Blancpain

My friends, let me say it straight, this was an exhibition to not miss! For those who live in the US or in Asia and who could not make the trip to Paris, an advice: Don't miss it, just don't miss it, when it comes to you. As far as I know, this is the ver...  

A big thank for these photos.

I had even much more pleasure to take them! Best, Nicolas

the event and to share some details with us! Always good to get some more details, always nice to see familiar faces and lots of nice watches "the very first time Blancpain organized an event entirely dedicated to their Vintage Fifty Fathoms" At least the... 

Yes, it was time to organize something about these important Vintage watches! No official documentation for the moment, but I guess that Blancpain will do so, as it is only the beginning of the exhibition. Aaah, you noticed the Calatrava Cross on the Air ... 

about the book Oliver.. Cheers

The last 12 years I have visited Paris every autum, as a tradition. For the first time I did´nt managed to go. It´s typical when you really should have been there something came up...My bad. It´s a stunning piece of Fifty Fathoms history you deliver amani... 

Is that there is no FF to not consider. They all have this part of History we find in the Vintage. The Vintage are the roots, the Moderns are the branches of the Tree. And yes, you can be proud of yours. Thanks a lot for the nice words, and for having tak... 

To us this really looks like the big Van Gogh or Monet retrospective exhibiton for painting lovers...I am really looking forward to the visit and visits as I guess I will go more than once, being lucky to work close walking distance from Place Vendome! Ma... 

You're showing all the characteristics of a future FF Victim. Enjoy this rare moment, Matt. Best, Nicolas

I have been an FF nut for some time...now we know what the next step is...Matt

Thank you Nicolas for such a great post¡ I love your early Fifty Fathoms and the TR 900 and US Navy with all the toys around them. The Air Command is incredible, its condition, its rarity, make it a dream. And is not bad the 3-6-9 LIP BP FF #216 (you know... 

For the perfect organisation, the idea to make it real and possible, and for their friendship. I just made the post, and shared with you what I believe to be an important and very interesting event. You pointed it very well, Amigo. There is not only one b... 

You captured all the special atmosphere of the event ! I really like this picture: because we feel all the passion we can experience with this watch. Stephan, Mr Maloubier, Blancpain, the collectors and all the people involved have created a great exhibit...  

I know Stephan Ciejka very well, and I always felt that when he speaks about the FF, the tone is different than when he speaks about other watches, and he does love watches! There is a small spark in his greedy eyes which means a lot. I also think that Bl... 

Nicolas, i think we can easily consider this post of the year ! When i come over to Paris next time (it will not be that long now ... offcourse) i know where to stop first. I hope those FF's are not sold out by that time because those prices are really a ... 

It is a must see! As for the book, yes, it is a great idea, who knows, maybe one day? To help you to wait, there is a book I can already recommend you: " Military watches " by Konrad Knirim. Best, my friend. See you soon, then? Nicolas

Thanks for sharing Nicolas Best Patrice

Nicolas ...this report and remembering the weekend makes my start working easier this Monday ! Hopefully I have time this evening to post a few more photos from the exhibition. A member from Blancpain told me that they plan to bring a new collecting model... 

Nicolas The collection is really amazing. It is wonderful to see your watch collection and other member watches in this exhibition. It great to see Blancpain embracing history! You did a great job photographing and reporting the event. I would love to kno... 

The exhibition lands to the US, don't miss it, but I'm sure it is needless to tell you. As for your watches, I didn't see them, my friend, but 40 were not shown, yet. I think BP will make a turn over, to give all the FFs an " Exhibition Time ". Best, my d... 

But it is maybe a bit too soon to speak about them? It was a great pleasure for me to meet you, and to see your superb FFs. Best, my friend. Nicolas

It is great for you guys meeting up with discussion of what we all like. Hopefully these will come to Asia soon ....

So, if you can go, don't miss it. We missed you, Terence. We have to organise something soon, my friend. All the Best from a dizzy Paris. Nicolas

_You, Blancpain and organisation to have the courage to create such an event dedicated to Fifty Fathoms vintage. _You, collectors fo all over the world to have shared your treasure. I remember trying to collect information here on Purists (and sharing) an... 

The fact that ALL the collectors are to be thanked for having played the game. Without them, the exhibition would be a normal one. With them, it is something really extraordinary, magic. A kind of " Living Museum ". I was not involved in this event, all t... 

And really big thanks for cover and report this great event with us, Nicolas. Do you know where this exhibition will be in next time?? It´s for if I can visit it, hermano. It´d be a really pleasure. Waiting your better pics, as these watches deserves, her... 

It would have been easier if you could have come... But you still can attend, as the exhibition will last for at least 3 more weeks in Paris. Don't you regret your FFs, now? Best, Hermano. Nicolas

YES, I regret, for some moments, my FF´s. It´s so and I can´t change it. When I see the pics of the event, I can admire the beauty of my ex No Rad and the Milspec. Them were in amazing condition. Them would be some of the stars in the exhib... 

... Nico, many thanks for the excellent report. i can feel how happy you guys have at the event, so wonderful to see so many nice pieces at one go! among all of these, my attention is especially caught by the Gold Filled Ultra Rare Lip Blancpain. it stand... 

So, with a bit of luck, you may do it! As for the Gold Filled Lip Blancpain, it is indeed a super rare bird, as only 20 were made, and it is in exceptional condition. His owner is a friend, and I already have some pics of it in my HD. It is not my favouri... 

and unbelievable range in the exhibits. I really hope they do come to the US. Please keep us posted with any news on the next showing--this is a must see. Thanks a million, Tim

As soon as I have the information. Yes, it is unbelievable to see all these holy monsters located in a same place. The other interesting thing, to me, is to see that the FF had an impressive number of variations. There are not only the Milpsec or the " No... 

What an amazing exhibition and a great report, Nicolas. I am still staggering from my day in Paris, Grail after Grail seemingly flying at an obscene rate through my hands. You will have to forgive the superlatives in what follows. The afternoon began with... 

One thing is certain, you know much more about Longines and Breitling than me. I too was impressed by the wearability of the Longines " Kamikaze ": Big, but perfectly wearable, indeed, with a nice presence on the wrist. Not too much. Happy that you enjoye... 

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Here's the exhibition catalogue. This message has been edited by Ubik on 2010-11-01 10:54:43...  

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The interest is to be able to find all the numbers engraved on our FF case backs. A reference document. Best, Nicolas

on top. Thanks for sharing! Oliver

I am sure we will do it again Nicolas, I've read so many of yours and others great posts in the past year and searched the site to exhaustion. I'm so glad I started posting.

Sorry because I'm a novice but I don't know if there is a mistake at page 2. Number 281: "Blancpain FF MILSPEC, 30117, Bundeswehr with code OTAN 6645-12-149-5012". Is it right???

Thank you for a great report! Paris is the place to be!! Best Blomman

Amazing, just amazing. The people, the watches are so energized; it is obvious the Fifty Fathoms Fever is rampant, contagious, and delicious all at the same time. Thanks for sharing all this heritage and introducing us to all the individuals behind Le Fif... 

The fire of the Passion is now declared. What is captivating is that we came over individual initiative to gather our forces with this exhibition. The outcome is spectacular and really deserve the FF cause, in my opinion. Don't miss this event! Best, Nico... 

thanks for sharing with us ;-) Cheers Jeff

to see some more pics from the party.... first around the Opera and place Vendome, a place of luxury.. opera the ritz in front of BP Boutique: during the oficial part and exchanging withe the FF-Fans and the decoration and further things, soon are coming ...  

thanks for posting also.... Cheers

the more pictures the merrier Cheers Hans

Always a pleasure to view these pictures, which will maintain the memory of a superlative event. We were there! Best, Nicolas

love devotion and surrender... first pic: the were two spys and two more FF around the prisond watches (lol) and here the stars... sorry maybe some are photgraphed twice, but I got the real flash... best Stephan...  

Some of these photos are superb as the show the details of the dials and their patinas.... A true reference post for FF.... Thanks for your effort and taking the time to post.... Cheers

Great job, my friend, well done! REALLY thanks for your awesome pics.... I can see lots of passion in them. Best Emilio

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Your pics give justice to these watches, and it was not an easy task, due to the light conditions! Thanks a LOT! Best, Nicolas

i spotted quite a few watches, that i sold in the last 20 years ! good to see them all again together; quite a few polish navy BP`s ( MW ) as well ! one question: over the years i had 4 BP`s with dark blue enamel dials and white spots like a starry sky . ... 

Thank you for kind words Achim Nevertheless I never did see one of these BP`s with dark blue enamel dials and white spots like a starry sky .Tthe bathyscaphe with the blue dial is the first I did see. I had a scubapro Fifty Fathoms which was very closed t... 

unfortunately i did not take close - up pics. from the BP FF enamel dials. in the early 90´s there was an abundance of vintage BP watches. i did not bother to keep one..... the bezel does not belong there, i agree. there are a few watches with mix-match p... 

early summer ???? where do you live ? best Stephan

kind regards. achim

my children went to bed early this evening....;0) so I could enjoy this extraordinary post what marvelous treat you prepared for us ... all is here the watches the atmosphere the passion & the friendship but matching nail lacquer colour with Comex suit no... 

Nicolas There are just so many cool watches. I think we are going to be talking about them for months! I really like the blue dial Blancpain. Brian

We'll certainly have food for several months! I will hopefully be authorized to take some pics during a dedicated photo session which will take a whole afternoon, in late November. Will build my stock of pics! As for the BP FF Blue dial, I never saw it be... 

One more excellent reason to come to Paris, my friend. Best, and thanks for your nice words. Nicolas

There are some moments that restore faith... Friday evening was one of them. The gathering of all these vintage Fifty Fathoms was an amazing project ... and a risky one. I am very pleased to say that it is a breathtaking success... with large selection of... 

Moments which restore faith... This is exactly it! I think I will come back to the Exhibition more than once. It was good to see you here. As for the birth of the FF, I also have a small idea, but I will let you prepare the topic, my friend. Can't wait to... 

....What an amazing post and thread...! You have done it again my friend Great photos and not only the rare and ultra rare ones are on display, also many great LIP, no rad etc. What a feast for eyes I have a proposal for the "Club for Fifty Fathoms Lovers... 

More than a particular watch, I think that the thing which impressed me the most was to see ALL these FFs in their unbelievable variety and richness. One FF I would love to see is the one for the Spanish Army, though. I heard about it, but like a Sea Snak... 

The hunt is on Best my friend Hans

I'm veeery curious to see what you find! And if you need some help, once you find it, feel free to let me know! Best, Nicolas

..and most appreciate help from you and other FF lovers Best my friend Hans

i think its fabulous that a brand are celebrating the heritage of one model so openly. its an historic piece and deserves the publicity. i'd love to visit the exhibition if i get the opportunity, but hunting a TR900 is not something i'll be thinking about... 

Well, I fear that the TR 900 is as difficult to find than it is to fund... But it is highly desirable, in my opinion. Well, my friend, you have some other nice tempting options, too. Best, Nicolas

Thank you Nicolas for sharing these pictures and comments...I'm sure that this will make us come to Paris in order to see this event. (i've booked my train ticket for nov 16th!!) I hope that the FF lovers club will be created soon, a new opportunity to me... 

Thanks for the nice words. You can be happy, I'm obsessed by the 3 / 6 / 9 / 12 FF, which is a modele du genre, in terms of beauty and balance. Well, PM me when you 're here, if I can, I will go and see the exhibition with you for the ... 3rd time. Best, ... 

I'm pretty sure that you were like a small kid in a disneyland.. Great news on the fiftyfathomisti... looking forward to hear more news!! Best, Sam

It was like in a dream, Sam. I will, of course, keep you updated on the FF Club. Best, Nicolas

mine is lonely. This message has been edited by chronomtr on 2010-11-04 07:39:22...  

No message body This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-11-04 08:37:51

Hello, Nico! Wow! What a fantastic gathering of passionate people and sublime collection of Fifty Fathoms. Thank you for always sharing your knowledge and passion for this icon of watches with all of us. Fuerte abrazo, Alejandro

You made me sniff the scent of the sea and you made me feel the sea breeze. You made me see the darkness of deep mediterranean sea and the glare of the algerian desert. You made me want to take a diving license just to find a pretext for having one of the... 

And there is a huge amount of history behind them. It is time to defend them, as, for the moment, they are only the apanage of some collections, while the stars are the Rolex and the Panerai Vintage. There is a way for something different, for these lovel... 

I am sure you enjoyed it a lot. There were some priceless timepieces there. WOW! Thanks for sharing. Vte

Nico, I know you've posted it before, but I couldn't find the thread...what is the story behind this curious watch?

blancpain.watchprosite.com The only thing I know, for the moment, and I know it from Blancpain, is that only 20 of these were made. Will have to " dig " the topic furthermore. Best, Nicolas

I tried looking for it, but obviously didn't use the search function properly....and to think I posted on that thread....thanks. Strange, strange yet interesting watch. What were LIP doing....to have such a watch when these were pure divers...