Blancpain

See the complete model list here: They are now 42.3mm and have a new winding weight on the back for Calibre 1315. They also now come on this new OEM tropic strap, as well as the NATO, bracelet (Ti), or sailcloth we are used to. I really like the new wind...  

The no-date would be very nice. I'm not sold on the Act III case but I haven't seen it in person. I think it could look quite good in different metals.

and other hands, microbille steal case.

42mm is a great size.

In fact, I usually don't have an issue with any date window except when it's too far into the dial. Of course you feel differently, that's okay. I hardly think date placement is an indicator of whether a watch is luxurious or not.

So the best I can do is to refer to the article „Taking Sides: The 4:30 Date Window is an Affront“ by Griffin Bartsch, which describes my point of view better, than I could do myself. (And yes, I‘ve also read the Counter-argument by Jack Forster)

I see where you're coming from because I read Forster and Bartsch's pieces. I think Forster offers the argument with fewer bullets to bite and easier ability to accommodate different views, and hence is preferable from a purely argumentative side of thing... 

Also, they are a good 1mm too thick for my liking. There's no objective reason why this shouldn't be closer to 13mm.

Thickness seems to be a big issue. I think given the style of the watch it becomes more bulbous. But it shouldn't have to be thick; 13mm (or something within that range) can be done.

Realistically these will be 40% - 50% off used in places like Moda just like the rest of the BP lineup so the price isn’t a huge deal. If they release a ceramic variant like the Bathyscaphe in this 42mm size, it will be an instant buy for me.

I've always wanted a fifty fathoms but the size threw me off. This might be the one...

Finally an FF that also small wristed people can wear, I could pull of the bathy but the FF were too big for me. 21.5mm lug width is indeed criminal but maybe 22mm straps can be squeezed there I mean we are talking about a 0.5mm difference, I’m sure someo... 

That is the size we always wanted. I don’t understand this obsession with the date. It’s discreetly placed. As compared to the limited versions, this one is much better in terms of hands and indices. And the color combinations rock too.

Sign me up!

The pricing is quite “interesting”…for the sailcloth version (on non precious metal), BP asks nearly $2k more than for the NATO strap version. Funny.

These are after all 'tools'.

In the old days the boutique would always give you a second sailcloth strap for free. Now it won't make sense of course. I hope that the genius who came up with the non standard lugs size and the pricing gets promoted. Well done Blancpain - yes, collector... 

Really cannot wear a donut sized watch on the wrist. Don’t understand why there isn’t a 40mm option too. Nothing novel for blancpain here. Disappointed. Awaiting Rolex’s release Best Gatsby

The objectively best diver in the market just got more attractive, thanks to the reduced size.