras deberían costar US $ 150. No más pero bueno el resto es el pago de las marcas invitadas en este caso BP. No creo que su mecanismo dure mucho en un uso diario. Realmente es una ilusión derrochar dinero a la basura y contaminación. Salú2 desde Puebla México.

[@markgiles8527]

I fail to see the difference between these watches and the Rolex Clone from Shenzhen City. Other than one a unsanctioned clone. 😂

[@me-cq7wv]

JUNK Jumping on the band wagon of Omega and it did their rep no good at all but hightlight cheap parts. buy ORIS and save your money

[@elinalagunas-t2b]

God!

[@soaremicheledavid6020]

A sapphire on the back and a plastic on the front ? What idiot thinks thats a good ideea. Maybe if they made a full steel back with no transparency would be better.

[@k9teamzagrebskolazapse149]

For 500€ you can buy super good mechanical watch i yust both 55 are edition Seiko whic is unbelievable good i pay it from 480€ 10% off so 440€ and its so good diferrnt and it is Limited edition so i will not bee in a croidy place where ewry other person hawe Omega Bond or Man on the moon . Older i and im rearuting my pasion this watch is on Milanese strape one of beter warches i hawe (not most valuable) yust stonong diferent and preaty also its all made 100-100% from wstch in 1968 all case and all alse and its totaly diferent dezigen then clasic Seiko warches im super stoke for that .

[@tiagopereira5260]

So sad i haven't bought one..... xD . . NOT!

[@finesse49]

big, plastc, over-priced. No thanks.

[@---le4gv]

Hmm…400 for plastic watch…nah

[@CGEBRI]

Hablas muy deprisa en los vídeos y no se entiende lo que dices. Es mejor un vídeo hablando más despacio.

[@motouno3778]

Both of these swatch collaborations are a joke ! They are over priced garbage & swatch are laughing all the way to the bank riding on the back of a brand name . While Blanc Paine

[@Crybotenabled]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Nicebuoy666]

They're a toy.

[@marcustulliuscicero9140]

The watch cannot ever be opened, so the movement cannot be swapped out. Disinformation from this youtuber here....