Blancpain

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Some impressions from Blancpain at Basel - Part 2!

Dear All,

so far I have commented on the higher end complications and the Villeret. But now comes the tricky part - the 50 Fathoms novelties. These send some contradictory signals so I probably need your help to understand completely.

First, there is the 'Tribute' model, which is the basic steel 50 Fathoms with a 'No Radiation' sign at 6 o'clock and a modified design of the bezel.

This watch is meant as a hommage to Blancpain's rich history in military-speced tool watches. The original one to which the novelty refers to is a military version with 'no radiation' as technical feature (usage of non-radiating luminous material) - for example for the German Bundeswehr.

It alos attests to the renewed interest Blancpain shows in its military past. The showcases in Basel alluded to that.

Several voices on the internet have pointed to the many small inconsistencies of the tribute to the historical archetype (bezel design, dial surface, 5-minute indices, size...) and of course to the presence of a date (thanks Nicolas!). Some also mentioned that the 'No Radiation' is not the most interesting 50 Fathoms to refer to.

Well, yes, I think you are right (please bear in mind that I am not the greatest vintage 50 Fathoms expert...). But on the other side, I am not that much concerned about that. I never really understood why we should strictly adhere to historical models, after all, the 50 Fathoms changed design reguarly during production. So why should this be different today?

True, Blancpain could (and should) have gone the extra mile and get the Tribute closer to the ancestors. But what this watch really tells me is the dilemma tributes of tool watches face.

Watches are no longer tools, there are other means to tell time. Military specifications have not changed that much (in respect to a watch at least, I guess), and technology has advanced significantly making many modern watches eligible for military procurement (or at least after some minor modifications).

So, it will be difficult to produce a 'military' watch today based on sole techncial parameters. Nevertheless, the ultimate legitimation for the modern 50 Fathoms would be its certification for any military, explorative or other physically demanding operation.

I am sure that such a certification would drive the watch world crazy. But I am also certain that this will not happen. Not because the 50 Fathoms would not stand such a test (I assume it would), but it would be much to expensive in comparision (se above, many watches would likely qualify).

So what 'we' would need is a 'budget' 50 Fathoms with a less elaborate bezel, a more basic case and less expensive finishing but built to withstand the elements as the current one - this does not really fit into Blancpain's haute horlogerie philosophie, doesn't it?

WAIT - did somebody say 'Bathyscaphe'...?

The bottom line I want to make is that this watch, the 50 Fathoms Tribute, epitomises the dilemma tool-watch inspired (luxury) watches. Ther main tool-like reference is the design and not a strikingly impressive technical feature. It really seems weird, from whatever angle you look at it. Except that some watches look forbiddingly beautiful. And I like the 45mm 50 Fathoms A LOT! That watch stands significantly out of its peers - technically!

And before I forget: Blancpain, please take out the date!!!

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This leaves us to the blue 50 Fathoms moonphase chronograph. This brings a true complication to the 50 Fathoms line and also, for a second time, a blue bezel and dial.

I recall the tremendous stirr the limited edition white gold version created when it was presented some time ago, so I was anticipating similar reactions this time.

But I was wrong, most people seem to be critical of this watch. Probalbly because it appears like a sheep in a woolf's fur.

In fact, it might send a signal that Blancpain considers the moonphase complication, which by-the-way is foolproof to operate, to be robust enough to be implemented in a tool watch. This would make sense in combination with the correctors under the lug and the new chronograph pushers which allow operation under the water. The new correctors are also easier to get watertight even when operated under water (who needs to set the calendar there...?).

Nevertheless, Blancpain seems to be not sure what to do with this watch. The guillochage on the center part of the dial as well as the transparent case back might hint this. So, this is a 'playful' interpretation of a toolwatch that is even farer apart from its original purpose. Or a romantic reminder on the natural elements in nature. Its your take to decide!

So far, so good for today. But we are not yet done!

Any thoughts?

Best,
Magnus This message has been edited by amanico on 2010-03-28 01:44:00 This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2010-03-31 10:05:56