Blancpain lastly launched a Fifty Fathoms Automatique in a smaller 42.3mm dimension for its common assortment. There’s one in rose gold, however we particularly thought the titanium model was attention-grabbing. Most of all, that’s as a result of it’s the proper candidate to compete in opposition to the Rolex Yacht-Grasp 42, which since final yr, has additionally been obtainable in titanium. Each watches have a 42mm titanium case, function daring numerals on their bezel inserts, and are made by a few of the most legendary manufacturers within the trade. However aside from these similarities, there are additionally greater than sufficient variations that Thomas and Daan will make certain to level out in right now’s installment of Fratello’s Sunday Morning Showdown.
The chaos of Watches and Wonders 2024 is simply across the nook. However simply earlier than we ship you the newest information about all these upcoming releases, it’s time to loosen up and watch a very good fistfight. Seize your self a pleasant cup of espresso and a croissant. Sit again, loosen up, and be sure to get able to vote.
Final week, on Sunday Morning Showdown…
However first, we’ll check out what occurred throughout final week’s confrontation. In it, one other Rolex watch — the present Daytona ref. 126500LN — took on the problem in opposition to the Zenith Chronomaster Sport Titanium. For some, the Chronomaster’s 4:30 date window messes up the dial. Others get pissed off by the Daytona’s sub-dials that don’t align with the central pinion. Nonetheless, basically, folks had been fairly pleasant within the feedback about each these watches. Ultimately, although, I assume it was the Daytona’s legendary movie star standing that made it take the win with 58% of the votes. Let’s see how Rolex does on this week’s face-off in opposition to Blancpain.
Daan: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique in titanium
Like lots of the commenters on Lex’s introduction article, I’m additionally very glad Blancpain lastly launched a 42mm model of its Fifty Fathoms. All proper, it nonetheless doesn’t are available stainless-steel, however I believe this titanium model makes loads of sense. I used to personal the present 38mm Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe. It was a really nice-looking watch, but it surely was additionally a little bit too petite for a diver. I might’ve opted for the 43mm model of that very same watch, however that felt means too massive and heavy for my 17cm wrist.
Now comes the brand new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique in a 42.3mm titanium case. I haven’t seen or tried the watch in particular person but. Nonetheless, one thing tells me that this dimension and weight simply may work completely on my average-sized wrist. I personal the Arctic Ocean model of the Blancpain × Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms. That’s the identical dimension, and it’s most likely even a bit lighter than the titanium Automatique. It’s on the massive facet for me, particularly due to the two-layer NATO strap, which makes the official 14.3mm thickness even thicker. Really, although, I believe this bulkier match completely fits a basic dive watch just like the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms.
Extra daring
What I additionally actually admire concerning the Blancpain is the way it’s a little bit completely different from the unique Fifty Fathoms from the ’50s. The hints to the unique are actually nonetheless there. Subsequently, it’s nonetheless very recognizable as a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms. However nothing is identical as within the unique. It takes braveness to steer away from the primary profitable design and provide you with one thing new. I applaud the designers at Blancpain for doing so within the case of the Fifty Fathoms. They honestly introduced it as much as the trendy requirements.
I do know Rolex is commonly celebrated for the way it can enhance its watches and their designs with solely the slightest modifications. That’s why the model’s watches are so very recognizable. However then again, it’s additionally a little bit boring, don’t you suppose? The Yacht-Grasp has now existed since 1992. Nonetheless, proper from the get-go, its design has at all times been closely influenced by the Submariner. This titanium Yacht-Grasp brings it even nearer to that preliminary inspiration. I imply, positive, it appears to be like nice. However wouldn’t it’s good to lastly see a Rolex that’s considerably completely different than its classic counterparts?
Fantastically completed
One other asset I’d prefer to convey to the fore right here is the Blancpain’s 1315 computerized motion. It comes with a really spectacular energy reserve of 120 hours. The Rolex’s 70-hour energy reserve for the automated 3235 motion isn’t unhealthy both. Nonetheless, having 5 days of energy reserve may be very comfy. That elevated energy reserve isn’t the primary profit, although. I’d say the modest however lovely ending on the Blancpain caliber is.
This was one thing I additionally totally loved on my Bathyscaphe. The polished bevels on the bridges and the NAC-coated 18K rose gold rotor are a pleasure to have a look at via the sapphire window on the again. Once more, I’m positive the Yacht-Grasp’s motion does simply advantageous as properly, however at this worth level, I believe it’s good to have one thing to have a look at if you flip the watch over. What do you suppose, Thomas?
Thomas: Rolex Yacht-Grasp 42 Titanium
Thanks, Daan! That is an attention-grabbing matchup, even when it’s a diver versus a yachting watch. Each are luxurious titanium watches constructed for aquatic use. There are only a few use circumstances for which both will come up missing, even when the Rolex has a 3rd of the depth score of the Fifty Fathoms Automatique.
The good divider between these two is design. Daan, you describe the Blancpain as extra daring. Now, I’d agree…if Blancpain had made it higher than the unique. Sadly, I really feel the updates have left the Fifty Fathoms Automatique affected by a little bit of an identification disaster. Is it a hardcore instrument? Is it a Haute Horlogerie creation? The Fifty Fathoms was born as a critical diver, however the Biver period turned Blancpain into excessive horology. And right now? Nicely, it isn’t fairly clear, is it?
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms seventieth Anniversary Act 3
The brand new Fifty Fathoms Automatique appears to be like a bit messy, for lack of a subtler technique to put it. Trendy case, classical handset, so many fonts, a uninteresting titanium exterior paired with a sunburst dial… Magnificence is within the eye of the beholder, however I really feel I’m trying on the components of three watches, rolled into one. I truthfully need Blancpain to win, and I wish to love each new model of the Fifty Fathoms. Sadly, I simply don’t. This watch might have been a titanium model of the Act 3 (above, proper); simply think about that!
The Yacht-Grasp does what the Fifty Fathoms Automatique doesn’t
The Rolex Yacht-Grasp 42 Titanium, then again, is a feast of design readability. Granted, you may surprise why it wasn’t the Submariner to get the titanium therapy, however Rolex by no means releases the watch you count on, proper? Aesthetically, the titanium YM is near perfection.
Sure, the fully blacked-out ceramic bezel insert options very daring numerals. However they’re balanced by the maxi indices on the dial. The monochromatic look, paired with matte surfaces with solely a handful of shiny particulars, is improbable. It’s supremely legible and seems to comply with from perform.
Crucially for this matchup, the Rolex is cohesive. What do I imply by that? Nicely, think about you had been handed a field of random watch components and tasked to pick components that belong collectively. I really feel this can be very seemingly that you’d simply select all of the components of the YM Titanium 42. On this sense, the Yacht-Grasp does what the Fifty Fathoms Automatique doesn’t. Oh, and in comparison with the Blancpain, you get to carry onto nearly €7,000 should you discover one at retail. In different phrases, you should purchase a Yacht-Grasp Titanium 42 and a mint classic Datejust for lower than the Blancpain. I do know what I’d choose!
Solid your vote!
There you will have it — two titanium sports activities watches for many who wish to get pleasure from their aquatic leisure time in pure luxurious. Which, in your view, pulls it off finest? Solid your vote, and share your motivations within the feedback part beneath.
